Defensive End Prospects (
Dorance Armstrong,
Marcus Davenport,
Arden Key,
Christian LaCouture,
Harold Landry,
Tyquan Lewis ,
Hercules Mata'afa and
Ja'Von Rolland-Jones):
DE Dorance Armstrong:
Scouting Reports:
Kansas Profile:
http://kuathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=8360
NFL:
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/dorance-armstrong?id=2560124
Draft Wire:
http://draftwire.usatoday.com/2018/01/05/dorance-armstrong-jr-nfl-draft-profile/
NFL Draft Scout:
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/members/ratings/profile.php?pyid=1008229&draftyear=2018&genpos=DE
Articles:
2018 NFL Combine Stock Report - Defensive Linemen (Stock Up - Dorance Armstrong didn't get off to a good start Sunday, as he ran a 4.87 with a 1.70 split. Those numbers weren't great, but he improved from that point onward. Armstrong was stellar in the drills, looking very fluid. Then, he posted a 7.12 3-cone time, which is a strong figure for a 257-pound linebacker.) (3-4-18):
http://walterfootball.com/combine2018stockDL.php
2018
NFL combine: What we learned from DL and LB weigh-ins and measurements
(DL winners - Dorance Armstrong, Kansas. Armstrong is an intriguing
prospect because in 2016, in more of a one-gap role, he had 10 sacks and
20 tackles for loss. In 2017, he two-gapped often and had just two
quarterback takedowns. A 83-inch wingspan opened some eyes
today.) (3-2-18):
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2018-nfl-combine-what-we-learned-from-dl-and-lb-weigh-ins-and-measurements/
NFL
combine sleepers: 10 under-the-radar prospects who could raise draft
stock (8. Dorance Armstrong, DE/OLB, Kansas: Posting 1 1/2 sacks for
the 1-11 Jayhawks usually wouldn't put a player on the fast track to the
NFL, but Armstrong was saddled with run-stopping responsibilities that
obscured his true potential after posting 10 sacks the previous year.
With the build and explosiveness desired from a 3-4 linebacker, he
should emerge as one of the most attractive options for teams looking to
jolt their pass rush. He looks to be in line for a solid all-around
showing in Indianapolis.)
(2-28-18):
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2018/02/28/nfl-combine-sleepers-kyle-lauletta-kalen-ballage/380502002/
Players
who most stand to gain (or lose) from their showings at the
Combine, be it in measurement, medical check, athletic testing or team
interviews (Kansas DE Dorance Armstrong Jr. -- And from the ashes of the
Kansas football program rises a star? Freed from the team around him,
he has a chance to open some eyes in testing. The Combine could
potentially mean the difference between a Day 2 and a Day 3 selection
for Armstrong. There’s talk that he could potentially move to linebacker
in the NFL thanks to the size, as he’s slightly on the smaller at
around 6-foot-4, 245 pounds. We expect a strong showing in athletic
testing.) (2-27-18):
http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/78152/321/combine-question-corner
Sources
Tell Us: Kansas DE will be NFL Scouting Combine riser (The scoop:
"Don't read too much into that sack total this year. They didn't really
cut him loose this year. I still like the talent and he will help
himself at the combine." -- NFC director of scouting on Kansas DE
Dorance Armstrong. The skinny: It would be easy to play the role of
box-score scout and surmise that offensive lines somehow caught up with
Armstrong last season, but that's not entirely accurate. Yes, he went
from recording 20 tackles for loss (10 sacks) in 2016 to 9.5 TFL (2
sacks) in 2017, but Kansas made defensive changes and asked Armstrong to
focus on stopping the run more than the pass to help the team. He did
just that. From an alignment standpoint, he was often shading the
outside eye of the tackle across from him, which limited the use of his
explosive athletic ability as a rusher. Armstrong could fit as a 4-3
end or 3-4 rush linebacker in the pros, but a team would probably be
best served by lining him up wide to take better advantage of his
explosive traits as a rusher. He still has work to do in terms of
developing a rush plan with winning moves and counters, but he has the
traits teams look to develop. I'm not surprised to see that his
executive expects Armstrong to help himself at the NFL Scouting Combine
-- I wrote in my scouting report for Armstrong that he has the build and
fluid athleticism of a shooting guard.) (2-23-18):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000917255/article/sources-tell-us-kansas-de-will-be-nfl-scouting-combine-riser
NFL
Combine preview: Prospects who need to measure up (Dorance Armstrong,
DE/OLB, Kansas: Despite his disappointing 2017 season, Armstrong is
still well-liked by pro scouts, but the main question at the next level
is fit. If he comes in at 6-3 and 245 pounds as expected, he might be a
scheme-specific pass rusher.) (2-21-18):
http://draftscout.tsxfiles.com/2018/02/21/nfl-combine-preview-prospects-who-need-to-measure-up/
The
Big 12's top 10 defensive NFL draft prospects: Texas Longhorns dominate
the list (8. Dorance Armstrong, DE/OLB, Kansas: After posting 10 sacks
as a sophomore in 2016, Armstrong entered this past season with high
expectations. Unfortunately, he struggled to match the hype and finished
his junior year with only 1.5 sacks. Despite the dropoff in sacks,
Armstrong finished third on the team in tackles and his athletic profile
will interest teams utilizing a 3-4 scheme.) (1-11-18):
https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/college-sports/collegesports/2018/01/11/breaking-big-12s-best-defensive-nfl-draft-prospects-longhorns-dominate-list
2018
NFL Draft Stock - Week 1 Bowls (Stock Down - Dorance Armstrong, DE,
Kansas: In the preseason, team sources were really excited for
Armstrong after he had a 10-sack 2016 season. However, Armstrong saw his
production drop to only two sacks in 2017 as teams went away from him
all year. He also faced a ton of double teams, but with the rest of the
Kansas defense being devoid of competitive talent, Big XII offenses had a
lot of success while devoting extra attention to Armstrong. With his
decreased production, Armstrong didn't look as good as he did a year
ago. Sources say they think that makes Armstrong more of a second-day
pick rather than a first-rounder if he enters the 2018 NFL Draft.)
(12-19-17):
http://walterfootball.com/draft2018stock_16.php
Challenging junior season hasn’t discouraged KU’s Dorance Armstrong Jr. (11-22-17):
http://www2.kusports.com/news/2017/nov/22/challenging-junior-season-hasnt-discouraged-kus-do/
KU football captains punished, reprimanded following Oklahoma handshake snub (Armstrong was one of the captains.) (11-21-17):
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article185931318.html
Dorance
Armstrong tops ratings in 41-3 loss to Oklahoma (1 - Dorance Armstrong:
Had 1.5 tackles behind the line, including his second sack of the
season. In on six tackles, four solos. Also had a quarterback hurry
during a very active day.) (11-18-17):
http://www2.kusports.com/weblogs/keegan_ratings/2017/nov/18/dorance-armstrong-tops-ratings-in-41-3-l/
Kevin Haskin: Dorance Armstrong itching to record sack for struggling KU defense (10-4-17):
http://www.cjonline.com/sports/sports-columns/hawkzone/2017-10-04/kevin-haskin-dorance-armstrong-itching-record-sack
Dorance Armstrong ‘determined’ to erase 0 from his season sack total (9-20-17):
http://www2.kusports.com/news/2017/sep/20/dorance-armstrong-determined-erase-0-his-season-sa/
Stock Watch: Dorance Armstrong projected as first-round pick in '18 draft (9-2-17):
http://www2.kusports.com/weblogs/call-nightengale/2017/sep/2/dorance-armstrong-projected-as-a-first-r/
2018 Prospect Preview: Dorance Armstrong Jr. may be the draft's biggest sleeper (8-17-17):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-2018-prospect-preview-dorance-armstrong-jr-may-be-the-drafts-biggest-sleeper
Big 12 preseason defensive player of year Armstrong ‘a freak, a stud,’ KU teammate says (8-7-17):
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article165905787.html
Scouting
the Big 12: Kansas (The only Jayhawk that receives a draftable grade on
our board is Dorance Armstrong Jr., who’s been mentioned recently with
comparisons being made to Haason Reddick. From my point of view there
is no comparison between the two players as Armstrong’s explosion,
suddenness and playmaking ability are fractional compared to Reddick.
Armstrong flashes athleticism and pass-rush skill but the junior lacks
bulk and strength and cannot shed blocks, something Reddick did with
regularity. Armstrong comes with an upside but must really step up his
game.) (8-5-17):
http://draftanalyst.com/scouting-big-12-kansas
KU holding Armstong out of practices, but Beaty wants DE back on field quickly (8-3-17):
http://www2.kusports.com/news/2017/aug/03/ku-holding-armstong-out-practices-beaty-wants-de-b/
2018
NFL draft: Big 12 scouting preview (Top Defensive Sleeper - DE Dorance
Armstrong: This year’s draft should have plenty of talented edge
rushers, but Armstrong is flying under the radar in a fairly deep group.
This 6-4, 246-pounder has the ideal frame and skill set for today’s NFL
edge defenders, with great length, athleticism and versatility. A
disruptive force in the backfield, Armstrong flashed as a freshman (3.5
sacks, five tackles for loss, four pass breakups) before blowing up in
2016 (20 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, three forced fumbles). He’ll still
have a year of eligibility left after this season, but another campaign
like last year’s and Armstrong should have himself firmly planted among
this year’s top talents at his position.) (7-19-17):
http://draftwire.usatoday.com/2017/07/19/2018-nfl-draft-big-12-scouting-preview/4/
Arden
Key, Harold Landry lead top CFB edge rushers to watch (7. Dorance
Armstrong, Kansas - It's hard to watch Armstrong operate and not think
of 2017 first-rounder Haason Reddick. Like Reddick, Armstrong is an
athletic edge defender who can play with a hand down or up. However,
Armstrong is bigger than Reddick and appears to be stronger at the point
of attack as well. Reddick's value was bolstered thanks to his ability
to rush the passer on the edge and play inside linebacker. Armstrong is a
pure edge player who keeps tackles busy with juke steps, stab moves and
shoulder dips around the edge. He has the closing speed to finish as a
sack artist and also possesses a knack for finding the ball and
discarding blockers to make the tackle against the run. Armstrong has
exciting upside.) (7-18-17):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000820484/article/arden-key-harold-landry-lead-top-cfb-edge-rushers-to-watch
DE Marcus Davenport:
Scouting Reports:
UTSA Profile:
http://goutsa.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=3747
NFL:
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/marcus-davenport?id=2559817
NFL Draft Scout:
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/members/ratings/profile.php?pyid=132376&draftyear=2018&genpos=DE
Draft Wire:
http://draftwire.usatoday.com/2017/12/31/marcus-davenport-nfl-draft-profile/
Walterfootball:
http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2018mdavenport.php
Articles:
2018 NFL Draft: Bradley Chubb leads edge class lacking depth (3. Marcus Davenport,
UTSA: Long-levered prospect with the tools and traits to become a much
better pass rusher than he is now. He's still in need of more play
strength and technique as a run defender.) (4-18-18):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000927106/article/2018-nfl-draft-bradley-chubb-leads-edge-class-lacking-depth
10 players who helped themselves at the combine (Marcus Davenport: Davenport has been a PFF favorite for the last three seasons and is our No. 4-ranked edge defender in the draft class. Davenport’s length has always been his greatest asset on film and he measured in at nearly 6-foot-6 and 264 pounds with 33 5/8-inch arms, indicating ideal length to play on the edge in the NFL. Davenport put on a show once he hit the field for the workout in Indianapolis, as he ran a 40-yard dash in only 4.58 seconds and had 10-foot-4 broad jump. Davenport also looked outstanding in the field drills, showing a burst off the edge and fluid movement ability that his combine numbers attest to. Davenport has helped himself considerably this draft season, as he was one of the stars of Senior Bowl week and backed that up with his impressive combine performance.) (3-7-18):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-10-players-who-helped-themselves-at-the-combine
PFW NFL Draft: Scouting combine winners and losers on defense (Marcus Davenport – Edge — Texas-San Antonio: Davenport has been riding the express elevator since the Senior Bowl. After a strong week in Mobile, he put on another strong performance in Indy. At just under 6-foot-6, the 264-pound Davenport ran the 40 in 4.58, had a 33.5-inch vertical jump and a 10’4” standing long jump. His 3-cone time of 7.20 seconds and his 4.41 20-yard shuttle show that he has some tightness in his hips, but at his size that can be expected. Davenport is raw and might not be quite ready to be a full-time player as a rookie, but his natural traits are excellent — he has unlimited upside. That is going to get him drafted much higher than many would have thought three or four weeks ago. He could go in the top 10.) (3-7-18):
http://www.profootballweekly.com/2018/03/05/pfw-nfl-draft-scouting-combine-winners-and-losers-on-defense/anmx7ir/#//
10 players who impressed at 2018 Combine (Marcus Davenport, DE, Texas-San Antonio: Davenport checked off all the physical boxes here at the Combine. He measured in at 6-6 (6’5-6/8) and 264 pounds, which is terrific size for a down 4-3 edge rusher. He ran the 40 in 4.58 seconds with a 10-yard split of 1.6 seconds. The 10-yard split is important for defensive linemen because it measures their get off at the snap. Davenport’s split was tied with NC State’s Bradley Chubb (the top rusher in class), and fourth best among all defensive linemen. Davenport is a bit raw, which is why he draws comparisons to Ziggy Ansah coming out.) (3-6-18):
http://www.detroitlions.com/news/nfl-scouting-combine/article-1/10-players-who-impressed-at-2018-Combine/2b4985ee-0538-47e3-9b45-0033d5d6ddf0
2018 All-Combine Team: Top-performing defensive prospects (Edge rusher - Marcus Davenport, UTSA - Best team fits: Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Analysis: His 40-yard-dash time (4.58) made headlines, but Davenport's 33-inch vertical and movement skills on the field during workouts also stood out. The former high school tight end has blossomed into a big-time prospect who is able to play with his hand on the turf or standing up. Nothing that happened in Indy will keep teams from picking him in the top half of the first round. Honorable mention goes to Harold Landry, who ran (4.64 40) and jumped (36-inch vertical, 9-11 broad) well.) (3-6-18):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000919826/article/2018-allcombine-team-topperforming-defensive-prospects
Combine confidential: Inside look at the juiciest developments (University of Texas-San Antonio pass rusher Marcus Davenport is a raw prospect, but a really interesting one. His measurables compared to Jadeveon Clowney's at the 2014 combine. I asked Davenport what he learned in Indy. "That I belong here," he said. No one would disagree.) (3-6-18):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000919761/article/combine-confidential-inside-look-at-the-juiciest-developments
2018 NFL Scouting Combine: Biggest winners at every position (Edge Defender - Marcus Davenport: While
this year’s worst overall workout performance came from a top offensive
tackle prospect, Miller was the complete opposite of Oklahoma’s Orlando
Brown when it came to showing off his athleticism. With rare agility
and explosiveness for his size, Miller did his draft stock a huge favor
with his showing in the on-field drills, jumps and shuttles. While he
still needs plenty of refinement when it comes to technique, Miller’s
athletic ability gives him plenty of upside in a tackle class begging
for a few prospects to assert themselves as the best of the bunch.) (3-5-18):
https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2018/03/05/2018-nfl-scouting-combine-biggest-winners-at-every-position/7/
10 Detroit Lions takeaways from the 2018 NFL combine (8. I mentioned already that it’s down year for rookie edge rushers. Texas-San Antonio defensive end Marcus Davenport is regarded by many as the No. 2 defensive end behind likely top-five pick Bradley Chubb, and the Lions just happen to employ Davenport’s defensive line coach from UTSA last season, Bo Davis. So what does Davis think of Davenport? According to one scout who visited UTSA and talked with Davis during the season, Davis indicated that Davenport isn’t the same caliber player as some of the top linemen he coached at Alabama and his other stops. What that means for Davenport and the Lions if he’s there at 20, I don’t know. But scouts I talk to think Davenport projects as a left end in a 4-3 scheme who’ll need a couple years as a rotational pass rusher and might never be a double-digit sack guy.) (3-5-18):
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/03/05/dave-birkett-inside-lions-nfl-combine/394912002/
Video - UTSA DL Marcus Davenport runs an unofficial 4.59 40-yard dash (3-4-18):
http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/UTSA-DL-Marcus-Davenport-runs-an-unofficial-459-40-yard-dash/c450c34d-dbd6-4355-9d72-12cf64a529b3
Video - UTSA DL Marcus Davenport's player comparison to Ezekiel Ansah:
http://www.detroitlions.com/media-center/videos/UTSA-DL-Marcus-Davenports-player-comparison-to-Ezekiel-Ansah/1de3ea89-cf82-4093-919b-f9160195ac9c
Mike Mayock's takeaways from Day 3 of combine (Marcus Davenport, UTSA: You might not have heard of him. But he was a big topic of conversation at the combine, and you'll hear of him again on Day 1 of the draft. Mayock's second-ranked edge rusher ran a 4.58 40. "I can't tell you how impressive that is. That puts him in-between [Jadeveon] Clowney (4.53) and [Ezekiel] Ansah (4.63). He's more raw than Clowney but this kid's special. ... You talk about Ansah as a freak. You've got to put Davenport, physically, in the same category.") (3-4-18):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000919286/article/mike-mayocks-takeaways-from-day-3-of-combine
2018 NFL Combine: Leighton Vander Esch, Shaquem Griffin crush their workouts (Edge-Rusher Winners - Marcus Davenport, UTSA -- Explosive. That's the one-word scouting report for Davenport. At almost 6-6 and 260-plus pounds, Davenport lit the 40-yard dash on fire with a 4.58 and had a 1.63 10-yard split. Those numbers are comparable to former No. 5 overall pick -- and similarly sized -- Ziggy Ansah and aren't far away from the speed Jadeveon Clowney displayed at the 2014 combine before going first overall.)
(3-4-18):
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2018-nfl-combine-marcus-davenport-shaquem-griffin-daron-payne-crush-their-combine-workouts/
2018 NFL Scouting Combine: Daily updates from Indy (Marcus Davenport: Davenport is a long-time PFF favorite and our No. 4 ranked edge defender in the draft class. His length was always apparent on film and he measured in at 6-foot-6, 264-pounds at the combine with 33 5/8-inch arms. In Indianapolis, Davenport’s athleticism was fully on display and looked looked outstanding in the field drills, showing a burst off the edge and fluid movement ability. Davenport also ran a blazing fast 40-yard dash for a defensive lineman at 4.58 and also posted a 10’4″ broad jump. Davenport has helped himself this draft season with a strong Senior Bowl week which put him on our list of the 15 prospects who helped themselves at the Senior Bowl and now backed that up with his impressive combine performance. – @PFF_Jordan) (3-4-18):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-2018-nfl-scouting-combine-live-updates-from-indy
Sunday's winners, losers at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine (WINNER - Marcus Davenport: One of the more anticipated workouts from this group, Davenport’s size, film and Senior Bowl performance had many looking forward to how he’d perform Sunday. The raw but talented edge defender didn’t disappoint, and he’s already getting potential top-10 buzz. While his lack of polish might typically see him lasting until Day 2, a weak class a such a premium position could be enough to drive up the board. His combine numbers will only strengthen his case, and it’s unlikely he gets out of the first round now.) (3-4-18):
https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2018/03/04/sundays-winners-losers-at-the-2018-nfl-scouting-combine/2/
NFL Combine Studs and Duds: Defensive Line and Linebackers (Studs - Harold Landry (Boston College) and Marcus Davenport (UTSA) checked all the boxes as potential fits for the EDGE rusher role and should be in the conversation for the Lions at pick 20. Landry’s 1.59 10-yard split and Davenport’s 1.63 are in the elite range, and they backed those numbers up with explosiveness in on-field drills. Both looked comfortable dropping into coverage simulations, smoothly flipping their hips and maintaining balance throughout the drills. They also showcased their pass rushing chops displaying quick feet and powerful hands.) (3-4-18):
https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/03/04/nfl-combine-studs-and-duds-defensive-line-and-linebackers/
TIM AND MIKE: Combine Day 5 observations (Big man moving: Speaking of those defensive line 40 times. Mississippi's Breeland Speaks had the fastest time among the defensive tackles at 4.87 seconds.
Two edge rushers managed to run in the 4.5-range. Florida State’s Josh
Sweat (6-4, 251) led the edge rushers with a time of 4.53 seconds.
