Friday, April 30, 2021

CB Ifeatu Melifonwu Scouting Reports and Articles

Scouting Reports:








Rankings:


Articles:

The Perfect NFL Draft Fit for Lions at Every Position (Cornerback - Ifeatu Melifonwu, Syracuse:  The Lions may need help at cornerback sooner rather than later, should picks of the past not pan out.  Jeff Okudah did not play well last season, which may turn out to be an anomaly. However, at the very least, Melifonwu would add depth and talent at the position.  Melifonwu is presently projected to be a mid-Day 2 pick. He has good range, size and speed, and was an All-ACC selection in two straight seasons.) (4-23-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-perfect-fit-nfl-draft

RANG'S GANG: THE BEST NON-FIRST-ROUND PLAYERS IN THE 2021 NFL DRAFT (Outside cornerback: Ifeatu Melifonwu, Syracuse - I like to see how players react when injuries impact their teammates, which was the case at Syracuse last season, with the Orange losing fellow 2021 NFL Draft prospects Andre Ciscoto a torn ACL in October and Trill Williams to a midseason opt-out.  Rather than struggle with the loss of the playmaking defensive backs around him, Melifonwu stepped up, blanketing receivers on the outside with his 6-foot-3, 205-pound frame (and 32 ¼-inch arms), earning all-conference honors with 10 passes broken up and a career-high 55 tackles.  Of course, the numbers most focus on are the remarkable traits he showed during his pro day workout. Like his older brother, Obi — now in his fifth season in the NFL – Melifonwu possesses jaw-dropping athleticism, including a 41.5-inch vertical jump, 11-2 broad jump and 4.48-second 40-yard dash. To be clear, Melifonwu is not yet a finished product. He is not as reliable as an open-field tackler as I’d like, and he needs to do a better job locating the ball (just three career INTs among 26 PBUs), but these are coachable.) (4-22-21):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/rob-rang-2021-nfl-draft-best-non-first-round-players-kyle-trask-demetric-felton

2021 NFL Draft: Which prospect might not be a first-round pick, but SHOULD be? (Marc Ross: I believe defensive back has the deepest talent pool of any position in this draft with around 10 starter-quality prospects. Not all of these players can go in the first round, so a chunk of worthy guys will fall to Day 2. One of them is Syracuse's Ifeatu Melifonwu, a gifted athlete with excellent press-coverage skills and run support. In addition, his size (6-foot-2 1/2, 205 pounds) and pro day performance compare favorably to (or better than, in some cases) the draft's top two DBs, Patrick Surtain II and Jaycee Horn.) (4-22-21):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2021-nfl-draft-which-prospect-might-not-be-a-first-round-pick-but-should-be

NFL Draft: 8 draft prospects who could be surprising first-round picks (CB IFEATU MELIFONWU, SYRACUSE (PFF DRAFT BOARD RANK: 70):  The NFL is always going to chase freaky athletes, and few are freakier than Ifeatu Melifonwu. Following in the footsteps of his brother a few years ago, Ifeatu posted some of the best workout numbers you are ever going to see, ranking in the 95th-percentile or better in three explosion drills, including the vertical and broad jumps.  That athleticism shows up on tape in the form of elite burst to the football and a wingspan that makes anything at the catch point a challenge for receivers and quarterbacks.  His college career has been good, not great, with his career-best overall PFF grade of 78.8 coming this past season. Still, there will be NFL teams that believe he has the potential to be so much better than that at the next level and will look to tap into the kind of physical gifts that they won't be able to find anywhere else.) (4-22-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-surprising-first-round-picks

2021 NFL Draft: 4 players who could be surprising first-round selections (CB IFEATU MELIFONWU, SYRACUSE - PFF Big Board rank: 71.  There isn’t a box Melifonwu doesn’t check physically. The height, weight, arm length and explosion he showcased in his pro-day jumps are ideal for the position. NFL coaching staffs and front offices love to believe that they can get the most out of elite athletes, and that gives Melifonwu a better chance than most to sneak into the first round despite some legitimate questions about his game.  Melifonwu doesn’t play with the physicality his size would suggest and allowed a career-worst 66.0% completion rate and 94.9 passer rating on throws into his coverage in 2020. Those aren’t the same kind of lockdown coverage numbers that several other cornerbacks in this class boast.  His combination of size and movement skills is rare, though. NFL teams don’t often reach for below-average athletes. They reach for the physical outliers who have high ceilings if they develop properly. Melifonwu fits that bill.  Potential landing spots: Pick No. 24 (Pittsburgh), Pick No. 29 (Green Bay), Pick No. 30 (Buffalo)) (4-15-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-surprising-first-round-picks-dyami-brown-payton-turner-ifeatu-melifonwu-dillon-radunz

