DT Ross Blacklock:
Scouting Reports:
TCU Profile: https://gofrogs.com/sports/football/roster/ross-blacklock/5713
NFL.com: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/ross-blacklock?id=3219424c-4124-6567-64a2-94c97f8f8038
Walter football: https://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2020rblacklock.php
Draftwire: https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/08/2020-nfl-draft-ross-blacklock-scouting-report/amp/
Draft Network: https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/ross-blacklock/t7ydLnDRk4
Yahoo Sports' top 2020 NFL draft prospects, No. 44: TCU DL Ross Blacklock: https://sports.yahoo.com/yahoo-sports-top-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-no-44-tcu-dl-ross-blacklock-160515106.html
Meet the Prospect: Ross Blacklock: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/meet-the-prospect-ross-blacklock
Articles:
2020 NFL Draft Superlatives: Interior Defenders (GRADING DOESN’T MATCH HYPE: ROSS BLACKLOCK, TCU (Honorable Mention: Leki Fotu, Utah & Raekwon Davis, Alabama): This one was difficult because a vast majority of the top defensive tackles in this class have graded out well already, and even Blacklock earned an impressive 89.5 grade in run defense last season. But for a player who is garnering first-round hype, Blacklock has yet to prove his worth in the passing game. He racked up only 48 pressures in two years as a starter with a career-high 75.2 pass-rushing grade last season.) (4-22-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-superlatives-interior-defenders
2020 NFL Draft: Isaiah Wilson leads group of first-round sleepers (Ross Blacklock, Defensive Tackle – TCU: The 2020 defensive tackle class is headlined by Auburn’s Derrick Brown and South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw. The next best defensive tackle in the draft is TCU’s Ross Blacklock. Blacklock is quick, explosive, and utilizes his hands exceptionally well. He plays the game with an outstanding motor and possesses impressive first-step explosiveness. He can control the line of scrimmage and be a disruptive force, consistently making plays in the opponent’s backfield. An Achilles injury in 2018 forced him to miss some time, but he bounced back the next season. Two teams that would be perfect scheme fits for Blacklock in the first round would be the Las Vegas Raiders and the Seattle Seahawks. If an NFL team is searching for a boost along the defensive line, Blacklock is a player that can help immediately.) (4-17-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-isaiah-wilson-leads-group-of-first-round-sleepers/
Lions need a stud DT. Here are 12 fits on Day 2 and 3 of NFL draft (Ross Blacklock, TCU - Why: He has a high motor and he’s excellent at pass rushing with relentless push. Not quite as strong as a run defender when he’s asked to take on blocks. Had good production last season with 40 tackles, including 3½ sacks and nine tackles for loss. He missed 2018 with a torn Achilles tendon, but was a better player for it after he lost 25 pounds in rehab.) (4-17-20): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/17/detroit-lions-nfl-draft-2020-best-defensive-tackles/5149453002/
Drafter beware! Next Gen Stats identifies six risky first-round candidates (1. Blacklock: Jeremiah has Blacklock projected to be selected by the 49ers near the end of the first round, though the numbers would warn against picking the TCU product that early. Blacklock enters the draft with an overall draft score of 59, thanks to below-average marks in all three primary NGS scores (58 production, 62 athleticism, 68 size). Checking in at 6-foot-3, 290 pounds with 32 3/8-inch arms at the NFL Scouting Combine, Blacklock came in smaller than the 6-4, 305-pound listing from the TCU web site, and he never generated more than 3.5 sacks in a season. His 5.5 career sacks and 15.5 career tackles for loss (across two years) look more like single-season numbers for other prospects in this year's class. If Blacklock is selected in the first round, he will be just the third defensive tackle taken in Round 1 since 2003 with an overall draft score below 60. The other two -- Dominique Easley (29th pick by the Patriots in 2014) and Justin Harrell (16th pick by the Packers in 2007) -- each started in fewer than seven career games at the NFL level.) (4-15-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001109562/article/2020-nfl-draft-qb-jordan-love-among-six-highrisk-prospects
O'HARA'S DRAFT PREVIEW: 5 defensive tackles that could interest Lions (3. Ross Blacklock, TCU. 6-3, 290. 4.90 Combine 40. Stats: 2 active seasons: 15 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks. Missed 2018 with an injury. Breakdown: Gets by on athleticism and strength, not bulk. Can bull rush effectively because of quickness off the ball and strength. How he could fit Lions: Size might not fit their mold but his dynamic skills would – if they can get him in the second round.) (4-12-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-draft-preview-5-defensive-tackles-that-could-interest-lions-brown
BUILDING THE PERFECT 2020 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (Get-Off / Snap Explosion: Ross Blacklock, TCU - Good luck convincing me 305-pounds is supposed to move this way. With just one step in the first clip above, Blacklock jumps from the left A-gap (between guard and center) to the right A-gap. The opposing center has zero time to find a good place to latch onto the moving target that is Blacklock’s frame, giving the TCU DT a free run at the quarterback with a smidgen of hand-fighting on the way. Being able to win right off the snap on a stunt with such ease is a gift that all defensive coordinators wish their defensive tackles had. With that ability, Blacklock not only has the tools to win on his own as a dancing bear, but becomes a weapon on stunts, twists, and other various “games” up front that can be used to generate pressure with fewer overall pass-rushers. Stunts can also be huge in the run game for blitzing purposes, as is often the case in TCU’s defense. HC Gary Patterson loves to play out of a 4-2-5 and stunt his front-four one way or the other to generate certain run fit structures. Blacklock was a critical piece in doing so over the past couple years. While Blacklock still has some work to do in terms of technique and adding raw strength, he has the caliber of quickness and explosion that makes for elite penetrating defensive tackles.) (4-7-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/building-perfect-2020-defensive-linemen
Thor's Interior DL Rankings (7. DT Ross Blacklock - Comp: Maliek Collins (Eric Edholm): The wildcard of the iDL group. Blacklock was a three-star recruit who was recruited like a high-four, with TCU beating out Alabama, LSU and Texas A&M for his signature. He was named the Big 12’s co-defensive freshman of the year in 2017 following a redshirt campaign. But then came a lost 2018 due to a torn Achilles. Well, not all the way lost. He used that year to drop 25 pounds. Blacklock was a far more disruptive force when he returned to the field, with a PFF run-defense grade just south of 90.0 (elite territory) and 24 hurries in only 323 pass-rushing snaps. Blacklock fires off the snap low and gets skinny to fit through keyholes, he’s a gap-shooting menace. He’s difficult to deal with as a pass rusher because of his joystick agility and William Wallace devotion to taking down the quarterback. In TCU’s 3-3-5, he was tasked with handling a lot of double-teams, and that’s not really his forte. If Blacklock isn’t winning with quickness and agility, he typically isn’t winning. Though the package is exciting, the risk profile concerns me. Blacklock plays hard, but without discipline – he gets flagged too often, he’s out of position too often, and he’s on the ground too often. His technique needs work, particularly in terms of hand usage. He has medical concerns with the Achilles injury, which increases the odds of tearing the other one. And Blacklock played less than 1,200 snaps total in college, including 570 in his breakout year last season. We haven’t yet seen him dominate over a full-season of snaps, and his NFL Combine showing disappointed. If it's me, I’m letting another organization spend Blacklock’s list price – it seems to be acknowledging the ceiling but not the risk, which feels high.) (4-3-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/thors-interior-dl-rankings
Touchdown Wire's 2020 NFL Draft rankings: Top 25 defensive players (20. Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU: At 6-3 and 290 pounds, Blacklock has the body type that creative defensive coordinators will love to move all over the line. His tape shows explosiveness that could have him excelling at big end, but where he really loves to eat is at the three-tech position, where he can pin his ears back and head after the quarterback. In 2019, he put up nine tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 20 run stops, three quarterback hits and 24 quarterback hurries. That he did this all with no real pass-rush moves to speak of says a lot about his potential when he gets the nuances together.) (4-3-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/03/touchdown-wires-2020-nfl-draft-rankings-top-25-defensive-players/
Draft: Defensive line prospects by type (Blacklock has the best get off of any defensive linemen in this class. His handwork isn't stagnant. It's just that too often I saw him leaning on his burst through a gap to win.) (3-31-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-examining-javon-kinlaw-derrick-brown-and-the-rest-of-the-defensive-line-class-by-type/
2020 NFL Draft: TCU's Ross Blacklock on his biggest inspirations (3-10-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001105603/article/2020-nfl-draft-tcus-ross-blacklock-on-his-biggest-inspirations
Stock up, stock down for prospects after the NFL Scouting Combine (Down - DI Ross Blacklock, TCU: Ross Blacklock had high hopes entering the Combine, but sadly things went the opposite direction. Blacklock only has two full seasons of playing experience at TCU after missing all of 2018 due to injury, but he took a big step forward as a run-defender from 2017 to 2019, raising his grade in that facet from 71.9 to 89.5. While Blacklock’s pass-rushing did improve, it was marginal. Blacklock was a part of a scheme that gave him very few true pass-rush reps, and even then he still failed to crack the top-50 in pressure rate generated. Coming into the Combine, Blacklock was one of those athletic, low-production yet high-potential type of prospects, but now we aren’t even sure his athleticism can hang with NFL interior offensive linemen. He’s a Day 2 pick, but one with concerns.) (3-3-20): https://www.pff.com/news/news-draft-stock-up-stock-down-for-prospects-after-the-nfl-scouting-combine
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Post-Combine (Up - Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU: Team sources said they were impressed with the workout from Blacklock. They felt Blacklock looked good in the field work, and that came after he had a fast 40-yard dash of 4.90 seconds with an excellent 10-yard split of 1.70 seconds. Some scouts said they feel Blacklock solidified a spot in the first round with his combine performance.) (3-3-20): http://walterfootball.com/draft2020stock_25.php
Scouting Reports:
TCU Profile: https://gofrogs.com/sports/football/roster/ross-blacklock/5713
NFL.com: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/ross-blacklock?id=3219424c-4124-6567-64a2-94c97f8f8038
Walter football: https://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2020rblacklock.php
Draftwire: https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/08/2020-nfl-draft-ross-blacklock-scouting-report/amp/
Draft Network: https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/ross-blacklock/t7ydLnDRk4
Yahoo Sports' top 2020 NFL draft prospects, No. 44: TCU DL Ross Blacklock: https://sports.yahoo.com/yahoo-sports-top-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-no-44-tcu-dl-ross-blacklock-160515106.html
Meet the Prospect: Ross Blacklock: https://www.detroitlions.com/news/meet-the-prospect-ross-blacklock
Articles:
2020 NFL Draft Superlatives: Interior Defenders (GRADING DOESN’T MATCH HYPE: ROSS BLACKLOCK, TCU (Honorable Mention: Leki Fotu, Utah & Raekwon Davis, Alabama): This one was difficult because a vast majority of the top defensive tackles in this class have graded out well already, and even Blacklock earned an impressive 89.5 grade in run defense last season. But for a player who is garnering first-round hype, Blacklock has yet to prove his worth in the passing game. He racked up only 48 pressures in two years as a starter with a career-high 75.2 pass-rushing grade last season.) (4-22-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-superlatives-interior-defenders
2020 NFL Draft: Isaiah Wilson leads group of first-round sleepers (Ross Blacklock, Defensive Tackle – TCU: The 2020 defensive tackle class is headlined by Auburn’s Derrick Brown and South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw. The next best defensive tackle in the draft is TCU’s Ross Blacklock. Blacklock is quick, explosive, and utilizes his hands exceptionally well. He plays the game with an outstanding motor and possesses impressive first-step explosiveness. He can control the line of scrimmage and be a disruptive force, consistently making plays in the opponent’s backfield. An Achilles injury in 2018 forced him to miss some time, but he bounced back the next season. Two teams that would be perfect scheme fits for Blacklock in the first round would be the Las Vegas Raiders and the Seattle Seahawks. If an NFL team is searching for a boost along the defensive line, Blacklock is a player that can help immediately.) (4-17-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-isaiah-wilson-leads-group-of-first-round-sleepers/
Lions need a stud DT. Here are 12 fits on Day 2 and 3 of NFL draft (Ross Blacklock, TCU - Why: He has a high motor and he’s excellent at pass rushing with relentless push. Not quite as strong as a run defender when he’s asked to take on blocks. Had good production last season with 40 tackles, including 3½ sacks and nine tackles for loss. He missed 2018 with a torn Achilles tendon, but was a better player for it after he lost 25 pounds in rehab.) (4-17-20): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/17/detroit-lions-nfl-draft-2020-best-defensive-tackles/5149453002/
Drafter beware! Next Gen Stats identifies six risky first-round candidates (1. Blacklock: Jeremiah has Blacklock projected to be selected by the 49ers near the end of the first round, though the numbers would warn against picking the TCU product that early. Blacklock enters the draft with an overall draft score of 59, thanks to below-average marks in all three primary NGS scores (58 production, 62 athleticism, 68 size). Checking in at 6-foot-3, 290 pounds with 32 3/8-inch arms at the NFL Scouting Combine, Blacklock came in smaller than the 6-4, 305-pound listing from the TCU web site, and he never generated more than 3.5 sacks in a season. His 5.5 career sacks and 15.5 career tackles for loss (across two years) look more like single-season numbers for other prospects in this year's class. If Blacklock is selected in the first round, he will be just the third defensive tackle taken in Round 1 since 2003 with an overall draft score below 60. The other two -- Dominique Easley (29th pick by the Patriots in 2014) and Justin Harrell (16th pick by the Packers in 2007) -- each started in fewer than seven career games at the NFL level.) (4-15-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001109562/article/2020-nfl-draft-qb-jordan-love-among-six-highrisk-prospects
O'HARA'S DRAFT PREVIEW: 5 defensive tackles that could interest Lions (3. Ross Blacklock, TCU. 6-3, 290. 4.90 Combine 40. Stats: 2 active seasons: 15 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks. Missed 2018 with an injury. Breakdown: Gets by on athleticism and strength, not bulk. Can bull rush effectively because of quickness off the ball and strength. How he could fit Lions: Size might not fit their mold but his dynamic skills would – if they can get him in the second round.) (4-12-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-draft-preview-5-defensive-tackles-that-could-interest-lions-brown
BUILDING THE PERFECT 2020 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (Get-Off / Snap Explosion: Ross Blacklock, TCU - Good luck convincing me 305-pounds is supposed to move this way. With just one step in the first clip above, Blacklock jumps from the left A-gap (between guard and center) to the right A-gap. The opposing center has zero time to find a good place to latch onto the moving target that is Blacklock’s frame, giving the TCU DT a free run at the quarterback with a smidgen of hand-fighting on the way. Being able to win right off the snap on a stunt with such ease is a gift that all defensive coordinators wish their defensive tackles had. With that ability, Blacklock not only has the tools to win on his own as a dancing bear, but becomes a weapon on stunts, twists, and other various “games” up front that can be used to generate pressure with fewer overall pass-rushers. Stunts can also be huge in the run game for blitzing purposes, as is often the case in TCU’s defense. HC Gary Patterson loves to play out of a 4-2-5 and stunt his front-four one way or the other to generate certain run fit structures. Blacklock was a critical piece in doing so over the past couple years. While Blacklock still has some work to do in terms of technique and adding raw strength, he has the caliber of quickness and explosion that makes for elite penetrating defensive tackles.) (4-7-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/building-perfect-2020-defensive-linemen
Thor's Interior DL Rankings (7. DT Ross Blacklock - Comp: Maliek Collins (Eric Edholm): The wildcard of the iDL group. Blacklock was a three-star recruit who was recruited like a high-four, with TCU beating out Alabama, LSU and Texas A&M for his signature. He was named the Big 12’s co-defensive freshman of the year in 2017 following a redshirt campaign. But then came a lost 2018 due to a torn Achilles. Well, not all the way lost. He used that year to drop 25 pounds. Blacklock was a far more disruptive force when he returned to the field, with a PFF run-defense grade just south of 90.0 (elite territory) and 24 hurries in only 323 pass-rushing snaps. Blacklock fires off the snap low and gets skinny to fit through keyholes, he’s a gap-shooting menace. He’s difficult to deal with as a pass rusher because of his joystick agility and William Wallace devotion to taking down the quarterback. In TCU’s 3-3-5, he was tasked with handling a lot of double-teams, and that’s not really his forte. If Blacklock isn’t winning with quickness and agility, he typically isn’t winning. Though the package is exciting, the risk profile concerns me. Blacklock plays hard, but without discipline – he gets flagged too often, he’s out of position too often, and he’s on the ground too often. His technique needs work, particularly in terms of hand usage. He has medical concerns with the Achilles injury, which increases the odds of tearing the other one. And Blacklock played less than 1,200 snaps total in college, including 570 in his breakout year last season. We haven’t yet seen him dominate over a full-season of snaps, and his NFL Combine showing disappointed. If it's me, I’m letting another organization spend Blacklock’s list price – it seems to be acknowledging the ceiling but not the risk, which feels high.) (4-3-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/thors-interior-dl-rankings
Touchdown Wire's 2020 NFL Draft rankings: Top 25 defensive players (20. Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU: At 6-3 and 290 pounds, Blacklock has the body type that creative defensive coordinators will love to move all over the line. His tape shows explosiveness that could have him excelling at big end, but where he really loves to eat is at the three-tech position, where he can pin his ears back and head after the quarterback. In 2019, he put up nine tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 20 run stops, three quarterback hits and 24 quarterback hurries. That he did this all with no real pass-rush moves to speak of says a lot about his potential when he gets the nuances together.) (4-3-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/03/touchdown-wires-2020-nfl-draft-rankings-top-25-defensive-players/
Draft: Defensive line prospects by type (Blacklock has the best get off of any defensive linemen in this class. His handwork isn't stagnant. It's just that too often I saw him leaning on his burst through a gap to win.) (3-31-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-examining-javon-kinlaw-derrick-brown-and-the-rest-of-the-defensive-line-class-by-type/
2020 NFL Draft: TCU's Ross Blacklock on his biggest inspirations (3-10-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001105603/article/2020-nfl-draft-tcus-ross-blacklock-on-his-biggest-inspirations
Stock up, stock down for prospects after the NFL Scouting Combine (Down - DI Ross Blacklock, TCU: Ross Blacklock had high hopes entering the Combine, but sadly things went the opposite direction. Blacklock only has two full seasons of playing experience at TCU after missing all of 2018 due to injury, but he took a big step forward as a run-defender from 2017 to 2019, raising his grade in that facet from 71.9 to 89.5. While Blacklock’s pass-rushing did improve, it was marginal. Blacklock was a part of a scheme that gave him very few true pass-rush reps, and even then he still failed to crack the top-50 in pressure rate generated. Coming into the Combine, Blacklock was one of those athletic, low-production yet high-potential type of prospects, but now we aren’t even sure his athleticism can hang with NFL interior offensive linemen. He’s a Day 2 pick, but one with concerns.) (3-3-20): https://www.pff.com/news/news-draft-stock-up-stock-down-for-prospects-after-the-nfl-scouting-combine
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Post-Combine (Up - Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU: Team sources said they were impressed with the workout from Blacklock. They felt Blacklock looked good in the field work, and that came after he had a fast 40-yard dash of 4.90 seconds with an excellent 10-yard split of 1.70 seconds. Some scouts said they feel Blacklock solidified a spot in the first round with his combine performance.) (3-3-20): http://walterfootball.com/draft2020stock_25.php
Combine winners/losers, Day 3: Simmons shines (Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU: Blacklock was an explosive interior defender for the Horned Frogs, and his combine workout showed teams he possesses the athleticism to play anywhere around the line of scrimmage. His 4.9 40 and 29-inch vertical jump portended a quality on-field workout, and he didn't disappoint. Blacklock consistently showed quick feet in drills, getting over field pads in a hurry and moving laterally while making it look effortless. He showed his lack of experience bending on the edge in some drills, but given his athletic profile, I don't expect that to be an issue.) (2-29-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001104739/article/2020-nfl-scouting-combine-winnerslosers-isaiah-simmons
2020 NFL Combine Stock Report: Defensive Linemen (Up - Ross Blacklock, DE/DT, TCU: Ross Blacklock was one of the top performers in the drills Saturday, perhaps thriving most in the hoop drill. Blacklock was also a winner when it came to his workout numbers; he posted a 4.91 40-yard time with a 1.70 10-yard split.) (2-29-20): https://walterfootball.com/combine2020stockDL.php
TIM AND MIKE: Combine Day 4 observations (Parking tickets: It always amazes me how deep teams dig to find out all the information they can about these draft prospects. TCU defensive tackle Ross Blacklock had an interview with the Las Vegas Raiders this week, and they asked him about the 37 parking tickets he'd accumulated throughout his college career. The funny thing is, Blacklock didn't even know about the tickets. TCU's campus parking enforcement charges fines directly to students' accounts, and Blacklock didn't pay close attention. The fines were being paid and Blacklock didn't even notice. – Tim Twentyman) (2-28-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/tim-and-mike-combine-day-4-observations-ruggs-claypool-love
Bad news: Raiders inform Blacklock he had 37 parking tickets in college (2-27-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/bad-news-raiders-inform-nfl-prospect-he-had-37-parking-tickets-in-college-203349614.html
Combine weigh-in: Epenesa, Davidson win (Winners - Ross Blacklock, TCU. Blacklock weighed in at only 290 pounds, which to some means he's a little small, especially being over 6-3. But I'm listing him as a winner because the lighter weight should help him during on-field drills over the weekend.) (2-26-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-combine-2020-results-a-j-epenesa-marlon-davidson-winners-as-edge-rushers-and-defensive-linemen-weigh-in/
Who and what to watch at the 2020 NFL Combine: Interior defensive line (Ross Blacklock, TCU (Suggested by: Zack Moran): If the Lions pass on a defensive tackle in the first round, Blacklock could be an option at No. 35 — if he lasts that long. Projected to check in at 6-4, 331 pounds, Blacklock has positional range similar to Brown, but his skills are not as refined. Blacklock’s length, first-step quickness, and athleticism make him better suited for the Lions 3/5T role rather than the anchor spot in the middle. If he improves his ability to hold his gaps he has the potential to be an impactful player in the Lions scheme.) (2-22-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/22/detroit-lions-2020-nfl-combine-preview-interior-defensive-line/
2020 NFL Draft: Interior defensive linemen rankings, top prospects (5. Ross Blacklock, TCU (rJR, 6'4", 305 pounds): After missing all of 2018 due to an Achilles injury, Blacklock rebounded well to record 40 tackles, 9.5 TFLs and a team-high 3.5 sacks in 2019. Often utilized in a two-gap role at TCU, Blacklock displayed impressive burst and lateral agility to be a disruptive one-gap penetrator at the next level. His pass-rushing upside puts him in the mix as a potential first-rounder in April.) (2-18-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/02/18/nfl-draft-2020-interior-defensive-linemen-rankings-best-prospects
Draft DL rankings: Brown the headliner (4. Ross Blacklock, TCU (Rating: 88): Arguably the purest athlete of this Tier 1 group, but the most raw, Blacklock has fluid hips and flexible ankles that pair awesomely with his innate ability to fire off the football like a defensive end. Because of his athletic gifts, Blacklock can really penetrate through a gap and has relied on simply doing that instead of constructing an arsenal of pass-rushing moves. He isn't lost when needing to use his hands though. Occasionally, he'll deploy a swim or swipe move when attacking. His motor runs hot, yet at 6-4 and 305 pounds, he could add more weight and power to his game or simply learn to play a little lower so guards don't up and underneath him. Blacklock had nine tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in 2019. ) (2-18-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-defensive-line-rankings-derrick-brown-javon-kinlaw-headline-top-heavy-group/
Detroit Lions 2020 NFL Combine preview: Defensive line (Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU: He suffered a torn Achilles in 2018, so the medical evaluations will be important for Blacklock, but his 2019 performance proved the injury isn't holding him back. He logged 40 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 12 games for the Horned Frogs last season. Blacklock can absolutely handle the gap-control assignments that would be asked of him in Detroit and his relentless motor would be a welcomed addition to the team's front. ) (2-17-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/02/17/detroit-lions-2020-nfl-combine-preview-defensive-line/4759485002/
NFL draft watch: 10 targets for Lions in Round 2 (DT Ross Blacklock, TCU: There are two good interior defensive line prospects at the top of the draft in Brown and Kinlaw, and a couple above-average ones that could go late in the first round or early on Day 2, such as Blacklock. Blacklock missed the 2018 season with a torn Achilles, but he rebounded with a strong showing in 2019. He can play all over the defensive line, which means he’ll interest the Lions.) (2-17-20): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/02/16/10-players-detroit-lions-could-target-round-2-nfl-draft/4759338002/
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Pre-Combine (Up - Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU: Some in the media have projected Blacklock to be a first-round pick after his solid 2019 season. Team sources say they graded Blacklock on Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft, but he is a solid, consistent player. Some evaluators feel Blacklock is a bit of a 1-year wonder with some medical and injury concerns. Perhaps the team that likes him enough to draft him does it in the first round, but he should not fall out of the second round if he makes it to Day 2 during the 2020 NFL Draft.) (2-18-20): http://walterfootball.com/draft2020stock_23.php
2020 Combine Preview: Defensive tackle (3. Ross Blacklock, TCU, 6-4, 305: Missed 2018 with an Achilles injury. Blacklock returned to have a really nice junior season with 40 tackles, nine tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in 12 games. He possesses terrific quickness off the ball with an ability to consistently win one-on-one matchups. He can be disruptive as an interior pass rusher with a nice mix of pass-rush moves and bull rush. Likely a first-round pick.) (2-13-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2020-combine-preview-defensive-tackle-brown-kinlaw