Texas-San Antonio’s Marcus Davenport (6-5, 264) ran it in 4.58 – Tim
Twentyman) (3-4-18):
http://www.detroitlions.com/news/nfl-scouting-combine/article-1/TIM-AND-MIKE-Combine-Day-5-observations/a6754ec4-5138-48f2-bef2-c8d88e3251a4
NFL Draft: Talented edge rushers will come off the board in a hurry (Davenport was the proverbial big fish in a small pond at Texas-San Antonio, and he grew increasingly bigger in his four years after coming out of high school at 198 pounds. Now at 6-foot-6 and 255 pounds, his game and his body have changed, and he describes his style as “violent.” “I feel like with strength I was able to develop violence,” he said. “At first I was light, so I had to use speed and finesse.” Davenport’s impact plays increased along with his size. His sack totals ascended from 3, to 4, to 6 ½, to 8 ½ at UTSA. His tackles for loss did likewise, going from 3, to 7 ½, to 10, to 17 ½. Davenport gets dinged by critics for having played against a lower level of competition in mid-major Conference USA. But he uses that as motivation. Like when a questioner at the Scouting Combine asked if evaluators hold it against him that he played at “UTEP.” “What motivates me is really when people say the wrong (school) name,” Davenport said. “You said ‘UTEP.’ I go to UTSA, but yeah, that’s a little bit of motivation, I’ve always got a chip on my shoulder.”) (3-3-18):
http://www.profootballweekly.com/2018/03/03/nfl-draft-talented-edge-rushers-will-come-off-the-board-in-a-hurry/a4gm6eq/
TIM AND MIKE: Combine Day 4 observations (An apple a day: UTA defensive end Marcus Davenport said in the interview process that one team asked him if he could be a fruit, what fruit would he be? He said he answered an apple because an apple a day keeps the doctor away. “I have to stay healthy,” he told the team.) (3-3-18):
http://www.detroitlions.com/news/nfl-scouting-combine/article-1/TIM-AND-MIKE-Combine-Day-4-observations/dbe0d8f0-2673-4fdd-a508-fd856c26b8ae
Detroit Lions pass rush help hard to come by in free agency, draft (In the draft, North Carolina State’s Bradley Chubb is a probable top-five pick, while Texas-San Antonio’s Marcus Davenport is the only other locked-in first-round defensive end.) (3-3-18):
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/03/03/detroit-lions-pass-rush-help-free-agency-draft/392567002/
2018 NFL combine: What we learned from DL and LB weigh-ins and measurements (DL winners - Marcus Davenport, UTSA. Davenport lived up to the billing as a tall, super-long defensive end during weigh-ins. ) (3-2-18):
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2018-nfl-combine-what-we-learned-from-dl-and-lb-weigh-ins-and-measurements/
What we learned at NFL Combine: Broncos to visit with Mayfield (3. Licht likes Davenport. Buccaneers GM Jason Licht made no secret of the Bucs' need for a pass rusher, and sees a high ceiling for one of the draft's best in UTSA DE Marcus Davenport. "I've looked at every pass rusher you can probably think of," Licht said. "Coming from a school that's not known to put out a lot of NFL players yet, he's pretty impressive. He's raw, but he's very explosive, strong, plays hard. I like the fact that he's raw, because there's big upside with him." Davenport's practice week at the Senior Bowl drew a similarly impressive review from NFL Network draft expert Mike Mayock.) (2-28-18):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000917983/article/what-we-learned-at-nfl-combine-broncos-to-visit-with-mayfield
Harold Landry, Marcus Davenport possible Day 1 draft options for Lions (Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA: A popular early pick to the Lions in mock drafts, he might not be around when the Lions pick at No. 20. But Detroit will know a lot about him, having hired his line coach from last season -- Bo Davis -- in the same capacity. A 6-foot-7, 255-pound defensive end with extreme athleticism, he had 55 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks last season.) (2-28-18):
http://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/33331/harold-landry-marcus-davenport-possible-day-1-draft-options-for-lions
Ask 5: Who will be biggest surprise of 2018 NFL Combine? (Executive 3: UTSA DE Marcus Davenport - "Rooms are split on Davenport, but I think he'll put up outrageous numbers and that will convince the doubters." Conclusion: As for my take on the prospects
mentioned, I'm already sold on Davenport as one of the top edge rushers
in the draft, and I don't expect his workout to change my evaluation. I
think Daniels is one of the better center prospects we've seen in last
five years. Miller is a polarizing player around the league. The grades
for him are all over the map, but strong workout would definitely help
his cause. Shepherd was on his way to having a huge Senior Bowl week
before he suffered a hand injury. He can recapture that momentum with a
good workout here. Sullivan is very raw, but teams are always looking to
invest in players like him in the middle-to-late rounds of the draft.) (2-28-18):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000917968/article/ask-5-who-will-be-biggest-surprise-of-2018-nfl-combine
2018 NFL Scouting Combine: 5 defensive prospects with the most to lose (Marcus Davenport: Before the Senior Bowl, many were putting Davenport on a high pedestal and considered him to be a top-15 talent in this year’s draft class. An explosive edge defender with tons of athleticism, Davenport certainly has the physical tools to make NFL scouts drool. But the practices down in Mobile proved just how raw Davenport still is, as he struggled against better competition for much of the week. His talent and athleticism were obvious, but he lacks polish when it comes to finer points of his craft. If he looks stiff in position drills and doesn’t live up to the high expectations scouts have for his explosiveness and overall athletic ability, Davenport’s stock could come crashing back to earth.) (2-28-18):
https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2018/02/28/2018-nfl-scouting-combine-5-defensive-prospects-with-the-most-to-lose/
Survey of Teams Grade Marcus Davenport as a Late First-Round Pick (2-28-18):
http://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/Survey%20of%20Teams%20Grade%20Marcus%20Davenport%20as%20a%20Late%20First-Round%20Pick
Players for Detroit Lions to watch at NFL Combine (Marcus Davenport: There’s a reason Davenport probably won’t be there when the Lions are on the clock. And it’s the same reason they’d likely jump at the chance if he was available. The 6-foot-6, 260-pounder draws favorable comparisons to Ezekiel Ansah as a raw pass-rushing talent. There are questions about how quickly he’ll adapt to a jump in competition from Conference USA, particularly since he rarely lined up in a three-point stance in college. But if he’s as impressive at the combine as he was at the Senior Bowl, he’s a top-15 pick.) (2-27-18):
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/02/27/players-detroit-lions-watch-nfl-combine/110896160/
Lions should focus on running backs, defensive line at combine (Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA: Davenport is one of two edge rushers with first-round potential whom the Lions are going to have a large base of knowledge about, along with Boston College's Harold Landry. Why? Their position coaches from last season are on Detroit's staff. New defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni was Landry's coach last season, and Bo Davis, Detroit's new defensive line coach, was Davenport's coach. The 6-foot-7, 255-pound Davenport has the potential to play in a 4-3 or 3-4, which could make him even more intriguing to Patricia and Quinn, who covet versatility. Davenport had 55 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks last season. His frame can handle more weight, too, which could give him more power. The biggest question is if he'll be available at No. 20.) (2-27-18):
http://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/33296/lions-should-focus-on-running-backs-defensive-linemen-at-2018-combine
NFL combine: 10 players with something to prove (8. Marcus Davenport, DE, Texas-San Antonio: The Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year might not be a household name, but he is in NFL draft circles. With a muscular 6-7 build, Davenport has the physical make-up that will earn him top-10 consideration. While he works to find ways to beat linemen beyond his bull rush, he has to show the explosiveness expected of an early pick by acing the three-cone drill, which is critical for edge rushers.) (2-27-18):
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2018/02/27/nfl-scouting-combine-10-players-something-prove-lamar-jackson/375476002/
Small-school prospects like Dallas Goedert, Marcus Davenport looking to make big splash in draft (2-26-17):
http://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/sports/saints/article_8b0be488-1a75-11e8-91fd-77c914e25f61.html
NFL Combine Crash Course: Mike Mayock on the Best Prospects, Top QBs In Indy (Edge rusher is thin too, which boosts the stock of the premier guy, Bradley Chubb of N.C. State. Good stat from Mayock: Last year, NFL teams picked 17 rushers in the first three rounds, which is about six more per draft than in recent years. “Myles Garrett, Derek Barnett and T.J. Watt all had really good years, and Tak McKinley, Charles Harris, Trey Hendrickson and Carl Lawson from Cincy … all pretty impressive. So who is going to affect the pass game day one? I think there are three of them. Bradley Chubb is not as twitchy as a Von Miller or some of those guys, but he does everything at a high level—stops the run, rushes the QB, great hustle, tough kid, great size. Marcus Davenport from Texas-San Antonio is really intriguing, and I’m eager to compare his numbers at the combine to Ziggy Ansah and Jadeveon Clowney to see how he matches up athletically to those two. And then Arden Key from LSU is another one of those. Gifted, but he has off-the-field concerns … hurt his knee, had a back issue. Who is Arden Key?”) (2-25-18):
https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/02/26/nfl-combine-mike-mayock-draft-prospects-mmqb-peter-king
Top 10 pass rushers to pursue in free agency, 2018 NFL Draft (7. Marcus Davenport, draft prospect: Davenport has tremendous upside, to the point that he might be drafted a bit early -- he has a chance to become a really great player. Told that he was too skinny coming out of high school, Davenport landed at Texas-San Antonio, where he proceeded to set school marks in tackles for loss (38.0) and sacks (22.0) in four years. At 6-foot-6 and 255 pounds, he has room to grow, but the potential is tantalizing.) (2-23-18):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000917240/article/top-10-pass-rushers-to-pursue-in-free-agency-2018-nfl-draft
2018 NFL Combine: Here's a look at the drills and the prospects who could ace them (Broad Jump - Leaping forward from a stand still, the broad jump is a fine measure of explosiveness. Typically the long, lean athletes stand out in this event. Marcus Davenport, EDGE, UTSA: Another tall, cut-up specimen, it'll be surprising if Davenport doesn't have one of the longer broad jumps among edge-defenders in Indy.) (2-23-18):
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2018-nfl-combine-heres-a-look-at-the-drills-and-the-prospects-who-could-ace-them/
Pre-Combine Linebacker Boards Taking Shape (A few teams grade Marcus Davenport of UT-San Antonio or Olasunkanmi Adeniyi of Toledo as linebackers. I presently feel both are best suited as 3-4 OLBs. I’m sure both will be asked to participate in alternate position drills at the combine a week from Sunday.) (2-23-18):
http://draftanalyst.com/pre-combine-linebacker-boards-taking-shape
NFL Scouting Combine preview: Players to watch (Edge Marcus Davenport, UTSA: Davenport already looks the part with his long frame and he emerged as a potential first-round pick with an excellent 2017 season. He had nine sacks, six QB hits and 35 hurries on just 257 pass-rushes, using his power to compress the pocket off the edge. Davenport’s athleticism will be under the microscope at the combine as a good workout, combined with his excellent size, could lock up a first-round spot.) (2-22-18):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-nfl-scouting-combine-preview-players-to-watch
2018 NFL Draft: Josh Allen leads top 10 boom-or-bust prospects (4. Marcus Davenport, EDGE, UTSA: Best team fits: Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins. Analysis: Davenport is a classic late-bloomer prospect, going under the recruiting radar because of his string-bean build in high school. He built up his strength during his time at UTSA, though, and finished with a great last two seasons with the Roadrunners. Davenport's work during the Senior Bowl showed that he has the raw talent to be a powerful edge rusher, but some development of his game would help him take the next step. The question is: How high will a team select him? I believe it will be early, making it a high-risk, high-reward selection.)
(2-22-18):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000917164/article/2018-nfl-draft-josh-allen-leads-top-10-boomorbust-prospects
2018 NFL Combine: Prospects with the most on the line in Indianapolis
(Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA: Right now, Davenport is considered a prospect cemented in the first round. He was the talk of the Senior Bowl in January and his tremendous size, length, and athleticism pop on film. Because he's not carrying 270-plus pounds and is over 6-5, Davenport has the frame to dazzle at the combine. He should perform well in all the "explosion" drills, and a three-cone time under 7.30 would be fantastic for his taller stature. If he's one of the clear-cut winners among the edge-rushers, Davenport will start to garner serious Top 15 talk and, depending on where his combine ranks among his contemporaries, would fortify himself as the second edge-rusher picked after Bradley Chubb.) (2-21-18):
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2018-nfl-combine-prospects-with-the-most-on-the-line-in-indianapolis/
Detroit Lions 2018 NFL draft fits (1.0) (DE Marcus Davenport, UT San Antonio: Davenport looks like an NFL defensive end at 6 feet 6 and 259 pounds. He played well enough at the Senior Bowl that he probably won't be on the board at pick No. 20, but if he's there, the Lions can use him.) (2-19-18):
https://www.freep.com/picture-gallery/sports/nfl/lions/2018/02/19/detroit-lions-2018-nfl-draft-fits-10/110597050/
2018 Combine Preview: Defensive end (DE Marcus Davenport - Best trait: Size. Teams can’t teach the size, length and speed combo Davenport possesses. He recorded 17.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks this past season. He also flashed in one-on-one pass-rushing drills at the Senior Bowl, which teams were hoping to see from a small-school prospect. Concern: He’s a bit raw. There’s still room on his frame to gain muscle, and there’s plenty of room for growth in his pass-rushing arsenal of moves. He might take a little time to develop. Skinny: He has all the necessary physical tools to be a successful edge rusher at the NFL level. He has a high ceiling, which could entice a number of teams in the first or second day of the draft.) (2-15-18):
http://www.detroitlions.com/news/nfl-scouting-combine/article-1/2018-Combine-Preview-Defensive-end/dc6505e7-fc0f-4f2a-ae89-21925c65d7b6
Tuesday Draft Notes –- Senior Bowl Finale (Senior Bowl interviews are becoming as important as those which take place at the combine, as teams use the platform in Mobile to get much of their work on players out of the way. As is usually the case, some interviews went well while others did not. Source said Washington State signal caller Luke Falk came across well, exuding confidence and a lot of football knowledge. On the other hand, some teams were disappointed in Marcus Davenport of Texas-San Antonio. People who were not impressed with Davenport said he came across as insecure and very unsure of himself.) (1-31-18):
http://draftanalyst.com/tuesday-draft-notes-%E2%80%93-senior-bowl-finale
15 prospects for the 2018 NFL Draft who helped themselves at the Senior
Bowl (Marcus Davenport, edge, UTSA: (Game – Overall grade: 84.0, Practice – Key stat: Won 38 percent of his pass-rush 1-on-1 reps.) Davenport struggled with getting too upright during drills which allowed offensive linemen to get their hands on his chest and control his movements however, that didn’t seem the case in the game as he collected a sack on Baker Mayfield as Mayfield moved up in the pocket. He generated another four pressures to go along with that sack on his 25 pass-rushing snaps and was the recipient of a fumble recovery that he took for a touchdown, capitalizing on the blowout victory for his team.) (1-31-18):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-15-prospects-for-the-2018-nfl-draft-who-helped-themselves-at-the-senior-bowl
2018 Senior Bowl Game Report (Nobody entered the 2018 Senior Bowl week with more hype than U.T.S.A. DE Marcus Davenport. Unfortunately his week of practices were relatively underwhelming and many came away disappointed. The physical tools were obviously there, but the results weren’t. That started to change toward the end of the final practice on Thursday and Davenport was able to carry that momentum over to the game. Davenport was outstanding, generating consistent pressure off the edge and racking up 0.5 tackle for a loss, 0.5 sack and returning a fumble for a score. Whether or not Davenport will ultimately be the Top 10-15 overall pick that some have projected remains to be seen. One factor working in his favor is the drop-off at defensive end after Bradley Chubb of NC State, who is widely expected to go in the Top 3-5. At this point it would appear Davenport and Sam Hubbard of Ohio St. are jockeying to be the next guy off the board at the position, and we all know how in demand pass rushers always are on Draft Day. The low-end of Davenport’s range in the draft is probably Top 50, which equates to a late-first or early-to-mid second rounder. There is a lot working in Davenport’s favor though, including a standout senior campaign, the way he finished strong at the Senior Bowl, the fact that he plays a premium position and of course immense potential. When all of that is taken into consideration, the middle of the first round is now sounding as plausible as ever.) (1-28-18):
http://www.draftcountdown.com/2018-senior-bowl-game-report/
2018 Senior Bowl: 10 takeaways from this year's top performers (4. Climb Aboard the Davenport Roller-Coaster: UTSA edge defender Marcus Davenport came into Mobile as one of this year’s hottest names, with some analysts projecting him as a potential top-15 pick. Expectations were extremely high, and while he flashed some of his athleticism and upside, his lack of consistency was frustrating. Davenport struggled to win 1-on-1 battles all week in practice, looking stiff and uncomfortable when coming out of a three-point stance. He finished things off with a strong impression during Saturday’s game (two sacks, fumble return for a touchdown), but his stock seems to be on its way back to earth.) (1-28-18):
http://draftwire.usatoday.com/2018/01/28/2018-senior-bowl-10-takeaways-from-this-years-top-performers/4/
2018 Reese's Senior Bowl recap: South team wins in blowout fashion (Edge Defender Overview - UTSA edge defender Marcus Davenport collected a sack on Mayfield as Mayfield moved up in the pocket. Davenport also generated another four pressures to go along with that sack on his 25 pass-rushing snaps and was the recipient of a fumble recovery that he took for a touchdown.) (1-28-18):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-2018-reeses-senior-bowl-recap
Senior Bowl 2018: What the week meant for Baker Mayfield, Josh Allen and more (The Marcus Davenport train has long left the station - On Tuesday and Wednesday, Davenport was quiet in practice. Offensive tackles kept him at bay in one-on-one and team drills. Thursday was an entirely different story, and Davenport was unblockable in the game. The UTSA standout had a sack and a plethora of other quarterback pressures. He repeatedly got underneath the pads of offensive tackles and used his speed to generate power and his length to dispatch those blockers. He even got dinged and returned to the game, demonstrating his toughness. Davenport was the most talked about non-quarterback in Mobile, and some chatter centered around him going as high as No. 4 to the Browns. Landing with the Buccaneers is a more likely top-10 possibility.) (1-27-18):
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-2018-what-the-week-meant-for-baker-mayfield-josh-allen-and-more/?irgwc=1
2018 Senior Bowl: Winners, losers from Saturday's game (Davenport’s week of practice was a roller-coaster, but he finished strong with an impressive showing Saturday. The former Roadrunner showed the doubters why many analysts are projecting him to be a first-round pick, finishing his day with a pair of sacks and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. This raw but athletic rusher flashed the kind of upside that will have teams clamoring for his services in a few months.) (1-27-18):
http://draftwire.usatoday.com/2018/01/27/2018-senior-bowl-winners-losers-from-saturdays-game/3/
Rang’s Senior Bowl Wrap: Richmond QB Lauletta MVP (Marcus Davenport, DE, UT-San Antonio –– It was good to see Davenport provide some of the game’s biggest plays — a first quarter sack of Baker Mayfield and a scoop and score touchdown off a fumble return — as perhaps no player endured more media exaggeration over the past week than the reigning Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year. Between his impressive statistics and prototypical 6-6, 259-pound frame, Davenport competed with only Mayfield in terms of hype this week, generating top-10 talk by some. Still quite raw from a technical standpoint, Davenport was unable to deliver on these lofty (and frankly, premature) expectations in the week of practice. However, he showed the combination of upfield burst and length which have scouts so intrigued on the sack, using all of his 34-inch arms to get Pittsburgh Brian O’Neill staggering backward before sliding off to swallow up the Heisman Trophy winner. Davenport contributed to two turnovers as well, providing the outside rush (this time off the right side) to force an errant throw by Nebraska quarterback Tanner Lee that was intercepted and showing impressive athleticism for a man of his size, picking the ball up and accelerating in one smooth motion on his 25-yard fumble recovery and run for a touchdown.) (1-27-18):
http://draftscout.tsxfiles.com/2018/01/27/senior-bowl-report-qbs-seize-day-led-by-mvp-lauletta-2/
South club routs North, 45-16, in Senior Bowl; Richmond QB Lauletta wins MVP (UTSA pass rusher Marcus Davenport notched a half-sack of Mayfield on the North’s first third down and later scooped a Marquis Haynes’ strip sack of Tanner Lee and rumbled 19 yards into the end zone. Davenport (6-5, 259), like Allen, is a prototype athlete for his position who finished the week on a high note and perhaps helped cement first-round status.) (1-27-18):
http://www.profootballweekly.com/2018/01/27/south-club-routs-north-45-16-in-senior-bowl-richmond-qb-lauletta-wins-mvp/abp1tq1/
2018 NFL Draft watch: Top performers at Senior Bowl 2018 draft (Marcus Davenport, DE, University of Texas San Antonio — At this point if you follow the draft you know the name Marcus Davenport. The 6-7, 255-pound defensive end showed off his skills all week and is now being talked about as a top-10 pick by some evaluators. He is seen as the No. 2 defensive end only to N.C. State's Bradley Chubb. Whether you knew him or not before this week remains to be seen, but Baker Mayfield certainly knew who he was after a sack in the first quarter. Video of sack inside.) (1-27-18):
http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/2018-nfl-draft-watch-top-performers-senior-bowl-josh-allen-kyle-lauletta-baker-mayfield-marcus-davenport/1im8igtju687z1pbkppqe2sqed
2018 draft: 7 prospects who helped themselves in Senior Bowl (Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA:
Davenport wasn't very effective in the first two days of practices here, and some people didn't really give him much of a chance to adjust to the environment at the Senior Bowl before criticizing him. He clearly needed that adjustment period because he was unstoppable late in the week of practices, and it carried over to the game. He recorded a half sack and scored a TD on a fumble recovery. His numbers might not jump off the page, but the North team had its hands full trying to slow him down.) (1-27-18):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000911375/article/2018-draft-7-prospects-who-helped-themselves-in-senior-bowl
Four NFL prospects you've never heard of (MARCUS DAVENPORT, DE UTSA: Of NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah’s Top 50 prospects for the NFL draft, Davenport is the only one in the Top 10 to play in Mobile this weekend. So far in practices, when scouts do most of their homework, he has justified the hype with consistently dominant performances getting to the quarterback. He has also shined in team meetings as a cerebral sort, including a devotion to poetry. “Music is just poetry but sometimes to a different beat or rhythm,” he said. “I just find security in myself there, that I can be me.” Davenport will be hard to miss Saturday, as he’s 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds. He finished the season at UTSA with 8.5 sacks and 17.5 TFLs. Scouts will be focused on his ability to stop the run Saturday. “People said I was like a pass rush specialist. I didn’t really care for that name,” he said. “I always thought I played the run hard. Maybe I didn’t have the weight, but I feel like now I do.”) (1-27-18):
https://sports.yahoo.com/richmond-qb-kyle-lauletta-stomach-turning-story-among-4-intriguing-prospects-outside-power-5-085312463.html
10 players who impressed at Senior Bowl practices (Marcus Davenport, DE, Texas-San Antonio, 6-5, 269: Davenport dominated small-school competition last season, which scouts want to see from a physical specimen like him, but could he do it this week against stiffer competition? Davenport checked off that box. He was disruptive all week, and was particularly good in the pass rushing one-on-ones. He’s going to continue to be an interesting prospect to watch throughout the pre-draft process.) (1-26-18):
http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/10-players-who-impressed-at-Senior-Bowl-practices/45a8184a-bf33-440a-a68f-4936c49ff094
2018 SENIOR BOWL DAY 3 SOUTH: MARCUS DAVENPORT, HOST OF SMALL SCHOOLERS IMPRESS (With his buzz building leading up to Senior Bowl week, UTSA’s Marcus Davenport put together what could be considered his best day in Mobile Thursday. He was used as a standup rusher on the edge for the most part, and he displayed serious first step quickness in team drills. He also has shown off his impressive upper body strength and threw a lineman to the ground in 1 on 1’s. In addition, he has shown the ability to generate push with his bull rush and had an impressive dip and rip move to generate pressure during the tempo period.) (1-25-18):
http://www.optimumscouting.com/news/2018-senior-bowl-day-3-south-marcus-davenport-host
UTSA's Marcus Davenport could give Lions the pass-rush help they need and seven other DLine Prospects (Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA (South No. 93): Haven’t heard of Davenport? That’s OK. By the end of this week, you might. The 6-foot-7, 255-pound end had 186 tackles, 38 tackles for loss, 22 sacks and eight passes defended in his four years in San Antonio. Draft analyst Mel Kiper described him as a “quick twitch pass-rusher who put up big numbers and made offensive linemen look silly in Conference USA.” Do it again this week against stronger competition and he might become an obvious player for the pass-rush-needy Lions to target.) (1-26-18):
http://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/33065/marcus-davenport-could-be-the-pass-rush-help-the-lions-need-at-senior-bowl
Senior Bowl -- South Team Page (Analysis: Davenport was very good all week long. He wasn’t great or spectacular but made some terrific plays as a pass rusher and even held his own against double-team blocks. At times he was handled by ordinary competition, as he lost several battles to Alex Cappa. The bottom line is that Davenport has tremendous upside and in time offers the potential to be a dominant 3-4 OLB.) (1-26-18):
draftanalyst.com/senior-bowl-south-team-page
2018 Senior Bowl: Marcus Davenport En Route to making his mark (1-26-28):
http://www.optimumscouting.com/news/2018-senior-bowl-marcus-davenport-en-route-to-maki
UTSA defensive end Davenport gains weight, NFL interest (1-26-18):
https://www.smdailyjournal.com/sports/utsa-defensive-end-davenport-gains-weight-nfl-interest/article_36eb43dc-0259-11e8-b4f5-371f10583127.html
2018
Senior Bowl Thursday South Practice Report (Texas-San Antonio defensive
end Marcus Davenport has had a mixed week showing his good physical
talent while also illustrating that he is a work in progress for the
NFL. Davenport had a sack in the team scrimmage, using speed to knife
into the inside. However, he didn't pull up and fell into the legs of
Richmond quarterback Kyle Lauletta to knock down the signal-caller for a
sack along with some other defenders. It was a mistake to hit the
quarterback in practice and that resulted in some corrections from the
Texans coaching staff. Davenport has to improve his technique and work
on more pass-rushing moves.) (1-25-18):
http://walterfootball.com/seniorbowl2018practice7.php
Senior
Bowl Day 3 standouts: Marcus Davenport breaks through (1. Thursday's
practice was the coming out party for UTSA DE Marcus Davenport. The
South team couldn't block him. I thought he was thinking a little bit
too much and struggling to get off the ball earlier in the week, but he
got after it on Thursday. He was all over the place. He's not a finished
product yet, but he finally showed what he's capable of, which was good
to see. I'm very intrigued by his potential, as you can see in my
top-50 rankings. -- Daniel Jeremiah) (1-25-18):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000910556/article/senior-bowl-day-3-standouts-marcus-davenport-breaks-through
Mike
Mayock's observations from week of Senior Bowl practices (DE Marcus
Davenport, Texas-San Antonio: He probably didn't win as many one-on-one
drills as I thought he would. He basically just showed bull rush all
week long. He has great size and ability; he's just very raw. I saw
toughness from him. I think you'll see his pass-rush moves develop, so I
think he's going to be fine. I think he's a first-round guy. He just
didn't quite jump off the page in one-on-one drills like you thought he
might.) (1-25-18):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000910545/article/mike-mayocks-observations-from-week-of-senior-bowl-practices
Senior Bowl -- South Team Page (Thurs: Made several flash plays, including an impressive swim move against Brandon Parker that led to a quick sack, but was also handled on occasion.) (1-25-18):
http://draftanalyst.com/senior-bowl-south-team-page
Senior
Bowl 2018: Marcus Davenport shines, Josh Allen stands out on Thursday
(The most hyped defensive player -- Marcus Davenport of UTSA -- looked
like a high first-rounder. After two days of underwhelming play --
particularly relative to the massive amount of buzz surrounding him in
Mobile -- UTSA pass-rusher Marcus Davenport was a monster Thursday. He
beat TCU offensive tackle Joseph Noteboom a handful of times for
would-be sacks, got his hand on a throw after another pressure and late
in the practice actually fell into Richmond quarterback Kyle Lauletta
for another sack.) (1-25-18):
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-2018-marcus-davenport-shines-josh-allen-stands-out-on-thursday/
2018
Senior Bowl: Day Two (Let’s take this opportunity to discuss something
that often pops into my head during the draft process, and thankfully
the subject of UTSA edge rusher Marcus Davenport allows it to connect to
this stage. To lay the groundwork, Davenport was recently listed as
Daniel Jeremiah’s No. 10 overall prospect and projected as the No. 7
overall pick. Mel Kiper also mocked Davenport at No. 14 overall. And for
full disclosure, I placed him at No. 25 in a fully aged mock draft. It
has not been a great week for Davenport, as he has failed to win one on
ones both as a pass rusher and in run fits. He has a long way to go, as
he lacks a pass rushing plan to use those tools he possesses, and that
has shown up in isolated moments through two practices. His games at
UTSA showed very similar things - moments of greatness, but a prospect
who is not close to a complete product. But I still believe in
Davenport. I believe he offers a blend of size and movement that, if
cultivated, equals a primary pass rusher. It is not his fault that
expectations were placed on him based on a projection of who he might be
after this week or at the end of this process, rather than who he is
now. This brings me to my main point: being critical of prospects we
like can be difficult because the result of that criticism could lead to
the perception that I am “down” on said prospect. You, the consumer,
surely reads a smorgasbord of evaluators. Either consciously or
subconsciously, you keep track of the prospects we praise or critique.