Detroit Lions Fourth Round Options 2021 NFL Draft Tamorrion Terry (Syracuse CB Ifeatu Melifonwu:  If the Lions end up looking for cornerback help at this spot, Melifonwu could be their guy.  The athletic, nearly 6-foot-3, 212-pounder brings a myriad of positive attributes to the table, including the ability to effectively covers receivers both on crossing patterns and downfield.  Although Syracuse went just 1-10 in 2020, Melifonwu was still ultra productive. He amassed 54 total tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, an interception and six passes defensed.  Additionally, for his efforts, he received second-team All-ACC honors from the Associated Press.) (4-13-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-fourth-round-options

2021 NFL Draft: Later-round backup plans for top picks (Plan B: Ifeatu Melifonwu, Syracuse - Melifonwu may have tested his way into Round 1 at his pro day, but there's still a chance he's available in the second. With Farley, you get a long, athletic outside cornerback with essentially the movement skills to comfortably bump inside if needed. That's the type of explosive, sudden athlete we're talking about here with Melifonwu.) (3-23-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-best-backup-plans-for-teams-that-miss-out-on-justin-fields-travis-etienne-and-more/

2021 NFL Draft: Five prospects who'll be affected most by the absence of the combine (Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse - At 6-foot-2 and 1/2 inches, 212 pounds with long arms -- over the 32-inch threshold some teams have for outside cornerbacks -- with the athletic gifts of defensive much smaller and more compact, Melifonwu was primed to erupt at the 2021 combine.  In 2017, his brother, Obi, was widely considered a Day 3 selection before the combine. Then, at 6-4 and 221 pounds, he ran 4.40, had a 44-inch vertical and a 141-inch broad jump, and sky-rocketed into the second round. The genetics in the Melifonwu family are phenomenal.  And in a crowded cornerback class, Melifonwu was precisely the type of prospect with quality film that made many wonder -- just how athletic is he? Had the combine happened as normal, he was one of the surest bets to climb boards. Now he'll have to wait until the Syracuse pro day. ) (2-23-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-five-prospects-wholl-be-affected-most-by-the-absence-of-the-combine/

NFL Draft: How teams can copy Bucs' success (Towering but twitchy outside cornerbacks - For Buccaneers: Carlton Davis, Jamel Dean
2020 prospects to fit this role: Virginia Tech's Caleb Farley, Syracuse's Ifeatu Melifonwu, Washington's Keith Taylor.  Davis and Dean have been almost unfathomably productive in their first few seasons in the NFL. Both above the 6-foot threshold some teams have for outside cornerbacks in the draft, the two have combined for 65 pass breakups across 68 regular season contests to go along with eight interceptions. Davis and Dean win not strictly because of their size. They're long, yes, but play with amazing fluidity relative to their height and are ultra aggressive.  Melifonwu is more raw but fits the size-speed-athleticism mold here. There's no noticeable stiffness to his game on the outside. The same is true for Taylor, who'll likely be available later in the draft. He didn't have a noticeably productive career at Washington and isn't quite as long as the rest of this group. The fluidity at over 6-2 is what makes him an intriguing prospect.) (2-9-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-how-teams-should-copy-super-bowl-champion-buccaneers-by-adding-similarly-skilled-prospects/

PFF 2021 NFL Draft Guide: PFF's top CB prospect, plus a wild-card CB to watch (BIGGEST RISER: IFEATU MELIFONWU, SYRACUSE - Ifeatu Melifonwu was born May 1999 in Boston, Massachusetts, per Syracuse’s official athletic site. You may recognize the last name because his older brother, Obi, starred at safety for Connecticut from 2013-16 and then was drafted in the second round by the then Oakland Raiders in 2017. At 6-foot-4, 224 pounds, Obi recorded a 4.40s 40-yard dash, 44-inch vertical and an 11-foot-9 broad jump at the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine.  Ifeatu is a rare breed in his own right. The 6-foot-3, 213-pounder is long and athletic like his brother; he played running back, receiver and defensive back for Grafton High School and recorded over 1,876 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns as a senior. He also played basketball, lacrosse and ran track. However, Michigan and Syracuse were the only two Power 5 schools that offered him as a three-star recruit in 2018.  The younger Melifonwu already plays the position that many thought his older brother and second-round pick, Obi, should switch to. While both brothers are physical freaks, each suffers from a distinct lack of physicality. One would think a 6-foot-3, 213-pound corner like Melifonwu would be a dog at the line of scrimmage, but that couldn't be further from the case. He excelled because of his smooth hips and long speed, not because he wanted to engulf receivers at the line. While it's far less of a concern at corner than it is at safety, the question remains: Can you coach that mentality?  NFL player comparison: N/A.  Biggest strength: Rare physical tools.  Biggest weakness: Playing “physical”.  Projection: Second-round to third-round pick.  Bottom line: Melifonwu has unicorn physical ability. Can you coach him to be
a little more domineering?) (2-4-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-pff-top-cornerback