2020 NFL Draft Musings: Some surprises from the Big 12 (TCU with NFL talent in the trenches - Prior to announcing he would enter the draft, I was getting second to fourth-round grades on TCU defensive tackle Ross Blacklock. The film justifies these grades, as Blacklock shows great explosiveness, fundamentals, and intensity. What Blacklock needs is more bulk and better strength, as he gets tied up on blocks too often, but I suspect that will come in time.) (2--11-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-musings-some-surprises-from-the-big-12/
2020 NFL Draft prospects who can use the NFL Combine to rise (Ross Blacklock, DL, TCU: In congested trench battles, Ross Blacklock’s athleticism isn’t always apparent, and teams actively tried to manage it by sending multiple blockers his way. But there are flashes where Blacklock explodes off the line, sheds linemen with his impressive length and power, and accelerates into the backfield with far more speed than a 6-foot-4, 310-pound lineman should have. Out of the confines of his position, expect Blacklock to tear up the NFL Combine, and pace the prospects on the interior defensive line.) (2-5-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-combine-prospects-rise/
2020 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Interior Defenders (5 ROSS BLACKLOCK, TCU (Draft Board Rank: 39th): With all the stunts and slants TCU’s defensive line throws at their opponents, properly evaluating their defensive linemen can be a chore. You simply don’t get as many true one-on-one interactions to see how a guy wins. Even still, Blacklock showed of NFL-level physical tools on a consistent basis. He has as much range as any defensive tackle in the class to make plays up and down the line of scrimmage. His 8.3 run stop percentage ranked 12th among Power-5 defensive tackles in college football. Blacklock was one of the most productive freshman defensive tackles in the country with a 68.9 overall grade back in 2017 before his 2018 season was cut short with an Achilles tear. He showed no ill effects from that injury in 2019 where his 89.5 run defense grade was one of the highest in the country.) (2-3-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-position-rankings-interior-defenders
TCU DT Ross Blacklock declares for 2020 NFL draft (12-28-19): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/12/28/2020-nfl-draft-prospects-ross-blacklock-tcu-declares/
College Football Week 10 Eckrich Big-12 Team of the Week (Ross Blacklock, TCU: Blacklock finished the day as PFF's highest-graded interior defender in the Big 12. It was due in large part to his seven stops, which were tied with Stills for tops in the conference in Week 10.) (11-4-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-10-big-12-team-of-the-week
2020 NFL Draft: Analyzing the Big 12’s biggest breakout stars (Ross Blacklock, DL, TCU: Ross Blacklock entered the season relatively unknown, due to a leg injury in his sophomore season. This year, however, Blacklock has gone back to his freshman self and has been an effective pass rusher for the Horned Frogs with 3.5 sacks. He’s been a menace up front for every team that has gone up against TCU, and I really love his overall blend of size, motor, and power to go along with explosion off the line of scrimmage. I haven’t heard much NFL buzz due to TCU’s relative struggles, but I’m a fan.) (10-24-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-analyzing-the-big-12s-biggest-breakout-stars/
Big 12: All-Conference Defense dripping with potential (DL Ross Blacklock, TCU: Blacklock has mainly been forgotten about after an injury kept him out of the majority of last season, but he was the Big-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2017. With a full year to get ready and healthy, Blacklock looks poised to take over and fill the void left behind by L.J. Collier and Ben Banogu.) (8-21-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/big-12-all-conference-defense-dripping-with-potential/
DT Raekwon Davis:
Scouting Reports:
Alabama Profile: https://rolltide.com/sports/football/roster/raekwon-davis/5411
NFL.com: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/raekwon-davis?id=32194441-5662-6617-82da-e7d203db8ce8
Draft Network: https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/raekwon-davis/ZKPHYu7snD
Walterfootball: http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2020RDavis.php
Articles:
Lions need a stud DT. Here are 12 fits on Day 2 and 3 of NFL draft (Raekwon Davis, Alabama - Why: Lions general manager Bob Quinn likes drafting SEC defensive linemen as much as Joe Exotic loves hanging out with tigers. So Davis feels like a Lion. His physical attributes are undeniable and he had good production in four years. Never duplicated his 8½-sack sophomore season, and his production went down the next two years. More of a run-stuffer, but NFL defensive line coaches are probably dooling over Davis’ potential.) (4-17-20): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/17/detroit-lions-nfl-draft-2020-best-defensive-tackles/5149453002/
Meet Raekwon Davis, Alabama's mountain of a DL prospect (4-14-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/14/2020-nfl-draft-prospects-raekwon-davis-alabama-interview/
7 Defensive Linemen Detroit Lions Could Target in NFL Draft (Raekwon Davis: Davis emerged on the scene during Alabama's title run in 2017, securing 10 tackles, two sacks, and an interception in the team's two playoff wins. Davis' production went down during his junior and senior seasons but at 6'6 and 311 pounds, he has the attention of those watching film of Alabama's defense.) (4-6-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/seven-defensive-linemen-lions-could-target-in-2020-nfl-draft
Thor's Interior DL Rankings (8. DT Raekwon Davis - Comp: Jared Odrick (Joe Marino): Okay, so, you could say that Raekwon Davis had a strange career. He could have played anywhere as a hyped 6-foot-6, 300-pound four-star, and he chose Alabama. He saw some playing time as a true freshman in 2016. Less than one week before the 2017 opener against Florida State, Davis suffered a minor gunshot wound to his leg. No matter. He started and got a sack against the Seminoles. Davis went on to have a huge year, with 8.5 sacks, 10 TFL and an 89.9 PFF run-defense grade. That turned out to be Davis’ best season. His overall PFF grades went from 84.8 as a sophomore to 81.9 as a junior to 83.2 as a senior. Maybe he should have come out last year. But really, Davis was a player who flashed early and then stayed that same player. That’s okay, he’s still good. Just maybe not the star we thought he could be – and that’s probably in large part because his sophomore sack total was highly flukey, with his PFF pass-rushing grade that year coming out to a poor 62.7. It never rose higher than last year’s 71.2. This is the difference between grading and raw numbers: PFF charters actually thought Davis was making incremental gains as a pass-rusher even as the public saw him falling off a cliff in this phase because he accrued a mere two sacks combined between 2018-2019. Either way, Davis doesn’t add much in that phase – one-note power rusher. But Davis has been and will continue to be an elite run defender. He’s just so dang long and strong. It’s like trying to move The Mountain from Game of Thrones out of the middle. Davis fires with force out of his stance, and he throws heavy mitts with ill intent. He’s going to continue be a great run defender in the NFL. I just wouldn’t expect much more.) (4-3-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/thors-interior-dl-rankings
Touchdown Wire's 2020 NFL Draft rankings: Top 25 defensive players (Okudah, Simmons, Young, Kinlaw, Brown, McKinney, Queen, Winfield, Diggs, Gladney, Delpit, Henderson, Baun, Epensa, Chaisson, Madubuike, Gross-Matos, Murray, Johnson, Blacklock, Terrell, Lewis, Fulton, Davis, Elliott) (4-3-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/03/touchdown-wires-2020-nfl-draft-rankings-top-25-defensive-players/
Draft: Defensive line prospects by type (Davis never improved as a pass rusher after his breakout sophomore campaign in 2017, yet rocks as a two-gapping, block-tossing run stuffer on the inside, and he's 6-6 and 311 pounds.) (3-31-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-examining-javon-kinlaw-derrick-brown-and-the-rest-of-the-defensive-line-class-by-type/
2020 NFL draft: Raekwon Davis scouting report (3-22-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/22/2020-nfl-draft-raekwon-davis-scouting-report/
2020 NFL draft: Possible first-round QB Jacob Eason lands at No. 87 in our rankings (83. Alabama DL Raekwon Davis (6-foot-6, 311 pounds): Yahoo Sports draft grade: 5.79. The lowdown: Whatever NFL team drafts Davis should demand that he be the first one off the bus. With rare length and mass (and 11-inch hands), Davis fits the mold of an elite athlete for his size. But following a breakout 2017 season in which he notched 8.5 sacks, he hasn’t matched that level since, leaving his NFL projection in the fog. Davis can impact games without making a play on the ball. He has a long wingspan that can close down passing lanes (even though he was never credited with a batted ball in four years), is good for a few QB hits most games and can load up to take on double-team blocking. Davis also sets the edge well against the run and will shut down gaps by himself. It’s clear that he’s not the first-round prospect many believed he was developing into after a fast start at Alabama. Davis has the kind of power and heavy hands that coaches from the Patriots’ tree and teams that employ a two-gap system will appreciate. But he doesn’t offer much pass-rush potential, doesn’t always locate the ball effectively, will whiff on sacks and TFLs at times and has some character concerns that must be sorted through. There’s starting potential for Davis in the right system, but the low ceiling for big-play potential limits his overall appeal. By the numbers: Davis had more sacks (8.5), tackles for loss (10) and fumble recoveries (one) in 2017 than he did in 2018 and 2019 combined (two sacks, 8.5 TFLs, zero fumble recoveries). Interesting fact: Davis was hit in the right leg by a bullet that was fired outside a bar in Tuscaloosa. Six days later, Davis was cleared for action and had a sack in Bama’s season-opening game against Florida State. Draft range: Round 3) (3-11-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/2020-nfl-draft-possible-firstround-qb-jacob-eason-lands-at-no-87-in-our-rankings-015738570.html
Who and what to watch at the 2020 NFL Combine: Interior defensive line (Raekwon Davis, Alabama (Suggested by: Sonja Greenfield): Since Matt Patricia took over as coach of the Lions, one rule for evaluating prospects has always held true — if a prospect played defense at Alabama, they’ll fit the Lions scheme. Davis’ game begins with his power and his ability to control offensive lineman, which is paramount in the Lions scheme. His run defense is top-notch but offers very little in the way of a pass rush or burst to the ball.) (2-22-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/22/detroit-lions-2020-nfl-combine-preview-interior-defensive-line/
Draft DL rankings: Brown the headliner (6. Raekwon Davis, Alabama
(Rating: 83): Davis is an intimidating presence on the defensive line, listed at 6-7 and 312 pounds with vines for arms. He's been on the draft radar for a while mainly due to his length and a breakout sophomore year. But since then, Davis really didn't progress as a pass rusher, often getting stuck to blocks and not owning enough juice to threaten with his first step or sustained speed into the backfield. Coming from Alabama, Davis is a refined two-gapper and has the upper body strength to stack then shed offensive linemen to halt the run. But he simply doesn't have the type of pass-rush prowess needed to be super valuable player in today's NFL. After that 8.5-sack, 10.5-tackle-for-loss campaign in 2017, Davis' statistics decreased each season.) (2-17-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-defensive-line-rankings-derrick-brown-javon-kinlaw-headline-top-heavy-group/
2020 NFL Combine: Defensive Tackle Prospects, Invites, What To Watch For (6. Raekwon Davis, Alabama 6-7, 312 (2) - NFL Combine What Matters: It’s all there. He’s got all the talent in the world to be something special, but can he put it all together and be a killer to build around? Somehow, he has to show that he can be a whole lot more than his okay senior year.) (2-9-20): https://collegefootballnews.com/2020/02/2020-nfl-combine-defensive-tackle-prospects-invites-what-to-watch-for
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Post-Senior Bowl (Down - Raekwon Davis, DT, Alabama
Davis was considered a potential first-rounder entering the 2020 NFL Draft process and also was viewed as having that potential in for 2019. However, Davis has had two straight seasons in which he didn't do much in the pass rush, and that has NFL teams looking at him as a two-down defende. Thus, Davis is viewed as a second- or third-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.) (2-4-20): http://walterfootball.com/draft2020stock_21.php
2020 NFL Draft prospects with the most to prove at the combine (RAEKWON DAVIS, DI, ALABAMA: One of the best run-defending interior defensive linemen college football has had these last few years is Davis from Alabama. In that facet, he has posted grades of 89.1 in 2017, 90.4 in 2018, and 87.9 in 2019. The big red flag on Davis is his performance in the most important role for a defensive lineman in disrupting the passer. Over the last three seasons, Davis has posted pass-rush grades of 62.7 in 2017, 68.5 in 2018, and 71.1 in 2019. He’s generated just an 8% pressure rate in that timespan with nearly a quarter of his pressures being a cleanup. Davis looks the part physically, but his on-field pass-rushing hasn’t taken the step we have all been waiting for.) (2-7-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-with-the-most-to-prove-at-the-combine
Buyer beware on these 2020 NFL Draft prospects (DI RAEKWON DAVIS, ALABAMA (Buyer beware of: Davis offering nothing as a pass-rusher): ‘Nothing’ is obviously hyperbole, but with Davis’ physical gifts, it feels that way at times. The 6-foot-7, 312-pound defensive tackle earned a 62.7 pass-rushing grade in his first season of playing time as a sophomore in 2017. From there, he earned a 68.5 mark in 2018 and 71.1 grade this past year. He finished with 87 career pressures on 1,025 pass-rushing snaps. Those are objectively average numbers by college standards and bad numbers by NFL prospect standards. His length still plays in the run game, but that doesn’t quite move the needle for us at PFF as much.) (2-7-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-buyer-beware-10-2020-nfl-draft-prospects
2020 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Interior Defenders (8. Raekwon Davis (Draft Board Rank: 91st): Twenty years ago, Davis would have likely been a first-round lock. He’s got the quintessential 5-technique build with great size and absurdly long arms. In the running game, it’s rare to see anyone other than Davis in control of one-on-one interactions. While he looks like a sure thing in that regard, it’s a skillset that you can often find off the street. The needle movers along the defensive line nowadays affect the passing game, plain and simple. Davis has shown minimal development in that regard since first earning a starting job as a sophomore in 2017. He earned an 62.7 pass-rushing grade that season followed by 68.5 in 2018, and 71.1 this past year. Those are uninspiring numbers for a player with Davis’ physical tools. He should have been bullying lesser college linemen and the fact that he didn’t is a big red flag.) (2-3-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-position-rankings-interior-defenders
2020 Senior Bowl, Day 2: Justin Herbert sizzles; Bears eye TE (Davis' decision. NFL scouts didn't get a chance to see Alabama defensive lineman Raekwon Davis this week after the Crimson Tide senior was a late withdrawal due to an ankle injury. It was apparently a decision Davis wrestled with, as UA coach Nick Saban said Davis reached out to him over the weekend for advice just a day before players reported to Mobile. "Raekwon called me on Saturday and said 'I'm still a little injured -- my ankle's still bothering me,' and I said 'Look, it's a simple decision. If you can go create value for yourself because you're healthy (enough), you need to go play because it's a great opportunity for you. If you don't feel like you can do that, don't play, but make sure you let them know so they can get somebody else." Davis (6-foot-7, 312 pounds) was thought to be a strong candidate for early draft entry in 2019, but drop-off in his play compelled him to return for his senior season. He recorded just half a sack in doing so, which made the Senior Bowl an ideal opportunity to show NFL scouts that his potential is greater than his production.) (1-22-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001098624/article/2020-senior-bowl-day-2-justin-herbert-sizzles-bears-eye-te
Senior Bowl Defensive Linemen (Raekwon Davis, Alabama: Surprise, surprise: Alabama has one of the best defensive line prospects in the class. Raekwon Davis is a mountain of a man at 6-foot-7, 312-pounds and plays with way more explosive ability than a player his size should have. Unfortunately, Davis — who should be on the “starting” DL for this exercise — pulled out of the Senior Bowl with an injury. Expect Davis to recover for the NFL Combine, crush it there, and regain the draft stock he lost from being unable to play in Mobile.) (1-22-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/senior-bowl-defensive-linemen
5 takeaways from the 2020 Reese's Senior Bowl weigh-in (5. Where’s Raekwon? Alabama defensive lineman Raekwon Davis, someone whose size was sure to get him noticed this week, was a late-minute scratch for this year’s Senior Bowl. Executive director Jim Nagy later told AL.com Davis pulled out due to an ankle injury.) (1-21-20): https://www.al.com/sports/2020/01/5-takeaways-from-the-2020-reeses-senior-bowl-weigh-in.html
Complete guide to the 2020 Senior Bowl (Davis made the most of his decision to return for his senior season.) (1-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/20/senior-bowl-preview-2020-nfl-draft/
5 defensive linemen who could make sense for Detroit Lions’ defense in NFL draft (Alabama DT Raekwon Davis -- Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia pay close attention to the happenings down in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. While Raekwon Davis’ production has dipped his senior year, he’s extremely hard to miss as his size pops off the screen. Davis has only 0.5 sacks and three tackles for loss in 11 games this season for Alabama. This production is a far cry from the 8.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss he posted as a sophomore. Davis, much like Auburn’s Brown, comes in with impressive size at 6-foot-7 and 312 pounds. Despite the dip in production, ESPN has Davis as its No. 7 defensive tackle prospect while PFF ranks him at No. 61 overall. He accepted an offer to play in the Senior Bowl at the end of January, where he’s sure to be one of the closest watched prospects.) (12-6-19): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/12/5-defensive-linemen-who-could-make-sense-for-detroit-lions-defense-in-nfl-draft.html
Saban says D.J. Dale is still questionable, but Raekwon Davis, Henry Ruggs III and Phidarian Mathis have been practicing and are good to go. (11-27-19): https://twitter.com/Brett_Hudson/status/1199840170310295554
Henry Ruggs III (ribs), Raekwon Davis (ankle), DJ Dale (knee) and Phidarian Mathis are not dressed out/will not play in today's game. (11-23-19): https://mobile.twitter.com/Charlie_Potter/status/1198274817583124480
2020 NFL Draft: Alabama players will own draft night (Raekwon Davis (Defensive Tackle): If Raekwon Davis came out after the 2018 season, he would have been a surefire first-round selection in the 2019 draft. He offers tremendous position versatility and can fit in various defensive schemes. He is stout against the run and plays with a great motor. He is physically imposing, standing at 6’7″ and weighing 315 pounds. Teams like the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots would love to steal him at the end of round one.) (11-22-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-alabama-players-will-own-draft-night/2/
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Week 12 (Down - Raekwon Davis, DT, Alabama: The game against Mississippi State turned out to be a bloodbath for the Crimson Tide, as Davis, their best interior defensive lineman, went out as well. Davis is an early-round prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft. In the first quarter, Davis had a coverage sack, but it turned out to be a bad play as he had a facemask and suffered an injury on the play. He returned to the game shortly later, but he injured his left leg while putting a hit on the quarterback. This time Davis had to be helped off the field without putting any weight on his leg. He came back to the sideline in the second half but was on crutches with his foot and ankle in a boot. After the game, Alabama said Davis had a sprained ankle, and it looked like a serious sprain. Davis is a phenomenal run defender who can contribute a little bit in the pass rush, but he is more of a lineman who occupies blockers and defends the run. He does not offer a lot of pass-rush ability for the NFL, but he could be a good nose tackle in a 4-3 or 3-4. In a 3-4, he also could play five-technique defensive end. If this sprain is serious enough to cause Davis to miss significant time, it could push him lower into Day 2 and really hurt his chances of being a first-round pick. Alabama has a reputation of sending its players into the draft process very beaten up with a lot of wear-and-tear injuries, so that doesn't work in Davis' favor either.) (11-19-19): http://walterfootball.com/draft2020stock_12.php
The 25 potential 2020 NFL draft picks in Alabama-LSU (DL Raekwon Davis: The senior is in the conversation with Auburn’s Derrick Brown and South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw as the best defensive linemen in the draft. “The staff up there talking to those guys, they’re really happy with how he approached the offseason,” Nagy said. "Raekwon has come back really focused. He’s playing really good football. He’s playing hard. He’s big, he’s long, he’s got some man-child physical tools to him. “Players like Raekwon definitely don’t grow on trees. He’s got that massive frame. You’ve been around him. He’s long, he’s strong. I think he’s deceptive. He’s kind of a deceptive athlete. Some people are just gonna pigeon-hole him as a two-down, fence post, run defender. I think there’s more to him than that. I think that he does have pass rush. As a sophomore he showed it. I think he’s shown it more this year in flashes. He can get out and run pretty decently for a big man. Really good player. He’s gonna start in the league for a long time and be a good player.”) (11-8-19): https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2019/11/the-25-potential-2020-nfl-draft-picks-in-alabama-lsu.html
LSU at Alabama: An NFL scout’s dream game, but also a nightmare (DL Raekwon Davis — The 6-7, 312-pound Davis certainly passes the eye test and possesses rare length and strength for the position, but he’ll be a tricky evaluation for NFL teams. Teams just don’t find his physical traits that often. But Davis might not be a pass rusher at the next level; after registering 8.5 sacks in 2017, Davis has had only 1.5 in his past 23 games — and zero this season. Some questioned Daron Payne similarly and he has done fine in the NFL. We could see Davis sneaking into the back end of Round 1 for the right team, but many scouts have Day 2 grades on him at this point.) (11-8-19): https://sports.yahoo.com/lsu-at-alabama-an-nfl-scouts-dream-game-but-also-a-nightmare-154508719.html
PFF Rankings: The top 25 players in the LSU-Alabama matchup (19. RAEKWON DAVIS, DI, ALABAMA: Racking up 18 total pressures this year, Davis may not have the sack totals of some of the more noteworthy interior defensive linemen in the country but he certainly has pushed the pocket enough to warrant his ranking in this game. He also has recorded 14 defensive stops in the run game and has a top-five run-stop percentage among all interior defenders. He can rush the passer and stop the run, and do both of them very well.) (11-7-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-pff-rankings-the-top-25-players-in-the-lsu-alabama-matchup
Create-a-team: Selecting the best units from Alabama vs LSU (INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINE - Neil Farrell and Tyler Shelvin vs Raekwon Davis and DJ Dale: Davis wins this battle on his name alone as he's likely headed towards the NFL as a high draft pick. He leads the group in total pressures at 18 but the duo of Shelvin and Farrell has far exceeded expectations this year. Combined, they total Davis' production in terms of QB pressures but have elite run-defense grades and 32 total defensive stops. They're as stout as any other defensive interior duo in the conference and stymie any rushing attack up the middle. The Verdict: Farrell, Shelvin. Davis is great but a duo is better when all hands on deck will be necessary to stop the Alabama rushing attack.) (11-6-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-create-a-team-selecting-the-best-units-from-alabama-vs-lsu
College Football Week 7: Eckrich SEC Team of the Week (Raekwon Davis, Alabama: While not quite as much as Terrell Lewis above, Davis also constantly pressured Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond. Davis finished the game with five pressures.) (10-13-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-7-sec-team-of-the-week
Five possible Lions 2020 draft prospects: Week 7 (DT Raekwon Davis: A'Shawn Robinson has been outstanding the past two seasons and it would make sense for the Lions to push to re-sign the impending free agent. But if the dollars don't make sense, the team could always look to replace one Alabama lineman with another. Formerly projected to be a high first-round selection, Davis disappointed last season and returned to school, in part to rebuild the resume. The tackle numbers have rebounded to begin the 2019 campaign, but the impact plays are still lacking, with just one of his 25 stops coming behind the line of scrimmage. Alabama's system often suppresses counting stats for its interior linemen, but there's significant schematic overlap with what the Lions do up front, making Davis a plug-and-play option, if they go that route. ) (10-11-19): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/11/five-possible-detroit-lions-2020-draft-prospects-week-7/3907589002/
Alabama's Raekwon Davis seeing improvement despite lack of numbers (10-8-19): https://www.tuscaloosanews.com/sports/20191008/alabamas-raekwon-davis-seeing-improvement-despite-lack-of-numbers?template=ampart
College Football Week 4: Eckrich SEC Team of the Week (RAEKWON DAVIS, ALABAMA: Davis was a nightmare for Southern Miss to deal with up front, registering a hit and two hurries from 21 pass-rushing snaps on Saturday. He added some solid work against the run too, finishing the game with his lone tackle resulting in a defensive stop.) (9-23-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-college-football-week-4-eckrich-sec-team-of-the-week
College Football Week 3: Risers and Fallers on the PFF 2020 NFL Draft Board (Fallers - Off Altogether - A handful of prospects started off this season so uninspiringly that they fell off altogether. We already touched on K.J. Costello, but joining him off the list is Auburn left tackle Prince Tega Wanogho, Alabama defensive tackle Raekwon Davis and Minnesota defensive end Carter Coughlin. I loved the upward trajectory of Tega Wanogho’s career up to this point, but that came to a screeching halt when he allowed four pressures against Tulane earlier this year. His feet simply aren’t on par with the other top tackles in the class. Davis and Coughlin were two players we needed to see more consistency from as pass-rushers, and both have gone the opposite way. Davis’ pass-rushing grade is in the 60.0’s for his third straight season while Coughlin has only managed seven pressures against the likes of South Dakota State, Fresno State and Georgia Southern for a 64.4 pass-rushing grade.) (9-18-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-college-football-week-3-risers-and-fallers-on-the-pff-2020-nfl-draft-board
College Football Week 1: 2020 NFL Draft PFF Scouting Notes (STOCK DOWN – RAEKWON DAVIS: With all the physical tools in the world, it was easy to excuse Davis’ lack of production as a pass-rusher early in his career at Alabama as just him being raw. Now as a senior though with four years of arguably the best defensive line coaching in the country under his belt, that excuse doesn’t fly anymore. On 24 pass-rushes against a porous Duke offensive line, Davis managed one lone hit on the day. He looks nearly identical to the player we saw back in 2017 when he first started seeing meaningful playing time for the Crimson Tide. That lack of development may be even more concerning than his lack of pass-rushing moves.) (9-3-19): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-college-football-week-1-2020-nfl-draft-pff-scouting-notes
Alabama DL Raekwon Davis ready to make most of (surprising) senior year (8-29-19): https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2019/08/alabama-dl-raekwon-davis-ready-to-make-most-of-surprising-senior-year.html?outputType=amp