As you should. But more and more, I am realizing the perception I cause
solely on things like word choice, plays picked, sentence structure and
frequency of discussing certain prospects. And instead of pointing the
finger, sometimes we should pull the thumb. Again, let’s go back to
Davenport. There is so much to like on paper, and his moments of
brilliance excite… but top 15 love prior to this week now appears
unreasonable, as the current deficiencies in his game have shown up this
week. So let’s not allow those unmet expectations to overshadow the
actual player. Don’t assume critiques mean his scouting report belongs
in the waste bin. Instead, interpret those criticisms as a light aimed
at just one part of a prospect’s entire game, a piece that is now
uncovered and a bit more clear while still trying to understand the big
picture.) (1-25-18):
www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/77513/351/2018-senior-bowl-day-two
Senior
Bowl notebook: Davenport, Penny struggling for South (One of the oldest
(and catchiest) cliches in scouting — the eye in the sky don’t lie —
has not been kind to two of the highest rated prospects for the South
Team thus far at the Senior Bowl. Projected first-round defensive end
Marcus Davenport and the nation’s leading rusher, Rashaad Penny, have
thus far failed to deliver on lofty expectations. Few players invited
to this year’s all-star game look better “on the hoof” than the
physically imposing 6-foot-6, 259-pound Davenport, who earned Conference
USA Defensive Player of the Year honors at Texas-San Antonio after
setting school records with 17.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. Over
the first two days of practice, however, it has been the blockers
assigned to stop him — including fellow small-schoolers Alex Cappa
(Humboldt State) and Brandon Parker (North Carolina A&T) — who
have provided splashier performances. Davenport acknowledged as much on
his own Twitter account following Tuesday’s practice, writing, “Got to
improve, the Oline got the best of me today.” Wednesday was not much
better. To be fair, Davenport is a former basketball player still
learning the subtleties of the position. Further, the natural defensive
end has not been aided by the fact that the Houston Texans — which
predominately run a 3-4 scheme — are asking him to rush out of a
stand-up stance. The burst, bend and 34-inch arms that helped Davenport
succeed against Conference USA opponents have been absorbed this week,
with Davenport showing limited hand technique or a counter move.)
(1-24-18):
http://draftscout.tsxfiles.com/2018/01/24/senior-bowl-notebook-davenport-penny-struggling-for-south/
2018 SENIOR BOWL DAY 2 SOUTH: KYLE LAULETTA STEPS UP, AND THE DL IMPRESSES (In a battle of length vs. length, UTSA’s Marcus Davenport had some issues bending around taller Tackles Brandon Parker and Joe Noteboom in individual drills. Davenport’s power and short area burst continue to be put on display, but he will need to become more calculated with his footwork to be more successful as a pure stand-up edge rusher if he ends up in a 3-4 defense.) (1-24-18):
http://www.optimumscouting.com/news/2018-senior-bowl-day-2-south-kyle-lauletta-steps-u
Ask
5: Who's most polarizing prospect in 2018 NFL Draft? (Executive 5:
Texas-San Antonio DE Marcus Davenport: "The early grades were good but
not great. The big grades have come rolling in later in the process. I
imagine we'll have a pretty good discussion on him.") (1-24-18):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000910193/article/ask-5-whos-most-polarizing-prospect-in-2018-nfl-draft
DaeSean
Hamilton leads standouts from Senior Bowl Day 2 (5. Texas-San Antonio
DE Marcus Davenport stood out to me on Wednesday. I noticed he was more
comfortable in a two-point stance in team drills than he was in a
three-point stance in one-on-one drills. He was routinely late off the
ball in one-on-ones, but when he stood up in the team drills, he made
some plays. It was an up and down day for him, and at least one league
executive considers him the most polarizing prospect in the entire
draft. -- Daniel Jeremiah) (1-24-18):
www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000910032/article/daesean-hamilton-leads-standouts-on-senior-bowl-day-2
Senior
Bowl 2018: Observations from Wednesday's practices highlighted by Josh
Allen's vintage performance (There's been an immense amount of buzz
surrounding UTSA defensive end Marcus Davenport, and while he did get
around the corner a few times on Wednesday, he hasn't created the high
amount of splash plays he consistently showed during his collegiate
career.) (1-24-18):
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-2018-observations-from-wednesdays-practices-highlighted-by-josh-allens-vintage-performance/
Senior Bowl -- South Team Page (Wed: Another solid practice for Davenport. He is an imposing figure and can be tough to handle. Davenport plays with great balance and body control and is never off his feet. He held his ground against double-team blocks and besides the power, showed excellent speed.) (1-24-18):
http://draftanalyst.com/senior-bowl-south-team-page
Senior
Bowl Buzz -- Tuesday Night (Conversely there’s a love fest going on for
Marcus Davenport of UT-San Antonio. Davenport looked the part and
played to it much of the day. I’m told teams like him as both a
defensive end and 3-4 outside linebacker. Davenport exclusively lined up
at defensive end today, and I did not see him stand up once. It will be
interesting to see if they try him in an upright position over the next
two days, as we alluded to in our defensive preview.) (1-24-18):
http://draftanalyst.com/senior-bowl-buzz-tuesday-night
2018
Senior Bowl: Winners, losers from South team's Day 1 practice
(Loser - Marcus Davenport: It’s still early and players are still
getting into the swing of things, but Tuesday’s practice is one
Davenport will likely want to forget. The raw but talented edge rusher
has been one of the most talked about prospects heading into this week,
even making his way into the top 10 of some recent mock drafts and big
boards. Another practice like Tuesday’s and Davenport might be lucky to
remain in the first-round conversation. Showing flashes of his natural
strength, the former Roadrunner looked stiff and struggled to bend the
edge consistently. Several times, Davenport was pushed to the ground,
including the above rep. Davenport still is one of the most intriguing
prospects down in Mobile, but he’ll need to pick things up the rest of
the week if he wants to take some positive momentum into the combine.)
(1-23-18):
http://draftwire.usatoday.com/2018/01/23/2018-senior-bowl-winners-losers-from-south-teams-day-1-practice/2/
South Practice Report (Coming into the week perhaps no player had more buzz and momentum than Texas-San Antonio DE Marcus Davenport. It only continued to grow after he weighed in at 6-5 7/8 and 259 pounds with long arms and a rangy frame that still has room for additional bulk. At the start of the day my colleague “Pigskin Paul” of GBN Report compared Davenport to Ziggy Ansah, who was the #5 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft in large part due to an impressive showing at the Senior Bowl. I thought that was intriguing and there are some similarities. However, I vividly remember seeing Ansah in Mobile and it was clear almost immediately that he was a top half of the first round talent. I didn’t quite get that same first impression from Davenport, who saw reps at both end and tackle today. It’s still early in the week though and the real test will come when they put on full pads the next couple of days. Personally, I will need to see more from him if he is to become the Top 10 overall pick that some are suggesting. The good news is Davenport knows he has room to improve and that mindset will be an asset going forward.) (1/23/18):
http://www.draftcountdown.com/south-practice-report-1-23-18/
2018 SENIOR BOWL: DAY 1 NORTH/SOUTH PRACTICE NOTES (Marcus Davenport of UTSA didn’t show out as expected on Day 1. He showed a theme of getting pushed off his base questioning his overall balance and strength. He still managed to display his powerful punch showing off his violence in one on one drills.) (1-23-18):
http://www.optimumscouting.com/news/2018-senior-bowl-day-1-north-and-south-practice-re
2018
Reese's Senior Bowl Day 1 recap (UTSA’s defensive end Marcus Davenport
struggled with bouncing too upright during drills, which allowed
offensive linemen to get their hands on his chest and control his
movements.) (1-23-18):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-2018-reeses-senior-bowl-day-1-recap
Senior
Bowl notebook, Day One (Marcus Davenport, UTSA's EDGE rusher who
arrived in Mobile straight from central casting, won before he even
stepped on the field. Checking in at just a hair under 6-foot-6 and 259
pounds, the All-Conference USA player absolutely looks the part of an
NFL defender. But he had his issues throughout his first practice,
getting steamrolled at the point of attack vs. Humboldt State OT Alex
Cappa on one run play.) (1-23-18):
www.profootballweekly.com/2018/01/24/senior-bowl-notebook-day-one/aviclbz/
Senior Bowl -- South Team Page (Tues: Primarily lined up at defensive end. Looked super quick and very athletic. Quick with his hands and explosive and flashed impressive lower-body power. Struggles once engaged in a block and was manhandled by Alex Cappa on one down.) (1-23-18):
http://draftanalyst.com/senior-bowl-south-team-page
Twentyman:
Senior Bowl Day 1 observations (One-on-ones: The biggest attraction at
practice for both the North and South teams Tuesday were the one-on-one
pass-rushing drills between the defensive and offensive lines. It’s some
of the best competition at practice. Three players on defense stuck out
to me Tuesday. UTSA’s Marcus Davenport, Griffin and Stanford defensive
tackle Harrison Phillips.) (1-23-18):
http://www.detroitlions.com/news/news-short/article-1/TWENTYMAN-Senior-Bowl-Day-1-observations/db1026ad-501b-4a79-98d0-1800e55eed59
2018
Senior Bowl: Day One (That might also mean the DE designation won’t
play a true outside technique, and we saw that with Da’Shawn Hand and
Marcus Davenport today, lining up as a 4i on a few occasions. Both have
played in similar spots, but I know many are anxious to see Davenport as
a true edge player. Just something to monitor, not jumping to any
conclusions.) (1-23-18):
http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/77491/351/2018-senior-bowl-day-one
Senior
Bowl notebook: Division II OT Cappa stands his ground (During
one-on-one drills, Cappa (6-foot-6, 299 pounds) displayed the edge
quickness to mirror rushers to the corner and the aggressive mentality
to tie up rushers, breaking the rhythm of his opponent before the
defender could do the same to him. At right tackle, Cappa faced off with
Texas-San Antonio defensive end Marcus Davenport (6-6, 259) and
out-physicaled him at the point of attack, controlling the potential
first-round pick.) (1-23-18):
draftscout.tsxfiles.com/2018/01/23/senior-bowl-notebook-division-ii-ot-cappa-stands-his-ground/
PFF's
2018 Senior Bowl coverage (UTSA edge defender Marcus Davenport is quick
to pop upright, letting blockers get into his frame and control him at
the line of scrimmage, showed his movement earlier in the afternoon)
(1-23-18):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-pffs-2018-senior-bowl-coverage
Video - Mayock breaks down why Marcus Davenport can be a top-10 pick (1-23-18):
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/0ap3000000909828/Mayock-breaks-down-why-UTSA-DE-Marcus-Davenport-can-be-a-top-10-pick
UTSA
DE Marcus Davenport (6-foot-6, 259 pounds) has already shown flashes of
his power at the Senior Bowl workouts, both during individual drills
and one-on-one pass rush. Davenport's technique is still raw on film,
but he has natural strength at the point of attack and he comes off the
ball with speed. (1-23-18):
www.espn.com/espn/now?nowId=21-0747553417110494709-4
What
We Learned At Senior Bowl Weigh-in: Josh Allen Notches Win (Texas-San
Antonio DE Marcus Davenport, one of the draft's elite prospects,
measured long and lean Tuesday at 6-5 7/8, 259 pounds. NFL.com analyst
Daniel Jeremiah projected Davenport to be selected No. 7 overall by the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers in his initial mock draft.) (1-23-18):
www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000909762/article/what-we-learned-at-senior-bowl-weighin-josh-allen-notches-win
Winners,
losers from 2018 Senior Bowl weigh-ins (DE Marcus Davenport: Already
one of the fastest risers in the entire draft class over the last few
weeks, Davenport lived up to the hype with his eye test on Tuesday
morning. At just under 6-6 and nearly 260 pounds, Davenport’s massive
frame, arm length (wingspan of 81 3/4 inches) already has scouts
buzzing. His athleticism is rare for his size, and he should continue to
be one of this event’s big winners all week long.) (1-23-18):
draftwire.usatoday.com/2018/01/23/senior-bowl-weigh-ins-josh-allen-marcus-davenport/
Senior
Bowl 2018: Winners and losers from Tuesday's weigh-in at Mobile (Marcus
Davenport, DE, UTSA - Weigh-in: 6057 / 259 / 34" arms: Some believed
Davenport's listed size at 6-foot-7 and 255 pounds was slightly
exaggerated. Turns out, it wasn't stretched that much. Combine his
nearly 6-6 frame with long, 34-inch arms and you have one enormous
defensive end. Perspective: Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter
measured in at 6051 and 251 pounds with 34 1/2-inch arms at the 2015
combine.) (1-23-18):
www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-2018-winners-and-losers-from-tuesdays-weigh-in-at-mobile/
Senior
Bowl: Weigh-in observations (When NFL teams shop for a defensive end
prospect, Texas-San Antonio’s Marcus Davenport is what they envision. He
came in at 6-5 7/8-inches and 259 pounds with 34-inch arms and an 81
1/4-inch wingspan. His nine-inch hands were slightly below average, but
he displays an NFL frame.) (1-23-18):
http://draftscout.tsxfiles.com/2018/01/23/senior-bowl-weighin-observations/
Here
are 8 NFL Draft prospects for Lions to watch at the Senior Bowl (Marcus
Davenport, UTSA Edge: The Lions need pass rushing help opposite
Ezekiel Ansah, who had 12 sacks but wasn't the most available yet again.
This year's class has some good options, and one of the best will be in
Mobile. Marcus Davenport has generated some buzz already despite coming
from such a small school. Standing 6 feet 5 inches will do that. He had
solid production at a low level of college football, but how that
length overextends and overwhelms tackles in Mobile will be a showcase
of how pro ready he is. He could be an option for the Lions with their
first pick.) (1-23-18):
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/01/here_are_some_nfl_draft_prospe.html
Twentyman:
Senior Bowl participants to watch (Marcus Davenport, UTSA, 6-7, 255:
Physically, he’s going to impress some NFL personnel. Coming from a
small school, this will be a big week for him. He recorded 55 tackles,
17.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks with three forced fumbles in 2017.)
(1-23-18):
http://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/TWENTYMAN-Senior-Bowl-participants-to-watch/50e85598-37f5-4670-af4c-5e76e25bbeb9
Mayfield,
Allen, and the Senior Bowl Prospects to Watch (Marcus Davenport, EDGE,
Texas-San Antonio: Don’t be surprised if we leave here talking about
Davenport as a potential Top 10 pick, like we did with Aaron Donald in
2014. He’s 6' 6", 260 pounds, a physical freak with a premium skill
(pass rushing), and this week will go a long way in proving how he’ll
hold up against a higher level of competition.) (1-23-18):
www.si.com/nfl/2018/01/23/senior-bowl-prospects-baker-mayfield-josh-allen-marcus-davenport
UTSA DE Marcus Davenport drawing comparisons to Ziggy Ansah (1-23-18):
www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/UTSA-DE-Marcus-Davenport-drawing-comparisons-to-Ziggy-Ansah/069435ac-88e8-467c-b2fa-8bd623cac6da
2018
Senior Bowl Week (UTSA EDGE Marcus Davenport - So many eyes will be on
Davenport. On Twitter I compared his game, strictly on the field, to
Aldon Smith. Davenport is long and is very effective when looping inside
and rushing from different angles. Part of the reason Aldon was so
effective was Justin Smith, and Davenport might need a similar player or
scheme. There are glimpses of Davenport pass rushing with a plan. Using
his hands and length to hit a target, create a balance advantage and
work off of that. But as of now, those do not happen often. He needs to
soak up the Texans coaching like a sponge, but that team has helped a
number of edge rushers over the years.) (1-22-18):
http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/77476/351/2018-senior-bowl-week
Senior
Bowl: 7 potential breakout players (Marcus Davenport, DE, UT-San
Antonio, #93, South: Davenport will be facing a significant jump in
competition after earning Conference USA’s Defensive Player of the Year
award, setting school records with 17.5 tackles for loss, including 8.5
sacks, among his 55 tackles. A former basketball player with the
combination of length, burst and bend that project well to the next
level, the 6-5, 255-pound Davenport needs an impressive week in Mobile
to justify — and perhaps boost — his current late first-round status on
NFLDraftScout.com’s board as the No. 27 overall prospect, fourth among
defensive ends. Watch for his showdown with Oregon offensive tackle
Tyrell Crosby in game action
http://draftscout.tsxfiles.com/2018/01/22/senior-bowl-7-potential-breakout-players/
Biggest
storylines of Senior Bowl, from Baker Mayfield to Shaquem Griffin (A
first-rounder from UTSA - It took the University of Texas-San Antonio
just 72 games as a Div. I team to field its first first-round-caliber
player. Marcus Davenport offered NFL teams substantial intrigue coming
into the season. The 6-7 outside linebacker followed up by producing
17.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and a fumble
recovery, all while displaying great speed and length. His week of
practice in Mobile will be huge in solidifying a first-round grade. If
he can win in one-on-one pass-rush reps and make a handful of plays in
team drills, NFL decision-makers will be on board with the smaller
school prospect.) (1-22-17):
http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/senior-bowl-biggest-storylines-baker-mayfield-josh-allen-shaquem-griffin-dashawn-hand/1sqxterz967xv1g3n6ejh8bol8
Senior
Bowl: 10 players who could help the Lions (Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA:
An athletic, rangy edge rusher, Davenport is listed at 6-foot-7, 255
pounds. In 11 games as a senior, he tallied 17.5 tackles for loss and
8.5 sacks. Most analysts consider him a raw talent, and having played a
lower level of competition in Conference USA, the Senior Bowl will be an
opportunity to show what he can do against upper-tier college offensive
tackles.) (1-22-18):
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/01/22/senior-bowl-players-help-lions/109708096/
Senior
Bowl 2018: Five players to watch who may interest Detroit Lions (DE
Marcus Davenport, Texas-San Antonio — Every year a lesser-known prospect
uses the Senior Bowl to vault into the national spotlight, and
Davenport could be that guy this year. He’s long at 6 feet 6, had 8.5
sacks this season and could wind up as a first-round pick. The Lions
desperately need help for their defensive line, at both the end and
tackle positions. But with Ziggy Ansah a pending free agent, they need a
young pass rusher to groom more than most.) (1-22-18):
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/01/22/detroit-lions-nfl-draft-senior-bowl/1053777001/
2018
Senior Bowl preview: Edge Defenders (Once considered a popular sleeper
pick, Davenport has already shed that label before even making the trip
to Mobile. A raw but athletic rusher with a massive frame (6-7, 255
pounds), Davenport still needs plenty of polish, but his physical tools
and upside are off the charts. It wouldn’t be shocking to see a strong
predraft circuit turn him into a potential top-10 pick.) (1-21-17):
http://draftwire.usatoday.com/2018/01/21/2018-senior-bowl-preview-edge-defenders/3/
Senior
Bowl Preview -- The Defense (Marcus Davenport may not be a household
name, but he’s an explosive pass rusher who could leave Mobile as a
riser. The Texas-San Antonio product is versatile enough to play in
space in addition to making plays behind the line of scrimmage, and it
will be interesting to see whether the Texans coaching staff gives the
255-pound breakout star opportunities at both defensive end and outside
linebacker.) (1-20-18):
http://draftanalyst.com/senior-bowl-preview-defense-0
Senior
Bowl storylines: 10 things to watch in practice (10. Marcus Davenport’s
chance to prove he is first-round material - There is plenty of buzz
surrounding Texas-San Antonio senior pass rusher Marcus Davenport, who
appears in the top 15 of my most recent mock draft. He totaled 17.5
tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks and three forced fumbles as a senior,
although that was against lesser talent in Conference USA. During Senior
Bowl practices, he will face an uptick in talent and will be expected
to perform at a high level. Davenport, with a basketball background, is
an impressive athlete and will test well at the Scouting Combine. But
during practice, scouts will be focused on his hand use, rush moves and
body rhythm. With technical improvements during the week, Davenport will
cement his status as an early first-round pick.) (1-19-18):
http://draftscout.tsxfiles.com/2018/01/19/senior-bowl-storylines-10-things-to-watch-in-practice/
Standouts
to sleepers: Five players to watch at the 2018 Senior Bowl (4. Marcus
Davenport, DE, Texas-San Antonio — Clocking in at 6-7 and 255 pounds,
Davenport was singled out by Savage on Thursday as a rising prospect
most fans likely would not have heard about before the Senior Bowl.