NFL Draft: Great SEC talent on all-conference defense (Accompanying Brown on this list are Alabama’s Raekwon Davis and South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw. Davis also entered his name into the 2019 NFL Draft conversation before deciding to return to school for his senior season. Both he and Kinlaw are long interior players that have the quickness to play outside, and both will be tantalizing options for the 3-4 teams in the NFL.) (8-24-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-great-sec-talent-on-all-conference-defense/
SEC Preview of 2020 NFL Draft: Top prospects loaded with Alabama players, starting with Tua Tagovailoa (DL Raekwon Davis: Don't be confused, Davis isn't nearly as dynamic as his 2018 line-mate, Quinnen Williams. His job was to occupy blockers to allow others to make plays, which he did well. Davis shows the ability to beat one-on-one blocks and he has the strength to control the line of scrimmage. That said, he needs to improve his pass-rush moves; last season he seemed more effective when he lined up between the center and the guard than when he kicked outside between the guard and tackle. Davis did the right thing returning to Alabama, where he'll have a much better shot at going in Round 1 of the 2020 NFL Draft.) (8-13-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/sec-preview-of-2020-nfl-draft-top-prospects-loaded-with-alabama-players-starting-with-tua-tagovailoa/
Alabama Crimson Tide: Dylan Moses leads list of playmakers headed into 2019 (Raekwon Davis: I thought Raekwon Davis took a step back last season. He’s a big dude in the middle of the line — possibly too big — and easily holds his ground or occupies gaps. At times last season, Davis looked sluggish and was not the playmaker I saw on the Alabama defense in 2018.) (8-12-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/alabama-crimson-tide-dylan-moses-leads-list-of-playmakers-in-2019/
2020 NFL Draft: Nine players who could be in the next wave of first-round picks from Alabama (Raekwon Davis, DL: At around 6-7 and 312 pounds, Davis is impossible to miss playing on the inside of Alabama's fortress of a defensive line. He has long stretches of dominant run-stopping play when he easily dispatches blockers and uses his large tackling radius to engulf ball carriers near the line of scrimmage. His sheer power leads to wins as a pass rusher too, but his height hurts him in that respect thanks to a high center of gravity. Also, his pass-rushing maneuvers aren't super refined. However, Davis has now played in 30 games with the Tide, and his lack of hand usage was the clear-cut weakness to his game, so don't be surprised if he's more effective using his long arms to his advantage this season. If he has developed counter moves, Davis will have a monstrous season and find himself in the first round of the 2020 Draft.) (8-8-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-nine-players-who-could-be-in-the-next-wave-of-first-round-picks-from-alabama/
SEC Top 25 NFL Draft prospects: Elite Jeudy and co. to rule in 2019 (Davis, meanwhile, would have been a first-round pick in the 2018 Draft, but decided to return to Alabama for his senior season and a chance at another national title.) (7-20-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/sec-nfl-draft-top-25-prospects/
2020 NFL Draft: Derrick Brown leads defensive tackle class (2. Raekwon Davis (Alabama): I am fairly certain that Raekwon Davis would have been a first-round selection in the 2019 draft had he declared after his junior season. Davis is tall and leaner for a defensive tackle, yet that has no impact on his production. Davis has an arsenal of traits that make him a borderline elite-level prospect, such as great hand usage, tremendous pad level, power and ability to anchor. My favorite trait as it relates to Davis is his ability to utilize his length to hold the point of attack. As my colleague Joe Romano points out in his profile of Davis, the stud defensive tackle had a coming-out party in the 2018 National Championship game where he dominated the Georgia Bulldog offensive line. There is no doubt that Raekwon Davis will be a first-round selection in the 2020 NFL Draft. The question is, “how high will he go?”(7-11-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-defensive-tackle-class/
2020 NFL Draft: Ranking The Top 10 Prospects (5. Raekwon Davis, DT, Alabama: Many expected Raekwon Davis to enter this year’s draft, but he opted to return to Alabama for his senior season. It was the right move. Davis will either be a 3-4 defensive end or a defensive tackle at the next level, and at 6’7″ and 309 pounds, he has the size to play either spot. Despite his bulk, he can move and is extremely skilled for a guy that big. In 31 career games, Davis has 11 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss. He’ll have a chance to improve on those numbers this year. This ranking assumes Davis will take a big jump this year. At this point, the talent doesn’t match the production. But I’m expecting that to change.) (5-2-19): https://thebiglead.com/2019/05/02/2020-nfl-draft-ranking-the-top-10-prospects/
2020 NFL Draft: SEC Summer Seniors – Alabama DT Raekwon Davis
Pro Football Network (6-7-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-sec-summer-seniors-alabama-dt-raekwon-davis/?amp
DT Leki Fotu:
Scouting Reports:
Utah Profile: https://utahutes.com/sports/football/roster/leki-fotu/9014
NFL.com: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/leki-fotu?id=3219464f-5441-5291-4884-ed536a47d096
Draft Network: https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/leki-fotu/Hmse2z9D4K
2020 NFL draft: Leki Fotu scouting report: https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/12/2020-nfl-draft-leki-fotu-scouting-report/
Articles:
2020 NFL Draft News and Rumors from Tony Pauline (Overrated – Leki Fotu/DT/Utah: Fotu could just as easily fall into the category of “most disappointing” as much as overrated. Despite being an incredible physical specimen who flashed brilliance at times, Fotu is too inconsistent for next-level decision makers who say he never met expectations. League sources talk about a motor that runs hot and cold as well as the inability to shed blocks against lesser opponents. His physical skills and upside could help Fotu find his way into the third round, but many believe he could’ve been a top-20 pick if he played to expectations.) (4-22-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-nfl-draft-news-rumors-tony-pauline/
Detroit Lions draft: Senior Bowl prospects the Lions could pick (Leki Fotu, DT Utah: Fotu is a big guy (6’5”, 330 lbs) that the Lions could plug into the middle of their defensive line as a run stopping replacement for Snacks Harrison. His game looks a little one-dimensional in that he’ll have to work on developing his pass rush ability. Fotu could be a later-round, project like pick for the Lions.) (4-20-20): https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2020/04/20/detroit-lions-draft-senior-bowl-prospects-the-lions-could-pick/
Lions need a stud DT. Here are 12 fits on Day 2 and 3 of NFL draft (Leki Fotu, Utah - Why: This rugby player turned football stud could be the premier run-stuffer in the draft. He will almost exclusively be a two-down player, and excelled in that role at Utah on his way to earning All-Pac-12 honors the past two seasons. He was flagged for medical concerns at the Senior Bowl, but also reportedly had video conferences with 17 teams.) (4-17-20): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/17/detroit-lions-nfl-draft-2020-best-defensive-tackles/5149453002/
Draft: Plan B options for top prospects (Derrick Brown Plan B: Leki Fotu, Utah: Like Brown, Fotu is stupid strong at the point of attack and really gets after it across the line of scrimmage as a run defender. As rookies, both Brown and Fotu will drive back NFL offensive linemen with their bull rushes. And also like Brown, Fotu is a mountain on the field at 6-5 and 330 pounds. Brown is more disruptive in general, but Fotu might actually be a tad more explosive up the field. If your club misses on Brown in Round 1, Fotu should be the specific nose tackle prospect in mind on Day 2, and he could be available later in the draft. ) (4-16-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-plan-b-options-for-teams-that-miss-on-top-prospects-like-jerry-jeudy-and-isaiah-simmons/
Meet Leki Fotu, the gridiron pride of Tonga (4-10-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/10/2020-nf-draft-prospects-leki-fotu-utah-interview/
Thor's Interior DL Rankings (8. DT Raekwon Davis - Comp: A’Shawn Robinson (Renner): Fotu largely focused on rugby into high school before throwing in fully for football as a prep senior. He signed with the home-state Utes as a three-star prospect in 2016. Developmentally undercooked early on in college, Fotu developed into a first-team All-Pac-12 selection for each of his final two seasons with Utah, landing as a third-team AP All-American for 2019. A sublimely physical specimen, Fotu is a dense athlete, hitting offensive linemen with the force of poured cement, staggering them while he overwhelms through sheer size. He has the stamina to keep charging on extended reps and pursues running backs like they just pick-pocketed him. What blunts Fotu’s upside is that for as dependable as he might be chewing up the run -- per PFF he posted an 83.4 run-stop grade and an 8.7% run-stop rate in 2019 -- he’s close to invisible on pass sets and passing downs, popping up at the snap and playing with a bare minimum in terms of moves, nuance and general feel. His value comes as a physical two-down nose tackle. Teams in need of that will be very interested. Everyone else won’t consider him.) (4-3-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/thors-interior-dl-rankings
Draft: Defensive line prospects by type (Fotu is a humongous presence at nose tackle with brute upper body strength and an impressive first step for someone 6-5 and 330 pounds.) (3-31-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-examining-javon-kinlaw-derrick-brown-and-the-rest-of-the-defensive-line-class-by-type/
2020 NFL draft: QB Jalen Hurts lands inside our top 100 (91. Utah DT Leki Fotu
(6-foot-5, 330 pounds): Yahoo Sports draft grade: 5.77. The lowdown: There are few massive men Fotu’s size who can still be factors in the modern NFL that puts more emphasis on stopping the pass than the run. But that’s exactly how he profiles coming into the league despite less-than-eye-opening statistics in his three years as a regular contributor, with a mere 18 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. Fotu is a huge nose tackle who can engulf smaller centers and demand double teams. His athleticism comes out in bursts on tape, when you’re reminded he was a far leaner player in high school. His length also causes blockers problems, and Fotu chased down plays from behind — impressive for a man who pushed the 350-pound range. For all of Fotu big-splash games (check out USC 2019), he also would go long stretches without making plays on the ball. Superior offensive lines, such as that of Oregon, often kept him under wraps. His pass-rush arsenal remains crude and based on power, such as bull rushes or pulling past lighter interior blockers. Two-gap defenses will appreciate Fotu’s space-eating ability, and his frame is well formed for how big he is; there’s not a lot of “bad” weight, at least based on his Senior Bowl physique. We also suspect that a patient DL coach might coax a bit more pass-rush ability out of him. There’s also a medical quotient to his evaluation, as he was red-flagged at Senior Bowl and unable to compete there. Fotu might not have a long career if his weight starts ballooning, and he had games where his efficacy waned the longer he was on the field. By the numbers: PFF credited Fotu with zero missed tackles on 198 run snaps in 2019. Interesting fact: Fotu’s parents came to the United States from Tonga, arriving in Utah in 2015. He played rugby growing up, as well as one year of high school football (when he was named all-state), and weighed in the 265-270-pound range. Fotu even suited up for the USA Rugby Boys High School All-American team and trained with a rugby team in London in 2013. Draft range: Round 3) (3-9-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/2020-nfl-draft-jalen-hurts-lands-inside-our-top-100-231949502.html
Who and what to watch at the 2020 NFL Combine: Interior defensive line (Leki Fotu, Utah (Suggested by: Scott Bischoff): Checking in at 6-5.5, 337 pounds at the Senior Bowl, Fotu is a mountain of a man who is strong enough to live at the 0- and 1-technique roles. Fotu’s game is drenched in power and his ability to 2-gap and anchor the middle of the defensive line makes him a natural replacement for Damon Harrison. He doesn’t offer much in the way of pass-rushing but he’s more athletic than what you’d expect at first glance and has yet to reach his developmental ceiling.) (2-22-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/22/detroit-lions-2020-nfl-combine-preview-interior-defensive-line/
Draft DL rankings: Brown the headliner (11. Leki Fotu, Utah (Rating: 75): Fotu might be the strongest player in this entire draft, regardless of position. He moves mountains on the inside and, surprisingly, given his 6-5, 335-pound frame, flashed as a pass rusher as a senior mostly thanks to an impressive get-off for his size and a swim move. The team that drafts Fotu needs to have a specific plan in mind for him, one that mostly centers around him working over centers to stop the run. He tends to play high and stays planted on blocks more than you'd like for a pass-rushing defensive lineman, but given his size, no one should really expect him to thrive in that area.) (2-17-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-defensive-line-rankings-derrick-brown-javon-kinlaw-headline-top-heavy-group/
2020 NFL Combine: Defensive Tackle Prospects, Invites, What To Watch For (12. Leki Fotu, Utah 6-4, 335 (3) - NFL Combine What Matters: Can he be more than a guy who gums up the works? He’s a true anchor, but does he have anything to get into the backfield at the next level?) (2-9-20): https://collegefootballnews.com/2020/02/2020-nfl-combine-defensive-tackle-prospects-invites-what-to-watch-for
2020 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Interior Defenders (9. LEKI FOTU, UTAH (Draft Board Rank: 93rd): There’s a good argument to be made that Fotu could be a better NFL player than he was a college nose tackle. That’s because oddly at 6-5, 335 pounds, Fotu’s biggest strength isn’t holding up to double teams, it’s resetting the line of scrimmage. Utah asked him to read runs and play gap control in the middle of their defense to keep linebackers clean, but it wasn’t something he looked comfortable doing. It led to him playing high and getting taken off the line of scrimmage more than you’d like. When allowed freedom to attack though, Fotu was a handful to try and control for opposing offensive linemen. We saw much more of that as a pass-rusher back in 2018 when he earned a 72.3 pass-rushing grade and racked up 35 pressures.) (2-3-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-position-rankings-interior-defenders
Senior Bowl Defensive Linemen (Leki Fotu, Utah: Leki Fotu was supposed to be on this made up “starting” lineup, but he is no longer participating in the Senior Bowl. For whatever reason, Fotu failed his physical examination and was ruled out for the event, joining Arizona State WR Brandon Aiyuk and a handful of others. Fotu may be this class’ best 0- and 1-tech defensive tackle, so the fact that he can no longer show his skills in Mobile is a huge blow. Hopefully Fotu can rebound at the NFL Combine.) (1-22-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/senior-bowl-defensive-linemen
Senior Bowl weigh-ins: 20 prospects who hit the Lions benchmarks (Leki Fotu, NT, Utah (6-5, 337, 33 7/8″ arms, 10 1/4″ hands): While Kinlaw and Gallimore are more penetrating defensive tackles, Fotu is an anchor at nose tackle. These are Damon Harrison-like measurements, but Fotu is over 2″ taller.) (1-21-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/21/notes-senior-bowl-weigh-ins-detroit-lions/
PFF 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl Preview: players to watch, draft implications, schedule, team rosters and more (At 6-foot-5, 335 pounds, Leki Fotu is one of the more physically dominant interior defensive linemen in this draft class. He’s been a run stuffer, missing no tackles against the run in 2019 while producing an 83.4 run-defense grade. But he has been ineffective in the pass-rush, producing just a 61.0 pass-rush grade. Teams will love the size, but he needs to impress in the pass-rush this week to maintain that fourth-round status.) (1-20-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pff-2020-reeses-senior-bowl-preview-players-to-watch-draft-implications-schedule-team-rosters
2019 College Bowl Preview: Liberty, Alamo, and Arizona Bowls (On the defensive line, defensive end Bradlee Anae and defensive tackle Leki Fotu are two of the most disruptive forces in college football and wreak havoc on opposing offensive lines. These two are near the top of their positions for the NFL Draft.) (12-31-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2019-college-bowl-previews-liberty-alamo-and-arizona-bowls/
Bowl Preview: Top 10 prospects to watch on Tuesday, December 31 (Leki Fotu, NT, Utah, 6-5, 335 #99: If Damon Harrison retires, the Lions will have a huge hole to fill in the middle of their defense and the best player in this class to do that is Fotu. Incredibly strong, he is built to anchor the middle of the line and he controls his gaps like a pro. Because of the positional value, he should be on the late Day 2 early Day 3 radar for teams.) (12-31-19): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/12/31/detroit-lions-bowl-preview-top-10-prospects-watch/
Perfect 2020 NFL Draft fits for every non-playoff team (Later — DI Leki Fotu, Utah: The 335-pound Fotu has the chance to be a real playmaker at the position after earning an 83.8 run-defense grade this past season.) (12-30-19): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-perfect-2020-nfl-draft-fits-for-every-non-playoff-team
Prospects to watch in Alamo Bowl (Leki Fotu, DT: Fotu is an overwhelmingly strong defensive lineman who's going to wreck the opposition's inside run game when he's on the field. At 6-5 and 330 pounds, he's a mountain of a man who controls blockers with ease and has just enough movement skills to get his hands on ball carriers in the backfield. He's not going to be a majorly productive pass rusher, but even in today's aerial-based NFL, Fotu will carve out a niche for some NFL team starting next season.) (12-30-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/alamo-bowl-time-tv-channel-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-utah-vs-texas/
NFL draft: 20 prospect observations from conference title game weekend (3. Speaking of that Utah defense, there are a lot of players there I am high on for the 2020 NFL draft. But two of them who are vying for Round 2 consideration, EDGE Bradlee Anae and DT Leki Fotu, had disappointing games Friday night.) (12-9-19): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-20-prospect-observations-from-conference-title-game-weekend-182109634.html
Scouting the 2019 Pac-12 Championship: Oregon vs Utah (When Leki Fotu is playing on all cylinders he’s tough to stop, as the senior is a terrific combination of size, athleticism, and power.) (12-5-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/scouting-the-2019-pac-12-championship-oregon-vs-utah/
College Football: 2019 PFF All-Pac-12 Team (First Team: Leki Fotu, Utah: Another Utah defensive lineman, Fotu recorded a run-defense grade of 89.3, coming in just behind his teammate (Penisini) for the best in the conference. The duo of Fotu and Penisini up front are a key factor as to why Utah currently holds the fifth-highest team run-defense grade in the nation. Fotu also has 15 quarterback pressures, including one sack and four quarterback hits, as well as one forced fumble against the run.) (12-2-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2019-pff-all-pac-12-team
Grading 2020 Senior Bowl invites (DI LEKI FOTU, UTAH: Fotu is a horse of a defensive tackle at 6-foot-5, 335 pounds. He showed more as a pass-rusher in 2018 when he racked up 35 pressures (only 13 so far this year), but he will be coveted as a run-stuffing nose tackle at the next level.) (11-26-19): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-grading-2020-senior-bowl-invitees
NFL DRAFT PROSPECT SHOWDOWN: WEEK 10 (Fotu has turned into a sort of Draft Twitter cult favorite. Underrated coming into the season, Fotu is a mountain in the middle of Utah's run defense and has proven himself light on his feet relative to his 6-foot-5, 335-pound frame. Of course, someone of Fotu's size is not the most effective pass-rusher, but his strength upon contact is overwhelming and he is not one to give up ground in the run game easily.) (10-30-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/prospect-vs-prospect/nfl-draft-prospect-showdown-week-10
College Football Week 9: Eckrich Pac-12 Team of the Week (Leki Fotu, Utah: Fotu was a force up the middle for the Utes, beating his blocks in addition to hindering Cal’s ability to run the ball. He produced one sack, one hurry and the second-best run-defense grade among all defensive interior players, just behind Odighizuwa. ) (10-28-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-9-eckrich-pac-12-team-of-the-week
College Football Week 8: Eckrich Pac 12 Team of the Week (Leki Fotu, Utah: Fotu was a wrecking ball in the interior for the Utes, nabbing three total pressures and four defensive stops against Arizona State. His run-defense grade of 84.3 was fourth-best in the entire conference, no matter the position.) (10-21-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-8-eckrich-pac-12-team-of-the-week
NFL draft prospects to watch: Oregon QB Justin Herbert needs to recapture some buzz (Utah DT Leki Fotu vs. Oregon: If you’ve not had the pleasure of watching the 6-5, 335-pound Leki Fotu, please do yourself a favor and check out at least a few reps this weekend in this game. He has had a few shocking disruptions this season, as Fotu will dazzle with his combination of length, mass, power, burst and surprising flexibility and agility for such a massive human. “Leki Fotu, I think, is the best [front seven] defender in the Pac-12,” Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said. Whittingham even several times has compared Fotu to former Utah defensive lineman Luther Ellis, the former 20th overall pick in the 1995 NFL draft and a two-time Pro Bowler for the Detroit Lions in the late 1990s. If there’s a weakness on this Arizona State offense, it’s probably the line. C Cohl Cabral is a try-hard blocker and a better fit in the pivot than when he was forced to play out of position at tackle the first two games of this season, as well as for the entire 2017 campaign. Cabral is more of a bump-and-steer guy than a people mover, best on combo blocks and when he’s able to get in space in the screen game. How will Cabral handle the power of Fotu? He struggled to generate much push against the size and quickness of Michigan State’s front line, so dealing with the massive Ute will be worth watching. Fotu is just starting to scratch the surface of his immense potential. The converted offensive tackle has as much rugby in his background as he does football, which he didn’t even play his junior year of high school. It’s easy to see why, even in an NFL game that favors quickness over size at defensive tackle, scouts feel there is ample room for this young man as a potential centerpiece up front on defense.) (10-17-19): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-oregon-qb-justin-herbert-needs-to-recapture-some-buzz-175343960.html
College Football Week 7: Eckrich Pac-12 Team of the Week (Leki Fotu, Utah: The Utah defense allowed a paltry 48 yards rushing to the Beavers, and Fotu was a key reason why. He required multiple double teams in the running game, forcing two defensive stops and posting the conference’s second-best run-defense grade.) (10-14-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-7-eckrich-pac-12-team-of-the-week
College Football Week 4: Eckrich Pac-12 Team of the Week (Leki Fotu, Utah: The Utes didn't get the win on Friday night but Fotu was certainly not to blame on defense. He recorded a QB hit on the pass-rush as he won the majority of his snaps but USC got their passes off too quick for the pressure to be recorded and Fotu was also stout in run-defense, clogging lanes for the limited times the Trojans ran the ball.) (9-23-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-4-eckrich-pac-12-team-of-the-week
NFL draft winners and losers: Wisconsin's Jonathan Taylor, Notre Dame's Cole Kmet rising (Utah’s best player in this one — without a doubt — was defensive tackle Leki Fotu. What a monster inside. Where do the Utes find guys like this? They’ve been well-stocked on the front lines on both sides of the ball the past decade or so, but the 6-5, 335-pound nose tackle feels like the best they’ve had in recent years up front. Men this size don’t grow on trees, and the fact that Fotu was as active as he was against a pass-heavy Trojans team, playing 47 of a possible 56 snaps on defense, tells me that we might be looking at a possible top-50 prospect here.) (9-23-19): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-wisconsins-jonathan-taylor-notre-dames-cole-kmet-rising-175054048.html
College Football Week 4 Eckrich Team of the Week (Leki Fotu, Utah: The Utes didn't get the win on Friday night but Fotu was certainly not to blame on defense. He recorded a QB hit on the pass-rush as he won the majority of his snaps but USC got their passes off too quick for the pressure to be recorded and Fotu was also stout in run-defense, clogging lanes for the limited times the Trojans ran the ball.) (9-22-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-4-eckrich-team-of-the-week
Dominant efforts from top NFL prospects highlight USC’s upset of No. 10 Utah (Every team in the league is looking for quick, penetrating defensive tackles capable of ruining running plays before they even start. Those players are often shorter than the blockers tasked with slowing them, using their natural leverage advantage to slip free but often wearing down later in the game. That is not the case with Fotu, who is not only bigger and more athletic than virtually anyone who has attempted to block him thus far this year, he’s also more productive than one might think going simply off his box score. It is the nature of Fotu’s position (and Utah’s scheme) that he won’t rack up the eye-popping statistics to generate much national attention when it comes to awards and All-American teams. He recorded just two tackles overall Friday night, with one tackle for loss and the forced fumble. Give Fotu a lot of credit for another statistic, however. The Utes held USC to just 13 net rushing yards (on 22 attempts) in this contest, making the Trojans’ win all the more improbable. By comparison, the Utes ran for 247 yards on 49 attempts Friday night and that despite losing star running back Zack Moss to a shoulder injury in the first half.) (9-21-19): https://mavensports.io/nfldraftscout/news/dominant-efforts-from-top-nfl-prospects-highlight-usc-s-upset-of-no-10-utah-1p0KPfbZHkCujSoNhupr0A/
Utah Utes: Moss, Bernard, Blackmon, Fotu among underrated sleepers (Leki Fotu: Leki Fotu gets a bad rap as being a two-down plugger, but the defensive tackle is extremely athletic for such a big man. He needs to refine his technique and learn to disengage from blocks quicker, but he’s a prospect primed to take off this season.) (9-1-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/utah-utes-summer-grades-pauline/
NFL Draft: Utah’s defense could lead them to Pac-12 title (DL Leki Fotu: Returning off a First-Team All-Pac-12 season, Fotu is a massive load in the trenches. Fotu’s parents hail from Tonga, and three of his brothers have or currently play at the FBS level. His stature presents an immovable presence. Combined with brute strength, Fotu excels as a two-gapping specialist. He possesses innate ability to anchor and take on blocks. Fotu was a driving factor behind Utah’s top-five run defense. His ability to plug gaps and eat blocks makes the job for the guys behind him that much easier. He shows off flexibility and power in his lower half. He can hold onto blockers while working laterally towards the ball carrier and disengage at will. With his body mass, athleticism and strength, Fotu forces double teams nearly every snap he’s on the field. An invaluable quality despite the declining value of the 1-tech. The most admirable trait regarding Fotu’s game is his non-stop motor and effort. Considering he weighs in at around 330 pounds, he moves exceptionally well in space. He’s always chasing the ball and often ends up with a cleanup stop. Even if that means working across the field, it’s rare to see a defensive tackle so involved when the play reaches the second level, but Fotu makes his presence known in that aspect. This season it’d be encouraging to see Fotu display more in terms of hand usage. Not asked to pass rush much, he’s shown ability to penetrate the pocket and force quarterbacks to maneuver. Typically depending on a bull rush, adding some moves to the toolbox could do wonders to his NFL draft stock. At this point, Fotu presents a safe, early day three floor and fills a role with some zest.) (8-9-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-utahs-defense-could-lead-them-to-pac-12-title/