Describing him as a “prototypical defensive end,” Savage said he only
expects Davenport’s stock to rise leading up to the NFL Draft, a view
echoed by Kiper Jr., who projected Davenport to land with the Green Bay
Packers with the 14th overall pick. “I’ve had a number of NFL people
tell me over the last month that, ‘Hey, this guy’s going to show up in
Mobile as a fringe first round and he’s going to end up Top 15 when it’s
all said and done,’” Savage said.) (1-18-18):
http://www.pnj.com/story/sports/2018/01/18/standouts-sleepers-five-players-watch-2018-senior-bowl/1045800001/
2018
Senior Bowl: Defensive prospects who can enter first-round talk if they
impress (Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA: Davenport might already be
considered a first-round prospect -- his tape is that outrageous. The
Roadrunners pass-rusher can win in a variety of ways, which, in simplest
terms, is why he's likely to be selected within the first 32 picks. His
length, athleticism, bend and pass-rushing moves make him a nightmare
for opposing offensive tackles. The Senior Bowl will be a huge barometer
for his ability to thrive on the outside.) (1-18-18):
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2018-senior-bowl-defensive-prospects-who-can-enter-first-round-talk-if-they-impress/
2018
NFL Draft: Sam Darnold a playmaker in mold of Tony Romo (Senior Bowl
could be launching pad for these 5 prospects - Texas-San Antonio DE
Marcus Davenport: There are always guys from outside the Power Five
conferences that everyone's waiting to see against better competition at
the Senior Bowl. Davenport is that guy this year. He has some freakish
qualities -- he's tall, long and explosive -- and dominated for UTSA.
I'm anxious to see how he fares against some of the top tackles in the
country. I have him as a mid-to-late first-round prospect at the moment
and he could help himself at the Senior Bowl.) (1-12-18):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000905575/article/2018-nfl-draft-sam-darnold-a-playmaker-in-mold-of-tony-romo
2018
NFL Draft Prospect Rankings: Da'Ron Payne dominant in College Football
Playoff (25. Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA: A small-school sleeper with
top edge-rusher capabilities, Davenport has gradually gotten better in
each of his seasons at Texas-San Antonio, and that maturation culminated
with a 8.5-sack, 17.5-tackle-for-loss senior season for the 6-7,
255-pounder.) (1-9-18):
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2018-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-daron-payne-dominant-in-college-football-playoff/
2018
NFL Draft Stock - Week 4 Bowls (Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA: There has
been a buzz in the scouting community about Davenport for months. The
6-foot-7, 256-pounder has length and athleticism to play on the edge in
the NFL. The senior recorded 55 tackles with 17.5 tackles for a loss,
8.5 sacks, four passes batted and three forced fumbles in 2017. Some
media outlets have reported that Davenport could go as top-16 picks in
the 2018 NFL Draft. In reaching out to some team sources, they thought
that might be a bit of stretch, although they did think that Davenport
could end up being a first-round pick and go in the back half of picks
on Thursday night. Some other sources thought Davenport would have to
dominate the Senior Bowl in epic fashion to go in the top-16, and they
also thought he could go in the back half of the first round, comparing
him to Chandler Jones.) (1-9-18):
http://walterfootball.com/draft2018stock_19.php
Friday
draft notes: Marcus Davenport is legit (Yesterday I watched three UTSA
games to have a closer look at pass rusher Marcus Davenport. He is
legit. The Baylor and Texas State games have me convinced he could go in
the top-10. He isn’t just another hyped up smaller school prospect. He
has a rare skill set. You don’t see many defensive ends with the
quickness to close in space, the strength to one-arm bull rush an
offensive tackle into the back field and the get-off to dominate with a
speed rush. He is sudden and aggressive — playing with a high intensity
and a violent edge. Davenport looks like Demarcus Ware in terms of size
and athleticism. Ware, who attended Troy, was the #11 pick in 2005. With
a good Senior Bowl and combine that’ll be the range Davenport lands
too.) (12-29-17):
http://blog.seattlepi.com/seahawksdraftblog/2017/12/29/friday-draft-notes-marcus-davenport-is-legit/
What
NFL Scouts and Execs Said About My Latest Mock Draft (ou might have
never heard of the guy I had to keep moving up. I mentioned UTSA edge
rusher Marcus Davenport—a 6' 7" freak of a receiver-turned-pass rusher—a
few weeks back. I didn’t have him in my early November mock. I put him
at the end of the first round in the initial list I put together this
time around, and then multiple execs told me he’s not getting out of the
Top 15. I wound up putting him at 14, behind only Chubb among rushers,
and Davenport clearly has a chance to rise higher.) (12-27-17):
https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/12/27/2018-nfl-mock-draft-notes-marcus-davenport-quenton-nelson-tremaine-edmunds-derwin-james
2018 NFL Draft: UTSA pass rusher Marcus Davenport has enormous NFL potential (11-16-17):
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2018-nfl-draft-utsa-pass-rusher-marcus-davenport-has-enormous-nfl-potential/
MTS
Notes: How Eagles built contender; Scouting Darnold-Rosen
(Under-The-Radar Pass Rusher to watch - I talk to NFL scouts on a daily
basis and they help me identify the right players to study for next
year's draft. One prospect that has come up several times in the last
few weeks: University of Texas at San Antonio outside linebacker Marcus
Davenport. I finally had the chance to study the talented edge rusher
this week, and I came away very impressed. Scouts estimate his height at
6-foot-5 1/2 and his weight at 260 pounds. He is tall, long and
explosive. As a pass rusher, he explodes off the ball, uses his length
to separate from offensive tackles and he can bend around the edge. He
closes ground quickly and he's an excellent finisher. In the run game,
he dominates offensive tackles and tight ends at the point of attack. He
generates knock-back on first contact and his backside pursuit is
outstanding. He will lose sight of the ball on occasion, but that's to
be expected for someone relatively new to the position (he is a former
wide receiver). He has a chance to elevate his stock at the Reese's
Senior Bowl in January -- he's been invited to participate in the game
-- and I expect him to put on a show at the NFL Scouting Combine this
spring. Right now, he's pegged as a second-round pick. He could move
into the first-round conversation with a strong postseason performance.
-- Daniel Jeremiah.) (11-17-17):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000878045/article/mts-notes-how-eagles-built-contender-scouting-darnoldrosen
A
handful of guys to watch from non-Power 5 schools who (unlike Allen)
you probably haven’t heard much about. (Marcus Davenport, DE, Texas-San
Antonio: The converted receiver, who measures 6' 7" and 255 pounds, is
very raw, but has 7.5 sacks on the season. With pass rushers always in
demand, his explosiveness will make scouts take notice.) (11-14-17):
https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/11/14/josh-allen-wyoming-2018-nfl-draft-top-small-school-prospects
2018
NFL Draft Stock - Week 11 (Marcus Davenport, DE, UTSA: Davenport is
another small-school prospect who has earned a Senior Bowl invitation.
The 6-foot-7, 255-pound has length and athleticism to play on the edge
in the NFL. This season, Davenports has 45 tackles with 14.5 tackles for
a loss, 7.5 sacks, four passes batted and three forced fumbles. He
totaled 6.5 sacks as a junior after racking up four as a sophomore. Edge
defenders with length are always in demand, so if Davenport plays well
at the Senior Bowl, his stock could really rise.) (11-14-17):
http://walterfootball.com/draft2018stock_11.php
Stock
Report: Auburn's Johnson catching eye of Heisman voters, NFL scouts
(Other Notes - UTSA senior DE/OLB Marcus Davenport (6-5, 252, 4.77, #93)
continued his impressive 2017 season with 2.5 tackles for loss and one
sack against UAB on Saturday. He now has 45 tackles, 14.5 tackles for
loss, 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles on the season and with his
impressive tape, Davenport is making a strong case to be a top-50 draft
pick. A positive week in Mobile at the Senior Bowl would continue to
push his draft value higher and higher.) (11-13-17):
http://www.gwinnettprepsports.com/sportsxchange/stock-report-auburn-s-johnson-catching-eye-of-heisman-voters/article_2d119889-6b5a-5fec-9c32-7aa2f009a3d7.html
Stock Report: QB prospects heading opposite directions (After his dominant performance against North Texas last week, UTSA senior DE Marcus Davenport (6-5, 252, 4.77, #93) was at it again against Rice. He finished with 11 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and a fumble recovery that he returned 34 yards for a touchdown. The quality of competition is certainly a noteworthy variable, but Davenport has been playing at a high level and it isn't going unnoticed by NFL scouts.) (10-24-17):
http://nfldraftscout.com/members/news/cfb_column.php?story_id=179822
Week
8 Risers and Sliders (Marcus Davenport/DE-OLB/Texas-San Antonio: If
your team needs a pass rusher in the offseason, remember the name Marcus
Davenport. Entering the year graded as a priority free agent, Davenport
has made scouts take notice with his dominant 2017 campaign. Six games
into the season he’s recorded 32 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks
and has also broken up four passes. During the weekend victory over
Rice, he led UTSA with 11 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.
Measuring in over 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds, Davenport plays quick,
explosive football and makes plays behind the line of scrimmage as well
as out in space. Versatility is key and Davenport offers potential as a
one-gap defensive end or a 3-4 outside linebacker. I would expect him to
receive an invitation to a January All-Star game then attend the
combine and eventually end up in the early part of the draft’s final
day.) (10-23-17):
http://draftanalyst.com/week-8-risers-sliders
Dane Brugler's Stock Report: Michigan’s Hurst could be No. 1 senior (Marcus Davenport, DE/OLB, UTSA, SR. (6-6, 255, 4.77, #93): If you’re looking for a prospect who will “rise” throughout the draft process, Davenport is a name to remember. An athletic big man with a basketball background, he was nearly unblockable against North Texas on Saturday, finishing with a team-best eight tackles, 4.0 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and one forced fumble. Davenport is quick off the snap and converts speed to power with his initial quickness, forward lean and physical attitude. He has great feet for his size to play in space and uses his flexibility to leverage the edge, dip and capture the corner. From a technical perspective, Davenport plays tall and is still figuring out how to efficiently string together hand/arm moves, but the effort never quits. Tipping the scales at 198 pounds when he arrived at UTSA, he is close to his goal of 265 pounds, developing his body and building his muscle, which backs up the glowing words from his coaches regarding his work ethic. Look for Davenport to continue to rise this season and throughout the pre-draft process.) (10-17-17):
http://www.lindyssports.com/college-football/article/headline/stock-report-michigans-hurst-could-be-no-1-senior/452200/
2018 Prospect Preview: Marcus Davenport a nightmare off the edge in C-USA (8-18-17):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-2018-prospect-preview-marcus-davenport-a-nightmare-off-the-edge-in-c-usa
2018
NFL Draft Watch: FBS Edge Defender Overview (Marcus Davenport, UTSA:
With great length at 6-foot-7, 255-pounds, Davenport should be on the
NFL’s radar and a close watch this fall. He knows how to shed blocks in
the run game (81.8 run grade in 2016) and he’s on the cusp of breaking
out as a pass-rusher, so look for him to be a hot name if he can take
that next step this season.) (8-15-17):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-2018-nfl-draft-watch-fbs-edge-defender-overview
DE Arden Key:
Scouting Reports:
LSU Bio:
http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=209874098
NFL:
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/arden-key?id=2560074
NFL Draft Scout:
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/members/ratings/profile.php?pyid=1002804&draftyear=2018&genpos=DE
Draft Wire:
http://draftwire.usatoday.com/2017/12/29/arden-key-nfl-draft-profile/
PFW's NFL draft profile — No. 48: LSU DE-LB Arden Key:
http://www.profootballweekly.com/2018/03/09/nfl-draft-profile-no-48-lsu-de-lb-arden-key/agje4tp/
Path to the Draft:
http://www.nfl.com/labs/rr/pathtothedraft/key
Articles:
Five Lions targets who lost stock at the NFL Scouting Combine (Arden Key: Every year has some prospects entering the Combine with more questions than curiosities about him. Key was in that category after he had a mysterious, lengthy absence last year during spring practice and then followed it up with a season that had far too many plays where he essentially did nothing. Those cut into his clear size and speed potential, the kind that allowed him to rack up 12 sacks in the SEC in 2016, and he came to Indianapolis to answer them. That didn't go as well as it could. He was vague and deceptive in speaking to the media, as if he wasn't willing to address his issue head-on. And then he came in at weigh-ins at 238 pounds, which is rail thin at 6 feet 6 inches and a far cry from the 280 pounds he said he played at last season. It was yet another moment where you just don't know what you're going to get from the guy, and though his size and ability are real, he's currently looking like far too big of a character risk to take in an early round.) (3-8-18):
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/03/five_lions_targets_who_lost_st.html
10 players who just missed the latest mock draft (Arden Key: A lack of bulk and general off-field concerns are both red flags for Key, who showed up at the combine at under 240 pounds. At his best, he has the length and bend to disrupt the quarterback off the edge and he looked like a future first-rounder after picking up 110 pressures in his first two seasons at LSUs. However, a lack of development and a subpar 2017 season have raised question marks and his lack of bulk may limit his fit around the league.) (3-7-18):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-10-players-who-just-missed-the-latest-mock-draft
PFW NFL Draft: Scouting combine winners and losers on defense (Here are some of the players on defense who didn't meet expectations: Arden Key – Edge – LSU: Key did not have the season that many had hoped for at LSU in 2017. He needed a strong combine to overcome his play on the field. He didn’t get it. He weighed in at just 238 pounds, which is very small for an edge player. Then he decided to wait until his pro day to run the 40 and do the bench press. His results in the drills he did perform were only average for his position and size. The vertical jump of 31” is very disappointing, as is his long jump of 9’9”. That means he has marginal explosion. A 7.16 3-cone is OK, not great for an undersized edge. He has to hope for a great pro day in order to climb back into the premium-round discussion.) (3-7-18):
http://www.profootballweekly.com/2018/03/05/pfw-nfl-draft-scouting-combine-winners-and-losers-on-defense/anmx7ir/#//
40 things we learned from 2018 NFL combine (17. This draft doesn't appear nearly as deep at edge rusher as last year's. That's one reason why unsigned defensive ends like Detroit's Ziggy Ansah and Dallas' Demarcus Lawrence are getting the franchise tag. It also affirms the notion that N.C. State's Bradley Chubb probably won't make it out of the top five. 18. A lack of pressure players is also good news for LSU's Arden Key, who answered a major question by measuring in at 6-5, 238 pounds, more than 30 pounds lighter than he was during a disappointing 2017 season for the Tigers. But Key now may be back on track to the first round given the premium on his skill set.) (3-6-18):
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2018/03/06/nfl-combine-40-things-we-learned-saquon-barkley-shaquem-griffin/397505002/
Combine Notes: Day 7 (Much-maligned pass rusher Arden Key of LSU continues to drop down draft boards, and the junior left a bad taste in the mouths of NFL decision makers during the combine by not running the 40 or participating in the bench press in Indianapolis. He was in the bottom half, and sometimes at the lowest levels, of the tests he did participate in, except for the short shuttle.) (3-6-17):
http://draftanalyst.com/combine-notes-day-7
Mike Mayock's takeaways from Day 3 of combine (Arden Key, LSU: He didn't run the 40 this weekend but impressed nonetheless in on-field drills. Mayock especially liked seeing him back at 238 pounds, which had been his playing weight prior to being at 265 last season. "He looks so much quicker. I put the first tape of the year on, and I didn't even recognize him.") (3-4-18):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000919286/article/mike-mayocks-takeaways-from-day-3-of-combine
2018 NFL Combine: Leighton Vander Esch, Shaquem Griffin crush their
workouts (Edge-Rusher Losers - Arden Key, LSU -- Key decided not the run the 40-yard dash, which is strange because on paper, at nearly 6-6 and just 238 pounds, he would've (or should've) ran a fast time. In the on-field work, Key looked surprisingly clunky at times, particularly in the bag drill that asks defenders to bend the edge.) (3-4-18):
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2018-nfl-combine-marcus-davenport-shaquem-griffin-daron-payne-crush-their-combine-workouts/
Sunday's winners, losers at the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine (Loser - Arden Key: One of the most highly anticipated pass rushers coming into the 2017 season, injuries and off-field issues had Key stumbling through a frustrating campaign. With his weight fluctuating throughout the season, many were excited to see him work out after weighing in at 238 pounds at the combine. Key looked uncomfortable at times during position drills, and it’s possible his knee injury is still having a significant impact on him. With many of this year’s top edge defenders turning in solid performances Sunday, Key missed an opportunity to keep pace with them, and could lose some valuable ground he’ll have to make up at his pro day.) (3-4-18):
https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2018/03/04/sundays-winners-losers-at-the-2018-nfl-scouting-combine/5/
NFL Combine Studs and Duds: Defensive Line and Linebackers (Mixed Reviews - Arden Key (LSU) and Sam Hubbard (Ohio State) were both players I wanted to see run, and while their decision to not do so left me disappointed, I thought both had a nice day in the on-field drills.)
(3-4-18):
https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/03/04/nfl-combine-studs-and-duds-defensive-line-and-linebackers/
2018 NFL Scouting Combine: Recap of DL and LBs (Arden Key (knee) and Sam
Hubbard did not run the 40-yard dash. Both will run at their pro days.)
(3-4-18):
http://www.optimumscouting.com/news/2018-nfl-scouting-combine-dl-lb-recap
NFL
Draft: Talented edge rushers will come off the board in a hurry (LSU’s
Key probably has the best chance of plummeting in the draft because of a
rocky senior season, which included shoulder surgery in May, while he
was in the midst of taking an unexplained four-month sabbatical from the
program. Asked about it at the Combine, Key responded, “No comment.”
But he said when NFL teams ask, “I tell them the real. That I went
through adversity, yes I did, and I made mistakes and bad decisions, but
I’m past that. I’m the best pass rusher in the class. I’m coachable,
I’m a people person, I’m a loving and caring guy, I got a good smile. I
went through it, and I’m past that, and I’m looking forward.” Last
year, the 6-foot-5 Key’s weight ballooned up to 280, but he was down to
238 for the Combine. That excess weight and his absence from the program
resulted in his sack total dropping from 12 in 2016 to just four. Key
says some of the drop in production was on him and some wasn’t. “I got
overweight, I was out of shape, I missed spring and summer so I was
trying to get in shape during the season and things of that sort,” he
said. “There were a lot of double-teams, lot of slide protection, a lot
of chip blocks, you name it. If they knew if Arden Key was on the field,
they had to game plan for Arden Key.” Key probably is one of the
draft’s best pass rushers, but because of the red flags he raised last
year, he won’t go as high as other players with similar talent.)
(3-3-18):
http://www.profootballweekly.com/2018/03/03/nfl-draft-talented-edge-rushers-will-come-off-the-board-in-a-hurry/a4gm6eq/
Detroit Lions pass rush help hard to come by in free agency, draft (LSU’s Arden Key, Boston College’s Harold Landry and Ohio State’s Sam Hubbard also are Round 1 possibilities, but Key comes with a host of off-field concerns, Landry might play outside linebacker and Hubbard is considered a borderline first-round talent.) (3-3-18):
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/03/03/detroit-lions-pass-rush-help-free-agency-draft/392567002/
2018
NFL combine: What we learned from DL and LB weigh-ins and measurements
(DL losers - Arden Key, LSU. Cue the Barkevious Mingo and Randy Gregory
comparisons for Key. Not hitting 240 pounds at nearly 6-foot-6 was
really disappointing.) (3-2-18):
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2018-nfl-combine-what-we-learned-from-dl-and-lb-weigh-ins-and-measurements/
Five
prospects with most riding on 2018 NFL Scouting Combine (Arden Key,
OLB, LSU: Key is one of the prospects who will need to answer the bell
in several areas at the combine. First off, he'll need to prove that
he's in shape. Key ballooned up to 270 pounds early in camp last year,
which is a huge red flag. He's also had a shoulder injury that will need
to check out on the medical side. Teams are concerned about his
maturity level, so that means he'll need to dispel those concerns in
interviews. And when all of that is said and done, he needs to show
explosiveness and quickness on the field in workouts. It's safe to say
the combine is extremely important for Key.) (2-28-18):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000917906/article/five-prospects-with-most-riding-on-2018-nfl-scouting-combine
2018
NFL Scouting Combine: 5 defensive prospects with the most to lose
(Arden Key: After leading the SEC with 12 sacks in 2016, Key had tons of
buzz coming into the 2017 season. An exceptional athlete with ideal
size, length and athleticism, Key was a top-10 pick in many early mock
drafts prior to on-field action getting rolling. After leaving the team
for personal reasons, Key returned only to have the early part of his
season derailed by injury. Key has all the talent to play either a
defensive end or outside linebacker at the next level, but he’ll have to
prove he’s prepared well for the combine, both physically and mentally.
The most important aspect of his week will likely happen behind closed
doors, in team interviews and with medial evaluations, both of which
could knock him out of the first round if they’re negative.) (2-28-18):
https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2018/02/28/2018-nfl-scouting-combine-5-defensive-prospects-with-the-most-to-lose/2/
What
we learned at NFL Combine: Broncos to visit with Mayfield (5. The key
to Key. LSU pass rusher Arden Key admittedly had a forgettable season
last year, but the spectacular sophomore season he enjoyed (12 sacks in
2016) still makes a case for him as one of the draft's most promising
pass rushers. Detroit Lions GM Bob Quinn said getting to the root of a
player who has shown that kind of inconsistency requires strong
relationships with college staffs. "We've got to take the really good
things they do on tape and ask questions of their staff members and
people around the player, 'Why wasn't this consistent?' You've got to
have trusting people on the (college) coaching staff you can call and
get good information (from)," Quinn said. "(They might say) hey, he was
injured these four or five games, or he had something going on in his
life. You've got to put the puzzle together before you make a selection
for a guy like that.") (2-28-18):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000917983/article/what-we-learned-at-nfl-combine-broncos-to-visit-with-mayfield
10
to watch at NFL combine: Arden Key, Nick Chubb, Lamar Jackson top list
(DE Arden Key, LSU: Key is one of the most talented players in the
draft, and should perform well at the combine. He comes with a host of
off-field questions, however, and will have to give honest answers about
the personal problems that caused him to leave the team last spring. If
he can quell fears about those issues, he'll be a first-round pick.)
(2-27-18):
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/02/27/nfl-combine-arden-key-mark-walton-lamar-jackson/376443002/
NFL
combine: 10 players with something to prove (7. Arden Key, DE, LSU:
Once viewed as a potential top-five pick, he has plenty to account for
from a disappointing 2017 campaign. After taking a leave of absence in
the spring and missing time while recovering from offseason shoulder
surgery, Key returned weighing as much as 280 pounds, up more than 30
from the previous season, and struggled to recapture his form. A 6-6
frame and uncanny ability to beat offensive tackles off the edge make
him one of the draft's most tantalizing pass rushers, but he must prove
to teams that he won't stand in his own way.) (2-27-18):
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2018/02/27/nfl-scouting-combine-10-players-something-prove-lamar-jackson/375476002/
Players
who most stand to gain (or lose) from their showings at the Combine, be
it in measurement, medical check, athletic testing or team interviews
(LSU DE Arden Key -- Well, here we go. This is your stage, Mr. Key.