Utah Utes: Moss, Bernard, Blackmon, Fotu among underrated sleepers (Leki Fotu: Leki Fotu gets a bad rap as being a two-down plugger, but the defensive tackle is extremely athletic for such a big man. He needs to refine his technique and learn to disengage from blocks quicker, but he’s a prospect primed to take off this season.) (9-1-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/utah-utes-summer-grades-pauline/
NFL Draft: Utah’s defense could lead them to Pac-12 title (DL Leki Fotu: Returning off a First-Team All-Pac-12 season, Fotu is a massive load in the trenches. Fotu’s parents hail from Tonga, and three of his brothers have or currently play at the FBS level. His stature presents an immovable presence. Combined with brute strength, Fotu excels as a two-gapping specialist. He possesses innate ability to anchor and take on blocks. Fotu was a driving factor behind Utah’s top-five run defense. His ability to plug gaps and eat blocks makes the job for the guys behind him that much easier. He shows off flexibility and power in his lower half. He can hold onto blockers while working laterally towards the ball carrier and disengage at will. With his body mass, athleticism and strength, Fotu forces double teams nearly every snap he’s on the field. An invaluable quality despite the declining value of the 1-tech. The most admirable trait regarding Fotu’s game is his non-stop motor and effort. Considering he weighs in at around 330 pounds, he moves exceptionally well in space. He’s always chasing the ball and often ends up with a cleanup stop. Even if that means working across the field, it’s rare to see a defensive tackle so involved when the play reaches the second level, but Fotu makes his presence known in that aspect. This season it’d be encouraging to see Fotu display more in terms of hand usage. Not asked to pass rush much, he’s shown ability to penetrate the pocket and force quarterbacks to maneuver. Typically depending on a bull rush, adding some moves to the toolbox could do wonders to his NFL draft stock. At this point, Fotu presents a safe, early day three floor and fills a role with some zest.) (8-9-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-utahs-defense-could-lead-them-to-pac-12-title/
Scouting Reports:
Oklahoma Profile: https://soonersports.com/sports/football/roster/neville-gallimore/3531
NFL.com: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/neville-gallimore?id=32194741-4c63-6611-9d1e-0291de0dd367
Walter football: http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2020ngallimore.php
Draft Network: https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/neville-gallimore
Articles:
Lions need a stud DT. Here are 12 fits on Day 2 and 3 of NFL draft (Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma - Why: The Ottawa, Ontario, native they call “Big Canada” reportedly has benched 500 pounds and was athletic enough to play nose tackle at nearly 330 pounds. Excellent at penetrating gaps, he might struggle early against the run while he learns to finish tackles while he’s engaged with a block.) (4-17-20): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/17/detroit-lions-nfl-draft-2020-best-defensive-tackles/5149453002/
2020 NFL Draft: PFF's All Trump Card Team (DI – OKLAHOMA – NEVILLE GALLIMORE (FIRST STEP): Running a 4.79 40-yard dash at 304 pounds is rare athleticism. A first step like that can create problems for opposing offenses without too much in the way of technique added. Gallimore finally saw the light switch flip this past season with a career-high 87.8 overall grade.) (4-15-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-pffs-all-trump-card-team
O'HARA'S DRAFT PREVIEW: 5 defensive tackles that could interest Lions (4. Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma. 6-2, 304. 4.79 Combine 40. Stats: 4 years after 2015 redshirt season. Career: 18 tackles for loss, 9 sacks. Last 2 years: 12 tackles for loss, 7 sacks. Breakdown: Grew up in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and had a steep learning curve at Oklahoma because of higher competition level. Aggressive athlete who needs to refine technique to increase his production. How he could fit Lions: There might be interior linemen rated higher, but Gallimore could add something. Energy level makes him ideal Matt Patricia project.) (4-12-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-draft-preview-5-defensive-tackles-that-could-interest-lions-brown
BUILDING THE PERFECT 2020 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (Lateral Agility: Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma - 300-pound men perfectly executing a spin move and tracking down a quarterback in space is supposed to be reserved for Fletcher Cox and … well, just Fletcher Cox. This particular clip looks like prime Demarcus Ware giving the work to some poor left tackle, not a defensive tackle versus a center. If the move alone was not impressive enough, the opponent was Texas C Zach Shackelford, who is expected to be drafted at some point on Day 3 this year. Sure, Gallimore should be expected to beat a guy like that, but to do so in such embarrassing fashion is a statement. Gallimore’s nimble nature comes in handy versus the run, too. While he does not have the heftiest anchor around, Gallimore can slip from one gap to another with relative ease for a big man. He can help hunt down plays that get a gap past him, as well as recover on cutbacks as needed.) (4-7-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/building-perfect-2020-defensive-linemen
7 Defensive Linemen Detroit Lions Could Target in NFL Draft (Neville Gallimore: Gallimore is the definition of a capable three-down nose tackle that can provide disruption up front on a consistent basis. The freakishly athletic 6-foot-2, 304-pound man ran a 4.79 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, and possesses a high-end motor and extremely active hands that can do an immense amount of damage against opposing quarterbacks. He finished his four-year Oklahoma career with 148 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, nine sacks and five forced fumbles. In his final season as a Sooner in 2019, he recorded a career-high 7.5 tackles for loss and a career-best four sacks.) (4-6-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/seven-defensive-linemen-lions-could-target-in-2020-nfl-draft
Thor's Interior DL Rankings (4. DT Neville Gallimore - Comp: Timmy Jernigan (Benjamin Solak) - An Ottawa native, Gallimore would become the first Canadian selected in Round 1 since Danny Watkins in 2011 if he’s a surprise Thursday night pick later this month. He’s overcome longer odds. Gallimore was the first player from north of the border to ever play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He participated in that game in 2015, prior to signing with Oklahoma over some 30-plus offers. Following a freshman redshirt, Gallimore's PFF grades jumped from 66.3 to 69.5 to 82.5 to 88.0 in 2019. After struggling with weight and consistency earlier in his career, things started to click. Particularly after Alex Grinch arrived to run Oklahoma’s defense, Gallimore was unleashed to attack. Gallimore has a killer first step and he’s extremely competitive. Every play is his stand against the coronavirus for the rest of mankind. He’s a very slick athlete, a former Bruce Feldman top-5 Freak Lister who went out and proved it in Indy with a 4.79-second forty and 1.71 10-yard split. But Gallimore is still extremely raw. He plays needlessly high, consistently losing the leverage game and sapping him of power. Because he plays with a poor base, Gallimore got knocked to the ground more than he ought to have in college, considering his physical advantages. He also needs to work on his hand usage. Gallimore plays too much patty-cake, which steals his length from him on the rush and makes him easier to control.) (4-3-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/thors-interior-dl-rankings
Draft: Defensive line prospects by type (Gallimore might not have a super high ceiling, and he surprisingly tested poorly despite being explosive and loose-hipped on the field. I love the variety of pass-rushing moves he deploys on a regular basis, especially his swim move off his bull rush.) (3-31-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-examining-javon-kinlaw-derrick-brown-and-the-rest-of-the-defensive-line-class-by-type/
Could DL Neville Gallimore Be a Fit in Detroit? (3-30-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/could-dl-neville-gallimore-be-a-fit-in-detroit
6 Lions 2nd-round options if they draft CB Jeff Okudah in the 1st (Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma: The Lions know Gallimore well after coaching him for the Senior Bowl week as part of the North roster. It’s easy to see why the defensive staff would covet the versatile Gallimore, too. At his best as a shaded NT, Gallimore can also play the upfield 3T role. The Canadian needs some work at economizing his movement and keeping his center of gravity lower; he’s not an anchor inside but rather an attack dog. Playing next to Danny Shelton in Detroit, Gallimore would be able to unleash his impressive athleticism and seek-and-destroy mentality. Of all the players listed, Gallimore would be considered the biggest reach. I believe the Lions will value him more than other teams. Why no offensive linemen, you might ask? Positional value is the primary answer. If the Lions placed this high of an emphasis on guard play, they wouldn’t have let Graham Glasgow walk. It’s also too high to consider any of the interior linemen that project to be available. This is not a good guard/center draft class.) (3-26-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/03/26/6-lions-2nd-round-options-if-they-draft-cb-jeff-okudah-in-the-1st/
2020 NFL draft: Minnesota's Antoine Winfield Jr. (No. 61 prospect) making his own name (64. Oklahoma DT Neville Gallimore (6-foot-2, 304 pounds): Yahoo Sports draft grade: 5.85. The lowdown: The Ontario-bred Gallimore has taken a fascinating path. After a redshirt season (during which Gallimore said his biggest adjustment was to the Oklahoma heat), he emerged as a starter by the end of 2016 and into 2017 before an injury disrupted his sophomore season. And following a strong, rebound in 2018, Gallimore took an even bigger step up as a redshirt senior — thanks to dropping 30 pounds — to earn third-team AP All-America mention with 7.5 tackles for loss, four sacks and two forced fumbles in 14 games in 2019. With a shorter, stockier build, Gallimore wins with quickness off the snap and outstanding tenacity. He’s almost impossible for slower-footed centers and guards to reach block and can knife through gaps with surprising ease at times. Gallimore also has a good habit of seeking contact on the ball and became a more sure tackler as a senior. It’s rare to see Gallimore take a play off, and his effort often pays off. Watch him work back against the grain to chase down an agile quarterback on a read-option keeper — a play that most men his size won’t ever make. There are times when Gallimore’s bull-in-a-China-shop, hair-on-fire style works against him. He can run himself out of plays and lose gap contain trying to do too much. Gallimore is on the ground more than we’d like to see, and his college production was inconsistent. He also can stand straight up in his stance as a rusher at times and has short arms that will hinder him. Gallimore, who turned 23 in January, reminds us — style-wise — a lot of Pittsburgh Steelers 2016 third-round pick Javon Hargrave as a prospect, even though Gallimore will enter the league with far more experience in high-level college football. Hargrave developed from a good part-time player in his first few seasons to a higher-snap contributor and the kind of penetrator who will be paid on the open market this offseason. That’s the type of path Gallimore could take in the early stages of his career, and if the Steelers let Hargrave walk this offseason, Gallimore is the kind of high-energy rusher they could seek to replace him with. It’s likely he’ll see more time at the 3-technique in the NFL but he also could play his college position of nose tackle in passing-down fronts. By the numbers: In 46 games with the Sooners, Gallimore totaled 147 tackles (17 for losses), 8.5 sacks, two batted passes and five forced fumbles. Interesting fact: At Canada Prep Academy (formerly Canada Prep Football Academy) — a private, all-boys school in St. Catharines, Ontario that’s the only Canadian school to play a full schedule of American high school football teams — Gallimore established himself as a top-100 recruit. Gallimore played there for Geoff McArthur, who was Aaron Rodgers’ go-to receiver at Cal in 2003 and 2004. Gallimore worked with McArthur, who was training high-school athletes in Los Angeles, flying there with the hopes of attracting the eyes of American coaches. McArthur landed Gallimore and predicted then that he would be an NFL player while still in high school. Nicknamed the “Canadian Bulldozer” by a Twitter poster in 2017, Gallimore is expected to be only the third known Ottawa high-school player who will end up in the NFL, following QB Jesse Palmer and DT Christo Bilukidi. Draft range: Round 2, perhaps early Round 3) (3-13-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/2020-nfl-draft-minnesotas-antoine-winfield-jr-no-61-prospect-making-his-own-name-133051546.html
Could DT Neville Gallimore Be Lions' Second-Round Pick? (3-12-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/could-dt-neville-gallimore-be-lions-second-round-pick
Hurts, Lamb impress at Sooners pro day (Defensive tackle Neville Gallimore did work out on Wednesday while continuing to show his improved quickness that was initially displayed at the combine. As he did in Indianapolis, Gallimore performed well during his on-field drills on Wednesday while showing why he is currently being projected as a Day 2 pick who could sneak into the first round.) (3-12-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/oklahoma-pro-day-jalen-hurts-ceedee-lamb-continue-to-stack-solid-workouts-ahead-of-2020-nfl-draft/
Oklahoma pro day: Best team fits for Hurts, Lamb (Neville Gallimore, DT (Draft projection: Rounds 2-3): Pro day analysis: One of the most important elements of Gallimore's pro day was the significant improvement he showed in his quickness testing after posting disappointing numbers in Indianapolis. He posted a 4.69-second 20-yard shuttle on Wednesday, per the school, after recording a 5.01 at the combine (second to last among defensive linemen). It can be difficult finding your footing on field-turf surfaces, and perhaps that was an issue for Gallimore at the combine, as his change-of-direction testing was much better at the pro day. Team fits: The Chargers are looking for more quickness and disruption up front, which happens to be Gallimore's calling card. The Seahawks could lose a couple defensive tackles in free agency, while the Lions have a similar issue and need a quick injection of talent for their interior rotation.) (3-11-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001105929/article/oklahoma-pro-day-takeaways-team-fits-for-ceedee-lamb-more
Lions, Bob Quinn at Oklahoma Sooners pro day: Players they saw and potential draft fits (For Lions purposes, the most likely Sooner candidate to join the den is DT Neville Gallimore. A high-energy disruptor on the inside, Gallimore had a strong showing during Senior Bowl week where the Lions coached. He is not an interior anchor despite weighing over 300 pounds. Gallimore is generally regarded as a Day 2 talent.) (3-11-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/03/11/lions-bob-quinn-at-oklahoma-sooners-pro-day-players-they-saw-and-potential-draft-fits/
2020 NFL draft: Neville Gallimore scouting report (3-8-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/07/2020-nfl-draft-neville-gallimore-scouting-report/
All-Combine Team: Who shined at each position? (Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma (Best team fits: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots.): Gallimore is incredibly explosive and powerful. A 4.79 40 at around 300 pounds showed how quickly he can move, putting him in range of past and present NFL stars Jared Allen and Robert Quinn, and he was violent in the bag drills, blasting them with his hands during clubs and rips before attacking the final bag. Effort with Gallimore was evident in his workout, and he could become a problem-causer with improvement and development at the next level.) ( 3-2-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001104947/article/2020-allcombine-team-which-nfl-draft-prospects-owned-indy
2020 NFL Draft: Isaiah Simmons, Justin Jefferson, CJ Henderson among 10 biggest winners at combine (Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma: The 2020 combine was all about freaky athletes showing their freaky athleticism and few players did that better than Neville Gallimore. We spoke to Gallimore before he ran and asked him if the rumors were true that he was going to best Quinnen Williams' 4.83 40-time at the 2019 combine. He smiled. A few days later, he was still smiling when he busted out a 4.79. Just to be clear: Gallimore is 6-foot-2, 304 pounds and he's not just a straight-line sprinter. At Oklahoma, he used his rare combination of speed, power and quickness to routinely give offensive linemen fits, and his sideline-to-sideline range reminded us at times of Titans 2019 first-rounder Jeffrey Simmons. Like the other players on this list, Gallimore made himself some money in Indianapolis.) (3-2-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-draft-isaiah-simmons-justin-jefferson-cj-henderson-among-10-biggest-winners-at-combine/
WATCH: 304-pound Neville Gallimore runs 4.79 40 at NFL Scouting Combine (3-1-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/02/29/watch-304-pound-neville-gallimore-of-oklahoma-runs-a-4-79-40-at-nfl-scouting-combine/
Combine winners/losers, Day 3: Simmons shines (Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma: Gallimore checked in at 304 pounds earlier this week, but still ran a 4.79 40. He moved like a 285-pound version of himself through the various drills on Saturday. His punch to pads was as powerful as anyone on the field, sending the upright pad to a horizontal state. His full-out effort caused him to lose his balance trying to bend around corners a couple times, but I think scouts will forgive him for that because of the flexibility he demonstrated.) (2-29-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001104739/article/2020-nfl-scouting-combine-winnerslosers-isaiah-simmons
2020 NFL combine results: Isaiah Simmons crushes 40-yard dash and more times, workouts for DLs and LBs (Brown wasn't the only DL that enjoyed a solid Saturday night. Nebraska's Khalil Davis turned in an incredible time in the 40-yard dash, coming in with a time of 4.75 to lead the group. Neville Gallimore, who finished second amongst DL in the 40, also showed out during his on-field work.) (2-29-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-nfl-combine-results-isaiah-simmons-crushes-40-yard-dash-and-more-times-workouts-for-dls-and-lbs/live/
TIM AND MIKE: Combine Day 3 observations (O Canada: Oklahoma defensive tackle Neville Gallimore watched college games on TV and dreamed of playing at a school like Oklahoma and getting to the NFL. Making his dream a reality was a reach – across international borders. He grew up in Welland, Ontario, and got a scholarship to Oklahoma. Making the Combine is another step in the dream. "It still hasn't hit me yet," he said in his media interview. "I have a chance to make my dream come true. It doesn't matter where you come from." – Mike O'Hara) (2-27-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/tim-and-mike-combine-day-3-observations-okudah-kinlaw
11 prospects who should dominate the scouting combine drills (DT Gallimore: At 6-foot-2 and 304 pounds, Gallimore has bench-pressed 500 pounds, squatted 800, and cleaned 405, so he should be good on any strength drills. But it’s the 40 you should watch here — he ran a 4.76 40 in 2019 that, per Bruce Feldman of The Athletic, Sooners head coach Lincoln Riley wouldn’t have believed if he hadn’t seen it.) (2-27-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/02/27/11-prospects-who-should-dominate-the-scouting-combine-drills/
Neville Gallimore: I Had To Become A Student Of The Game After Leaving Canada (2-27-20): https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/02/27/neville-gallimore-on-going-from-canada-to-oklahoma-i-had-to-become-a-student-of-the-game/
Who and what to watch at the 2020 NFL Combine: Interior defensive line (Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma (Suggested by: Jeff Risdon): Gallimore was a nose tackle in Oklahoma’s three-man front, but he earned that role, not because of his size (6-2, 304), but because of his ability to win with tenacity and violence. Very athletic for his size, Gallimore was a gap penetrator in college but he has the skill set to be a potential 2-gapper at the next level.) (2-22-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/22/detroit-lions-2020-nfl-combine-preview-interior-defensive-line/
Combine: Answering the biggest questions (Which under-the-radar prospects are bound to be household names after the combine? Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma: As a former space-eating nose tackle who shed weight, Gallimore still has the muscle from this time at a much higher weight and looked freed athletically in 2019 while playing around 300 pounds for the Sooners. He should run well below 5.0 seconds in the 40 -- Quinnen Williams ran 4.83 last year -- and Gallimore should finish as a top performer in the other drills as well thanks to his loose hips and elite flexibility for the position.) (2-21-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-combine-burning-questions-answered-which-prospects-will-erupt-who-needs-a-big-workout-and-more/
2020 NFL Draft: Interior defensive linemen rankings, top prospects (3. Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma (rSR, 6'2", 304 pounds): Combining freakish athleticism and a non-stop motor, Gallimore explodes off the ball and has outstanding short-term agility for his size. While he spends a lot of time in the backfield, he doesn't always finish as he has a total of seven sacks over the past two seasons. Appearing on Bruce Feldman's Freaks' List, Gallimore shed 25 pounds from 2018 to 2019, but he benches 500 pounds, squats 800 pounds and has run a 4.76 forty at over 300 pounds.) (2-18-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/02/18/nfl-draft-2020-interior-defensive-linemen-rankings-best-prospects
Draft DL rankings: Brown the headliner (3. Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma
(Rating: 90): Once a space-eating nose tackle with limited range, Gallimore dropped weight before his senior season, and it paid off in a big way. His first-step routinely gets him an angle advantage on guards, and his loose hips allow him counter back to the inside if necessary with high-end agility for the position and a nice collection of moves. Thanks to his time spent as a run-defending specialist, Gallimore is a keen block reader and can dispatch blockers en route to the ball-carrier. He had four sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss in his senior campaign in Norman and routinely reset the line of scrimmage with his get off and powerful punch.) (2-17-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-defensive-line-rankings-derrick-brown-javon-kinlaw-headline-top-heavy-group/
2020 Combine Preview: Defensive tackle (5. Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma, 6-2, 302: The senior posted 29 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, four sacks and two forced fumbles this past season. He notched 50 tackles and 5.0 sacks from the interior as a junior. He flashed terrific potential, but it hasn't always translated to the stat sheet. He had a really nice week in Mobile at the Senior Bowl, which helped his stock.) (2-13-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2020-combine-preview-defensive-tackle-brown-kinlaw
2020 NFL Combine: Defensive Tackle Prospects, Invites, What To Watch For (4. Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma 6-2, 302 (2)
Why He’s Here On The List: When he’s on, he’s got the upside and ability to be the best tackle in the draft. He can really, really move, and he’s got the potential to show it off and have everyone talking. No, he’s not the perfect size, but he could blow the doors off the workout in the short drills. What The NFL Types Want To See: Is it possible to show more consistency in a bunch of drills? Yeah, it would be nice if he was a bigger tackle, but just how much can he bend and just how small can he get to be slippery into the backfield? He needs to look fluid as well as powerful. Bottom Line: He’s not exactly a boom-or-bust prospect, but someone is going to fall in love with his upside and athleticism. If it’s possible to not look like a pure pass rushing interior defender, he has to do it. Or … he has to be just that much quicker than everyone else in Indy.) (2-9-20): https://collegefootballnews.com/2020/02/2020-nfl-combine-defensive-tackle-prospects-invites-what-to-watch-for
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Post-Senior Bowl (Up - Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma: In the passing-driven NFL, teams are always looking for interior defensive linemen who can get after the quarterback. Gallimore was a disruptive pass-rusher for the Sooners, and he gave further proof of that ability at the Senior Bowl. At the point of attack, Gallimore is quick to fire his gap and get penetration into the backfield. After his strong close to his collegiate career and his performance in Mobile, Gallimore could go as a top-64 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.) (2-4-20): http://walterfootball.com/draft2020stock_21.php
2020 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Interior Defenders (6. NEVILLE GALLIMORE, OKLAHOMA (Draft Board Rank: 60th): Gallimore reinvented himself this past season after dropping almost 30 pounds and adding some much-needed range at the nose tackle position. One-gapping defensive lines will fall in love with Gallimore’s get off. He was ranked second to only Iowa offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs on Bruce Feldman’s yearly “freaks” list and that burst shows up time and again on tape. He wrecked plays purely with his ability to fire off low at the snap this past season. While his pass-rushing grade took a big step forward in 2019 from 75.0 to 82.4, there’s still some concerns on tape. He hasn’t shown much an ability to win late in the snap and is often shut down if his first move is ineffective. Gallimore very much still looks as if he’s learning his pass-rushing moves as they’re not quite second nature at this point.) (2-3-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-position-rankings-interior-defenders
2020 Senior Bowl Stock Watch (8. Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma: It was frustrating to watch Gallimore in college because he was mostly utilized as a run stuffer and rarely allowed to use his freakish blend of athleticism, speed and power to penetrate. That started to change as a senior but his true pass rush potential began to get unlocked in Mobile. The week was a great start to the pre-draft process for Gallimore, who is also expected to test extremely well in workouts. Gallimore made a very strong case for himself as one of the top prospects in the next tier of defensive tackles after Auburn’s Derrick Brown and South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw.) (1-26-20): http://draftcountdown.com/2020/2020-senior-bowl-stock-watch/
2020 Senior Bowl Stock Report (Up - Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma: Gallimore had three good practices in Mobile. He is a quick interior rusher who can get upfield and give interior blockers problems in pass protection. Gallimore could be a good fit as a three technique in a 4-3 defense with the potential to be a steal on day two of the draft. At Senior Bowl, he showed that he could be the next Grady Jarrett.) (1-25-20): http://walterfootball.com/seniorbowl2020stock.php
2020 Senior Bowl: The top prospects for the Lions' scheme (If the Lions don’t pick a defensive tackle at the top of the draft then Gallimore could be their target at the top of Round 2. The Lions coaches got a long look at him this week in practice.) (1-24-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/25/2020-senior-bowl-the-top-prospects-for-the-lions-scheme/
2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl Practice Report: North Team (Thursday - Gallimore was inconsistent on the day. Had some “wow” reps in 1v1s when his pad level was good and he was using his elite athletic ability. However, when he played high he was easily neutralized. Thursday could have been better. Analysis - Canadian Bacon (Gallimore) had about the week I expect him to have. He has elite upside with his athletic ability, but he plays high and is raw as a pass rusher. Luckily when interviewing him, he made it clear he understood his weakness and was actively working on fixing them. Gallimore could be a really good player in the near future.) (1-24-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-reeses-senior-bowl-practice-report-north-team/
10 players who impressed at Senior Bowl practices (6. Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma, 6-2, 304: Not as impressive size-wise as Kinlaw and some of the other interior defenders in Mobile this week, but he consistently won his one-on-one matchups and was also disruptive in team periods. He's a good athlete and has a quick first step. He was a handful to block in the run game. He didn't have a ton of production at Oklahoma (29 tackles and 4.0 sacks), but he helped himself this week.) (1-24-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/10-players-who-impressed-at-senior-bowl-practices-x2738
8 potential Lions fits who were big winners at Senior Bowl practices (DT Neville Gallimore (Oklahoma): If the Lions go with another position in the first round, they’re still going to need inside help. They were trash there last year, and now A’Shawn Robinson and Mike Daniels are pending free agents. Gallimore is a guy I like for them in the subsequent rounds. He won his pass rushes more often than any other player in the Big 12 last year (11.8%) and remembered to pack his whooping stick for Mobile. He looked good. At 6-foot-2 and 304 pounds, he might be slightly undersized for Detroit. But he’s also kind of a freak, squating more than 800 pounds. If he blows up the combine -- and some think he could do that -- Gallimore could become attractive to Detroit.) (1-24-20): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/01/8-potential-lions-fits-who-were-big-winners-at-senior-bowl-practices.html
Senior Bowl 2020 recap: Wide receivers turn in a dominant performance on Day 3 (For the defensive enthusiasts, I have some good news. A handful of defenders did stand out on Thursday, most namely Oklahoma defensive tackle Neville Gallimore. His combination of first-step explosion, smoothness in his hips to change directions rapidly, and power in his active hands made him unblockable in one-on-one drills (and all week, really).) (1-23-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-2020-recap-wide-receivers-turn-in-a-dominant-performance-on-day-3/
Senior Bowl: Day 3 (7 biggest winners from the week of Senior Bowl practices - Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma. Gallimore benefited from Oklahoma's slanting, stemming defensive front that allowed him easier access to gaps and edges, but his production was still somewhat average. Personnel directors and scouts I spoke with worried about his ability to create disruption on his own. This week, Gallimore may have put some of those concerns to rest. He opened the door for teams to view him differently, at minimum. The former Sooner was able to translate his trademark high energy and athleticism into frequent pocket pressure in one-on-one drills. He also helped muddle lanes vs. the run. Gallimore might be a somewhat polarizing prospect, but this was a good week for him. As my notebook partner Lance Zierlein mentioned earlier in this piece, Oklahoma DT Neville Gallimore helped himself in Mobile this week. "He flashed some pass rush," said an AFC scout. "He's not the biggest guy, but he's pretty quick and several guys had trouble with him." Gallimore weighed in at 304 pounds on Tuesday and measured 6-foot-2. He's one of college football's most freakish athletes, having been clocked by the Sooners at a sub-4.8 40-yard dash, and can squat an amazing 800 pounds.) (1-23-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001098817/article/2020-senior-bowl-top-7-nfl-draft-winners-from-week-of-practice
2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl Practice Report: North Team (Gallimore establishes himself as comfortably the best defensive lineman behind Kinlaw. He has been completely unblockable and established himself as a legitimate first round prospect.) (1-22-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-reeses-senior-bowl-practice-report-north-team/
2020 Senior Bowl: Wednesday's North Team Practice Report (Oklahoma defensive tackle Neville Gallimore had another good practice. Gallimore is a quick interior rusher who can get upfield and give interior blockers problems in pass protection. Gallimore could be a good fit as a three technique in a 4-3 defense with the potential to be a steal on Day 2 of the draft. He could be the next Grady Jarrett.) (1-22-20): http://walterfootball.com/seniorbowl2020practice3.php
Senior Bowl: Josh Jones dominates (On the other side of the ball, Oklahoma's Neville Gallimore was brutally disruptive on Wednesday after making an outstanding first impression the day before. Heck, I could've led this story with him, because he came into this week on the cusp of the first-round radar too. A former 320-plus pound nose who ate blocks and two-gapped to mostly stop the run, Gallimore shed a bunch of weight in the offseason to get quicker, and boy did it ever pay off for him this season. He has a fantastic first step, hands that are both active and heavy, and dynamic athleticism to knife his way into the backfield with ease. Gallimore was not an easy assignment for anyone he faced today. ) (1-22-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-2020-josh-jones-dominates-in-trenches-denzel-mims-scorches-down-the-field/
Senior Bowl Defensive Linemen (Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma: Whether or not 1-techs should be valuable highly in the draft is a separate discussion, but there isn’t much arguing that Neville Gallimore is one of, if not the, best 1-techs this class has to offer. At 6-foot-2, 302-pounds, Gallimore is a short and stout player who hunkers down over the middle. He may need to add a few pounds to play the position in the NFL, but considering he’s proven all the necessary skills to handle the position, there is no reason to believe needing to add a few pounds is going to hold Gallimore back. Though a 1-tech, Gallimore plays with ample quickness and explosiveness in working through blockers. He isn’t quite like some of the fiery 3-techs the league has to offer, but it’s not often that a 1-tech has the juice to be mistaken as a 3-tech. Those players are tough to find (though, for some reason, the New York Giants always have … all of them?). Gallimore is a smart, savvy player, too. He plays with proper leverage when taking on blocks and does well to shuffle down the line of scrimmage for a man his size. If Gallimore gets into the right spot early (and he often does), he is not being moved out of it until he helps corral the ball carrier and end the play. ) (1-22-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/senior-bowl-defensive-linemen
2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl Practice Report: North Team (Of guys not named Javon Kinlaw, Gallimore was the best of the bunch. He was consistently making plays in the backfield during team drills and was unblockable in 1on1s.) (1-21-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-reeses-senior-bowl-practice-report-north-team/
2020 Senior Bowl: Tuesday's North Team Practice Report (Oklahoma defensive tackle Neville Gallimore was another player who team evaluators said did well in their eyes on Tuesday. Gallimore is a quick interior rusher who can get upfield and give interior blockers problems in pass protection. Gallimore could be a good fit as a three-technique in a 4-3 defense and has the potential to be a steal on Day 2 during the 2020 NFL Draft.) (1-21-20): http://walterfootball.com/seniorbowl2020practice.php
Live from the 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl: Tuesday Practice Observations (5:06 ET: Matt Hennessy (Temple) vs Neville Gallimore (Oklahoma) in 1-on-1’s. Great rep for Gallimore. – Matt Valdovinos) (1-21-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/live-from-the-2020-reeses-senior-bowl-tuesday-practice-observations/
Senior Bowl weigh-ins: 20 prospects who hit the Lions benchmarks (Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma (6-2, 304, 32 7/8″ arms, 10″ hands): He’s doesn’t have the height or length of Kinlaw — though neither are bad by any means — but if the Lions wait to address defensive tackle until pick No. 35, Gallimore is the name to know.) (1-21-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/21/notes-senior-bowl-weigh-ins-detroit-lions/
Neville Gallimore impresses at Reese's Senior Bowl weigh-in (1-21-20): https://soonerswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/21/neville-gallimore-impresses-at-reeses-senior-bowl-weigh-in/
Five Big 12 players who will rise after the Senior Bowl (Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma: Gallimore has been graded as high as a first-round prospect by many analysts, so why include him on this list? I believe that, at the end of the Senior Bowl, Gallimore will cement himself as a top-20 player in this class. His elite athletic traits, motor, and pass-rush ability from the interior will put teams on notice throughout the week, and Gallimore still has room to grow and improve on these abilities. The Big 12 has a bad rep with defensive prospects, but, after a good Senior Bowl week, I believe Gallimore can be the highest-drafted defensive player from the Big 12 since Kenny Vaccaro.) (1-21-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/five-big-12-players-who-will-rise-after-the-senior-bowl/
Complete guide to the 2020 Senior Bowl (Gallimore is an explosive defender who is always in the opposing backfield.) (1-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/20/senior-bowl-preview-2020-nfl-draft/
NFL draft: 10 most fascinating players at the 2020 Senior Bowl (Oklahoma DT Neville Gallimore: If Kinlaw isn’t DT1 at the Senior Bowl, then it’s probably Gallimore. The Canadian-born fifth-year senior has had a steep learning curve along the way, but he’s made himself into a compact enforcer who oozes burst and power and quickness. His finishing ability really has improved, too, over the past few seasons. Gallimore’s numbers have been ordinary at best, but it doesn’t take C.O. Brocato to tell how disruptive he can be over the course of 60 minutes. That’s what losing 30-plus pounds will do for a man. Gallimore is expected to blow up the combine with his incredible speed (he’s run sub-4.8 in college) and strength on the bench. But I’m excited to see him potentially tee off on these offensive linemen this week.) (1-20-120): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-10-most-fascinating-players-at-the-2020-senior-bowl-181210741.html
PFF 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl Preview: players to watch, draft implications, schedule, team rosters and more (Neville Gallimore has steadily improved over the course of his career at Oklahoma, and in 2019 he proved to belong among the best interior defensive linemen in the FBS. Gallimore’s PFF grade in 2019 sat at 88.0, and he produced run-defense and pass-rushing grades above 80.0. He has 0/1-tech written all over him at the NFL level — he ranked sixth in PFF grade at that alignment in 2019 and will certainly get his opportunity to show that in Mobile.) (1-20-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pff-2020-reeses-senior-bowl-preview-players-to-watch-draft-implications-schedule-team-rosters
10 players who could interest the Lions at the Senior Bowl (DT Neville Gallimore (Oklahoma): Mike Daniels was signed to lead Detroit’s interior pass rush. Instead, he hit the quarterback twice all season while dealing with an avalanche of injuries. Da’Shawn Hand, the other top interior pass rusher, played three games all season due to injury problems of his own. If you’re looking for reasons why Detroit’s pass rush was so bad, start there. Now Daniels is eligible to become a free agent, and A’Shawn Robinson too. Even Snacks Harrison, the top run defender, is weighing retirement. All of which is to say Detroit will have a close eye on interior linemen in the coming months. Gallimore will be one of the better ones in Mobile because of his ability to get after the quarterback. He won 11.8% of his pass rushes last season, which led the Big 12 according to PFF. He got home for four sacks.) (1-20-20): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/01/10-players-who-could-interest-the-lions-at-the-senior-bowl.html
TWENTYMAN: 10 North Team prospects to watch at Senior Bowl (6. Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma: Gallimore is a disruptive, penetrating interior defender. He's recorded 7.0 sacks from the interior the last two seasons for the Sooners with 79 total tackles. If he can show off his quickness in pass-rush drills and team periods this week, he might catch some attention. The Lions have four defensive tackles set to hit free agency, including A'Shawn Robinson and Mike Daniels.) (1-19-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-10-north-team-prospects-to-watch-at-senior-bowl
15 players who could make sense for Detroit Lions in Senior Bowl (Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma: Detroit figures to be remaking the interior of its defensive line this offseason with A’Shawn Robinson and Mike Daniels drifting toward free agency, and Damon Harrison leaning toward retirement. Gallimore is an intriguing mid-round prospect with elite strength and some real pass-rush ability. The downside is his frame. He’s on the short side, with proportioned limbs, but there are guys in the league who have shown that’s not a deal-breaker.) (1-15-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/01/15/15-players-who-could-make-sense-detroit-lions-senior-bowl/4480357002/
Vikings 2020 draft needs, fits, picks (DT Gallimore: The Ontario native has played like a man possessed this season. His play is relentless. Gallimore is strong, fast and shows tremendous balance for his size. He is incredibly fast off the snap and has multiple methods of getting to the quarterback beyond the standard bull rush technique. If there is one concern about Gallimore, it is that he gets too worked up sometimes, which leads him out of his gap responsibility and that leads to a big gain for the other team. The Sooner is an ideal pick for the Vikings at the end of Round 1 if available. He can step in immediately and start for either Linval Joseph or Shamar Stephen.) (1-13-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-minnesota-vikings-team-needs-draft-picks-prospects-to-watch/
Oklahoma's Neville Gallimore injured against LSU (12-28-19): https://soonerswire.usatoday.com/2019/12/28/oklahomas-neville-gallimore-injured-against-lsu/
Peach Bowl prospect preview: LSU vs Oklahoma (Neville Gallimore, NT, Oklahoma: Want a pass-rushing defensive tackle who can two-gap but don’t want the Lions to use their Top-5 pick to get one? Enter Neville Gallimore. Gallimore checks a ton of boxes for the Lions coaching staff. He can play everywhere from the 0- to the 5-technique, is incredibly strong, tough to block, has the anchor to hold his gap, is a tireless worker — and if things play out as expected — the Lions may be getting an up-close look at him at the Senior Bowl.) (12-28-19): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/12/28/peach-bowl-prospect-preview-lsu-vs-oklahoma/
Draft prospects for Lions fans to watch in college football selection committee, playoff games (Oklahoma DT Neville Gallimore -- Neville Gallimore is one of the most well-rounded defensive linemen in college football. PFF grades him at 89.3 overall, 86.1 against the run with a 14.7% pass-rush win rate. The senior is credited with 20 defensive stops and 30 quarterback pressures in the middle of Oklahoma’s defense. Kiper ranks him as the No. 6 defensive tackle prospect, while PFF has him at No. 52 overall.) (12-27-19): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2019/12/draft-prospects-for-lions-fans-to-watch-in-college-football-selection-committee-playoff-games.html
Ranking the 50 best 2020 NFL draft prospects in the College Football Playoff (12. Gallimore: Gallimore dropped weight in the offseason and became one of the most disruptive pure nose tackles in college football. He earned a pass-rushing grade of 83.3 and run-defense grade of 86.2 this season. He is still a bit of a work in progress, but his physical tools are NFL-caliber.) (12-26-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-ranking-best-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-in-the-college-football-playoff
Prospects to watch in the Peach Bowl (Neville Gallimore, DT: Gallimore has been very active and teams are having a hard time blocking him this season. He is playing at a level that would be difficult to keep him out of the first round. His motor never stops, and his hand usage is so polished. The Canadian-born prospect does not allow opposing linemen to get high in his pads and establish leverage. At the end highest level of college football, he looks like a man playing among boys at times. ) (12-23-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/peach-bowl-time-tv-channel-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-oklahoma-vs-lsu/
2019 Big 12 Championship: Preview, Prospects, and Prediction (Senior defensive tackle Neville Gallimore is one of the most disruptive defensive linemen in the country and generates double and triple teams every game. His presence up front helps the Sooners out on defense, and they will need him to control the line of scrimmage against Baylor’s dynamic defense. Gallimore is viewed as a top-50 prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft by many and has already accepted an invite to the Senior Bowl.) (12-5-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2019-big-12-championship-preview-prospects-and-prediction/
College Football: 2019 PFF All-Big 12 Team (First Team: Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma: Both Gallimore and Overton have been fantastic for Oklahoma this season. Gallimore gets the nod over his teammate with a better overall grade (89.1) and pass-rush grade (84.2). The Canadian-born big man has recorded 17 total pressures and the third-best pass-rush win rate in the conference (12%) entering the Big 12 Championship.) (12-2-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2019-pff-all-big-12-team
PFF College Football: 25 observations ahead of Week 14 (DI Neville Gallimore — 90.0 overall grade: The senior has been the Sooners’ best and most consistent defender over the past two years, and he's improved his overall and pass-rush grade every season of his career. He is currently the seventh-highest graded interior defender and has at least one stop and one quarterback pressure in every game this season.) (11-29-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-25-observations-ahead-of-week-14
Grading 2020 Senior Bowl invites (DI NEVILLE GALLIMORE, OKLAHOMA: Gallimore has taken one of the biggest leaps of any defensive tackle in the country this year. After playing 2018 in the 330s, Gallimore shed around 30 pounds to be more of a penetrator on the nose this year. The result has been a 90.2 run defense grade and 87.4 pass-rushing grade so far.) (11-26-19): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-grading-2020-senior-bowl-invitees
Five possible Lions 2020 draft prospects: Week 12 (Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma (No. 90): With A'Shawn Robinson and Mike Daniels operating on contracts that expire at season's end, and Da'Shawn Hand yet to prove he can stay healthy, the Lions figure to be in the market for defensive interior help this offseason. At 6-foot-2, Gallimore might be on the short side for the position, which immediately makes him a questionable fit for the scheme, but he's an athletic powerhouse with a nose for the ball. He tallied 50 tackles for the Sooners last season. Where he could have the biggest impact filling a need in Detroit's defense is his ability to disrupt the pocket. Gallimore has generated 31 quarterback pressures the past two seasons. ) (11-15-19): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/11/15/five-possible-detroit-lions-2020-draft-prospects-week-12/4194999002/
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Week 8 (Up - Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma: Team sources say Gallimore is an athletic tackle with some twitch. He is a penetrating disruptor who would fit best in a 4-3 as a three-technique who could also play some nose tackle. Some evaluators have compared Gallimore to former Buccaneer Booger McFarland or current Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. They say many teams would want more pass-rush ability out of Gallimore to become an every-down starter in the NFL, so they see him more as a second-day prospect. Still, Gallimore has helped himself this season with his strong play for the Sooners.) (10-23-19): http://walterfootball.com/draft2020stock_08.php
College Football: 2019 Midseason All-American Team (First-Team DI: Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma: An absolute monster up the middle for Oklahoma, Gallimore and Marquise Overton are arguably the country's best 1-2 punch in the defensive interior as Gallimore is currently beating all Power-5 interior defenders in overall grade. He's consistently double-teamed yet has recorded 20 total QB pressures, forced two fumbles and made his way to another eight defensive stops in the run game. He's winning pass-rushes at a high rate for his position as well and is quick with both his hands and his feet, something he showcased mightily against Texas.) (10-15-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2019-midseason-all-american-team
College Football Week 7: Eckrich Big-12 Team of the Week (Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma: Gallimore's 80.8 pass-rushing grade ranked eighth among all interior defenders in Week 7 as he notched six quarterback pressures — tied for third at the position.) (10-14-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-7-big-12-team-of-the-week
NFL draft: Pac-12 QB, plus two standout wideouts top our prospects to watch this week (Oklahoma DL Neville Gallimore vs. Texas: We wrote in depth about Jalen Hurts separately this week, so please check that out for a look at one of the most fascinating quarterbacks in the 2020 draft picture right now. But I also wanted to look at the Sooners’ defense and a player whose reputation is starting to bubble up on the national scene with each passing game. Neville Gallimore is one of the most impressive athletes for his position, and that is starting to translate into big, eye-opening plays for the Oklahoma nose tackle. The 6-2, 301-pound fifth-year senior has always flashed high-quality burst as an interior penetrator, but you had to mine a bit for tangible production at times in the past. That’s less the case this season, especially lately. Yes, it’s true that Gallimore has only one sack and 11 tackles (three for loss) so far in five games. But last week we saw Gallimore make the kind of stunning displays that surpass any kind of statistical measure. Take a look. Not only was Gallimore the first player off the ball, beating the center, but he defeats the running back’s initial block, takes another hit from the back, runs from five yards back to make an incredible strip from behind. Stunning stuff from such a big man on the interior. It’s quite clear that Gallimore’s 30-pound weight loss in the offseason — about 10 percent of his body weight — has completely changed his body makeup. I don’t think Gallimore makes this play last season. But this is a player who also has said he can bench press 475 pounds and squat 675, and he’s planning on running a sub-5.0 40-yard dash by NFL combine time. Gallimore’s pass-rush ability has taken a step forward this season, as seen in his 13 hurries (he had only 18 all last season). He also doesn’t get washed out of plays as easily, he converts power to speed better and I think we’ve seen clear evidence that his motor is running hotter this season. It’s interesting to note that the Sooners have kept his weekly snap count to around 30 per game, which is down from an average of 48 last season. Some of that might be because the Sooners have yet to really be tested this season; some of it could be that the staff felt Gallimore was more effective if he wasn’t as taxed physically. But you can expect him to be out there more than 30 snaps this week, we believe. The matchup this week against Texas LG Parker Braun and C Zach Shackleford, two very good interior offensive linemen, is an excellent test, but we expect they’ll have their hands full with Gallimore at times. Even if one of the Longhorns’ O-line mates disagrees. This game — and this matchup — should be fun.) (10-10-19): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-pac-12-qb-plus-two-standout-wideouts-top-our-prospects-to-watch-this-week-182008812.html
College Football Week 3: Risers and Fallers on the PFF 2020 NFL Draft Board (Oklahoma’s Neville Gallimore is another player who's seen his pass-rushing performance taken to the next level this season. He trimmed down 30 pounds over the course of the offseason, and it’s paying dividends already. After earning a 75.0 pass-rushing grade in 2018, he’s earned higher than that in every single game so far. Gallimore looked like he was still learning the position last season and had too many dud reps where he didn’t use his hands. Those are now a thing of the past, as he’s collected multiple pressures in each game this season.) (9-18-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-college-football-week-3-risers-and-fallers-on-the-pff-2020-nfl-draft-board
Oklahoma Sooners: Kenneth Murray leads early and mid-round projections (Neville Gallimore: There are some in the scouting community who grade Neville Gallimore as a potential top-45 pick, but I am much cooler on the defensive lineman. He flashes ability, but I see Gallimore getting handled by a single blocker far too often, and I find no “wow” factor in his game.) (8-31-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/oklahoma-sooners-summer-grades-pauline/
Big 12: All-Conference Defense dripping with potential (DL Neville Gallimore, Oklahoma: I’ve discussed Gallimore at length in several past articles here at Pro Football Network. The freaky athlete has been hindered and held back by a dreadful scheme in the past. Under new DC Alex Grinch, I expect Gallimore to put forward a great season on his way to the NFL Draft.) (8-21-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/big-12-all-conference-defense-dripping-with-potential/
Big 12’s Top-25 NFL Draft Prospects: It’s a deep class (9. Gallimore: Oklahoma’s Neville Gallimore and Kenneth Murray are gifted athletes who could be big-time under new DC Alex Grinch.) (7-30-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/big-12s-top-25-nfl-draft-prospects/
2020 NFL Draft: Don’t Sleep on Oklahoma’s defensive talent (DL Neville Gallimore: I said above that Oklahoma has players capable of being a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Neville Gallimore is one of those names for the Sooners. The Canadian is a freakishly gifted athlete. He recently appeared on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List from The Athletic as the #2 freak in all of college football. Feldman had this to say about the Sooner. That athletic ability shows up on tape. Gallimore has remarkable explosiveness and quickness for a big man. Teams were double and triple-teaming Gallimore all season long, but he fought through it often. While that doesn’t show up in the stat sheet, Gallimore is in line for a big season. If he continues to develop his hands and technique like in this rep below, his ceiling is sky-high. Gallimore was being used as a nose for Mike Stoops, but new DC Alex Grinch has told Gallimore to just go attack, and the staff has high hopes for him this season. Lincoln Riley said he is starting to become a complete football player for their defense. The NFL loves freakishly athletic defensive players. Quinnen Williams, Ed Oliver, and Rashan Gary were all top-12 picks in the 2019 NFL Draft. Gary had zero technique to his game, but off of athleticism alone, the Packers had to take him. If the Sooners defense takes that next step this season, expect Gallimore to be a big reason why.) (7-23-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-dont-sleep-oklahoma-defense/
Scouting Reports:
South Carolina Profile: https://gamecocksonline.com/sports/football/roster/javon-kinlaw/6338
NFL.com: https://www.nfl.com/prospects/javon-kinlaw?id=32194b49-4e70-8236-d068-74d6202e4019
Walter football: http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2020jkinlaw.php
Draft Tek: https://www.drafttek.com/NFL-Draft-Scouting-Reports/Scouting-Report-Javon-Kinlaw.asp
2020 NFL draft: Javon Kinlaw scouting report: https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/03/05/2020-nfl-draft-javon-kinlaw-scouting-report/
Draft Network: https://thedraftnetwork.com/player/javon-kinlaw/z6rQc3jCQc
Articles:
2020 NFL Draft Superlatives: Interior Defenders (BEST PASS-RUSHER: JAVON KINLAW, SOUTH CAROLINA (Honorable Mention: Jordan Elliott, Missouri & Derrick Brown, Auburn): Kinlaw earned the highest pass-rushing grade of any interior player back in 2018 and the second-highest behind Jordan Elliott this past season. It’s safe to say Kinlaw can get after opposing quarterbacks. His 15.4% pass-rushing win rate over the past two seasons is the best of anyone in this class.) (4-22-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-superlatives-interior-defenders
Projecting the Lions Top-10 draft board (4. Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina: If the Lions are looking for an interior presence with more pass-rushing prowess than Brown can provide, then Kinlaw (6-5, 324) is their guy. Equal to Brown in size and power, Kinlaw is significantly quicker but lacks Brown’s technical proficiency and 2-gapping experience. While Brown is ready-made for the Lions scheme, Kinlaw would offer them more penetrating power, something they desperately lack.) (4-22-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/04/22/projecting-the-lions-top-10-draft-board/
Being homeless fueled this South Carolina DT Javon Kinlaw. He might interest Lions in trade down (4-20-20): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/04/20/detroit-lions-javon-kinlaw-homeless-nfl-draft/5162146002/
Yahoo Sports' top 2020 NFL draft prospects, No. 12: South Carolina DT Javon Kinlaw (4-17-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/yahoo-sports-top-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-no-12-south-carolina-dt-javon-kinlaw-182055811.html