After one of the oddest years that we can remember from a player -- it
included an offseason disappearance from the team, a shoulder surgery
and a disappointing on-field display -- Key’s going to have a chance to
make or break it. Interviews will be huge for him, medical checks will
be huge for him. There’s still a possibility that he lands in the
top-15. We weren’t as underwhelmed by his 2017 season as we thought we
would be when we looked at the individual game tape and Key was viewed
as a top-10 possibility a year ago. It’s probably a stretch to say that
he’ll land top-10 as matters currently stand, but if he eases concerns
in interviews, look out. The inverse is true, too, of course. If he
bombs, a slide to the second or even third round should not be ruled
out.) (2-27-18):
http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/78152/321/combine-question-corner
Gabriel:
Ward, Key among NFL draft prospects with big questions to answer this
week (Arden Key – EDGE – LSU: In 2016, Key had a strong season at LSU,
and much was expected from him in 2017. He didn’t deliver. Although
there is no question that his speed and athleticism is elite, many will
question his size, power, strength and commitment to the game. After
spending time with Key in Dallas three weeks ago, I saw how undersized
he is. He lacks the type of muscle tone, bulk and power that clubs want
from an EDGE player. There is no question that he will put up some great
numbers at the combine, and that will help his cause, but he has to
prove to clubs that he is committed to be the best he can be as a
player. Right now I have my doubts. There are other prospects who will
be under the microscope as well. I’ll write about them before workouts
get underway on Friday morning.) (2-26-18):
http://www.profootballweekly.com/2018/02/26/gabriel-ward-key-among-nfl-draft-prospects-with-big-questions-to-answer-this-week/a47xlm8/
NFL Combine Crash Course: Mike Mayock on the Best Prospects, Top QBs In Indy (Edge
rusher is thin too, which boosts the stock of the premier guy, Bradley
Chubb of N.C. State. Good stat from Mayock: Last year, NFL teams picked
17 rushers in the first three rounds, which is about six more per draft
than in recent years. “Myles Garrett, Derek Barnett and T.J. Watt all
had really good years, and Tak McKinley, Charles Harris, Trey
Hendrickson and Carl Lawson from Cincy … all pretty impressive. So who
is going to affect the pass game day one? I think there are three of
them. Bradley Chubb is not as twitchy as a Von Miller or some of those
guys, but he does everything at a high level—stops the run, rushes the
QB, great hustle, tough kid, great size. Marcus Davenport from Texas-San
Antonio is really intriguing, and I’m eager to compare his numbers at
the combine to Ziggy Ansah and Jadeveon Clowney to see how he matches up
athletically to those two. And then Arden Key from LSU is another one
of those. Gifted, but he has off-the-field concerns … hurt his knee, had
a back issue. Who is Arden Key?”) (2-25-18):
https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/02/26/nfl-combine-mike-mayock-draft-prospects-mmqb-peter-king
Pat
Caputo - 5 potential Detroit Lions NFL Draft picks at 2018 Scouting
Combine (3. Arden Key, edge defender, LSU - The Lions need a pass rusher
and nobody is more gifted as an edge talent than Key. But if you read
enough about him, you’d think he was a terrible player. He is not. He
was hurt last year, so his production fell. There are questions about
his love for the game. If that is true, the Lions will know after
talking to him extensively at the combine. Also, is he really such an
outstanding athlete? Key will get his chance to prove it at the
combine.) (2-24-18):
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/sports/20180224/pat-caputo-5-potential-detroit-lions-nfl-draft-picks-at-2018-scouting-combine
Top
10 pass rushers to pursue in free agency, 2018 NFL Draft (4. Arden
Key: Before the 2017 season, Key took a leave of absence from LSU and
underwent shoulder surgery. He lost time due to the shoulder plus a knee
injury and finger surgery, and he ended up with just four sacks in
eight games. All that said, he has everything you want in a pass rusher,
including speed and length. He's coming out of a strong program and is
quite advanced, in my opinion.) (2-23-18):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000917240/article/top-10-pass-rushers-to-pursue-in-free-agency-2018-nfl-draft
NFL
Combine: Capt. Vea and must-see prospects per position (Edge Arden Key,
LSU, 6-5, 265, 4.78: Currently ranked 4th among DEs, 37th overall and a
1st-2nd round value - Few players have more riding on their Combine
performance than Key, who entered the 2017 season seemingly as a shoo-in
for the first round after registering 11 sacks as a true sophomore. Few
endured a more disappointing and mysterious year than Key, however, who
took a personal leave of absence from the team last February, returned
to the team out of shape after offseason shoulder surgery and then opted
not to compete in the final three games of his college career due to a
broken pinkie, raising plenty of questions about his competitiveness and
commitment. After registering as many DNPs (Did Not Play) as he did
sacks (four) in 2017, Key needs to remind scouts of the explosiveness
and hunger that characterized his first two seasons in Baton Rouge.)
(2-22-18):
http://draftscout.tsxfiles.com/2018/02/22/nfl-combine-capt-vea-and-mustsee-prospects-per-position/
NFL
Scouting Combine preview: Players to watch (DE Arden Key: Key’s trip
to Indianapolis may be as much about the interview process, as he will
have plenty of questions to answer after taking time off from football
last spring. On the field, Key was not nearly as productive as his 2015
or 2016 seasons, and a clean workout will go a long way toward putting a
subpar 2017 performance in the rearview mirror. At his best, Key is one
of the top pass-rushers in the class and a good workout will put him
back on the map. He had 140 total career QB pressures - 21 sacks, 33
hits, 86 hurries. He had 62 career defensive stops.) (2-22-18):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-nfl-scouting-combine-preview-players-to-watch
2018
NFL Draft: Josh Allen leads top 10 boom-or-bust prospects (2. Arden
Key, EDGE, LSU: Best team fits: Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets.
Analysis: Key showed great promise in his first two years with LSU,
racking up 16 sacks in 23 games using his length, power, and speed. He
took a leave from the team last spring for personal reasons, however,
and then underwent shoulder surgery, which prevented him from full
participation in summer camp. When he did return, he wasn't in good
shape. Key did have five sacks in eight games in 2017, showing glimpses
of his talent as he got healthy. Scouts still have questions about the
leave he took from the team and the consistency of his effort to fight
through better blockers on the edge. There is great potential in his
speed and length as a pass rusher, but great concerns about his bust
potential, as well.)
(2-22-18):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000917164/article/2018-nfl-draft-josh-allen-leads-top-10-boomorbust-prospects
Ask
5: Who has most riding on 2018 NFL Combine interviews? (Executive 3:
LSU edge rusher Arden Key - "Key really needs to explain what happened
last offseason and talk about where he is now. He was the biggest
disappointment of the 2017 season." Executive 4: Key - "People have to
meet the person and see if he can explain everything that's happened
over the last two years. He needs to gain the trust of the decision
makers. When right, he's a special talent." Conclusion: I'm not
surprised to see these three players mentioned. Each is immensely
talented, and the questions will be different for all three of them. For
Key, the questions will likely be related to the leave of absence he
took from the team last offseason and his disappointing 2017 season.)
(2-21-18):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000916937/article/ask-5-who-has-most-riding-on-2018-nfl-combine-interviews
NFL
Combine preview: Players who need to interview well (Arden Key, DE/OLB,
LSU: Based only on talent, Key has early first-round potential.
However, NFL teams are curious about his state of mind and desire to
reach his full potential. He took a leave of absence from the program
for personal issues last offseason and there are several questions
surrounding his character.) (2-21-18):
http://draftscout.tsxfiles.com/2018/02/21/nfl-combine-preview-players-who-need-to-interview-well/
Bold
predictions: 2018 NFL Scouting Combine studs and duds (5. “Key” pass
rushers get stuck - LSU’s Arden Key and Washington State’s Hercules
Mata’afa are two of the more explosive pass rushers in this year’s
class, but the first-step quickness that helped each terrorize opponents
might not translate into impressive workouts. Key needs to perform well
after questions about his conditioning and passion for the game came
into question during an injury-shortened season; if the poor workouts
leading up to Indianapolis continue (per sources), do not be surprised
if he opts to wait until LSU’s Pro Day. Mata’afa will impress in the
bench press and measure in around 245 to 250 pounds, but questions about
his fit at the next level will only escalate if he runs more like a
defensive tackle than linebacker.) (2-18-18):
http://draftscout.tsxfiles.com/2018/02/18/bold-predictions-2018-nfl-scouting-combine-studs-and-duds/
2018
Combine Preview: Defensive end (LB Arden Key - Best trait: Frame. He's
got a long frame with long arms, and knows how to use them to manipulate
tackles. He racked up 12.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks as a
sophomore. Concern: He left the LSU program for four months in the
spring for personal reasons, and also had shoulder surgery over that
span. The shoulder injury and a finger issue allowed him to play in only
eight games in 2017. Skinny: The size and the frame fit, and there’s
room for improvement once he gets into an NFL system. The Combine will
be important for him to clear up some of the off-the-field concerns
teams will no-doubt inquire about.) (2-15-18):
http://www.detroitlions.com/news/nfl-scouting-combine/article-1/2018-Combine-Preview-Defensive-end/dc6505e7-fc0f-4f2a-ae89-21925c65d7b6
10
prospects who should light up the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine (DE Arden
Key: One of this year’s biggest boom-or-bust prospects, Key led the SEC
with 12 sacks in 2016, but injury and off-field issues marred his 2017
campaign. While the interview process with teams will be vital to
improving his draft stock in Indy, Key should have no problem with the
on-field portions of the event. A ridiculous athlete with a massive
frame (6-6, 265 pounds), Key should have defensive line coaches across
the league begging their general managers to spend a first-round pick on
him.) (2-14-18):
https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2018/02/14/2018-nfl-draft-scouting-combine-10-prospects-who-should-light-it-up/10/
Ask 5: Who's most polarizing prospect in 2018 NFL Draft? (Executive 2: LSU OLB Arden Key
"We
had guys who had huge grades on him coming into the season and they
plummeted during the season. We're still trying to sort him
out." Conclusion: The player mentioned that I probably struggle with
the most is Key. The flashes are so impressive, but there are times when
he's lethargic and blends into the scenery. You expect more from a guy
with his ability.) (1-24-18):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000910193/article/ask-5-whos-most-polarizing-prospect-in-2018-nfl-draft
Hello From Mobile! (The more people I speak with, the more likely it
seems Arden Key falls out of the first round. I’m told the pass rusher
looks like a very ordinary athlete during combine training and there’s
nothing that stands out about him. Then there are potential off-field
issues, something I initially eluded to in August.) (1-22-18):
http://draftanalyst.com/hello-mobile-0
Off-the-Field Issues Could Cause Key to Slide (1-11-18):
http://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/Off-the-Field%20Issues%20Could%20Cause%20Key%20to%20Slide
2018
NFL Draft Prospect Rankings: Da'Ron Payne dominant in College Football
Playoff (31. Arden Key, DE, LSU: Key has Myles Garrett-ian size,
athleticism and pass-rushing skills. It's just that he rarely puts
everything together. Injuries played a role in 2017 after he was a
monster in 2016 for the Tigers. ) (1-9-18):
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2018-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-daron-payne-dominant-in-college-football-playoff/
LSU
standout Arden Key intends to enter 2018 NFL Draft (Key endured an
injury-hampered 2017 campaign, but that hasn't stopped many pundits from
pegging him as a potential first-round talent. Key recorded four sacks
and 33 tackles in eight games this season after offseason shoulder
surgery and a late-season knee injury sidelined him for four games. As a
sophomore, he recorded a school-record eight sacks. Key didn't play in
the LSU's 21-17 loss to Notre Dame in the Citrus Bowl.) (1-4-17):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000902673/article/lsu-standout-arden-key-intends-to-enter-2018-nfl-draft
Scouting
the Citrus Bowl: Notre Dame vs. LSU (LSU features two top-35 prospects
on our board in Arden Key and Derrius Guice, although Key won’t play in
the bowl game. The 6-foot-5 pass rusher enjoyed a 12-sack season in 2016
but took personal leave in February before returning to the team a few
months later and 30 pounds heavier after offseason shoulder surgery. Key
managed just four sacks in eight games this season, but is length and
movement skills portend the upside of a top-five NFL draft pick,
although teams will need to be comfortable with his “puzzling”
personality before spending a first-round pick on him.) (12-31-17):
http://draftanalyst.com/scouting-citrus-bowl-notre-dame-vs-lsu
Ask
5: Which prospect has most to gain from playing in bowl? (Executive 2:
LSU edge rusher Arden Key (Citrus Bowl vs. Notre Dame) - "Key vs. (Notre
Dame OT Mike) McGlinchey will be the money-making matchup for bowl
games. Big opportunity for Key." Executive 3: Key - "Tough one. I'll
go with Arden Key. He's had an uninspiring year. You see flashes, but he
hasn't put it all together. If he can put a full game together against
one of the better tackles in the draft (McGlinchey), he'll help himself
in draft rooms in the coming months.") (12-13-17):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000892362/article/ask-5-which-prospect-has-most-to-gain-from-playing-in-bowl
LSU
edge rusher Arden Key to undergo finger surgery for injury he battled
this season (LSU edge rusher Arden Key will undergo surgery this week
for a 2-month-old injury to a finger on his right hand, a source
confirmed with The Advocate. Key, a junior All-American, is expected to
recover from the surgery in time for LSU's bowl game in late December
or early January. He's played with the injury to his pinky finger for
the last two months, wearing a cast or bandage on the outside final two
fingers on his right hand beginning against Auburn on Oct. 14. In the
loss at Alabama, the injury to his finger is evident. He wore a bandage
binding his right ring and pinky fingers to stabilize what appeared to
be a broken, crooked pinky finger. He missed the first two games of 2017
while recovering from May shoulder surgery, and it took until late
October for him to round into game shape. He's got 4 sacks, 8 off of his
school-record from last season. In all, Key completely missed four
games, battled the finger injury in four of the eight games in which he
played and played more than two quarters against Arkansas with an
injured knee. Key has not been made available to reporters since last
December. ) (11-27-17):
http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/sports/lsu/article_66566566-d383-11e7-a09c-9fbb1bb6b4db.html?22
LSU stars Derrius Guice and Arden Key 'still first-rounders' despite junior season lulls (11-16-17):
http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/sports/lsu/article_81b82f88-caf5-11e7-8ebf-cb408fad1ab3.html
Ask
5: Which college football edge rusher is best NFL prospect? (Executive
1: LSU's Arden Key - "(Key) has been improving each week. Best speed
rusher with length and a great motor when he's in shape." Executive 2:
Key - "It's Key (based on) who I've seen, but I don't love him at all.
He plays with a serious governor. I haven't seen the N.C. State kid
(Bradley Chubb), who I'm hearing is pretty good.") (11-8-17):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000874028/article/ask-5-which-college-football-edge-rusher-is-best-nfl-prospect
2018
NFL Draft prospects to watch in Week 10 (LSU’s Arden Key had a slower
start to his season than anticipated, but has turned it on as of late.
He has recorded multiple quarterback pressures in his last three games,
including the game-clinching sack on Auburn QB Jarrett Stidham in Week
7. 13 of his 18 total pressures this season have come in the last three
games, and he’ll need to continue that, going against a stout Crimson
Tide offensive line.) (11-2-17):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/2018-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-week-10
2018
NFL Draft Stock - Week 8 (Arden Key, DE, LSU: Key is one of the top
prospects for the 2018 NFL Draft and is starting to round into form. He
had been slowed by a shoulder injury that caused him to miss some games
early in the year, plus he was heavy from being restricted in training
over the summer. Key has been dropping weight and is looking more like
the fast and explosive player who dominated the SEC last year. Late in
the first quarter, Key burned the right tackle with a speed rush to
pressure Shea Patterson into a sack for some teammates. Shortly later,
Key used power to slap down the hands of the left tackle and then closed
on Patterson for a blind-side strip sack. In the second half, Key was
playing containment on the edge, and once he saw there wasn't a rushing
play, he used his speed to close on Patterson for another sack. Key also
made some good tackles in run support. Against Ole Miss, Key totaled
six tackles with two sacks and the forced fumble. This tape will help
him to get righted in the eyes of evaluators.) (10-24-17):
http://walterfootball.com/draft2018stock_08.php
Scout:
LSU OLB Arden Key's weight gain a big concern (The scoop: "Any time you
see a player balloon up like Arden Key has, it's a big concern. Whether
you are dealing with injuries or not, there are certain conditioning
and nutrition standards you need to be following." -- NFC area scout.
The skinny: LSU coach Ed Orgeron revealed last week that Key's weight
had reached 270 pounds, which raised eyebrows considering his listed
playing weight last season was 238 pounds. While he's dropped some of
the weight (Orgeron said Key was down to his target weight of 255
pounds), Key looks slower on the field this season. His teammate,
defensive end Christian LaCouture, told The Advocate of Baton Rouge this
week that Key was "a little overweight" but is beginning to return to
form. He recorded a season-high 6 tackles last week in LSU's win over
Auburn, including a game-clinching sack on Auburn's final offensive
play. His time away from the field leading up to the season figures to
have set him back when it came to conditioning. Key missed the first
two games of this season as he was returnn the scing from offseason
shoulder surgery. He took a leave of absence from the team in February
for what the school called "personal reasons" and returned to the
program in June, which is whehool announced he had undergone the
procedure. So far, he has managed just 1.5 sacks in 5 games after
recording a school-record 12 last season. His ability to rush the passer
will define his draft stock, but if he doesn't prove that he can keep
his weight down and his quickness up, it could cost him with NFL
teams.(10-19-17):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000863820/article/scout-lsu-olb-arden-keys-weight-gain-a-big-concern
Next Level: 'Old Arden,' LSU will have their chances vs. Ole Miss, Louisiana native Shea Patterson (10-18-17):
http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/sports/lsu/article_a5aaafac-b3b1-11e7-a205-8b2b9defa954.html
PFF
Draft Watch: Week 6 marquee matchups (OT Ivey vs DE Key - With Key not
yet playing up to form, this matchup may be a chance for him to “get
right.” Ivey continues to struggle in the ground game (his run blocking
grade sits at 38.5), and against Vanderbilt gave up three more pressures
to bring his total through four games up to 10. Key racked up a sack, a
hit and a QB hurry in Week 3 against Mississippi State, his first
action of the season, but managed just two hurries in Week 4 and no
pressures last week against Troy (albeit with just 16 pass-rush
attempts). Last season, he averaged nearly a sack and a hit in every
game, and Ivey’s play thus far suggests Key should get back on track
this weekend.) (10-16-17):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pff-draft-watch-week-6-marquee-matchups
LSU linebacker Arden Key reaches target weight, Ed Orgeron says (10-9-17):
http://www.nola.com/lsu/index.ssf/2017/10/lsu_football_arden_key_weight.html
LSU's
Arden Key notches a half sack vs. Mississippi State in season debut (It
took Key a while to make his presence felt, but he finished with three
tackles, one quarterback hurry and combined with Greg Gilmore for LSU's
only sack.) (9-17-17):
http://www.nola.com/lsu/index.ssf/2017/09/arden_key_notches_half_a_sack.html
PFF
Draft Watch: Week 3 marquee matchups (Key makes his 2017 debut on
Saturday, as he will look to build off his 12 sacks and 54 total
pressures from last year.) (9-15-17):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pff-draft-watch-week-3-marquee-matchups
Arden Key (shoulder) to miss LSU's Week 2 game vs. UT-Chattanooga (9-6-17):
http://draftwire.usatoday.com/2017/09/06/arden-key-shoulder-to-miss-lsus-week-2-game-vs-ut-chattanooga/
2018
NFL draft: SEC scouting preview (Top Offensive Prospect - LB Arden
Key: Another talented Tiger tops this year’s list of defensive talent
coming out of the SEC, even if he comes with some caveats. He’s unlikely
to play in the Bayou Bengals’ opener, but Key led the SEC with 12 sacks
last season, and has added some quality bulk to his massive 6-6 frame
this offseason. If he’s at full strength, he’s arguably the best
pass-rusher in the nation and could contend to the be No. 1 overall pick
in 2018.) (8-23-17):
http://draftwire.usatoday.com/2017/08/23/2018-nfl-draft-sec-scouting-preview/2/
CFBTop25: No. 4, Arden Key, OLB, LSU (8-22-17):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000833007/article/cfbtop25-no-4-arden-key-olb-lsu
LSU's Arden Key not expected to play in season opener vs. BYU (8-18-17):
http://draftwire.usatoday.com/2017/08/18/lsus-arden-key-not-expected-to-play-in-season-opener-vs-byu/
Ranking best pass rushers in CFB: Harold Landry leads top 5 (3. Arden Key, LSU, DE
Key's
a long, rangy pass rusher with spectacular first-step quickness and
bend-and-burst ability. He has a terrific feel for getting to the
quarterback (17.5 career sacks) but questions about his strength, power
and passion cloud the evaluation for scouts. The LSU standout is
certainly intriguing as a stand-up edge rusher, but he will need a
strong 2017 campaign to address the concerns about his game and
long-term potential.) (8-15-17):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000829937/article/ranking-best-pass-rushers-in-cfb-harold-landry-leads-top-5
Scouting
the SEC: LSU (It all starts with Arden Key, a terrific pass rusher but
puzzling person who will be discussed at length right up until draft day
of 2018. As a player Key has excellent length, movement skills and
agility. He’s a terrific edge rusher who plays with proper pad level and
easily changes direction or alters his angle of attack. His lack of
bulk is a concern, as Key struggles getting off blocks and can be easily
controlled at the point. Does Key project as a 4-3 defensive end?
Outside linebacker in a 3-4? I believe he can grow into the former if
his head is in the right place -- unfortunately that’s not always the
case from what I’ve been told by LSU sources. When Randy Gregory
entered the draft I was constantly quoted as saying, “He’s a talented
player on the field but a troubled person off the field,” while I was
predicting his fall deep into the second round that year. Hopefully
things change for Key, but history could be repeating itself.)
(8-11-17):
http://draftanalyst.com/scouting-sec-lsu
Top
5 FBS players, per position, entering the 2017 season: Defense (Arden
Key - The Good: Explosive pass-rusher who ranked fourth in the draft
class with a pass-rush productivity of 15.5 last season. His overall
grade was 87.8, 2nd among edge. Room to Improve: Only 3.7 percent of
pressures came on bull rushes, below the draft class average of 6.4
percent.) (8-8-17):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/top-5-fbs-players-per-position-entering-the-2017-season-defense
Orgeron:
Arden Key to miss first half of LSU camp, at minimum (Tigers coach Ed
Orgeron said a few weeks ago that Key wouldn't be ready for the start of
camp and revealed on Thursday an update on the star edge rusher who's
recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.) (7-28-17):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000822802/article/orgeron-arden-key-to-miss-first-half-of-lsu-camp-at-minimum
Arden
Key, Harold Landry lead top CFB edge rushers to watch (1. Arden Key,
LSU: Key is all arms and legs. The combination of his gangly frame with
his awkward movement style has been confounding offensive tackles for
two straight years now. Key's lean, thin legs foreshadow his inability
to control the point of attack and anchor down against the run, but his
NFL bread will ultimately be buttered by his ability to rush the passer.
Key was allowed to rush as an outside linebacker last season and it
really fits his rush style. With a unique ability to accelerate
instantly off of lateral direction change, Key has created a devastating
inside/out pass-rush move. He's a little more tight-hipped than
expected and needs to shore up some of his wasted motion off the snap,
but long edge rushers with consistent production (like Key) tend to be
at the top of these types of lists.) (7-18-17):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000820484/article/arden-key-harold-landry-lead-top-cfb-edge-rushers-to-watch
2018 Prospect Preview: LSU edge defender Arden Key looks to make a leap to No. 1 (7-16-17):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-2018-prospect-preview-lsu-edge-defender-arden-key-looks-to-make-a-leap-to-no-1
2018
NFL draft early watch list: Edge defenders (Arden Key: The SEC put an
dynamic, athletic edge rusher in the No. 1 overall slot in the 2017
draft, and they may just do it again next year in the form of Key. A
wrecking ball for the Bayou Bengals last year, Key led the SEC with 12
sacks, proving to be a frustrating assignment for opposing blockers.