O'HARA'S DRAFT PREVIEW: 5 defensive tackles that could interest Lions (2. Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina. 6-5, 324. No Combine workout. Stats: 3 years at South Carolina after a JC season -- 37 games, 34 starts, 18 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks. Breakdown: Like many before him, Kinlaw got attention and raised his stock at the Senior Bowl. Uses his long arms – he calls them "hockey sticks" – to his advantage. Only knock was inconsistency and playing – sometimes down -- to the level of his competition. How he could fit Lions: The No. 2 interior lineman behind Brown, he'd provide a physical presence with athleticism. Another prospect who'd have to be taken with a pick acquired in a trade unless he drops to Round 2.) (4-12-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/o-hara-s-draft-preview-5-defensive-tackles-that-could-interest-lions-brown
BUILDING THE PERFECT 2020 DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (Pass-Rush: Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina - The sack numbers may not support it, but Kinlaw is a terrorizing pass-rusher. Despite a 6-foot-5 and 324-pound frame that would normally make it awkward for a defensive tackle to get moving, Kinlaw flies off the line of scrimmage and engages pass protectors with an unmatched furry. Kinlaw has the explosion, lateral movement, and crafty hands to be a devastating pass-rusher. While pass-rushers can win in any number of ways, it is Kinlaw’s powerful hands that really seal the deal. Be it ripping away a blocker’s hands out of his frame or simply giving an offensive guard a good shock to the chest, Kinlaw’s heavy yet nimble hands are a problem for opposing pass blockers. Kinlaw is an excellent prospect as is, but if his powerful and crafty hands could be inserted onto a slightly smaller, more agile defensive tackle, it would make for one hell of a prospect.) (4-7-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/building-perfect-2020-defensive-linemen
7 Defensive Linemen Detroit Lions Could Target in NFL Draft (Javon Kinlaw: Kinlaw, standing at 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, is the definition of a supremely gifted pass rusher. In fact, the physical specimen recorded the highest pass-rush grade among defensive tackles in each of the last two seasons, according to Pro Football Focus. During his time at South Carolina (from 2017-19), he logged 18 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks in 37 games -- including six TFL and six sacks during his 2019 campaign.) (4-6-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/seven-defensive-linemen-lions-could-target-in-2020-nfl-draft
Thor's Interior DL Rankings (1. DT Javon Kinlaw - Comp: Richard Seymour: When Javon Kinlaw was a kid, the roof of one of the houses he and his mom were staying at caved in. He at various times lived without electricity or running water. When there was no home at all, and there wasn’t for some time, he would crash in friends’ basements. A prodigious football talent with offers from Alabama, USC, Clemson, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Florida, and a host of others, Kinlaw first had to enroll in the JUCO ranks to get his grades up. He arrived at 280 pounds. When he realized the food was free, after a life of poverty, “I started going crazy," Kinlaw said. Kinlaw ultimately honored his original commitment to South Carolina as one of the top JUCO recruits in the country, but showed up on campus a year later, in the lead-up to the 2017 season, weighing 347 pounds. That year, he got his humbling, playing only part-time snaps despite his prodigious talent level while coaches challenged him to get in shape and dedicate himself. The message sunk in, and Kinlaw showed up in 2018 with a remade body, almost 40 pounds lighter, and as a different player. He was a self-actualized monster. The improvement has been rapid ever since. Between 2017-2019, his PFF grades jumped from 74.1 to 85.0 to 89.4. He’s a freight train off the snap, ridiculously quick with strong anticipation. Despite his massive, rangy frame, Kinlaw fires in low, giving his man a jolt in the shoulder pads with those bear paws while his hips explode through contact. He consistently moves offensive linemen backwards. Kinlaw’s bull rush is the stuff of legend. Like Aroldis Chapman’s fastball in his prime, Kinlaw’s bull rush is so vaunted that offensive linemen are constantly on their heels preparing for it, which sets up his counters. Kinlaw is more than a one-trick pony, with the agility to beat his man with his feet and a slick club game that keeps opponents guessing and deprives them of their balance. Kinlaw uses his length to create distance and his power and athleticism as the getaway car. Interior penetration wrecks game plans, and few prospects come into the league with the skillset to consistently get it like Kinlaw. He was borderline unblockable the past few years, posting absurd PFF pass-rushing grades of 88.7 and 90.7, respectively, in 2018 and 2019. Last year, he finished No. 2 in the country in PFF’s pass-rush win rate stat among interior defensive linemen. And that was with South Carolina playing him out of position at nose tackle for about one-third of his snaps in 2019! The rapid developmental progression he’s shown over the past few years ought to have NFL teams thinking long and hard about exactly where the ceiling ends. Kinlaw’s weaknesses – he needs to play with a bit more discipline, he could stand to add more pass-rushing moves, he sometimes plays too high, he could use his hands more effectively – are all fixable and assuredly next up on his hit list. With a few technical tweaks, he’s going to be a scary, scary dude to deal with at the next level.) (4-3-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/thors-interior-dl-rankings
Touchdown Wire's 2020 NFL Draft rankings: Top 25 defensive players (4. Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina: At 6 feet 6 and 302 pounds, Kinlaw fits the physical profile of the ideal multi-gap defensive lineman who can get nasty everywhere from over the center to outside the offensive tackles. In 2019, he raised his sack total from four in 2018 to six in his final college season, adding seven quarterback hits and 28 quarterback hurries. Perhaps the most impressive thing about Kinlaw’s potential is that he’s turned himself into a wrecking machine without the benefit of advanced hand technique. Once he reaps the benefits of NFL-level coaching, he projects well as an All-Pro-level disruptor.) (4-3-20): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/04/03/touchdown-wires-2020-nfl-draft-rankings-top-25-defensive-players/
Meet the Prospect: Javon Kinlaw (4-3-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/meet-the-prospect-javon-kinlaw
Draft: Defensive line prospects by type (Kinlaw really is in a class by himself among defensive linemen in this class. At 6-foot-5 and 324 pounds with long arms, an incredible first step, stunning burst-to-power, and counters off his awesome bull rush, he checks all the boxes trait-wise.) (3-31-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2020-examining-javon-kinlaw-derrick-brown-and-the-rest-of-the-defensive-line-class-by-type/
South Carolina DT Kinlaw reminds Lions he's a first-round option (3-26-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/03/26/south-carolina-dt-javon-kinlaw-reminds-detroit-lions-hes-first-round-option/2919522001/
Javon Kinlaw makes sure the Lions haven't forgotten about him (3-25-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/03/25/javon-kinlaw-makes-sure-the-lions-havent-forgotten-about-him/
Jordan Love's comp; Okudah's inspiration; Mayfield on CeeDee and more (Kinlaw's inspirational story. The life of South Carolina DT Javon Kinlaw has not been easy, including times of homelessness and many nights of having neither proper shelter nor enough to eat. His mother, Leesa James, immigrated from Trinidad and Tobago with her three sons, but fell on hard financial times. Javon remembers wearing his brothers' shoes, which were the wrong size, and the same clothes to school day after day; taking showers by filling totes with water from a neighbor's hose, eating bologna sandwiches. When he arrived at Jones County (Miss.) Junior College, he didn't eat for two days because he didn't know food was included in his scholarship, he told me. On Saturday, Kinlaw did not work out in Indianapolis, preferring to wait until his pro day (March 19). It was a decision that seemed to bother few, if any, talent evaluators. "He moves people, tackles people and sacks people," one defensive coordinator told me. "He's not going to do that here, so why should he work out? So we can see him run the 40? No." That same coach -- who is a big fan of Kinlaw's -- said Javon was "exceptional in the interview room." I was struck that Kinlaw paid full attention as his peers ran the 40 and participated in drills. And he does make a great first impression. When I asked Javon about the feeling of being at the combine, he smiled. "I can't really explain it. I'm blessed," he said. "I know there is a God because there were so many times I could have fell victim." He paused, shook his head. "Sometimes I feel like I don't deserve this." That took me aback. As I told Javon, he does deserve this. And I'm rooting for him.)(3-2-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001104990/article/jordan-loves-comp-okudahs-inspiration-mayfield-on-ceedee
32 things we learned from NFL scouting combine (8. The combine's most heartwarming story? How about South Carolina DT Javon Kinlaw, who's overcome homelessness and long, lonely Greyhound rides as a pre-teen, now blossoming into a potential top-10 selection.) (3-2-20): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/03/02/nfl-draft-combine-32-things-we-learned/4883247002/
2020 NFL Scouting Combine: What to watch for during DL and LB drills (JAVON KINLAW IS GOING TO SHOW HOW RARE HE IS AS A PROSPECT: It's hard to describe just how insane Javon Kinlaw's athleticism is, given his 6-foot-5, 324-pound frame. He can explode off the edge and owns lateral agility that is lethal when executing a stunt. When I asked Kinlaw about how he felt about plugging into any defensive scheme and playing any role on the line, he responded with the following: “I haven't really scratched the surface with my pass-rush. A lot of the times, I just be out there bull-rushing — just walking guys back. So, I feel like once I get the right coaching, the sky's the limit.” When you consider that he had an elite pass-rush grade last year and owned a position-leading pass-rush win rate on the interior, the thought of him improving is scary. We at PFF think he's a top-10 pick, and he'll likely remain as one after he departs from Indy.) (2-29-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-scouting-combine-what-to-watch-for-during-dl-and-lb-drills
Draft Profile: South Carolina DT Javon Kinlaw (2-28-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/draft-profile-of-south-carolina-dt-javon-kinlaw
TIM AND MIKE: Combine Day 3 observations (Great line: Javon Kinlaw is one of the top defensive line prospects in the draft, but he's a bit raw, which is something even he admitted talking to reporters Thursday. He said when he gets NFL coaching and "learns how to use these hockey sticks" lifting up his arms, the sky is the limit for him. – Tim Twentyman) (2-27-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/tim-and-mike-combine-day-3-observations-okudah-kinlaw
2020 NFL Scouting Combine: Notable quotes and analysis from Day 3 (“I haven't really scratched the surface with my pass-rush. A lot of the times, I just be out there bull-rushing – just walking guys back. So, I feel like once I get the right coaching, the sky's the limit.” – Javon Kinlaw on being able to plug into any scheme and play any role on the line. Kinlaw posted an elite 90.7 pass-rush grade in 2019, so the fact that he knows that he has room to improve in the pass-rush department is a scary thought. The former Gamecock posted the highest pass-rush win rate (18.8%) of any FBS interior lineman last year, but as we stated in PFF's 2020 NFL Draft Guide, one of Kinlaw's weaknesses is his limited pass-rush repertoire.) (2-27-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-scouting-combine-notable-quotes-and-analysis-from-day-3
'So humble, it's crazy': South Carolina DT Javon Kinlaw feels unworthy of NFL draft fate (2-27-20): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/02/27/javon-kinlaw-nfl-draft-south-carolina-first-round-defensive-tackle/4894574002/
2020 NFL Scouting Combine: Notable quotes and analysis from Day 2 (“Derrick Brown (6'4″, 326) and Javon Kinlaw (6'5″, 324) are massive. Both players have great size/length.” – Austin Gayle. The official measurements came in for Brown and Kinlaw, and, as a surprise to nobody, they're both large human beings. As the top two interior defenders on the PFF Big Board (10th and 11th overall, respectively), both players should come off the board fairly early. Brown's 90.8 overall grade ranked behind only Jordan Elliott among players at the position in the SEC in 2019, and Kinlaw followed right behind him with a grade of 89.3.) (2-26-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-scouting-combine-notable-quotes-and-analysis-from-day-2
Early Combine Headlines (Javon Kinlaw joins the ranks of defensive prospects who will not test: Chase Young and LSU standouts K’Lavon Chaisson and Grant Delpit were already known non-testers for the weekend on the defensive side, but another one came out on Tuesday in South Carolina DL Javon Kinlaw. Kinlaw, who saw his Senior Bowl experience truncated due to knee tendinitis, is healthy, per Ian Rapoport, but Rap Sheet passes along that because Kinlaw has been focusing on his rehab, rather than training, he’ll wait until South Carolina’s pro day to show out for scouts. That players feel the need to train for tests of mostly dubious actual value is one of the core issues of the combine in general, but we’ll refrain from going off on the flaws of the evaluating process. Young honestly doesn’t need to test, while both Kinlaw and Delpit (dealing with an ankle injury) have health concerns. That leaves us with Chaisson, who is simply waiting until pro day. There are no athletic concerns for us with Chaisson. Bottomline, while it saps a little starpower from the back half of combine testing -- defenders will go on Saturday and Sunday -- we will have a chance to see all of these gentlemen at their pro days. ) (2-26-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/combine-breakdown/early-combine-headlines
NFL Hot Press: Teams Feel They Can Work with Javon Kinlaw Despite Character Concerns (2-26-20): http://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/Teams-Feel-They-Can-Work-With-Kinlaw
Who and what to watch at the 2020 NFL Combine: Interior defensive line (Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina (Suggested by: Max Gerber, Scott Warheit, and Bryce Rossler): Kinlaw absolutely destroyed South practices at the Senior Bowl, illustrating why he many believe he will hear his name called in the top half of Round 1, and likely in the Top-10. At 6-5, 315, Kinlaw is close in size to Brown, but they are very different players. Kinlaw is an ideal penetrating 3-technique, who has the strength to also contribute at the 5-technique. With elite length and power, he will appeal to the Lions, but he can get too upright at times which could potentially hurt him when trying to hold his gap — a staple in the Lions scheme. For a team that values interior penetration from their defensive linemen, Kinlaw could be ranked ahead of Brown on some draft boards.) (2-22-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/02/22/detroit-lions-2020-nfl-combine-preview-interior-defensive-line/
11 NFL draft prospects who could spark big combine buzz (10. Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina: Though it might be a misnomer for Kinlaw to be labeled a riser early in the draft process, he clearly has established himself as one of the primary names to know for April. The 6-5, 315-pound All-American earned rave reviews in just two days of practice at the Senior Bowl, and he likely will continue to impress from weigh-ins through testing. Kinlaw has put himself in the same class as Auburn's Derrick Brown, who also could turn heads, and could continue to build a case to land in the top 10.) (2-18-20): https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2020/02/18/nfl-draft-2020-combine-top-players-buzz-henry-ruggs/4785928002/
2020 NFL Draft: Interior defensive linemen rankings, top prospects (2. Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina (SR, 6'5", 315 pounds): Kinlaw possesses an unreal combination of size, first-step explosiveness and length—34 5/8" arms and 84" wingspan—and recorded a total of 10 sacks over the past two seasons. The South Carolina senior played his best in games against his toughest competition and put on a show during Senior Bowl one-on-ones. His pad level may be too high at times, but his upside is through the roof with the development of a more robust repertoire of pass-rush moves to combine with his freakish physical traits.) (2-18-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/02/18/nfl-draft-2020-interior-defensive-linemen-rankings-best-prospects
Detroit Lions 2020 NFL Combine preview: Defensive line (Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina: Kinlaw's 84-inch wingspan, measured at the Senior Bowl, is the cherry on top of his prototypical 6-foot-5, 315-pound frame. Not nearly as polished as Brown, nor the run defender, Kinlaw's best asset is his ability to get upfield and pressure the passer. He can probably play in any scheme, but would be best suited to be a single-gap defender in an attacking front. ) (2-17-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/02/17/detroit-lions-2020-nfl-combine-preview-defensive-line/4759485002/
Draft DL rankings: Brown the headliner (2. Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina (Rating: 93): Kinlaw owns the point of attack thanks to his electric first step and tentacles for arms at nearly 6-foot-5 and 318 pounds. Beyond his devastating jolt, Kinlaw knows how to win to either side of a gap with pass-rushing moves, and given his frame, he engulfs running backs when he gets in their vicinity. He only had 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss over the past two seasons but was consistently double teamed and generated an insane amount of quarterback pressure thanks to his tremendous power and hand work combination. Because he is super long, Kinlaw can play any of the defensive line positions and win with one portion of his complete game.) (2-17-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-defensive-line-rankings-derrick-brown-javon-kinlaw-headline-top-heavy-group/
2020 Combine Preview: Defensive tackle (2. Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina, 6-5, 315: Kinlaw was one of the best players at the Senior Bowl last month and was nearly unblockable at times. He's got very good feet and quickness for a man his size, generating six sacks in 12 games from the interior this season. He still has some refinement to do with technique and hand work, but there's no denying the physical gifts and high motor. Kinlaw is a solid first-round pick.) (2-13-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2020-combine-preview-defensive-tackle-brown-kinlaw
Once homeless, Javon Kinlaw hasn't left the streets behind (2-11-20): http://www.nfl.com/labs/cfb247/javon-kinlaw/javon-kinlaw
2020 NFL Combine: Defensive Tackle Prospects, Invites, What To Watch For (1. Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina 6-5, 315 (Top 15 overall) - Why He’s Here On The List: The perfect combination of size and explosiveness, the former JUCO transfer came to South Carolina and turned into a terrific three-year factor up front. He fits every scheme, can be used in a variety of roles, and has the biggest upside of any of the elite defensive tackles. What The NFL Types Want To See: How smooth can he look? He can play at around 310, or at 325 depending what a team will like, but he’ll come in at around 315 and has to move effortlessly and violently. There’s a chance he looks like a tweener tackle more than a force to build the D around. Bottom Line: He’s not the sure thing that Derrick Brown is, and while there isn’t a ton of bust potential, there’s disappointment potential if the light does turn out and stay there. Teams will like Brown a bit more for his overall package of talent and leadership, but Kinlaw’s upside is bigger.) (2-9-20): https://collegefootballnews.com/2020/02/2020-nfl-combine-defensive-tackle-prospects-invites-what-to-watch-for
2020 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Interior Defenders (2. JAVON KINLAW, SOUTH CAROLINA (Draft Board Rank: 12th): In terms of pure physical tools, Kinlaw has more than anyone else in this draft class. At 6-5, 315 pounds with 10 ⅛” hands and 34 ⅝” arms, Kinlaw looks as if he was built in a lab to play defensive tackle. The scary thing is, the senior is only scratching the surface. He doesn’t have too much more than a push-pull and swim move in his pass-rushing arsenal at the moment. The fact that that’s led to pass-rushing grades of 88.7 (2018) and 90.7 (2019) the past two seasons is what gets us so excited. As his skillset fills out with NFL coaching in the coming years, Kinlaw has a nearly limitless upper bound. The issue with Kinlaw is still down-to-down consistency. Playing low at his size isn’t always the easiest thing and he loses leverage battles more often than you’d like. It’s something though we’ve seen improve by leaps and bounds even in his time at South Carolina. If you were to have Kinlaw above Brown on your board because of what the South Carolina product could be some day, I wouldn’t argue.) (2-3-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-position-rankings-interior-defenders
Six players to watch for the Detroit Lions after a week at Senior Bowl (Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw: Kinlaw was the best non-Justin Herbert player participating in Mobile last week and a likely first-round pick at a position of need for Detroit. The South Carolina product had 93 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks in his career. He didn’t end up playing in the actual game last Saturday but helped his stock throughout the week. He was open about his difficult upbringing, which included times in his childhood where he and his family had to live in Washington, D.C., without electricity or water. When he did participate in practices, he was dominant in South team practices. He wouldn’t be Detroit’s pick at No. 3. If the Lions were to trade down and pick up a selection closer to No. 10, it’s possible Kinlaw would garner consideration.) (1-31-20): https://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-lions/post/_/id/36273/six-players-to-watch-for-the-detroit-lions-after-a-week-at-senior-bowl
2020 NFL Draft prospects similar to Super Bowl stars (Chris Jones (Comparison: Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina): Jones is the big man who gets everything going up front for Kansas City and is set for an enormous payday this offseason. They're nearly the exact same size -- both around 6-6 and 310 pounds -- with tentacle-like arms, but that's not the main reason for this comparison. Never is. Like Jones, Kinlaw is a master with his hands, defeating blocks at will to get upfield to pressure quarterbacks or down the line of scrimmage to corral running backs. Also, Jones and Kinlaw are high-level athletes despite their mammoth frames, and their electric first steps routinely put them in advantageous situations against interior blockers. Jones famously was invited to the 2016 NFL Draft, but somewhat ridiculously fell to the second round and has been a star in Kansas City from his rookie season. Actually, his lack of major production likely precipitated his fall out of Round 1. And guess who else doesn't have basic statistics of a "normal" first-round pick? Yep. Kinlaw.) (1-30-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/super-bowl-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-who-resemble-star-players-that-helped-chiefs-and-49ers-reach-super-bowl/
A Senior Bowl prospect for every round for Lions (Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina: Let's be clear, the Lions' future first-round pick probably wasn't participating in Mobile, especially if they hold tight with the No. 3 choice. But Kinlaw is the closest thing to an option. Already viewed as a potential top-15 selection coming into the week, Kinlaw made a strong impression starting at the event's weigh-in, where he checked in 6-foot-5, 315 pounds with a massive 84-inch wingspan. He followed that up with two dominant practices, showcasing the athleticism and power he displayed while racking up 10.0 sacks over the past two seasons at South Carolina. With nothing left to prove, he pulled out because of a mild knee injury at the end of the week. Where he could come into play for the Lions is if the team moves back a handful of spots, perhaps in a swap with the Carolina Panthers at No. 7. Kinlaw would fill a big need in Detroit, giving the team an interior lineman capable of consistently disrupting the pocket.) (1-26-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/01/26/2020-senior-bowl-prospect-every-round-nfl-draft-detroit-lions/4580927002/
Senior Bowl 2020: Which players made biggest impressions in Mobile this week? (7. Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina: Kinlaw shut things down after Wednesday of Senior Bowl week, but did nothing before then to discount the idea that he was the most-talented and NFL-ready player in Mobile. Teams always reach for quarterbacks in the draft (thus pushing players at other positions down), but based on merit, Kinlaw’s a surefire Top 10 pick.) (1-25-20): https://www.mlive.com/sports/2020/01/senior-bowl-2020-which-players-made-biggest-impressions-in-mobile-this-week.html
3 Players Who Improved Draft Stock Following Senior Bowl Practices (DT Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina - According to Bucky Brooks of NFL.com: "If NFL scouts conducted a draft with only the 2020 Senior Bowl participants, Kinlaw would be the consensus No. 1 pick. The 6-5, 315-pound defensive lineman has been a one-man wrecking crew in drills, displaying an exceptional combination of strength, power and athleticism while pummeling blockers in one-on-one and team exercises. Kinlaw not only flashes his brute strength with jiujitsu-like hand skills, but he is explosive off the ball and his first-step quickness is problematic when he's given the freedom to play as a one-gap penetrator at the line of scrimmage.") (1-25-20): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/3-players-whose-nfl-draft-stock-rose-following-senior-bowl-practices
2020 Senior Bowl Stock Report (Up - Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina: Kinlaw was the best football player at Senior Bowl practice on either team, bar none. South Carolina did not play in a bowl game, but Kinlaw picked up where he left off in SEC play, as he dominated at the point of attack to open the week in Mobile. Kinlaw destroyed the offensive linemen in the one-on-ones in the initial practice, using a bull rush to go through Temples' Matt Hennessy, a dip and speed victimized Michigan's Ben Bredeson, and he used quickness to dart by Hennessy. Kinlaw's practice was reminiscent of Aaron Donald's Senior Bowl practices in 2014. I'm not saying Kinlaw will be that good in the NFL, but this practice was similar to the dominating sessions that Donald delivered six years ago. Kinlaw just has an incredible skill set, and he knows how to use it. He overwhelms offensive linemen with speed and athleticism to dart by them. He can overpower them with strength, and he uses his great length to keep them from getting into his chest to sustain contact. Kinlaw could go in the top 15 next April.) (1-25-20): http://walterfootball.com/seniorbowl2020stock.php
2020 All-Senior Bowl team (INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINE - Javon Kinlaw | South Carolina: Coming into the week, Kinlaw was widely regarded as the top overall prospect in attendance, and he lived up to the billing. Kinlaw was unblockable the first day, and played through tendinitis in his right knee on Day 2 before bowing out for the rest of the week. Still, he had done everything necessary to prove he was worthy of the high expectations. Kinlaw should be a top-15 lock after this week.) (1-24-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/25/2020-all-senior-bowl-team-nfl-draft-justin-herbert-javon-kinlaw/
2020 Senior Bowl: The top prospects for the Lions' scheme (Kinlaw is an imposing player who had his way with offensive linemen in Mobile and should legitimately be in the mix for the Lions in the first round — yes, even if they stay at three.) (1-24-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/25/2020-senior-bowl-the-top-prospects-for-the-lions-scheme/
2020 Senior Bowl – South Practice Report (Coming into the week Oregon QB Justin Herbert and South Carolina DT Javon Kinlaw were widely regarded as the best two prospects in this year’s game. So far both have justified those lofty rankings and top half of the first round projections. Kinlaw was one of the winners from the weigh-in, coming in at 6-5 1/8 and 315 pounds with big 10 1/8 inch hands and long 34 5/8 inch arms. Then the jumbo athlete translated those immense physical gifts over to the practice field, dominating at times and showcasing explosive playmaking ability. Kinlaw is also making a positive impression off the field, with a charismatic, fun-loving personality and inspiring backstory.) (1/21/20): http://draftcountdown.com/2020/2020-senior-bowl-south-practice-report-1-21-20/
10 players who impressed at Senior Bowl practices (1. Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina, 6-5, 315: Kinlaw probably made himself some money this week. He's got a terrific combination of size, power and quickness from the interior. He was handful to block all week, and could challenge Auburn's Derrick Brown as the best defensive tackle in this draft class.) (1-24-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/10-players-who-impressed-at-senior-bowl-practices-x2738
8 potential Lions fits who were big winners at Senior Bowl practices (DT Javon Kinlaw (South Carolina): Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy opened the week by proclaiming that outside of Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert, “Kinlaw is probably the top-rated guy coming into this game.” Then Kinlaw was so good in a day-and-a-half of work that he cemented his place as a top-10 prospect despite shutting it down with a minor leg injury on Wednesday afternoon. He won’t play in the game either, but doesn’t have to. Measuring an imposing 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, he was tossing around South offensive linemen like they were on the JV. He confirmed his place as one of the premier interior pass rushers in this draft, and Detroit could certainly use a guy like that. It got little push from the interior last year, one of the biggest reasons its pass rush was so bad. It could take a guy like Derrick Brown with the third overall pick, too. But if the club trades back with a quarterback-needy team at the back end of the top 10 -- the Dolphins (fifth), Chargers (sixth) and Panthers (seventh) are all lurking there -- then Kinlaw could absolutely be in play for this team.) (1-24-20): https://www.mlive.com/lions/2020/01/8-potential-lions-fits-who-were-big-winners-at-senior-bowl-practices.html
Biggest takeaways from a week of Senior Bowl practices (12. Javon Kinlaw, DI, South Carolina: I said heading into the week that I’d be surprised if Fulton or Kinlaw ever even put on pads in Mobile. They’ve both played elite football in the best conference in America. They really didn’t need this week for their draft stock. Fulton dropped out right before the week, but Kinlaw still made the trip. He dominated the first day and showed his freakish blend of power and quicks. At some point his agent must have said that’s enough though as he dropped out of Day 2 with a minor injury.) (1-24-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-senior-bowl-takeaways-2020
2020 Senior Bowl: 10 players whose great week of practice will only improve their NFL Draft stock (Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina
The only thing that could stop Javon Kinlaw was ... Javon Kinlaw. He suffered an injury Wednesday, didn't practice Thursday and he won't take part in Saturday's game. And that's fine; he was dominant early in the week and only reconfirmed that he's one of the best pass-rushing interior defensive linemen in this class, as evidenced by this rep. Kinlaw, who could find his way into Round 1, also has an amazing story, which makes you pull for him even more.) (1-24-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2020-senior-bowl-10-players-whose-great-week-of-practice-will-only-improve-their-nfl-draft-stock/
Senior Bowl risers: Who won the week? WR steal? (Javon Kinlaw put on a show: If NFL scouts conducted a draft with only the 2020 Senior Bowl participants, Kinlaw would be the consensus No. 1 pick. The 6-5, 315-pound defensive lineman has been a one-man wrecking crew in drills, displaying an exceptional combination of strength, power and athleticism while pummeling blockers in one-on-one and team exercises. Kinlaw not only flashes his brute strength with jiujitsu-like hand skills, but he is explosive off the ball and his first-step quickness is problematic when he's given the freedom to play as a one-gap penetrator at the line of scrimmage. Although Kinlaw lined up primarily over the center or guard at South Carolina, he displayed enough athleticism to play as a 5-technique aligned opposite an offensive tackle in a 3-4 front. If I'm a team in need of an interior defender with a game that's similar to Pro Bowler Chris Jones, the conversation begins and ends with Kinlaw. Although the former Gamecock will not be participating in the game on Saturday -- he's sitting out with tendinitis in one of his knees, likely for precautionary reasons -- Kinlaw cemented himself as a first-round pick in Mobile.) (1-24-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001098956/article/senior-bowl-risers-javon-kinlaw-won-the-week-two-qbs-flashed
Kinlaw and other rising prospects at the 2020 Senior Bowl (Javon Kinlaw, Defensive Tackle, South Carolina (Height: 6’6″, Weight: 315 pounds): The path to becoming a first-round prospect for the NFL Draft wasn’t an easy one for South Carolina defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw. Kinlaw grew up poor, even homeless at times, but he didn’t let that derail his goal to one day play in the NFL. As Pro Football Network writer Cole Thompson points out in his article, Kinlaw has been utterly dominant at Senior Bowl practices this week. He came into the week as one of the headliners, yet he has used this stage to improve his draft stock even more. As it stands today, Kinlaw is in the conversation to be a top-10 selection in April’s draft. He has a rare blend of power and explosiveness, which allows him to consistently disrupt the line of scrimmage. Kinlaw is an absolute technician, who exemplifies extraordinary hand usage. The ability to eat double teams, his brilliance as a power pass-rusher, and his lethal first step are some of the main reasons that make Kinlaw an absolute force to be reckoned with. The clip below will highlight Kinlaw’s quickness and violent hands, allowing him to easily discard Clemson offensive guard John Simpson at Senior Bowl practice. The scary part about this clip is that John Simpson is a potential top-75 pick in this year’s draft, and yet is no match for Kinlaw. Here is another clip of Kinlaw abusing Simpson. This time, it’s pure power he utilizes to overwhelm his opponent. With this standout performance, Kinlaw might have elevated himself above Auburn’s Derrick Brown for the honor of being the top interior defensive linemen in the NFL Draft. His game reminds me of San Francisco 49ers’ All-Pro defensive lineman DeForest Buckner, as he is a scheme versatile phenom. Kinlaw’s stock is blazing, and he is a lock to be a top-15 selection in April’s upcoming draft.) (1-24-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/kinlaw-and-other-rising-prospects-at-the-2020-senior-bowl/
Senior Bowl: Day 3 (7 biggest winners from the week of Senior Bowl practices - Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina. Kinlaw shut it down after Wednesday's practice in what appeared to be a precautionary measure, but he probably made money just by walking across the stage at the Senior Bowl weigh-in on Tuesday. His frame is well muscled and carries excellent lean mass along with the arm length of an offensive tackle. Showing up and looking good was the easy part, but he announced his presence with authority over his two days of participation with aggressive forward charges that overwhelmed most blockers in one-on-one drills. Kinlaw isn't the most skilled rusher at this point, but it was hard to look at him operate and not start to see similarities with Kansas City Chiefs standout Chris Jones. Kinlaw always had the traits, but the way he dominated the competition here in Mobile likely propelled him into the middle of the first round.) (1-23-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001098817/article/2020-senior-bowl-top-7-nfl-draft-winners-from-week-of-practice
Javon Kinlaw (knee) done for week at Senior Bowl (1-23-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001098672/article/south-carolina-dt-kinlaw-knee-done-for-week-at-senior-bowl
2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl Practice Report: South Team (Kinlaw was excellent in his limited reps as he tweaked his leg and was sidelined the rest of practice.) (1-22-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-reeses-senior-bowl-practice-report-south-team/
2020 Senior Bowl: Wednesday's South Team Practice Report (The best player at Senior Bowl on either team is South Carolina defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw. However, Kinlaw suffered a scary moment during the pass-rushing one-on-ones, limping back to the line of scrimmage after he fought through a block from Kansas' Hakeem Adeniji. Kinlaw did not take any more reps in the one-on-ones or the team scrimmage, but he looked okay as his helmet was on and he was standing on the sideline with the coaches while not getting attention from the trainers. It was probably a precaution to hold out Kinlaw after that rep. Kinlaw has an incredible skill set, and he knows how to use it. He overwhelms offensive linemen with his speed and athleticism to dart by them. He can overpower them with his strength and uses his great length to keep them from getting into his chest to sustain contact. After his Senior Bowl performance, Kinlaw could go as a top-15 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.) (1-22-20): http://walterfootball.com/seniorbowl2020practice4.php
2020 Senior Bowl: Top takeaways from Day 2 practices (While South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw may not have been as dominant as he was on Tuesday, there’s still nothing we saw on Wednesday to challenge the notion that he’s the best overall prospect here.) (1-22-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/22/senior-bowl-2020-nfl-draft-day-2-takeaways-jalen-hurts-justin-herbert-jordan-love-javon-kinlaw/
Senior Bowl 2020: Josh Jones dominates in trenches, Denzel Mims scorches down the field (Javon Kinlaw was unblockable as per usual but he did leave his practice a little early after limping on a play in which he undressed an interior blocker. Hopefully the injury is minor, because Kinlaw is a blast to watch.) (1-22-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-2020-josh-jones-dominates-in-trenches-denzel-mims-scorches-down-the-field/
Senior Bowl Defensive Linemen (Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina: If Javon Kinlaw wasn’t already going to be the darling of the Senior Bowl, he is now. Even before practices got going, Kinlaw pulled the media crowd with anecdotes from his early struggles during his JUCO days and constant reassurance of his drive to be the best — no matter what. No player “won” the media session more than the former Gamecock. Kinlaw’s drive to be the best isn’t just talk, either. His growth as a player is as clear as any prospect’s has ever been. After coming into the season heralded as a good-not-great, likely Day 2 prospect, Kinlaw’s stock absolutely skyrocketed over the course of the 2019 season. The first month of the year, in particular, was a major win for Kinlaw. In each of the first four games of the year, Kinlaw recorded a sack. Though he slowed down as the year went on, that was in part because teams felt compelled to keep his explosive ability at bay as much as possible. Kinlaw’s calling card is his ability to absolutely wreck a play in an instant. He can fly off the line of scrimmage, crush an offensive lineman’s lungs with his punch, and barrel right into the quarterback and/or running back, depending on what kind of play was called. Of course, those style of defensive tackles always get compared to Aaron Donald — and no, he isn’t Aaron Donald — but Kinlaw does seem to be one of the most explosive interior defensive linemen the NFL draft has seen in the past few years. Against even the best offensive lines in the country, Kinlaw can set off an explosion right in the quarterback’s lap a second after the snap. In both clips above, Kinlaw wins the snap the moment he drills his hands into his opponent’s chest, giving him the crease he needs to slip by their outside shoulders and get after the quarterback. To nobody’s surprise, Kinlaw dominated the first day of Senior Bowl practices in similar fashion. The first day of practices and drills are rather tame (the second day is where it’s at), it’s still a noteworthy accomplishment on his pre-draft resume.) (1-22-20): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/evaluations/senior-bowl-defensive-linemen
Javon Kinlaw stands out as top prospect on Day 1 at 2020 Senior Bowl (1-22-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-javon-kinlaw-stands-out-as-top-prospect-on-day-1-at-2020-senior-bowl
2020 Senior Bowl Day 1 Practice and Weigh-In Notes (Javon Kinlaw had himself a day. The former JUCO product turned South Carolina standout weighed in at 6-foot-5, 315 pounds with 34-inch arms and 10-inch hands — all fantastic numbers for a pass-rushing defensive tackle at the next level. He also dropped some jaws in the interview process and torched Simpson and others in the one-on-one drills. TOP PERFORMER - Troy Pride Jr. and K.J. Hill each had an impressive day to start the week of practices here in Mobile, but I'd be foolish if I didn' say Javon Kinlaw was the top performer. He could not participate in drills for the rest of the week and skip the game at this point. He's proved he's in a tier above this crop of prospects.) (1-22-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-senior-bowl-day-1-practice-and-weigh-in-notes
Javon Kinlaw: The first-round fanatic at the Senior Bowl (1-22-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/javon-kinlaw-the-first-round-fanatic-at-the-senior-bowl/
TWENTYMAN: DT Javon Kinlaw stands out on Senior Bowl Day 1 (1-22-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-dt-javon-kinlaw-stands-out-on-senior-bowl-day-1
2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl Practice Report: South Team (Javon Kinlaw is the best draft prospect currently playing the Senior Bowl. His media day interview was excellent, and he even said he “thinks I could be better” than Aaron Donald. He then proceeded to back that up by absolutely dominating every player that stood in front of him.) (1-21-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-reeses-senior-bowl-practice-report-south-team/
2020 Senior Bowl: Tuesday's South Team Practice Report (The best player at the Senior Bowl practices from either team on Tuesday was South Carolina defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw. South Carolina did not play in a bowl game, but Kinlaw picked up where he left off in SEC play, dominating at the point of attack to open the week in Mobile. Kinlaw destroyed the offensive linemen in the one-on-ones, using his bull rush to go through Temple's Matt Hennessy, a dip and speed to victimize Michigan's Ben Bredeson, and then his quickness to dart by Hennessy. This practice for Kinlaw was reminiscent of Aaron Donald's Senior Bowl practices in 2014. I'm not saying Kinlaw will be that good in the NFL, but this practice was similar to the dominating sessions that Donald delivered six years ago. Kinlaw has a jus incredible skill set, and he knows how to use it. He overwhelms offensive linemen with his speed and athleticism to dart by them. He can overpower them with his strength and uses his great length to keep them from getting into his chest to sustain contact. His Tuesday practice was phenomenal, and if he keeps this up over Wednesday and Thursday, Kinlaw could go be a top-15 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.) (1-21-20): http://walterfootball.com/seniorbowl2020practice2.php
2020 Senior Bowl: Winners, losers from Day 1 practices (Winner – Javon Kinlaw | DT | South Carolina: Labeled as a projected top-20 going into the week, there was only so much to gain for Kinlaw. Many were wondering why he decided to still play this week despite being slotted to go high in the upcoming draft, and he said that he wanted to just come out and compete in his presser on Monday night. Compete might be an understatement to describe Kinlaw’s showing on Tuesday afternoon, as he dominated some of the top interior offensive linemen. He used his power, length and explosive quickness to get into the backfield on every single.) (1-21-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/21/senior-bowl-2020-nfl-draft-day-1-winners-losers-javon-kinlaw-jalen-hurts/
TWENTYMAN: Senior Bowl Day 1 observations (Strength and power: South Carolina defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw might be the best defensive player at the Senior Bowl, and he was out to prove that during Tuesday's South Team practice. His power jumps out at 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, but he's also got the get-off, footwork and quickness of a player much smaller than he is. He was a beast in pass-rushing drills vs. the offensive linemen. He's an impressive player to watch all week.) (1-21-20): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-senior-bowl-day-1-observations
2020 Senior Bowl, Day 1: Javon Kinlaw shines; a DE for Patriots? (Five stars from Day 1 of Senior Bowl practice - Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina. Kinlaw was ruining people during Tuesday's practice. His length and size were just too much for the competition, and he played with a lot of momentum. He projects as a first-round pick. The question is, how early will he be picked in the opening stanza? He measured 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds with an 84-inch wingspan on Tuesday morning, so just walking across the stage at the weigh-in pushed him up the board. This guy has some rare physical traits. If he convinces teams he can rush the passer during the pre-draft process, he can push himself toward the first half of Round 1. Kinlaw likes Panthers. The aforementioned Javon Kinlaw got a strong vibe from the Carolina Panthers after meeting with new coach Matt Rhule and other club staffers on Sunday evening. "I know they like me, for sure. A whole lot," said the former South Carolina defensive tackle. "They have some free agency guys (on the defensive line), so I definitely feel like I could go in there and make something happen." Nagy called Kinlaw likely the second-best draft prospect in Mobile this week, behind Herbert.) (1-21-20): http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001098389/article/2020-senior-bowl-day-1-javon-kinlaw-shines-a-de-for-patriots
Senior Bowl recap: Kinlaw wins on Day 1 (Javon Kinlaw entered the week as the consensus top prospect in Mobile for the 2020 Senior Bowl, and he certainly looked the part on Tuesday. From jarring bull-rushing wins, penetrations into the backfield thanks to a lightning-quick first step, and a devastating inside counter, the South Carolina star was unblockable. There was only one instance in one-on-one drills in which he was stymied. That's hard to do as a defensive lineman at the Senior Bowl during a practice session. Despite only registering 10 sacks and 15 tackles for loss combined in his last two years for the Gamecocks, turn on any South Carolina game over that span, zero in on the trenches, and you'll notice Kinlaw instantly. That same phenomenon occurred on Tuesday. He was impossible to miss. At 6-foot-5 and 315-pounds with nearly 35-inch arms, Kinlaw is a hybrid defensive lineman. Play him anywhere. Moving out to the edge, two other hybrids, Wisconsin's Zack Baun and Michigan's Josh Uche, looked perfectly comfortable carrying out the multitude of duties likely in front of them at the NFL level. ) (1-21-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-2020-javon-kinlaw-dominates-hybrid-defenders-zack-baun-and-josh-uche-shine-on-day-1/
NFL draft: Day 1 winners and losers from the Senior Bowl (Winners - South Carolina DT Javon Kinlaw (South team): Dominant players need to dominate, and that’s exactly what he did early on. We profiled Kinlaw’s incredible backstory Monday night and noted that Kinlaw probably didn’t need to come to the Senior Bowl to improve his already strong stock as a likely first-rounder. But we sure are glad he decided to make the trip. In the morning, Kinlaw looked the part at the weigh-in, checking in at 6-foot-5 ⅛ and 315 pounds with long arms (34 5/8 inches) and massive hands (10 1/8 inches). Then he went out in practice and dominated. Asked Monday whom he most wanted to face in one-on-ones, Kinlaw picked his Clemson rival, OG John Simpson, a talented mid-round guard whom Kinlaw has known for years. Kinlaw whipped Simpson with a speed move that demonstrated just how dangerous he can be.) (1-21-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-day-1-winners-and-losers-from-the-senior-bowl-011117889.html
2020 Senior Bowl: Top takeaways from Day 1 practices (Javon Kinlaw is the best player in Mobile: We had a pretty good idea of this coming in, but South Carolina defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw delivered on the high expectations with a dominant performance Tuesday. He was unblockable during interior pass-rush drills, giving Clemson guard John Simpson particular trouble. A massive defender who weighed in at 6-5, 315 pounds Tuesday morning, Kinlaw used every bit of his imposing frame to destroy whoever had the misfortune of lining up across from him. He entered the week on the top-10 bubble, and he won’t need to take another snap in Mobile to stay there, or perhaps, go higher.) (1-21-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/21/2020-senior-bowl-day-1-takeaways-nfl-draft-justin-herbert-jalen-hurts-jordan-love-javon-kinlaw/
Javon Kinlaw: 'I think I can be better' than Aaron Donald (1-21-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/21/javon-kinlaw-aaron-donald-senior-bowl-2020-nfl-draft/
Senior Bowl weigh-ins: 20 prospects who hit the Lions benchmarks (Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina (6-5, 315, 34 5/8″ arms, 10 1/8″ hands): Every measurement here is extremely impressive, so it’s no surprise the hype continues to grow around Kinlaw. By the end of the week, don’t be surprised if he starts getting included in the conversation for the Lions at pick No. 3 overall.) (1-21-20): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/21/notes-senior-bowl-weigh-ins-detroit-lions/
Live from the 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl: Tuesday Practice Observations (3:05 pm ET: South Carolina DT Javon Kinlaw has dominated today, particularly in one-on-one’s against Clemson guard John Simpson. – Matt Valdovinos) (1-21-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/live-from-the-2020-reeses-senior-bowl-tuesday-practice-observations/
5 takeaways from the 2020 Reese's Senior Bowl weigh-in (1. Javon Kinlaw, Terrell Lewis look the part. South Carolina defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw came into Senior Bowl week as probably the highest-rated player here, and the weigh-in only strengthened his case to be a first-round NFL draft pick. The first-team All-American checked in at 6-5 1/8 and 315 pounds, with 84-inch wingspan that is wider than many NFL offensive tackles.) (1-21-20): https://www.al.com/sports/2020/01/5-takeaways-from-the-2020-reeses-senior-bowl-weigh-in.html
NFL draft: South Carolina's Javon Kinlaw battled homelessness on way to being a first-round prospect (1-21-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-south-carolinas-javon-kinlaw-battled-homelessness-on-way-to-being-a-firstround-prospect-055331747.html
Complete guide to the 2020 Senior Bowl (Kinlaw’s upside could make him a top-15 pick) (1-20): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/01/20/senior-bowl-preview-2020-nfl-draft/
NFL draft: 10 most fascinating players at the 2020 Senior Bowl (South Carolina DT Javon Kinlaw: He might be the big dog of the big-dog position here now that Auburn’s Derrick Brown has opted against coming to Mobile. We still expect Brown to go top 10, but Kinlaw could be the next interior player off the board. Coming off hip surgery, Kinlaw played his tail off this season — flip on the Alabama tape, which is what we call a “moneymaker.” We easily can see Kinlaw dominating in one-on-one drills against a fairly uninspiring group of guards and centers in Mobile this season. He can get a little high in his stance and will have sloppy handwork, but Kinlaw is one of those big, long, broad-framed, quick and ferocious agitators who simply should not escape the top 20 picks.) (1-20-120): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-10-most-fascinating-players-at-the-2020-senior-bowl-181210741.html
PFF 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl Preview: players to watch, draft implications, schedule, team rosters and more (Javon Kinlaw is the crown jewel of interior defensive linemen taking part in the 2020 Reese’s Senior Bowl. He is projected to be a first-round pick and is among the 25 best prospects in this class on PFF’s Big Board. Kinlaw has shown elite pass-rushing ability, ranking first among those at his position in two-year pass-rushing grade. Whether he was at nose tackle or at defensive tackle, his pass-rush success remained with his near-perfect physical traits. Kinlaw can only go up from here.) (1-20-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pff-2020-reeses-senior-bowl-preview-players-to-watch-draft-implications-schedule-team-rosters
Senior Bowl primer: Everything to know (Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina: Kinlaw is primed to go in the first round and probably the top half of it. While he doesn't have gaudy, traditional statistics to point to -- just 10 sacks and 16 tackles for loss over his last two season at South Carolina -- his film is overflowing with backfield disruption against the run and pass. He has high-level burst off the snap and long arms that routinely stun offensive linemen due to their power. It would not surprise me whatsoeverhttps://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-2020-comprehensive-scouting-primer-about-this-years-pre-draft-event-in-mobile/
15 players who could make sense for Detroit Lions in Senior Bowl (Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina: Widely viewed as the second-best defensive tackle in this draft class, Kinlaw offers a prototypical frame — measuring in at 6-foot-6, 310 pounds. He pairs that with excellent explosion off the ball, which he maximizes by timing snaps well. That combination contributed to 10.5 sacks and seven batted passes over the past two seasons. Currently projected to go in the middle of the first round, likely the only way he lands with the Lions is a scenario involving draft-day trades.) (1-15-20): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2020/01/15/15-players-who-could-make-sense-detroit-lions-senior-bowl/4480357002/
Colts 2020 draft needs, fits, picks (Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina: Staying with a first-round prospect here, Kinlaw is a long defensive lineman with lead pipes for arms and scary burst off the snap. He can be plugged in at multiple positions in Indianapolis and give that defense a true penetrator in front of Darius Leonard.) (1-3-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2020-nfl-draft-colts-team-needs-draft-picks-prospects-to-watch-for-indianapolis/
2020 NFL Draft Comparison: Derrick Brown vs Javon Kinlaw (1-1-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/video/ryan-wilson-compares-draft-prospects-derrick-brown-and-javon-kinlaw/
NFL Draft Big Board 1.0: Ranking the Top 10 Prospects (7. South Carolina DL Javon Kinlaw | Height: 6' 6" | Weight: 310 pounds: Another SEC lineman who stayed when he could’ve gone and has dominated as a senior. Though several scouts raised potential red flags about possible character issues.) (12-17-19): https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/12/17/nfl-draft-2020-big-board-top-10-prospects
5 early first-round 2020 NFL Draft target ideas for the Lions (Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina: Kinlaw is a more viable option if the Lions win a couple of games and rise into the 8-12 overall range. That doesn’t diminish how well his particular set of skills could help the Lions defense. If you watched South Carolina upset Georgia, you know how well Kinlaw is capable of completely taking over a game. It was the most dominant performance by any individual player regardless of position in the entire college football season, certainly against a very good opponent. Kinlaw’s lightning first step and ability to clear his shoulders past the interior blocking is a special trait. His best fit NFL fit appears to be in the pass-rushing 5-tech role that Calais Campbell or Cam Jordan have thrived. Kinlaw has more question marks (anchor vs. run, weight) than some of the other top defensive prospects but he has a ceiling of impact that might be best in class.) (12-4-19): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/12/04/2020-nfl-draft-1st-round-target-ideas-detroit-lions/
NFL draft prospects to watch: QBs Shea Patterson, Anthony Gordon trending upward (South Carolina DT Javon Kinlaw vs. Clemson: Ever since about the Alabama game, Kinlaw has been a man possessed. The 6-6, 310-pound scheme wrecker has been playing hard — and effectively — even with the Gamecocks’ season going off the rails the past two months. In our mind, Kinlaw is a clear-cut first-round pick. But in his final college game at home against their heated rivals, Kinlaw has one final chance to show what he’s made of. Having a particularly disruptive game against one of the five or six best offensive lines in the country could even vault Kinlaw into the discussion of being a top-10 or top-15 player regardless of position. Against the Tigers last season, he was fairly quiet — one tackle, two assists and one pressure on 25 pass-rush snaps, per PFF. What we need to see from Kinlaw is a performance such as the one he put up against Bama, Georgia, Florida, Vanderbilt or last week against Texas A&M, when he registered nine pressures in 36 pass-rush opportunities. Clemson’s interior of OGs Gage Cervenka and John Simpson and C Sean Pollard (and sometimes Cade Stewart) all have NFL potential, so this is a great test. This is Kinlaw’s final shot to not only beat his rivals in what would be a huge upset but also to win individual matchups vs. quality blockers, especially with the tandem blocks that are sure to come his way. ) (11-28-19): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-q-bs-shea-patterson-anthony-gordon-trending-upward-162746674.html