Listed last year at 6-6, 238 pounds, Key’s long, lean frame and
explosiveness are reminiscent of Aldon Smith. If he can build on last
year’s success and continue maximizing his rare physical talent, Key
could easily end up in the conversation for next year’s top overall
pick.) (7-4-17):
http://draftwire.usatoday.com/2017/07/04/2018-nfl-draft-early-watch-list-edge-defenders/
First Look: Scouting LSU LB Arden Key (6-15-17):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000815392/article/first-look-scouting-lsu-lb-arden-key
LSU DE Arden Key ending leave of absence from team (6-5-17):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000813066/article/lsu-de-arden-key-ending-leave-of-absence-from-team
DE Christian LaCouture:
Scouting Reports:
LSU Bio:
http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=205999676
NFL:
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/christian-lacouture?id=2560084
Draft Scout:
http://www.draftscout.com/members/ratings/tsx_profile.php?pyid=127523
Articles:
How
D.J. Chark, other LSU products, locals fared at Senior Bowl (Defensive
linemen Christian LaCouture and Greg Gilmore teamed up for a sack in the
first half. The LSU products combined for nine total tackles with
LaCouture (five tackles) at defensive end and Gilmore (four) at nose
tackle.) (1-27-18):
http://www.nola.com/lsu/index.ssf/2018/01/lsu_locals_senior_bowl_2018.html
Senior
Bowl -- South Team Page (Analysis: LaCouture started slowly, but by
Thursday he was one of the best defensive linemen on the South squad. I
like his quickness, hand technique and ability to play with leverage,
but LaCouture must improve his playing strength.) (1-26-18):
http://draftanalyst.com/senior-bowl-south-team-page
LSU D-linemen Christian LaCouture, Greg Gilmore cap 5 years together at Senior Bowl (1-26-18):
http://www.nola.com/lsu/index.ssf/2018/01/lsu_senior_bowl_defensive_line.html
Senior
Bowl -- South Team Page (Thurs: Best day of the week for LaCouture as
he was winning his one-on-one battles and handling blockers. Worked his
hands nicely and played with great leverage.) (1-25-18):
http://draftanalyst.com/senior-bowl-south-team-page
Senior
Bowl -- South Team Page (Wed: There's a lot to like about LaCouture and
he comes with a nice amount of upside but needs time to finish his
game. He did a much better job on the power rush today.) (1-24-18):
http://draftanalyst.com/senior-bowl-south-team-page
From
gagging against Troy to gigging the Aggies, LSU seniors lead season
turnaround (There are seniors who overcame injury and stuck around for a
fifth season bypassing early entry into the NFL, like defensive end
Christian LaCouture. He bounced back this year after the August 2016
double whammy of knee surgery and his family home being ruined by the
flood that devastated so many areas between Baton Rouge and Hammond.)
(11-26-17):
http://www.nola.com/lsu/index.ssf/2017/11/from_gagging_against_troy_to_g.html
LSU
defensive line hitting its stride as season winds down (LaCouture led
the group with six tackles against Tennessee and is having a career
year. A three-year starter, LaCouture has career highs in tackles (62),
tackles for loss (8.5), sacks (6.0), pass breakups (four) and
quarterback hurries (three).) (11-22-17):
http://www.nola.com/lsu/index.ssf/2017/11/lsu_defensive_line_finding_str.html
LSU
eager to put 'embarrassing' loss to Mississippi State in rearview
mirror (Gilmore and LaCouture both set career highs in tackles against
Mississippi State. Gilmore finished with seven stops, while LaCouture
had 11. Gilmore also combined with Arden Key for LSU's only sack of
Bulldogs quarterback Nick Fitzgerald.) (9-16-17):
http://www.nola.com/lsu/index.ssf/2017/09/following_embarrassing_loss_ls.html
DE Harold Landry:
Scouting Reports:
BC Bio:
http://bceagles.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=9328
NFL:
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/harold-landry?id=2559923
NFL Draft Scout:
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/members/ratings/profile.php?pyid=130921&draftyear=2018&genpos=OLB
Draft Wire:
http://draftwire.usatoday.com/2017/12/17/harold-landry-nfl-draft-profile/
NFL Draft 2018: Harold Landry scouting report:
http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2018/02/nfl_draft_2018_harold_landry_scouting_report_might.html
Articles:
2018 NFL Draft: Bradley Chubb leads edge class lacking depth (2. Harold Landry, Boston College: Landry lacks the size and length that teams prefer off the edge, but he has impressive flexibility to bend and trim the edge as a rusher.) (4-18-18):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000927106/article/2018-nfl-draft-bradley-chubb-leads-edge-class-lacking-depth
Video - Breaking down Harold Landry's college highlights (4-12-18):
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/0ap3000000926269/Breaking-down-Harold-Landry-s-college-highlights
Video - Harold Landry's full 2018 NFL Scouting Combine workout (4-2-18):
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/0ap3000000924326/Harold-Landry-s-full-2018-NFL-Scouting-Combine-workout
Video - Five things to know: Harold Landry (3-28-18):
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/0ap3000000848291/Five-things-to-know-Harold-Landry
Video - Bucky Brooks breaks down Harold Landry's pro day (3-21-18):
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-path-to-the-draft/0ap3000000922511/Bucky-Brooks-breaks-down-Harold-Landry-s-pro-day
Five Lions targets who raised their stock with the NFL Combine (Harold Landry, DE, Boston College: Harold Landry was my first mock selection to the Lions and a guy who was squarely in their sights since he played for Detroit's defensive coordinator, Paul Pasqualoni, last season. The combine was a time to see his raw skills in action after he hurt his ankle and missed four games to end last year, zapping his production. Landry had a dominant combine from an athletic standpoint. His 4.64-second 40, 36-inch vertical jump, 6.88-second three-cone drill and 4.19-second 20-yard shuttle were all top-five marks among edge defenders. His 24 bench reps showed his 6-foot-2-inch, 253-pound frame has some muscle to it just two months after getting back into weight training. He came off as confident but understanding of where he needs to improve in his media interview, and his workouts backed up everything he had to say. He should be near the top of the board for Detroit in the first round.) (3-7-18):
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/03/5_lions_targets_who_rose_durin.html
10 players who helped themselves at the combine (Harold Landry: Landry’s performance on the field turf of Lucas Oil stadium turned the clock back to the outright dominant 2016 version of Harold Landry. The Boston College product — our No. 1-ranked edge defender — measured in at 6-foot-2 and 252 pounds. He dealt with injury issues in 2017, but when healthy his bend around the outside is so dangerous that offensive tackles want to get out of their stance quickly to wall him off on the outside. Unfortunately for many offensive tackles, Landry is even more deadly if given an inside rush lane in addition to the outside rush lane. The athleticism he shows on film showed up at the combine, with Landry’s 4.65 40-yard dash (with an astounding 1.59 10-yard split) and his explosive 36-inch vertical jump. Landry’s ridiculous three-cone time of 6.88 was a focus of Mike Renner’s examination of Landry’s combine. He has shown on film that he is an accomplished pass-rusher who can get to the quarterback in myriad ways and that was backed up by his combine performance.) (3-7-18):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-10-players-who-helped-themselves-at-the-combine
PFW NFL Draft: Scouting combine winners and losers on defense (Harold Landry – Edge — Boston College: After a stellar 2016 season, Landry was thought of as a possible top-10 player. In 2017, his sack production fell (though he still had 10 sacks) and we didn’t see any special in his overall play. Part of the reason is that he was playing hurt for a good part of the season. Sunday, he showed that he has some special athletic skills. Across the board his numbers were excellent with a 4.64 40, 36” vertical jump, 9’11" long jump, 6.88 3-cone and 4.19 20-yard shuttle. Those numbers put him back into the Round One discussion.) (3-7-18):
http://www.profootballweekly.com/2018/03/05/pfw-nfl-draft-scouting-combine-winners-and-losers-on-defense/anmx7ir/#//
My pick for the Lions, and some other combine thoughts (Get ready to hear a whole lot about Harold Landry over the next seven weeks. More than 300 players shuffled through the combine in the last week. More than 200 of them spoke to reporters, along with most coaches and general managers. And when it was all over, I hopped in my rented Hyundai Sonata and headed North feeling like Landry has to be considered among the favorites for Detroit at 20th overall. He plays defensive end, which is among Detroit's biggest needs. This draft also happens to be lean at the position, which means if you want a difference-maker, you might have to get him early. And Landry is one of the few worth a first-round pick. He also has the versatility to stand up and play outside linebacker in a 3-4. And the Lions are adding 3-4 looks under new coach Matt Patricia. Something they haven't run in years. Which means they need to acquire the personnel to do so -- and Landry, again, checks that box. On top of all that, Landry even has experience playing under Paul Pasqualoni. The new Lions defensive coordinator was his defensive line coach the last two years at Boston College. And in their first year together, in 2016, Landry became one of the most destructive players in the country. Nobody had more than his 16.5 sacks. Nobody had more than his seven forced fumbles. His numbers did take a hit last season, though an ankle injury certainly had something to do with that. It held him to eight games and limited him in others. That's why he might be available at 20 at all. But he's healthy now. He plays a position of need. And he has experience with the new coordinator. There's still more than seven weeks until the draft, and a lot will happen along the way. But all signs indicate Landry is going to make the short list of players that Detroit considers with the 20th overall pick.) (3-6-18):
http://www.mlive.com/expo/erry-2018/03/172f0fa645/my_pick_for_the_lions_and_some.html
2018 Combine: Winners and question marks (Winners - Harold Landry, DE, Boston College: After leading the FBS in sacks in 2016, Landry had a forgettable senior season due to injury. However, he helped remind scouts why he is deserving of first-round consideration. At 6-2 and 252 pounds with 33-inch arms, Landry ran a 4.64 40-yard dash with a 1.58 10-yard split, 6.88 three-cone and 36-inch vertical. Cut from the same cloth as Vic Beasley, Landry should hear his name called on night one of the draft.) (3-6-18):
http://nfldraftscout.com/2018/03/06/2018-combine-winners-and-question-marks-2/
Harold Landry's combine performance shows he belongs in rarified air (3-5-18):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-harold-landrys-combine-performance-puts-him-in-rarified-air
Video - First-round pick? Daniel Jeremiah breaks down Harold Landry's combine (3-4-18):
http://www.nfl.com/goto?id=0ap3000000919301
Mike Mayock's takeaways from Day 3 of combine (Harold Landry, Boston College: Projections are all over the place for Landry, with some seeing him as a first round guy and others believing he could fall to Day 3. Mayock's No. 4 edge rusher certainly helped his stock by running a 4.64 in the 40. "Good time for him at 253 pounds. ... He also converts speed to power.") (3-4-18):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000919286/article/mike-mayocks-takeaways-from-day-3-of-combine
2018 NFL Combine: Leighton Vander Esch, Shaquem Griffin crush their
workouts (Edge-Rusher Winners - Harold Landry, Boston College -- It was all about the burst and agility for Landry. He had a super-quick 10-yard split of 1.59, jumped 9-feet-11 in the broad and had a 36-inch vertical. He timed at 6.88 in the three-cone -- beating the important 7.00 threshold -- and a low 4.19 in the short shuttle. He's not a defender who uses his hands well but those are some Vic Beasley-type combine figures.)
(3-4-18):
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2018-nfl-combine-marcus-davenport-shaquem-griffin-daron-payne-crush-their-combine-workouts/
NFL Combine Studs and Duds: Defensive Line and Linebackers (Studs -
Harold Landry (Boston College) and Marcus Davenport (UTSA) checked all
the boxes as potential fits for the EDGE rusher role and should be in
the conversation for the Lions at pick 20. Landry’s 1.59 10-yard split
and Davenport’s 1.63 are in the elite range, and they backed those
numbers up with explosiveness in on-field drills. Both looked
comfortable dropping into coverage simulations, smoothly flipping their
hips and maintaining balance throughout the drills. They also showcased
their pass rushing chops displaying quick feet and powerful hands.)
(3-4-18):
https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/03/04/nfl-combine-studs-and-duds-defensive-line-and-linebackers/
2018 NFL Combine Stock Report - Defensive Linemen (Stock Up - Harold Landry was one of the top performers at his position Sunday. Landry ran a 4.64 with a 1.59 10-yard split. He also posted a 36-inch vertical, and, as mentioned, he tied for second in the 3-cone time. Landry also thrived in the field drills. Teams have had second-round grades on Landry, but I wonder if this will allow him to sneak into Thursday night.) (3-4-18):
http://walterfootball.com/combine2018stockDL.php
2018 NFL Scouting Combine: Recap of DL and LBs (Harold Landry, Boston College, has locked up a first round selection. Landry finished with an official 40-yard dash time of 4.64 while pocketing a 36-inch vertical jump and an impressive 3.88 3-cone time. Landry’s length and pursuit off the edge continue to be intriguing, but figuring out what position he plays at the next level is of concern.) (3-4-18):
http://www.optimumscouting.com/news/2018-nfl-scouting-combine-dl-lb-recap
Lions could find defenders with versatility in draft (Boston College’s Harold Landry led college football in 2016 with 16.5 sacks. At 6-foot-2 and 251 pounds, Landry doesn’t have the prototypical size of a down 4-3 rush end, but that’s what he did in college and has shown to be effective doing so. He’s also stood up and rushed from a two-point stance, which 3-4 teams will like. “The more you can do in this league the more valuable you are to the team,” Landry said. “They definitely preach that. I think I could play 4-3 end or 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL. I think I am strong enough to play 4-3 d-end and athletic enough to play 3-4 outside linebacker.”)
(3-4-18):
http://www.detroitlions.com/news/nfl-scouting-combine/article-1/Lions-could-find-defenders-with-versatility-in-draft/7930c183-9a33-4460-9745-bd3eb7ed132a
Detroit Lions pass rush help hard to come by in free agency, draft (LSU’s
Arden Key, Boston College’s Harold Landry and Ohio State’s Sam Hubbard
also are Round 1 possibilities, but Key comes with a host of off-field
concerns, Landry might play outside linebacker and Hubbard is considered
a borderline first-round talent.) (3-3-18):
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/03/03/detroit-lions-pass-rush-help-free-agency-draft/392567002/
DE Harold Landry meets with Lions, says their defense will be 'insane' (3-3-18):
http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/03/harold_landry_meets_with_lions.html
DL prospect Harold Landry has familiarity with Lions DC Paul Pasqualoni (3-3-18):
http://www.detroitlions.com/news/nfl-scouting-combine/article-1/DL-prospect-Harold-Landry-has-familiarity-with-Lions-DC-Paul-Pasqualoni/eead847d-fa03-4676-9029-8a0e90cdd419
Detroit Lions defense will be 'insane' under Paul Pasqualoni (3-3-18):
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/03/03/harold-landry-nfl-draft-paul-pasqualoni/392426002/
DE prospect Harold Landry learned game from new Lions’ D-coordinator (3-3-18):
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/03/03/de-harold-landry-learned-new-lions-coordinator/111065990/
NFL
Draft: Talented edge rushers will come off the board in a hurry (Like
LSU’s Key, Boston College’s Harold Landry had a monster 2016 season with
16 ½ sacks and 22 tackles for loss, but saw his production plummet last
year to five sacks and 8 ½ tackles for loss. But in the 6-foot-2 ½,
251-pound Landry’s case it was an ankle injury that caused a slip in his
production, but not in his game, he said. “There’s no doubt in my mind
I would’ve had double-digit sacks again if my ankle didn’t get hurt,”
Landry said. “My confidence, and my talent level have not slipped one
bit.”) (3-3-18):
http://www.profootballweekly.com/2018/03/03/nfl-draft-talented-edge-rushers-will-come-off-the-board-in-a-hurry/a4gm6eq/
Harold Landry, Marcus Davenport possible Day 1 draft options for Lions (Harold Landry,
DE, Boston College: Like Davenport, the Lions will know a lot about
Landry because defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni was his position
coach last season. If he or Davenport are around at No. 20 it's possible
one of those guys could end up being Quinn's pick. Landry had 160
tackles, 47.5 tackles for loss and 26 sacks.) (2-28-18):
http://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/33331/harold-landry-marcus-davenport-possible-day-1-draft-options-for-lions
10
to watch at NFL combine: Arden Key, Nick Chubb, Lamar Jackson top list
(DE/LB Harold Landry, Boston College: Landry’s ankle injury wasn’t as
severe as Walton’s — he didn’t require surgery — but it was bad enough
that it ended his season prematurely and kept him out of the Senior
Bowl. Is he back to 100 percent? And if so, does he have the athletic
traits to be a top pass rusher? Those questions and more will start to
be answered this week.) (2-27-18):
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/02/27/nfl-combine-arden-key-mark-walton-lamar-jackson/376443002/
Players
for Detroit Lions to watch at NFL Combine (Harold Landry: The Lions
should know if there’s a fit here for a player many view as an outside
linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Landry is one of the more accomplished edge
rushers in this draft, racking up a nation-best 16.5 sacks in 2016
before an ankle injury cost him for much of his senior season. And he
spent the last two seasons working with new Lions defensive coordinator
Paul Pasqualoni, who was Boston College’s defensive line coach.)
(2-27-18):
http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/02/27/players-detroit-lions-watch-nfl-combine/110896160/
NFL
combine: 10 players with something to prove (9 Harold Landry, DE/OLB,
Boston College: After racking up 16½ sacks as a junior, he managed just
five last season while limited by an ankle injury. Though teams will
want a closer look at how Landry has recovered, there are more worrisome
considerations in his projection. With suboptimal size (6-3, 250
pounds) and strength for an edge rusher, the combine's testing stage
could provide Landry a needed opportunity to begin proving his skill set
will translate to the next level.)
(2-27-18):
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2018/02/27/nfl-scouting-combine-10-players-something-prove-lamar-jackson/375476002/
Why the Detroit Lions should take Harold Landry in the 2018 NFL draft (2-24-18):
https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2018/02/24/why-harold-landry-detroit-lions-nfl-mock-draft/363807002/
Top
10 pass rushers to pursue in free agency, 2018 NFL Draft (9. Harold
Landry, draft prospect: Landry led the nation with 16.5 sacks for
Boston College in 2016, tacking on 22.0 tackles for loss, one
interception and seven forced fumbles. An ankle injury cost him several
games in 2017, with his stat totals -- 5.0 sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss
-- sagging accordingly. Still, I think he has the unique ability to be
an excellent pass rusher.) (2-23-18):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000917240/article/top-10-pass-rushers-to-pursue-in-free-agency-2018-nfl-draft
2018
NFL Draft: Josh Allen leads top 10 boom-or-bust prospects (10. Harold
Landry, EDGE, Boston College: Best teams fits: Green Bay Packers,
Tennessee Titans. Analysis: If Landry would have entered the draft
after his outstanding 2016 campaign, he would not have been on this
list. He was an All-American as a junior, racking up 22 tackles for
loss, including 16.5 sacks. His senior year was not nearly as productive
(8.5 tackles for loss, five sacks) due to an ankle injury. Landry's NFL
Scouting Combine (March 2-5 on NFL Network) performance will be key, as
teams want to find out if he's an elite athlete. His natural bend as a
rusher is tremendous, however, so his potential to wreak havoc off the
edge is there -- teams just aren't sure if they'll get the dominant 2016
pass rusher or the 2017 version of Landry.) (2-22-18):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000917164/article/2018-nfl-draft-josh-allen-leads-top-10-boomorbust-prospects
2018
NFL Combine: Prospects with the most on the line in Indianapolis
(Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston College: Landry was excellent in 2016. He
finished his junior campaign with 22.5 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks.
In 2017, he had five sacks and eight tackles for loss in eight games
before injuries hit. While his senior year film showed impressive
flashes, he wasn't nearly as disruptive as he was in the prior season.
For edge-rushers, the three-cone drill is the most vital. No other drill
teases out a prospect's ability to bend and explode, two central
elements in getting to the quarterback. Landry isn't armed with an array
of passing-rushing moves -- most of his wins come via a tightly-bent
speed rush. So he'll need to flourish in the three-cone drill in Indy.
Depending
on his weight -- and he's likely to be around 250-255 pounds -- the
coveted 7.00 second mark is what he's aiming to beat. If he's a few
tenths of a second slower, it won't totally plummet his stock though.)
(2-21-18):
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2018-nfl-combine-prospects-with-the-most-on-the-line-in-indianapolis/
NFL
Combine preview: Key medical evaluations (Harold Landry, DE/OLB, Boston
College: A possible first-round pick if he declared last year, Landry
returned for his senior season, but his sack production nose-dived from
16.5 in 2016 to only five this season. Nagging injuries, mainly a bum
ankle, were the culprit.) (2-21-18):
http://draftscout.tsxfiles.com/2018/02/21/nfl-combine-preview-key-medical-evaluations/
Detroit
Lions 2018 NFL draft fits (1.0) (Round 1: DE/OLB Harold Landry, Boston
College: Landry had 16.5 sacks as a junior, and if not for the ankle
injury that caused his production to slump last season (5 sacks) he
might be considered a top-10 pick now. Ex-Boston College DC Paul
Pasqualoni is the Lions' new defensive coordinator, and of course the
Lions need a pass rusher.) (2-19-18):
https://www.freep.com/picture-gallery/sports/nfl/lions/2018/02/19/detroit-lions-2018-nfl-draft-fits-10/110597050/
2018
Combine Preview: Defensive end (DE Harold Landry: Best trait: Burst.
He's a true speed rusher off the edge with terrific bend and body
control. As a junior, he recorded 22 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks.
Concern: He doesn’t have ideal size. He played in just nine games as a
senior due to injury, and his tackles for loss (8.5) and sacks (5) took a
significant dip. Skinny: He doesn’t have great size, but his burst and
speed off the edge makes up for it. If he perfects a variety of
pass-rushing moves, he could be a real threat coming off the edge at the
NFL level.) (2-15-18):
http://www.detroitlions.com/news/nfl-scouting-combine/article-1/2018-Combine-Preview-Defensive-end/dc6505e7-fc0f-4f2a-ae89-21925c65d7b6
2018
Senior Bowl Rumor Mill (One prospect whose stock is on the decline is
Boston College defensive end Harold Landry. Multiple teams sources told
me that Landry belongs on the second day of the draft. They said that
his senior-year tape was not impressive. Landry had a big drop in his
pass-rush production and had some ugly games in run defense. Sources
say that Landry is smaller than his listed numbers of 6-foot-3,
250-pounds. They say he is an inch or two shorter and weighs in the
240s, which makes him more of a linebacker body type for the NFL. Teams
that run a 4-3 defense have concerns about Landry holding up on the
edge, as he is very undersized to be a base end. Multiple team sources
see Landry as a second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.) (1-23-18):
http://walterfootball.com/seniorbowl2018rumors2.php
Ten
NFL draft prospects with most riding on 2018 Senior Bowl (2. Harold
Landry, Edge, Boston College: Landry missed four games during the 2017
season due to injury and failed to come close to matching the awesome
production from his All-American junior campaign (16.5 sacks among 22
tackles for loss). Scouts would love to see him healthy during Senior
Bowl week, facing top-notch competition and displaying the burst and
relentless nature they saw in 2016. In addition to wreaking havoc in the
backfield, Landry might be asked to play as an outside linebacker to
see how he handles movement in space. Showing explosiveness and
scheme-versatility could put him back into the discussion for the top 10
picks.) (1-18-18):
http://www.nfl.com/photoessays/0ap3000000907837
2018
Senior Bowl: Defensive prospects who can enter first-round talk if they
impress (Harold Landry, OLB, Boston College: After a 16.5-sack,
22-tackle-for-loss 2016, Landry was primed for a huge 2017 and
considered by many to be a first-round lock. This past season, the
outside rusher was limited to five sacks in eight games before suffering
a season-ending injury. He was blanked by Mike McGlinchey of Notre Dame
and didn't display a large repertoire of hand usage to dispatch
offensive tackles. Landry needs to demonstrate he's fully healed and can
be an elite speed-rushing prospect.) (1-18-18):
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2018-senior-bowl-defensive-prospects-who-can-enter-first-round-talk-if-they-impress/
Scouting
the Pinstripe Bowl: Boston College vs. Iowa (Harold Landry was rated as
the top senior prospect by a number of scouts entering the season but
comes off a slightly disappointing senior campaign, in large part due to
injury, and he'll be sidelined due to injury during the Pinstripe Bowl.
At the top of his game, Landry is an explosive pass rusher who creates a
lot of havoc off the edge. He finds ways to disrupt the action but the
question is where he lines up at the next level -- defensive end or
outside linebacker? The Hawkeyes' top two prospects both made our
year-end risers list.) (12-26-17):
http://draftanalyst.com/scouting-pinstripe-bowl-boston-college-vs-iowa
Senior
Bowl adds 26 players for 2018 game, including 4 QBs (Harold Landry, DE,
Boston College - One of the nation's best pass rushers. 2016
All-American that set single-season Boston College record with 16.5
sacks.) (12-4-17):
http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2017/12/senior_bowl_adds_26_players_fo.html
2018
NFL Draft: One senior prospect fit for every NFC team (Harold Landry,
LB, Boston College - Team fit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2017 stats: 38
tackles (8.5 for loss, including 5 sacks), 2 pass breakups.: The
Buccaneers have seven sacks in six games, ranking dead last in the
category. Landry's speed as a pass rusher and overall athleticism should
earn him top-15 grades, so if Tampa Bay can't right the ship, it should
look to secure a pass rusher in the top half of the first
round.) (11-2-17):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000871094/article/2018-nfl-draft-one-senior-prospect-fit-for-every-nfc-team
2018
NFL Draft needs for struggling teams; Carolina's wise move (Harold
Landry, EDGE, Boston College: Explosive edge player with cat-like
quickness and a grocery basket full of moves. Landry flashes Von
Miller-like skills as a dynamic pass rusher from the right or the left.)
(11-10-17):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000875022/article/2018-nfl-draft-needs-for-struggling-teams-carolinas-wise-move
Boston College DL Harold Landry out against Florida State with ankle injury (10-27-17):
http://www.ajc.com/sports/college/boston-college-harold-landry-out-against-florida-state-with-ankle-injury/fzXwKBtfOJoamaTjekDDCM/
Midseason
CFBTop25: Saquon Barkley leads future NFL stars (9. Harold Landry,
Edge, Boston College - 2017 stats: 37 tackles (23 solo), including 8 for
loss (5 sacks), 2 pass breakups.: Teams regularly standing up their
pass rushers might prefer Landry to Bradley Chubb, as the B.C. star has
the explosiveness and bend to consistently reach the quarterback. He's
also capable of handling coverage responsibilities against tight ends
and running backs. Landry probably won't match his 16.5 sack total from
2016 this season, but that doesn't matter. Teams know he's a reliable
player who gives effort on every snap.) (10-16-17):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000862291/article/midseason-cfbtop25-saquon-barkley-leads-future-nfl-stars
2018
NFL Draft watch: Luke Falk's draft stock continues to rise with another
good outing (Harold Landry, LB/DE, Boston College — Landry, regarded as
one of the top edge rushers heading into next year's NFL Draft, had a
spectacular performance in the Eagles' 23-10 loss to Virginia Tech:
Three sacks, seven tackles, including three tackles for a loss, and a
quarterback hurry.) (10-8-17):
http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/news/2018-nfl-draft-watch-ncaa-fbs-football-highlights-scores-stars-luke-falk/1m7sly686i6hj1sbtvmwi9od9h
Boston College's Harold Landry makes little impact vs. Clemson (9-23-17):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000849548/article/boston-colleges-harold-landry-makes-little-impact-vs-clemson
Boston College's Harold Landry out to sack draft competition (9-22-17):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000849251/article/boston-colleges-harold-landry-out-to-sack-draft-competition
Week
4 Prospect Matchups (Harold Landry vs. Mitch Hyatt - Last week many
were hoping to see a matchup between Notre Dame left tackle Mike
McGlinchey and Boston College pass rusher Harold Landry. It was a
matchup that rarely came to fruition as the Eagles kept Landry away from
McGlinchey most of the game. This week the matchup pits Landry against
Clemson left tackle Mitch Hyatt, a prospect who receives a variety of
grades around the scouting community. The junior has been graded as
early as the third round but is also stamped by others as a free agent. I
align myself more with the latter and don’t believe Hyatt has the
mobility or lateral agility to stay on the left side. Landry was listed
as the highest-rated senior prospect by a number of scouts entering the
season. He’s a tremendous edge rusher who plays with speed, quickness
and balance. Landry is the type of player who could give Hyatt fits.
He’s also the pass rushing specialist who will enable Hyatt to make his
mark with a good outing.) (9-22-17):
http://draftanalyst.com/week-4-prospect-matchups
2018 NFL Draft Stock - Week 3 (Down - Harold Landry, DE, Boston College
Landry
had an interesting matchup against Notre Dame. At left tackle, he was
seeing a future first-rounder in Mike McGlinchey, and at right tackle,
there was a freshman starter. No matter who Landry went against,
however, he was a non-factor and pushed around the field all day long by
the Fighting Irish. Landry lined up over the right tackle on the
majority of his plays. In the second quarter though, he lined up over
McGlinchey at right end on a few plays, where McGlinchey negated his
speed rush. Landry lined up over McGlinchey again on a second-and-goal
play in the third quarter, which saw a touchdown run to the other side.
McGlinchey and guard Quenton Nelson buried Landry on the play, with
Nelson tossing Landry around the field with ease. Landry also had some
ugly plays in run defense. For example in the third quarter, he was
pushed back and couldn't shed the block of a tight end, allowing the
back right by him to get downfield for a 36-yard run. In the fourth
quarter, Landry was juked at the point of attack by quarterback Brandon
Wimbush on a long touchdown run. For a first-round edge defender, it was
disappointing to see Landry not break down and make that tackle in
space. Landry had only one tackle on the evening; Notre Dame running
back Josh Adams ran for 229 yards on 18 carries, and Whimbush ran for
207 yards and four touchdowns. The Fighting Irish amassed a total of
seven rushing touchdowns against Boston College, and Landry was a
liability in run defense. Landry got pushed around in the ground game
and didn't produce impact plays in the pass rush. This tape made him
look more like a late first-rounder who is a better fit in a 3-4 defense
for the NFL. He could be undersized and lack the strength to hold up as
a base end in a 4-3 defense.) (9-19-17):
http://walterfootball.com/draft2018stock_03.php
2018
NFL Draft needs for struggling teams (So, who is under consideration
for selection in some of those slots? Harold Landry, EDGE, Boston
College: Explosive edge player with cat-like quickness and a grocery
basket full of moves. Landry flashes Von Miller-like skills as a dynamic
pass rusher from the right or the left.) (9-10-17):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000875022/article/2018-nfl-draft-needs-for-struggling-teams-carolinas-wise-move
Five senior prospects who will be NFL starters in Week 1 2018 (Harold Landry, LB, Boston College
Landry's
known for his pass-rush prowess, as he won All-American honors in 2016
after leading the nation with 16.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles. Even
if he doesn't rack up that many sacks in 2017 as offenses pay him extra
attention, his relentless nature will allow him to find NFL
quarterbacks. He's strong enough to play the run as a stand-up edge
player, as well. His new defensive coordinator won't be afraid to start
him right off the bat.) (9-7-17):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000839659/article/five-senior-prospects-who-will-be-nfl-starters-in-week-1-2018
2018
NFL Draft Watch: Weekend Overview, Week 1 (Boston College’s Harold
Landry lived up to the first round hype with a dominant 94.8 grade
against Northern Illinois. He picked up two QB hits and four hurries on
only 29 rushes while finishing with three stops in the run game.)
(9-4-17):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-2018-nfl-draft-watch-weekend-overview-week-1
CFBTop25: No. 7, Harold Landry, DE, Boston College (8-17-17):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000830486/article/cfbtop25-no-7-harold-landry-de-boston-college
Ranking
best pass rushers in CFB: Harold Landry leads top 5 (1. Harold Landry,
Boston College, OLB: Landry's an ultra-athletic pass rusher with the
cat-like quickness to be a disruptive playmaker off the edge. His superb
hand skills and exceptional balance make him nearly impossible to slow
down off the edge. With the All-ACC standout also flashing a relentless
motor and an exceptional closing burst, it's easy to see why he
collected 16.5 sacks as a sophomore as the Eagles' designated pass
rusher off the edge. With another season to refine his skills as a
pass-rushing menace, Landry might be considered the top overall prospect
in the 2018 class at the end of the season.) (8-15-17):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000829937/article/ranking-best-pass-rushers-in-cfb-harold-landry-leads-top-5
2018
NFL Draft Watch: FBS Edge Defender Overview (The class of edge
defenders may not be as deep as last year’s crop, but there are still
some dynamic names to know at the top. Boston College’s Harold Landry
sits atop the class with the nation’s top returning pass-rush grade at
89.0. He’s solid against the run and athletic enough to create havoc off
the edge.) (8-15-17):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-2018-nfl-draft-watch-fbs-edge-defender-overview
Top
5 FBS players, per position, entering the 2017 season: Defense (The
Good: Ranked third in the draft class with a pass rush productivity
(PRP) with 18 sacks, seven QB hits and 44 hurries on only 322 rushes.
Most total pressures among returning FBS Edge with 69. Room to Improve:
Did most of his pass-rushing damage against lesser right tackles.
Posted a PRP of 19.8 from the left side and 11.8 from the right side
(defense’s view).) (8-8-17):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/top-5-fbs-players-per-position-entering-the-2017-season-defense
BC coach compares Harold Landry to Jason Taylor (8-3-17):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000825191/article/bc-coach-compares-harold-landry-to-jason-taylor
Scouting
the ACC: Boston College (Heading towards the season Harold Landry is
the top-rated senior prospect on lists carried by most scouts, and he
far outpaces his classmates. Landry is a tremendous pass rusher off the
edge and a defender opponents gameplan around. He beats blockers off
the snap with a great first step and beats them around the edge with
tremendous speed or exploits them with agility and devastating inside
moves. Measuring barely 6-foot-2 -- if he’s even that tall -- and 250
pounds, the question will be where does Landry line up on Sunday? On
film he’s reminiscent of former first-round pick and Syracuse great
Dwight Freeney, hence he could line up as a one-gap end. Landry could
also see time as a 3-4 OLB as he has the athleticism necessary to play
in space. Wherever he’s projected to play in the NFL, a good senior
campaign will secure Landry as a top-20 pick next April.) (7-21-17):
http://draftanalyst.com/scouting-acc-boston-college
Arden
Key, Harold Landry lead top CFB edge rushers to watch (2. Harold
Landry, Boston College: Landry absolutely exploded onto the scene last
season as a pass rusher and finished 2016 with 16.5 sacks and an
incredible 7 forced fumbles. Landry has an angular build with long arms
that makes him feel taller and longer than his listed height of
6-foot-3. He's a dip-and-rip edge bender with the burst and stride
length to consistently threaten the edge at the next level. Landry will
need to add more functional strength to be able to hold up as an early
down player, but his athletic traits and talent as a pass rusher create a
high ceiling for him.) (7-18-17):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000820484/article/arden-key-harold-landry-lead-top-cfb-edge-rushers-to-watch
2018 Prospect Preview: Harold Landry will cause nightmares for QBs at the next level (7-12-17):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-2018-prospect-preview-harold-landry-will-cause-nightmares-for-qbs-at-the-next-level
First Look: Scouting Boston College DE Harold Landry (7-11-17):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000819164/article/first-look-scouting-boston-college-de-harold-landry
2018
NFL draft early watch list: Edge defenders (Harold Landry: It’s rare
to see someone lead the nation in sacks and still return for their
senior campaign, but Landry is doing just that after getting to opposing
passers 16.5 times in 2016. Listed at 6-3, 245 pounds, Landry has the
frame, skill set and versatility to be effective in any scheme at the
next level. Early opinions and projections for his draft stock seem to
be all over the place, but another dominant season in 2017 could make
him a top-15 lock come next April.) (7-4-17):
http://draftwire.usatoday.com/2017/07/04/2018-nfl-draft-early-watch-list-edge-defenders/2/
Boston College's Harold Landry carrying tons of hype into 2017 season (6-19-17):
http://draftwire.usatoday.com/2017/06/19/boston-colleges-harold-landry-carrying-tons-of-hype-into-2017-season/
DE Tyquan Lewis:
Scouting Reports:
OSU Profile:
http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/tyquan_lewis_838095.html
NFL:
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/tyquan-lewis?id=2559904
NFL Draft Scout:
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/members/ratings/profile.php?pyid=127579&draftyear=2018&genpos=DE
Articles:
Meet Tyquan Lewis, the pass-rushing prospect who refuses to lose (2-28-18):
https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2018/02/28/meet-tyquan-lewis-the-pass-rushing-prospect-who-refuses-to-lose/
2018 Reese's Senior Bowl recap: South team wins in blowout fashion (Ohio State edge Tyquan Lewis had a highly productive pass-rushing game as he collected one sacks and five hurries on his 22 pass-rushing snaps. His overall grade was 73.4) (1-28-18):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-2018-reeses-senior-bowl-recap
Senior Bowl -- North Team Page (Analysis: Like his Ohio State teammate, I was disappointed in Lewis. He’s relatively athletic and displayed good edge speed but was manhandled in one-on-ones and could not get off blocks, similar to Holmes.) (1-26-18):
http://draftanalyst.com/senior-bowl-north-team-page
2018 SENIOR BOWL DAY 3 NORTH: JAYLEN SAMUELS, KEMOKO TURAY STAND OUT (Ohio State’s Tyquan Lewis continues to impress. He has put together a strong week and has displayed the same versatility in Mobile that he did in Columbus, lining up from everywhere from 0-technique to 7-technique. He has a nice blend of speed and power and has been a consistent performer in 1 on 1 pass rush.) (1-25-18):
http://www.optimumscouting.com/news/2018-senior-bowl-day-3-north-jaylen-samuels-kemoko
2018 Senior Bowl: Tyquan Lewis Interview (He says he met with the Lions.) (1-25-17):
http://walterfootball.com/seniorbowl2018tyquanlewis.php
Senior Bowl -- North Team Page (Wed: Lewis continues to display himself as a first-step speed rusher. I like his movement skills and ability to quickly close in any direction, but his inability to disengage form blocks the past two days is going to hurt his draft stock.) (1-24-18):
http://draftanalyst.com/senior-bowl-north-team-page
2018
Senior Bowl Wednesday's Practice Report - North Team (Ohio State
defensive end Tyquan Lewis showed nice potential to move inside to
tackle in a sub-package role with success rushing the passer against
guards. He used speed to fire by Scott Quessenberry to win one rep.
Lewis used a bull rush to plow Washington State guard Cole Madison into
the quarterback marker. Lewis (6-2, 276) lacks length for end in the
NFL, and if he adds some weight, he could become a three technique in a
4-3 defense. He could provide mismatch speed against guards with natural
pad level. Lewis could be a mid-rounder who develops into a new
position at the pro level and becomes a contributor.) (1-24-18):
walterfootball.com/seniorbowl2018practice3.php
Senior Bowl -- North Team Page (Tues: I really want to like Lewis, but he showed himself to be nothing other than a first-step lineman who could not get off blocks.) (1-23-18):
http://draftanalyst.com/senior-bowl-north-team-page
Tyquan Lewis' strength draws rave reviews: How Ohio State players fared in Day 1 of 2018 Senior Bowl practice (1-23-18):
http://www.cleveland.com/osu/2018/01/tyquan_lewis_strength_draws_ra.html
TWENTYMAN:
Senior Bowl participants to watch (Tyquan Lewis, Ohio State, 6-4, 265:
Played in as many games as any in Buckeye history (55), and finished his
career with 36.5 tackles for loss, 23.5 sacks and five forced fumbles.)
(1-23-18):
www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-insider/article-1/TWENTYMAN-Senior-Bowl-participants-to-watch/50e85598-37f5-4670-af4c-5e76e25bbeb9
2018
Senior Bowl Week (Ohio State EDGE Tyquan Lewis - Reminded me a bit of
Trey Flowers, now with the Patriots. That means Lewis mostly wins with
power moves and movement once gaining a balance and positioning
advantage.) (1-22-18):
www.rotoworld.com/articles/cfb/77476/351/2018-senior-bowl-week
Senior
Bowl primer: NFL draft prospects to watch this week in Mobile (Tyquan
Lewis, EDGE, Ohio State: The 6-4, 265-pound Lewis, who tallied 23 1/2
sacks (top five all-time in school history) and 36 1/2 tackles for loss
with the Buckeyes, can wreak havoc. He looks like he can get even
bigger, but can Lewis show the edge-setting strength to entice 3-4 clubs
as a five-technique, or is he purely an even front rusher?) (1-22-18):
http://www.profootballweekly.com/lists/2018/01/19/2a771b39291247f38d9c9b6e83533218/index.xml?page=1
2018
NFL Draft prospect watch: Cotton Bowl Classic (Tyquan Lewis: After
posting 10 sacks and 51 total pressures in 2016 (along with 23 total
defensive stops), Lewis took a bit of a step backward this year. This
year, he managed just 27 total pressures and 12 defensive stops, albeit
in 113 less snaps than last season. – @PFF_Josh) (12-27-17):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/2018-nfl-draft-prospect-watch-cotton-bowl-classic
Prospect
matchups in the Big 10 Title Game (Tyquan Lewis has terrific size and
speed numbers for a defensive end in a four-man line and has been a
productive player three years running.) (12-3-17):
http://draftanalyst.com/prospect-matchups-big-10-title-game
2018
NFL Draft prospects to watch in Week 13 (Tyquan Lewis and Sam Hubbard
both have 20-plus pressures to their names as well.) (11-24-17):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/2018-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-week-13
Ohio
State’s Defensive Line: From an NFL Draft Standpoint, the Best Group
There Is (Tyquan Lewis: The fifth-year senior might not be a first-round
pick, but he is the most polished of the group and was the Big Ten
defensive lineman of the year last year. The issue is that he’s a little
stiff and limited athletically.) (10-31-17):
https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/10/31/2018-nfl-draft-ohio-state-defensive-line-sam-hubbard-tyquan-lewis-jalyn-holmes-nick-bosa
PFF
Draft Watch: Week 5 marquee matchups (Hubbard and Lewis have been
as-advertised as well, posting a combined five sacks, six hits and 13
hurries to go with 13 total defensive stops.) (9-28-17):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pff-draft-watch-week-5-marquee-matchups
Ranking Ohio State's top prospects for the 2018 NFL draft (2. DE Tyquan Lewis: A constant presence in opposing backfields throughout his career, Lewis a dynamic edge rusher who has put up big numbers (16 sacks, 24.5 tackles for loss over the past two seasons). Similar to Hubbard, Lewis has the size and versatility to put his hand in the dirt, play standing up or in space. This 6-4, 265-pounder has first-round talent and tons of starting experience and consistent production under his belt.) (9-14-17):
http://draftwire.usatoday.com/2017/09/14/ranking-ohio-states-top-prospects-for-the-2018-nfl-draft/7/
Draft Watch: Week 2 marquee matchups (Hubbard and Lewis were in
mid-season form against Indiana last week, as they combined to rack up
two sacks, three hits and seven hurries during the Week 1 matchup.)
(9-8-17):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pff-draft-watch-week-2-marquee-matchups
Ranking
best pass rushers in CFB: Harold Landry leads top 5 (4. Tyquan Lewis,
Ohio State, DE: Lewis is a blue-collar edge defender with a power-based
game. He outworks and outmuscles blockers on the perimeter with an
assortment of bull rushes and forklift maneuvers that showcase his
overwhelming strength and power. Although he lacks the polish and
finesse skills to be a No. 1 rusher at the next level, the Ohio State
standout could be a nice complementary rusher on a team with an
established sack artist already in place.) (8-15-17):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000829937/article/ranking-best-pass-rushers-in-cfb-harold-landry-leads-top-5
2018
NFL Draft Watch: FBS Edge Defender Overview (Keep an eye on Ohio
State’s Tyquan Lewis who ranked eighth in the draft class with a
pass-rush productivity of 13.3.) (8-14-17):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-2018-nfl-draft-watch-fbs-edge-defender-overview
Top
5 FBS players, per position, entering the 2017 season: Defense (Tyquan
Lewis - The Good: Powerful. Picked up a bullrush pressure once every
18.0 rushes, best in the draft class, and his 13.3 overall pass rush
productivity ranked eighth in the class. Room to Improve: Solid run
defender, but can do a better job of finishing plays as his run stop
percentage of 5.8 percent ranked 66th in the draft class last season.)
(8-8-17):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/top-5-fbs-players-per-position-entering-the-2017-season-defense
Scouting
the Big Ten: Ohio State (Tyquan Lewis could be the best athlete of the
bunch, or at least the fastest up front, as he explodes off the edge,
penetrating the line of scrimmage. I grade him as a third-round choice
best as a conventional 4-3 defensive end.) (7-14-17):
http://draftanalyst.com/scouting-big-ten-ohio-state
2018 Prospect Preview: Tyquan Lewis brings power to the edge (7-13-17):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-2018-prospect-preview-tyquan-lewis-brings-power-to-the-edge
DE Hercules Mata'afa:
Scouting Reports:
WSU:
http://wsucougars.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=3684
Draft Scout:
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/members/ratings/profile.php?pyid=1006275&draftyear=2018&genpos=DE
Articles:
2018 Combine: Winners and question marks (Question marks - Hercules Mata’afa, DE, Washington State: On film, it is tough to find a defensive lineman with a better get-off burst than Mata’afa, who posted 47 tackles for loss the last three seasons. However, NFL teams are concerned about his “fit” at the next level and his athletic testing numbers won’t help ease concerns. Mata’afa managed only 31.5 inches in the vertical, 9 feet in the broad jump and 7.24 in the three-cone — not awful numbers, but not what evaluators were hoping for.) (3-6-18):
http://nfldraftscout.com/2018/03/06/2018-combine-winners-and-question-marks-2/
40 things we learned from 2018 NFL combine (33. Best name at the combine: Washington State DT Hercules Mata’afa, who said his mom was torn between "Hercules" and ... "Anthony." Said Mata'afa: "With a name like this, you’ve got to live up to it.”) (3-6-18):
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2018/03/06/nfl-combine-40-things-we-learned-saquon-barkley-shaquem-griffin/397505002/
2018 NFL Combine: Leighton Vander Esch, Shaquem Griffin crush their
workouts (Edge-Rusher Losers - Hercules Mata'afa, Washington State -- If he had the size to play on the interior of a defensive line in the NFL, Mata'afa's combine workout would be fine. But at 6-2 and 254 pounds, he's likely bound for an outside spot. He ran 4.76. Ehhh. His 10-yard split of 1.64 wasn't bad. Also, a 31.5-inch vertical and 9-foot broad jump suggest he lost some of his patented explosiveness (likely) getting up to 254 for the combine. The same idea applies to his 7.24 three-cone time.) (3-4-18):
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2018-nfl-combine-marcus-davenport-shaquem-griffin-daron-payne-crush-their-combine-workouts/
NFL Combine Studs and Duds: Defensive Line and Linebackers (Mixed Reviews - Hercules Mata’afa (Washington State) is going to have a bright future in the NFL, but transitioning from defensive tackle to linebacker or EDGE rusher is going to be a transition that takes time. His 1.64 10-yard split was impressive, but he looked lost at times in coverage drills, reminding me to temper my expectations on him as an early every-down contributor.)