Grading 2020 Senior Bowl invites (DI JAVON KINLAW, SOUTH CAROLINA: Kinlaw had the highest pass-rushing grade of any returning interior player in 2018 (88.7). He’s taken his game up a notch in 2019 with a 90.2 pass-rushing grade and 30 pressures on 273 pass-rushes so far.) (11-26-19): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-grading-2020-senior-bowl-invitees
Senior Bowl matchups: Kristian Fulton, Derrick Brown headline cast (3. Shane Lemieux* vs. Javon Kinlaw: This is a match-up of pure potential. Lemieux has great size at 6’4 and 315lbs, but he also possesses functional athletic ability that lets him move fluidly as a pass protector. He has the physical traits to be an excellent guard in the NFL and should be an early Day 2 selection. Javon Kinlaw stands at 6’6 and is leaner than Lemieux, weighing in at about 310. However, Kinlaw’s burst and athletic ability have been more than any guard can handle this year. This battle will be in favor of Kinlaw because that’s just how 1v1 ones are, but if Lemieux can hold his own, and take a couple of reps, it’ll be excellent for his draft stock.) (11-15-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/senior-bowl-1v1-match-ups-we-hope-to-see/
College Football Week 10 Eckrich SEC Team of the Week (Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina: While Kinlaw was not his dominant self from a statistical standpoint, collecting a stop and quarterback hurry, he still was the Gamecocks’ fourth-highest graded defender and disruptive.) (11-4-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-10-eckrich-sec-team-of-the-week
NFL DRAFT PROSPECT SHOWDOWN: WEEK 9 (Tennessee G Trey Smith vs South Carolina DT Javon Kinlaw: It’s a trench war kind of week. Switching to a new conference, the SEC features an interior matchup between Tennessee G Trey Smith and a rising star in South Carolina DL Javon Kinlaw. Few players have escalated their draft stock more than Kinlaw this season. LSU QB Joe Burrow is the obvious climber, but Kinlaw’s glow-up into a first-round caliber 3-technique has been stunning. Kinlaw entered the year as a promising, yet inconsistent interior force. The peak plays were outstanding and his athleticism was clear as day, but those moments only showed up in bursts. Now Kinlaw plays a full 60 minutes of game-breaking football. The first name that comes to mind for Kinlaw is former Florida Gators legend Dominique Easley. Now, the comparison needs some tweaking considering Kinlaw has about four inches and 30 pounds on Easley, but everything he does looks like a supersized recreation of everyone’s favorite chain-wearing, barrel-rolling former Gator. Kinlaw’s frame is lean for someone with his measurables and he wins almost exclusively through unrivaled explosive off the line and at the point of contact. That’s not to say Kinlaw is limited elsewhere — and neither was Easley — but he’s so good at shooting the gap and bull rushing that the necessity for anything else is nonexistent. If it ain’t broke, well. Every so often, Kinlaw just decides he is going to go directly through someone on his way to the quarterback. No dancing, no side-stepping, no crafty hand usage. The approach is as ordinary as it is fascinating. He simply bulls through another 300-pound human being because he can, not because it’s necessary. The real kicker is that Kinlaw’s display of demoralizing strength may only be secondarily impressive to how he tracks Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa after crushing the center. Tagovailoa tries to slide out then up to avoid the boulder tumbling toward him, but Kinlaw matches the turn and acceleration to catch Tagovailoa before he can truly escape. It would only take one midsize SUV to comfortably carpool with current NFL defensive tackles who can make that exact play. Kinlaw can add the extra steps when he needs to. He has mallets for hands and uses them to knock offensive linemen off balanced with one clean strike. In the clip above, Kinlaw is foiled in his initial plan to attack the guard’s right shoulder. The guard completely turns his hips outside, leaving him exploitable to Kinlaw working back inside. Kinlaw does just that by syncing together a sidestep while tossing the guard toward where his momentum is already taking him. The quick move earns Kinlaw a clear shot at the quarterback and he nearly closes the gap before the quarterback gets the ball out. The senior defensive tackle is not purely a pass-rusher, either. Getting after the quarterback is where he is strongest and it is his most valuable trait, but Kinlaw is a plenty quality run defender. While he is not the gap-sound technician that someone like Quinton Jefferson (Seattle Seahawks) is, but there isn’t more than a handful of interior players who can toss a grenade into a rushing lane the way Kinlaw can. This play still goes for a decent gain, but that’s not Kinlaw’s fault by any means. Kinlaw blowing up the center forced the running back to bounce the play earlier outside than he is supposed to. The running back should be looking to press the line of scrimmage for as long as possible, but Kinlaw completely distorts the line of scrimmage right away. The play stops becoming about which gap to hit and starts to become “how do I get away from the bear that just mauled the blocker in front of me.” In short: it will not be a fun day for Smith. The good news — and that’s a loose term here — is that Smith’s play style should serve to match up against Kinlaw well. Any offensive linemen who sits back on their laurels against Kinlaw will get obliterated into the next timeline, but Smith isn’t passive. Smith wants to meet pass-rushers first, even at the risk of whiffing and giving up a free rushing lane. Against Kinlaw, who is going to earn those chances either way, the aggressive to stop a few plays in their tracks is a must. Smith, the left guard, gives the defensive tackle no chance to get going in this clip. In all fairness, the defensive tackle does make it easy for Smith by opening his chest, but Smith still had to have the strike-first mentality to make him pay for it. Smith plays forward this way quite often. In fact, when he does not, Smith tends to have issues leaning left and right to match sudden moves, which makes perfect sense of why Smith likes to be the aggressor and get ahead of any potential moves. That’s about all Smith can offer against Kinlaw. Smith will have to fight fire with fire and hope that he woke up feeling stronger that day. Alas, Kinlaw will almost certainly prove too powerful, quick, and precise when the two face off, especially on passing downs. Smith is a future pro; Kinlaw could sneak his way into the top-10 when the draft process is all said and done. Advantage: Kinlaw) (10-23-19): https://www.rotoworld.com/article/prospect-vs-prospect/nfl-draft-prospect-showdown-week-9
Meet DT Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina's destroyer of offenses (10-21-19): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2019/10/21/2020-nfl-draft-prospects-javon-kinlaw-south-carolina-interview/
Five possible Lions 2020 draft prospects: Week 8 (Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina (No. 3): Prior to this season, I wouldn't have included a defensive tackle with Kinlaw's skill set in these prospect watches, but after the Lions signed Mike Daniels during training camp, you can see a pathway for a pass-rushing interior lineman to have an impact on this roster. And given the Lions have shown a propensity for rushing just three on passing downs, a player who can consistently win on the inside would be a beneficial asset. Kinlaw has a great build, listed at 6-foot-6, 310 pounds with long limbs. He also possesses excellent burst at the snap which allows him to generate steady backfield disruption from his interior alignment. He's already recorded a personal-best five sacks on the year, as well as a blocked kick.) (10-18-19): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/10/18/five-possible-detroit-lions-2020-draft-prospects-week-8/4020715002/
NFL draft prospects to watch: Oregon QB Justin Herbert needs to recapture some buzz (South Carolina DT Javon Kinlaw vs. Florida
Javon Kinlaw has emerged as one of the best interior rushers in the country this season with five sacks and multiple pressures in each game this season, per PFF, save for his 18-snap workout against Charleston Southern. Last week, Kinlaw was named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week in the Gamecocks’ massive upset of Georgia, a team teeming with quality offensive line talent. Asked this week what the difference has been between a solid 2018 campaign and a mostly dominant 2019 one, Kinlaw smiled and said, “I can’t give you my recipe, man.” But the 6-6, 308-pound Kinlaw went on to credit Gamecocks strength coach Mark Campbell for the work he did with not only him, but the rest of the defensive line. As much as anything, Kinlaw said, Campbell tested him mentally and challenged him to be great through improved effort and motor. It’s showing. Week in and week out, Kinlaw has been disruptive. His back-to-back performances against Alabama and Missouri, along with last week’s game, have pushed Kinlaw firmly into the first-round discussion for 2020. This week, he has a chance to feast. Facing the No. 9 Gators will put a lot of eyes on him, but Florida’s interior offensive line appears to be an exploitable group. The interior trio seemed to struggle (especially undersized Gators center Nick Buchanan) last week vs. LSU, so this could be a huge stage for him to keep building his reputation in the scouting community. Last week, we placed Kinlaw at No. 24 overall to the Seattle Seahawks in our initial mock draft, so you can probably tell we’re big fans.) (10-17-19): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-oregon-qb-justin-herbert-needs-to-recapture-some-buzz-175343960.html
2020 NFL Draft Stock - Week 7 (Up - Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina: Kinlaw was very impressive with his performance against the Georgia Bulldogs and their NFL offensive line. He mostly went against the weaker right side of the line unfortunately, but Kinlaw was a beast and made some game-changing plays to help the Gamecocks pull off a huge upset. At the end of the second quarter, Kinlaw had a good rush on a stunt and ran by right tackle Isaiah Wilson to pressure Jake Fromm into a pick-six. On the next drive, Kinlaw worked through right guard Cade Mays to bring down Fromm on a coverage sack. In the fourth quarter, Kinlaw used his speed to dart by the right side of the line and get to Fromm again. The first thing that stands out about Kinlaw is his size. He is a tall, thick and good-looking athlete. After passing the eyeball test, one can see some special ability as Kinlaw really fires off the ball. He is quick to close and has strength to fight off blockers. Kinlaw (6-6, 310) gets in trouble when he stands up too high and working on his technique will help him to get more out of his excellent skill set. Kinlaw helped his draft grade with his performance against Georgia, and it will improve his chances of being a Thursday night pick as he had provided a big impact and had a lot of wins while going against a NFL offensive line as all five Bulldogs blockers will play on Sundays.) (10-16-19): http://walterfootball.com/draft2020stock_07.php
College Football Week 4: 2020 NFL Draft Scouting Notes (Stock Up - DI Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina: After a few good-not-great performances to start the season, Kinlaw was borderline unblockable this past week. He notched six pressures on only 23 pass-rushes against Missouri. And it’s not simply the wins, it’s the speed with which Kinlaw can get home. He’s one of the most twitched up 6-6, 310-pound defensive tackles you’ll find in the country.) (9-24-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-college-football-week-3-2020-nfl-draft-scouting-notes
College Football Week 4: Eckrich SEC Team of the Week (JAVON KINLAW, SOUTH CAROLINA: Rushing the passer in one of his finest performances to date, Kinlaw got home with six pressures, a sack, a QB hit and four additional hurries, leading to an elite pass-rush grade. He chipped in with two more run stops in an all-around strong performance for the interior defender.) (9-23-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-college-football-week-4-eckrich-sec-team-of-the-week
NFL Draft: South Carolina boasts talented senior class (Dominating the trenches
A transfer from Jones County Junior College in 2017, the 6-foot-6, 302-pound defensive tackle has the makings of a future All-Pro at the next level. Javon Kinlaw‘s Gamecocks’ career got off to a relatively slow start. As a sophomore, he played in just seven games, tallying 17 tackles and 2 tackles for loss. While his raw talent was apparent to even the most casual football fan, few could have forecasted a breakout junior campaign that put him on NFL radars. Announcing his arrival to the college football world, Kinlaw registered 30 tackles (9 for loss) and 4 sacks in 2018. The raw specimen displayed an impressively quick first-step off the ball to fire into the backfield, and violent hands to disengage from blockers. Kinlaw has the potential to play his way into the first-round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Similar to 2019 first-round defensive tackle Jerry Tillery, the lengthy defensive tackle will need specific aspects of his game refined in order to make the seamless transition. If Kinlaw can develop a wider array of pass rush techniques and a place a greater emphasis on pad level, he should be among the first 32 players to hear their name called in April.) (9-1-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/south-carolinas-return-to-prominence-hinges-on-talent-laden-senior-class/
NFL Draft: Great SEC talent on all-conference defense (Accompanying Brown on this list are Alabama’s Raekwon Davis and South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw. Davis also entered his name into the 2019 NFL Draft conversation before deciding to return to school for his senior season. Both he and Kinlaw are long interior players that have the quickness to play outside, and both will be tantalizing options for the 3-4 teams in the NFL. Kinlaw consistently disrupts the backfield, as evidenced by his 12 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks over his last 22 starts.) (8-24-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-great-sec-talent-on-all-conference-defense/
10 NFL Draft prospects to watch in college football Week 3 (Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina: Kinlaw has good initial quickness for a 310-pound defensive tackle, and he’s got good footwork and hand placement to get himself off blocks well. Already with two sacks on the season, he was a major problem for North Carolina when the two rivals met. Alabama’s weakest point of the offense is the interior OL. Kinlaw has a great chance to make a bigger name for himself against a marquee opponent on national television.) (9-14-19): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/14/10-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-college-football-week-3/
College Football Week 1: 2020 NFL Draft PFF Scouting Notes (South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw (DT3) and Texas A&M’s Justin Madubuike (DT7) all had their stock rise with nice debuts racking up four, four and five pressures respectively.) (9-3-19): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-college-football-week-1-2020-nfl-draft-pff-scouting-notes
South Carolina Gamecocks: Tony Pauline gives Javon Kinlaw second round grade (Javon Kinlaw: South Carolina DT Javon Kinlaw was highly considered by NFL scouts last year, but he decided to return to the Gamecocks for another season. He now moves towards the opening of the 2019 campaign graded as a potential early first-round pick by some scouts, who stamp him the equal of Raekwon Davis of Alabama. Kinlaw offers tremendous size, growth potential and athleticism for a man with his frame. He can be an overpowering force up the field and get outside the box to make plays in space. I am concerned about his streaky play, although Kinlaw did struggle with a hip injury last season. If he steps up his game as many believe possible, Kinlaw will be an early pick next April and the first Gamecocks player off the board.) (8-19-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/south-carolina-gamecocks-summer-scouting-draft-grades/
SEC Preview of 2020 NFL Draft: Top prospects loaded with Alabama players, starting with Tua Tagovailoa (South Carolina: Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw is a high-motor player with good awareness in the pass rush. Even if he doesn't get to the quarterback he affects throwing lanes with his long arms. Kinlaw shows good strength in one-on-one matchups, he's stout at the line of scrimmage, has the ability to consistently push the pocket and is capable of taking on double-teams. The offensive line has to account for him on every snap.) (8-13-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/sec-preview-of-2020-nfl-draft-top-prospects-loaded-with-alabama-players-starting-with-tua-tagovailoa/
SEC: 4 key matchups for 2020 NFL Draft prospects (Another player that could join Edwards on day two is the massive junior lineman Javon Kinlaw. His size and mobility could make him attractive to both 4-3 and 3-4 teams. That versatility will give him a significant edge on game day as well as draft day.) (8-3-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/sec-nfl-draft-schedule-2019-key-matchups/
SEC Top 25 NFL Draft prospects: Elite Jeudy and co. to rule in 2019 (16. Kinlaw: A pair of big SEC defensive linemen head this next portion of the rankings. Kinlaw is a giant senior tackle who has excellent length and appears poised to improve on his four and a half sacks and nine tackles for a loss last season.) (7-20-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/sec-nfl-draft-top-25-prospects/
DT Garrett Marino:
Scouting Reports:
UAB Profile: https://uabsports.com/sports/football/roster/garrett-marino/6950
Draft Diamonds: https://www.nfldraftdiamonds.com/2020/01/garrett-marino/
Articles:
2020 All-Juice team includes Jalen Hurts, J.K. Dobbins and Kenneth Murray (Marino turns 26 this year, and that’ll turn some teams off. So will his lack of size/length as he’s a shade over 6-1 with 31-inch arms. But the 288-pounder plays with enthusiasm and edge, and if a team needs a sleeper in this COVID-19 world that might make it hard for rookies to contribute immediately, it’s probably not a bad idea to go with an older, physically maxed-out player who gives great effort and has a notable initial jolt. Grade: 6.1) (4-20-20): https://sports.yahoo.com/2020-all-juice-team-includes-jalen-hurts-jk-dobbins-and-kenneth-murray-151125586.html
2020 NFL Draft: PFF's All-Small School Team (DI: GARRETT MARINO, UAB - It’s not a banner year for small-school defensive tackles, but Marino takes the cake in terms of production. He earned a 90.3 run-defense grade and 90.6 pass-rushing grade last season. The issue is that he’s well under 300 pounds and will already be 26(!) years old as a rookie.) (4-14-20): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2020-nfl-draft-pffs-all-small-school-team
Garrett Marino, Nick Vogel impress at UAB Pro Day (3-4-20): https://www.wbrc.com/2020/03/04/garrett-marino-nick-vogel-impress-uab-pro-day/
Draft: Prospects to watch in Shrine Game (Garrett Marino, DT, UAB: A strong penetrator on the inside, the 6-foot-2, 290-pound Marino tallied 6.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss for UAB in 2019. And he reached those figures in many ways. He won with first-step quickness through a gap, a deadly swim move, or simply shedding blockers on his way into the backfield. While not a super athlete for the defensive tackle position, Marino has an NFL-caliber toolbox to be disruptive on the inside.) (1-16-20): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/east-west-shrine-game-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-include-sleeper-at-running-back/
East-West Shrine Game Practice Report: East Team (Garrett Marino of UAB, James Smith-Williams of NC State, and Alex Highsmith of Charlotte all showed well today.) (Day 3) (1-15-20): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/east-west-shrine-game-practice-report-east-team-day-3/
East-West Shrine Game All-Star Game Preview and players to watch (Garrett Marino-DE/DT-UAB-6’1”/290: One of my favorite players in the draft because of what he has overcome on the path to being a 2020 Draft hopeful. 3 Time All-Conference USA selection earning First Team in 2019. However, there are a lot of questions that need to be answered surrounding Marino. He was an Arizona State commit that never hit the field because of qualifying issues. Once fixing the qualifying issues, he reached out to Montana State as they previously recruited him. Marino and Montana State decided to part ways and after parting ways he was involved with a bizarre on-campus driving-related incident. He went back home to California and got a call from UAB with a plan for him as UAB was in the process of bringing back the football program. Marino was in with the plan they laid out for him and was one of the first players on the roster for the UAB football rebirth. Once at UAB, it all came together for Marino and he exploded this 2019 season. Marino lived in the offensive backfield this season recording 12.5 TFL and 6.5 Sacks. Marino is a prospect that I can’t wait to see in-person. He has a mentality where he approaches the game thinking “anywhere, any time” and I love that. He moved up and down the UAB DL never backing down and putting that high motor on display constantly winning matchups. While he lacks the ideal physical traits he belongs. ) (1-11-20): https://www.nfldraftdiamonds.com/2020/01/east-west-shrine/
NCAA College Football Live Blog with Tony Pauline (December 21 Bowl Games) (Blazers defensive lineman Garrett Marino embodies the program. Entering the season he was graded as a street free agent by scouts yet Marino is now receiving late round grades after a terrific senior campaign. He’s already made several big plays in the early going of the New Orleans Bowl. TP) (12-21-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/ncaa-college-football-live-blog-tony-pauline-december-21-bowl-games/
Saturday Bowl Game (Garrett Marino enjoyed a breakout senior season, amassing six sacks along with 41 tackles. At 6’2, 290 pounds, he lacks the desired length that teams look for in defensive linemen, and his athleticism and burst aren’t special enough to get picked. He’ll have a chance to boost his draft stock and test his skills against a higher level of competition at the 2020 East-West Shrine Bowl in January.) (12-21-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2019-college-bowl-preview-camellia-las-vegas-and-new-orleans-bowls/
Prospects to watch in New Orleans Bowl (UAB defensive tackle Garrett Marino flashes big ability by getting off blocks and getting into gaps. He plays to the whistle as well.) (12-17-19): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/new-orleans-bowl-time-tv-channel-2020-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-in-appalachian-state-vs-uab/
Potential Lions 2020 draft prospects: Conference championship week (Garrett Marino, DL, UAB (No. 1): You've got to respect a big fella confident enough to wear the No. 1. At 6-foot-2, 290 pounds, Marino's size is going to turn off a lot of talent evaluators, but he's done some serious damage as a pass-rusher, disrupting the pocket with a quick first step and relentless motor. Even when you consider the level of competition, 6.5 sacks and five batted passes is an impressive stat line for any interior lineman.) (12-6-19): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/12/06/potential-detroit-lions-2020-draft-prospects-conference-championship-week/2626473001/
College Football: PFF Stats to know ahead of conference championship weekend (The Blazers bring a stingy front seven into this championship game, led by edge defender Jordan Smith (92.6 grade) and interior defender Garrett Marino (91.0). Smith is currently the nation's third-highest-graded edge defender—and he's first overall in run-defense grade—while Marino is the second-highest-graded interior defender. The two have combined for 88 total quarterback pressures, including 16 sacks and 56 stops.) (12-6-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-pff-stats-to-know-ahead-of-conference-championship-weekend
Scouting the 2019 Conference USA Championship: UAB vs FAU (Defensive tackle Garrett Marino turned in three productive seasons for UAB and showed improvement each year. Entering the year graded as a street free agent, scouts have been impressed with his playmaking skill in 2019. He’s a solid three-technique tackle for the next level.) (12-6-19): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/scouting-the-2019-conference-usa-championship-uab-vs-fau/
College Football: 2019 PFF All-Conference USA Team (First Team: Garrett Marino, UAB - Marino enters the Conference USA Championship with the highest overall grade (90.7), pass-rush grade (90.1) and second-highest run-defense grade (90.4) among the 43 qualifying players at his position. He also ranks fourth among the same group of qualifiers in pass-rush win rate (14.0%) and first in total pressures (40).) (12-3-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2019-pff-all-conference-usa-team
NFL draft matchups to watch: Big test for Georgia QB Jake Fromm (UAB DT Garrett Marino at Tennessee: Garrett Marino is a fascinating study who doesn’t fit all the NFL boxes but should end up on a roster because of his incredible drive and effort, using every ounce of talent in his 6-foot-2, 290-pound frame. Taking the long way to the Blazers — committing to Arizona State, failing to qualify and spending time at Montana State before becoming one of the first commits to UAB after the program rebooted — hasn’t slowed Marino down a lot. He’ll turn 26 years old in training camp next fall, which will be an issue for some NFL teams. But the one that gets him will have a player who wins with effort, good hand-fighting skill, shocking power and finishing ability, able to play anywhere from a nose tackle spot out to a 5-technique on the defensive line. After a white-hot start this season, Marino cooled off a bit prior to a solid few games the past two weeks vs. UTSA and Old Dominion. But this week is a step up in competition, as Tennessee has played much better offensively in recent weeks and features a very respectable offensive line led by LG Trey Smith, a highly regarded blocker with great feet who has resumed playing this season after blood clots threatened his availability. A solid performance in this one could boost Marino’s stock and make him a strong candidate for one of the second-tier postseason games, such as the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl or the East-West Shrine Game. A blazing finish and great performance in this one even could rise the fifth-year senior up to the Senior Bowl.) (10-31-19): https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-matchups-big-test-for-georgia-qb-jake-fromm-171330375.html
PFF Rankings: Highest-graded seniors in college football through Week 2 (8. DI GARRETT MARINO, UAB (90.2): The 6-foot-2, 290-pound Marino has earned a 90.2 overall grade, 90.7 run-defense grade and an 80.3 pass-rush grade so far this season, picking up 10 total pressures and eight defensive stops along the way. Marino won’t really be tested against high-end competition until the Blazers take on Tennessee in early November, though. We’ll check back on him then to see if his grade is maintained against the Vols.) (9-12-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-pff-rankings-highest-graded-seniors-in-college-football-through-week-2
PFF Rankings: Highest-graded defensive linemen in college football through Week 2 (GARRETT MARINO, UAB – 90.2: After a solid 2018 (70.3 grade) and Week 1 (79.3 game grade with five stops), Marino is now the highest-graded interior defensive lineman in college football. Marino has 10 total pressures and eight stops, with nine of those pressures, including three sacks, coming this past week. Those three sacks put him tied for first nationally among interior defensive linemen.) (9-11-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-pff-rankings-highest-graded-defensive-linemen-in-college-football-through-week-2
College Football, Week 2: Immediate Takeaways (Also for UAB, DI Garrett Marino put forth an impressive performance, racking up a ridiculous nine pressures including three sacks. He rounded out the night with two more hits and four additional QB hurries for an all-around top-notch pass-rushing performance.) (9-8-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-2-immediate-takeaways
College Football Week 2 Eckrich Team of the Week (Garrett Marino, UAB: Marino finished the afternoon with a whopping three sacks and nine total pressures for the Blazers. He needed 36 pass-rushes to accomplish such a feat, winning the majority of his pass-rush snaps in the process.) (9-8-19): https://www.pff.com/news/college-pff-college-football-week-2-eckrich-team-of-the-week
How defensive lineman took long road to success at UAB (8-21-19): https://www.al.com/uab/2019/08/how-defensive-lineman-took-long-road-to-success-at-uab.html?outputType=amp
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