(3-4-18):
https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2018/03/04/nfl-combine-studs-and-duds-defensive-line-and-linebackers/
2018 NFL Combine Stock Report - Defensive Linemen (Stock Down - The talk surrounding Hercules Mata'afa entering the combine was that he would show some great athleticism in the testing drills. That didn't turn out to be the case. His 4.76 was just fine, but his other numbers were poor. He notched just 31.5 in the vertical and was even worse in the broad jump (9-0). His 3-cone (7.24) was underwhelming as well.) (3-4-18):
http://walterfootball.com/combine2018stockDL.php
Combine
notebook: Jump on the Moore bandwagon (One of the more anticipated
workouts Sunday will come from Washington State defensive lineman
Hercules Mata’afa, who played almost exclusively last season as an
interior defensive lineman for the Cougars. But at 6-2 and 254 pounds,
his future is on the edges or standing up as a pass rusher. According
to Mata’afa, he can play anywhere in the front seven. “I’m a playmaker,
man,” he said Saturday. “I think I do best with my hand in the dirt,
defensive end. But I can play outside linebacker if duty
calls.”) (3-3-18):
http://nfldraftscout.com/2018/03/03/combine-notebook-jump-on-the-moore-bandwagon/
2018
NFL combine: What we learned from DL and LB weigh-ins and measurements
(DL losers - Hercules Mata'afa, Washington State. Mata'afa's film looks
like a highlight reel. But where's he playing in the NFL? He can't stay
inside at around 6-foot-2 and 254 pounds with short arms. He rarely
played on the edge in college.) (3-2-18):
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2018-nfl-combine-what-we-learned-from-dl-and-lb-weigh-ins-and-measurements/
2018
NFL Draft: Josh Allen leads top 10 boom-or-bust prospects (6. Hercules
Mata'afa, DL, Washington State: Best team fits: Baltimore Ravens,
Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers. Analysis: Here's the thing
about Mata'afa: NFL teams aren't sure what his best position will be.
He's lined up mostly inside for the Cougars despite being listed at 6-2,
252, and that's not going to work in the NFL. So will he add weight to
play the three-technique spot? Or can he stand up? Does he have the bend
and agility to play the edge against larger offensive tackles on
Sundays? Or is he best as an inside linebacker who will attack A-gaps to
play the run or pass. It's just not clear. What is clear is that he's
been a load for college linemen to handle because of his get-off and
relentless nature. Excelling in agility drills during the combine and
the school's pro day will help teams find a role for him in their
scheme. If that happens, and he can execute the plan -- to quote the
late Ronnie James Dio: Look out!) (2-22-18):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000917164/article/2018-nfl-draft-josh-allen-leads-top-10-boomorbust-prospects
2018
NFL Combine: Prospects with the most on the line in Indianapolis
(Hercules Mata'afa, DL, Washington State: Mata'afa is one of the most
fascinating prospects in this entire class. No joke. He was listed at
6-2 and 252 pounds in 2017, almost exclusively played an interior
defensive line position and wreaked havoc all season. Now, for as much
as the league is shifting to smaller, faster defenders, Mata'afa will
have an extremely difficult time playing defensive tackle at 6-2 and 252
pounds. Does he try to bulk up a bit and get close to -- or above --
260 pounds with potentially risking some of his incredible burst and
acceleration? Or does he come in right around his playing weight and
look to transition to an edge-rusher spot? Either way, expect Mata'afa
to crush the 40, the jumps and the agility drills.) (2-21-18):
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2018-nfl-combine-prospects-with-the-most-on-the-line-in-indianapolis/
2018
NFL Combine: Prospects with the most on the line in
Indianapolis (Hercules Mata’afa, DE/OLB, Washington State: One of the
biggest wildcard prospects in this class, Mata’afa was dominant as an
interior pass rusher last season, but at 250-ish pounds, he will
transition to an edge or linebacker position in the NFL. How he tests
and performs in drills will be critical to his evaluation.) (2-21-18):
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2018-nfl-combine-prospects-with-the-most-on-the-line-in-indianapolis/
Bold
predictions: 2018 NFL Scouting Combine studs and duds (5. “Key” pass
rushers get stuck - LSU’s Arden Key and Washington State’s Hercules
Mata’afa are two of the more explosive pass rushers in this year’s
class, but the first-step quickness that helped each terrorize opponents
might not translate into impressive workouts. Key needs to perform well
after questions about his conditioning and passion for the game came
into question during an injury-shortened season; if the poor workouts
leading up to Indianapolis continue (per sources), do not be surprised
if he opts to wait until LSU’s Pro Day. Mata’afa will impress in the
bench press and measure in around 245 to 250 pounds, but questions about
his fit at the next level will only escalate if he runs more like a
defensive tackle than linebacker.) (2-18-18):
http://draftscout.tsxfiles.com/2018/02/18/bold-predictions-2018-nfl-scouting-combine-studs-and-duds/
WSU’s
Hercules Mata’afa to skip senior season to enter NFL Draft (Mata’afa, a
redshirt junior from Lahaina, Hawaii, is coming off his best season as a
Cougar. He was a consensus All-American, finished as an All-Pac-12
first team selection and was named the Associated Press’ Pac-12
Defensive Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2, 252-pound defensive tackle
set a WSU single-season record with 22.5 tackles for loss, and his 47
career TFLs are the second most in WSU history. He’ll finish his WSU
career with 22.5 career sacks — fourth most in WSU history. As an
undersized college defensive tackle, Mata’afa projects best as a rush
linebacker at the next level, but he’ll have to show NFL teams that he
has the physical ability to play a new position. His “tweener” size
could affect his draft standing, but throughout his time at WSU, he’s
shown the athleticism, pass-rushing instincts and physicality to get to
the quarterback.) (12-31-17):
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/wsu-cougar-football/wsus-hercules-mataafa-to-skip-senior-season-to-enter-nfl-draft/
2018
NFL Draft prospect watch: Holiday Bowl (Hercules Mata’afa is an
undersized defensive tackle who wins with quickness and tenacity. He is
an excellent interior pass-rusher despite his size and has 10 sacks, six
QB hits, 30 QB pressures and 14 hurries on his 279 pass-rushing snaps
this season. Mata’afa’s pass-rushing productivity rating of 9.0 ranks
seventh among draft-eligible FBS defensive tackles although he will
likely be moved to an edge role in the NFL. – @PFF_Jordan.)
(12-28-17):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/2018-nfl-draft-prospect-watch-holiday-bowl
Scouting
the Holiday Bowl: Washington State vs. Michigan State (Hercules
Mata’afa improved his draft stock significantly this year, jumping from a
mid-Day 3 prospect on our board entering the season to his current
third-round grade. A pass-rushing defensive end who will have to move to
outside linebacker at the NFL level due to his size (6-foot-1, 248
pounds), Mata’afa took a big step forward as a junior with 21.5 tackles
for loss and 9.5 sacks after combining for 24.5 and 12, respectively, in
his first two seasons. An explosive rusher adept at making plays behind
the line of scrimmage, he should find a home in the NFL as a specialist
on passing downs.) (12-28-17):
http://draftanalyst.com/scouting-holiday-bowl-washington-state-vs-michigan-state
Top
25 future NFL stars to watch in Dec. 26-30 bowl games (18. Hercules
Mata'afa, DL, Washington State - Game: Holiday Bowl vs. Michigan State,
Dec. 28 - Mata'afa mostly plays between the tackles for the Cougars'
defense at 250 pounds, but scouts have questions about where he'll play
on the D-line at the next level. Regardless of position, he's still
among the quickest players off the snap in the country and his motor
runs hot. Michigan State's sturdy and hard-nosed senior center, Brian
Allen, will need to help his guards keep Wazzou's junior stud out of the
backfield during the Holiday Bowl.)(12-26-17):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000898733/article/top-25-future-nfl-stars-to-watch-in-dec-2630-bowl-games
Scouting
Washington State, Michigan State's Holiday Bowl opponent (Defensive
tackle Hercules Mata’afa has 43 tackles, including 21.5 for a loss,
which is the fifth-most in the nation. He also leads the team with 9.5
sacks. However, he was ejected for targeting in the third quarter of the
loss to Washington and, by NCAA rule, will have to sit out the first
half against Michigan State.) (12-6-17):
http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2017/12/scouting_washington_state_mich.html
Hercules
Mata'afa is one baaadd mannnnn. (Week 11 Update - He had 9 total QB
pressures (3 sacks, 3 hits and 3 hurries). He also had 7 defensive
stops.) (11-13-17):
https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/930227031715000321
7
underappreciated prospects who will make big impact in NFL (4. Hercules
Mata'afa, DT, Washington State - 2017 stats: 10 tackles for loss (4.5
sacks), 1 forced fumble. - Mata'afa is an undersized interior player at
6-2, 252 pounds. His initial quickness, however, helps him get his head
in a gap before the guard and center can come out of their stances. The
junior's hustle and physical play are also impressive. Watching
quarterback Luke Falk run pirate-loving head coach Mike Leach's offense
is great, but Mata'afa and the rest of the 6-0 Cougars' defense give
college football fans on the East Coast another reason to stay up late
on Saturday night. Wazzou running back Jamal Morrow could have made this
list, as well -- he's a rushing/receiving threat for Leach.)
(10-12-17):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000860311/article/7-underappreciated-prospects-who-will-make-big-impact-in-nfl
Surprise!
Bet you didn't see this coming in 2017 (Grinch also has the league's
most disruptive interior lineman in Hercules Mata'afa, who has 10 TFLs
and 4.5 sacks, but he has been able to make that entire line dangerous
with the different looks they've given and some of the movement up
front. It also helps that Grinch sees guys constantly competing with and
against Mata'afa to try to duplicate his on-field success.)
(10-10-17):
http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/20969921/washington-state-cougars-year-running-back-biggest-surprises-2017
PFF Draft Watch: Mata'afa's versatility shines for Washington State (10-2-17):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pff-draft-watch-mataafas-versatility-shines-for-washington-state
Hercules
Mata'afa, the nation's leader in QB pressures among interior defenders,
headlines the D-Linemen in tonight's Pac-12 showdown. (He's tied for
3rd with 9 QB pressures.) (9-29-17):
https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/913939209253216256
Forget
scouting -- these players are just fun to watch (Kiper: Hercules
Mata'afa, DE, Washington State - Mata'afa plays defensive tackle and
defensive end; he can play on his feet, he can play on the edge -- he's
the Cougars' best defender since Deone Bucannon. After finishing with
5.0 sacks last season, he already has 4.5 this season. He's a phenomenal
college player.) (9-25-17):
http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/20808268/mel-kiper-todd-mcshay-name-their-favorite-college-football-players-watch
Scouting
the Pac-12: Washington State (Finally keep an eye on Hercules Mata’afa,
an undersized pass-rushing defensive end who makes a lot of plays in
the backfield. Mata’afa is explosive and intense but has size
limitations. Projecting him to the next level, the junior is best as a
nickel rusher, lining up as a one-gap defensive end or standing over
tackle.) (9-7-17):
http://draftanalyst.com/scouting-pac-12-washington-state
PFF
Draft Watch: Draft Board Risers - Week 1 (Washington State DI Hercules
Mata’afa might only be 250-pounds but all he does is win as a
pass-rusher. Last season, Mata’afa’s pass-rushing productivity rating of
11.8 ranked No. 3 among all FBS interior defensive linemen. Mata’afa
was able to keep his momentum going into 2017 as he had two sacks, two
hits and three hurries on only 14 pass-rush snaps in the season-opener
against Montana State. NFL teams likely won’t want to use him as a
250-pound defensive tackle – like he is being deployed at Washington
State – but Mata’afa has been a consistent pass-rush performer wherever
he lines up.)(9-5-17):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/pff-draft-watch-draft-board-risers-week-1
2018
NFL Draft Watch: FBS Edge Defender Overview (Washington State’s
Hercules Mata’afa was the best in the class at picking up pressure to
his opponent’s inside shoulder, creating pressure once every 15.7
rushes. Sleeper to know - Hercules Mata’afa: Quietly productive in the
Pac-12 for two years, Mata’afa has 13 sacks, 24 QB hits and 56 hurries
on 621 career pass-rushes and his pass-rush productivity of 11.8 ranked
fourth among interior defensive linemen last season (played more on the
interior though he projects as an edge defender at the next level).
Mata’afa played 90-plus snaps at six different positions last season and
that versatility to create havoc up and down the line will be coveted
at the next level.) (8-14-17):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-2018-nfl-draft-watch-fbs-edge-defender-overview
2018 Prospect Preview: Hercules Mata'afa can rush the passer from nearly anywhere (8-5-17):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-2018-prospect-preview-hercules-mataafa-can-rush-the-passer-from-nearly-anywhere
DE Ja'Von Rolland-Jones:
Scouting Reports:
Arkansas State:
http://www.astateredwolves.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=7200&ATCLID=208811481
NFL:
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/javon-rolland-jones?id=2559929
NFL Draft Scout:
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/members/ratings/profile.php?pyid=1001709&draftyear=2018&genpos=OLB
Articles:
2018
NFL Draft: Highlighting the always-fun small school sleeper prospects
(Ja'Von Rolland-Jones, OLB, Arkansas State - Current Big Board ranking:
No. 225 - Rolland-Jones was a star the moment he stepped on the field at
Arkansas State. As a freshman in 2014, he recorded 7.5 sacks and 12.0
tackles for loss. After two years totaling 21.5 sacks and 32 tackles for
loss, the star edge-rusher had 13 sacks and 19 tackles for loss in his
final collegiate season. Talk about production. On film, Rolland-Jones
is a rangy but polished pass-rush technician who almost always initiates
contact and knows how to counter en route to the quarterback. And he's
clearly an effective finisher. He's not the bendiest around the edge but
uses his length -- 33-inch arms -- very well and plays with a high
motor.) (2-16-18):
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2018-nfl-draft-highlighting-the-always-fun-small-school-sleeper-prospects/
2018
NFL draft: 10 defensive sleeper prospects to know (Call him undersized
or blame his ridiculous production on his level of competition all you
want, but Rolland-Jones is going to make an NFL team extremely happy
once he hits the field. The 6-2, 244-pounder is a ball-carrier magnet,
racking up 19 tackles for loss and 13 sacks as a senior in 2017. Likely
headed for a Day 3 draft slot, Rolland-Jones should make an immediate
impact as a situational pass-rusher, and even if he never becomes a
three-down starter, he should be valuable enough on passing downs
alone.) (2-11-18):
https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2018/02/11/2018-nfl-draft-10-defensive-sleeper-prospects-to-know/6/
East-West
Shrine game, NFLPA bowl 2018 NFL draft prospects to watch (Edge
Defender, Ja'Von Rolland-Jones - 2017 season grade: 87.6 - Ja’Von
Rolland Jones isn’t the biggest or the fastest edge-rusher, but he’s
been one of the most productive in all of college football for the last
four years. Rolland-Jones is a rare college pass-rusher who actually had
more than 10 sacks per season for four straight years. He has racked up
a career total of 53 sacks, 30 QB hits and 112 hurries for Arkansas
State. His 2017 campaign was no different, as he had 14 sacks, six QB
hits, 32 total pressures and 32 hurries on his 347 pass-rushing snaps.
Rolland-Jones also contributed 20 run stops, proving he’s not just a
pass-rusher.) (1-17-18):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-east-west-shrine-game-nflpa-bowl-2018-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch
2018
Shrine Game: West Practice (Monday-Tuesday) (Arkansas State’s Ja’Von
Rolland-Jones is moving to LB from being a rush end in college. It’s a
prudent business decision for the Red Wolves standout, though it might
not pay immediate dividends. The athleticism is there, and when he lined
up at edge he was generally effective. He still needs a lot of work on
avoiding blocks and anticipating the action while not lined up with a
hand in the ground.) (1-16-18):
https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3028/2018-Shrine-Game-West-Practice-Monday-Tuesday
East-West Shrine Game 2018: Top 20 players to watch (8. Ja’Von Rolland-Jones, DE, Arkansas State:
Ja’Von
Rolland-Jones is the all-time sack leader in college football with 40.
He also is in the top 10 all time with 60.5 career tackles for loss. He
missed his first season on campus because of an injury, and the
following season, he was a freshman All-American performer. In his past
three seasons (including 2017), Rolland-Jones has 48.5 tackles for loss
and 32.5 sacks. He wins with lower body flexibility and an explosive
first step. He isn’t overly powerful, but he has a knack of getting into
the backfield. If he can get stronger and develop a couple go-to
counter moves, Rolland-Jones could be a good third-down pass rushing
specialist.) (1-15-18):
http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/news/east-west-shrine-game-2018-top-players-to-watch-nfl-draft/1q73pycmlpt19wgalwk35fg7
Shrine
Practice- Monday Report (Who Didn’t Impress - Ja'Von Rolland-Jones: I
was a bit surprised as Rolland-Jones looked lost at times. He struggled
finding the ball and all too often was easily washed from the action by
a single blocker.) (1-15-17):
http://draftanalyst.com/shrine-practice-monday-report
Shrine
Game Prospects -- The Defense (Ja'Von Rolland-Jones/DE-OLB/Arkansas
State: The record-breaking pass rusher is drawing a lot of opinions
around the scouting community. While most feel Rolland-Jones is a
late-round pick, there are a few teams who’ve stamped him as a potential
second-day selection. He mostly came out of a three-point stance at
Arkansas State, so it will be interesting to see if he’s used at
linebacker or asked to play in space at any point during the practices.)
(1-14-17):
http://draftanalyst.com/shrine-game-prospects-defense
2018
NFL draft prospects to watch during college bowls, Week 1 (Arkansas
State edge defender Ja’Von Rolland-Jones: Few, if any, edge rushers
have been as consistently productive over the past four seasons as
Rolland-Jones. He has tallied at least 11 sacks in each of his four
years at Arkansas State, topping out at 17 in 2016. This past season, he
had 14 sacks and 49 total pressures, helping him rank third in
pass-rush productivity among 4-3 defensive end prospects. In the middle
of the season, he had a torrid four-game stretch in which he ripped out
nine sacks, three hits and 19 hurries.) (12-15-17):
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-going-bowling-2018-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-week-1
Scouting
the Camellia Bowl: Middle Tennessee vs. Arkansas State (Ja'Von
Rolland-Jones could be one of the best pass rushers no one talks about.
The four-year starter finished the regular season just a half-sack shy
of the career NCAA FBS mark owned by Terrell Suggs. His senior numbers
included 13 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. Rolland-Jones is an
undersized college defensive end who shows speed and quickness off the
edge and will likely stand over tackle at the next level. He’s accepted
an invitation to participate in the Shrine Game, and it will be
interesting to see if they use him in linebacker drills during the week
of practice.) (12-14-17):
http://draftanalyst.com/scouting-camellia-bowl-middle-tennessee-vs-arkansas-state
Sun Belt Player of the Year Ja'Von Rolland-Jones eager to continue imposing play in Cure Bowl (12-14-17):
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/os-sp-arkansas-state-1215-20161214-story.html
GameDay
preview: Troy at Arkansas State (Rollin’ with Rolland: A key piece of
Troy’s offensive hopes will involve limiting ASU defensive end Ja’Von
Rolland-Jones. His 48 tackles include a conference-best 16 1/2 for loss
and league-high 12 sacks. “They’ve got the best pass rusher in the
league,” Troy offensive coordinator Kenny Edenfield said. “He’s really,
really talented.”) (11-29-17):
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/sports/college/troy-university/2017/11/29/gameday-preview-troy-arkansas-state/907965001/
15
non-Power-Five prospects that will be NFL stars (9. Ja'Von
Rolland-Jones, LB, Arkansas State: Look for teams to sign onto
Rolland-Jones in the second or third round. He already has 40 career
sacks, and is willing to play the run as well.) (11-16-17):
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000878006/article/15-nonpowerfive-prospects-that-will-be-nfl-stars
South
Alabama faces challenge from Arkansas State's fearsome defensive front
(Leading the way for the Red Wolves on defense is one of the greatest
individual defensive players in conference history. Senior defensive end
Ja'von Rolland-Jones is the reigning Sun Belt Player of the Year and
has totaled 9.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks this season.
Rolland-Jones already holds the Sun Belt record for sacks with 38.5 in
his four-year career. He's 5.5 behind the official NCAA record of 44 set
by Arizona State's Terrell Suggs from 2000-02 (sacks did not become an
official NCAA statistic until 2000. "He has incredible speed," said
South Alabama left tackle Noah Fisher, who will be primarily tasked with
blocking Rolland-Jones on Saturday. "He can transition from speed to
power really well. That's what makes him special." The 6-foot-2,
241-pound Rolland-Jones has feasted on South Alabama in the past,
totaling four sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss in three career games
against the Jaguars. He totaled a pair of sacks in last year's victory
over USA, and had a sack and 1.5 TFLs in a 49-31 win in Mobile two years
ago. Rolland-Jones was quiet for much of the early part of the 2017
season, but has turned up the heat since the Red Wolves began conference
play. In victories over Georgia Sotuhern, Coastal Carolina,
Louisiana-Lafayette and New Mexico State, he has totaled eight sacks,
nine tackles for loss and a pair of forced fumbles. "We're very aware
of him," South Alabama coach Joey Jones said. "That's one thing that
we've worked on all week long is protection, because if you can't get
the ball off, it doesn't matter what kind of routes you
run.").(11-8-17):
http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2017/11/south_alabama_faces_challenge.html
Rolland-Jones
adds to sack record, Arkansas St tops ULL 47-3 (Rolland-Jones forced a
fumble on Louisiana's third offensive play of the game and Caleb Caston
returned it 24 yards for a 7-0 lead. Rolland-Jones, the NCAA's active
FBS leader with 36 career sacks, needs eight more sacks to tie former
Arizona State star Terrell Suggs' FBS record.) (10-19-17):
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2017/10/19/rolland-jones-adds-to-sack-record-arkansas-st-tops-ull-47-3/106822892/
Week
6 Risers and Sliders (Ja'Von Rolland-Jones/DE-OLB/Arkansas State:
Rolland-Jones is someone I’ve mentioned in passing since the start of
the season, and he really stood out during a victory over Georgia
Southern. His final stats included five tackles, two tackles for loss,
two sacks and a quarterback hurry. Primarily coming out of a three-point
stance, Rolland-Jones is quick, athletic and easily moves to every
direction of the field. He should have no problem transitioning to
outside linebacker at the next level.) (10-9-17):
http://draftanalyst.com/week-6-risers-sliders
2018
NFL draft: Sun Belt scouting preview (Top Defensive Prospect - Ja'Von
Rolland-Jones: One of the most productive pass-rushers in the nation
last year, this 6-2, 244-pounder finished fifth in the country with 13.5
sacks and led all Sun Belt defenders with 21.5 tackles for loss. An
explosive edge player with the solid frame to set the edge against the
run, Rolland-Jones is a small-schooler who could easily end up getting
Day 2 consideration if he keeps progressing and putting up big numbers
as a senior.) (8-24-17):
http://draftwire.usatoday.com/2017/08/24/2018-nfl-draft-sun-belt-scouting-preview/2/