NFL Draft risers and fallers after the Senior Bowl (Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse:  Ifeatu Melifonwu came to play during Senior Bowl week. He showed excellent abilities in off coverage and in zone, which were concerns in his tape. He showed impressive skills in redzone drills and movement ability in space. Melifonwu is a starting corner in the league and will be able to handle an entire side of the field. Melifonwu is a first round talent that shouldn’t fall out of the second round.) (2-1-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-risers-and-fallers-after-the-senior-bowl

2021 Senior Bowl Recap: Day 3 (DEFENSIVE BACK: CB IFEATU MELIFONWU, SYRACUSE - Melifonwu’s enormous 80-inch wingspan came in handy down near the goal line. Not only did he corral receivers at the line, but he also got around them to break up passes. It was a solid week for Melifonwu, who showed that he’s capable of things physically that others in the class aren’t.) (1-29-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-senior-bowl-recaps-analysis-takeaways

Senior Bowl Practice Review: Day 3 Receivers and Defensive Backs (Ifeatu Melifonwu | Syracuse | CB | 6025 | 212 | 8018 | 3218 | 900.  It was an incredible day for Melifonwu who showed superb physicality and length to win in tight spaces. He also dominated against tight ends in one-on-ones with aggressiveness and speed. He can match up against anyone and he showed it this week. Melifonwu will be an excellent pro and should be off the board sooner than later in the NFL Draft.) (1-29-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-practice-review-day-3-receivers-and-defensive-backs

Senior Bowl Practice Review: Day 3 American RBs and LBs (Several safeties such as Ritchie Grant, Hamsah Nasirildeen, Mark Webb and Ifetu Melifonwu teamed up with the running back and linebackers during the one-on-one session. Grant, Nasirildeen and Melifonwu showed excellent coverage skills against the tight ends.) (1-29-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-practice-review-day-3-american-rbs-and-lbs

Senior Bowl Practice Review: Day 1 Wide Receivers Tight Ends and Defensive Backs (9. Ifeatu Melifonwu | Syracuse | CB | 6025 | 212 | 8018 | 3218 | 900.  If you gave up on Melifonwu after his first two coverage one-on-ones, then you missed out on a super solid day. Melifonwu got beat twice right out of the gate but finished the day amazing with some beautiful coverage snaps to finish it off, completely blanketing the opposing wide receivers. He then put on a clinic at the release drill. He was able to show off his outstanding press-man abilities. Melifonwu also weighed in amazingly today. All added together, Melifonwu had an outstanding day and should rise if it continues.) (1-26-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-practice-review-day-1-wide-receivers-tight-ends-and-defensive-backs

2021 Senior Bowl Practice Report: American Team (Tuesday - Melifonwu had a really good play in one-on-ones. He got off the ball slow and the receiver ran a “9 route,” but his eye discipline was on full display, as was his ability to make up lost ground and recover to prevent the deep play. Aside from getting the rug pulled from under him by Trevon Grimes, Senior Bowl practice report indicates he had a really solid day.  Wednesday - Melifonwu had an amazing day. He had multiple pass breakups in one-on-ones, and was arguably, the best defensive back in the drill. He did have an unfortunate break when he broke up a pass and it landed in the arms of another receiver. Regardless, he was everywhere today. Phenomenal showing.  Thursday - It was a relatively quiet day for Melifonwu, who’s play has had people talking this week. No egregious errors, but nothing that jumped out either. I will say, though, his footwork in warmups looked great, and he was very quick and clean while closing in on the ball through the day.  Analysis - A jack of all trades. He can be put in the box, in the slot, as a deep safety — no matter where he was lined up, he was making plays. He has so much versatility and makes an impact no matter where he is on the field. He is one of my favorite players in this draft.) (1-26-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-senior-bowl-practice-report-american-team/

Senior Bowl Weigh-Ins: ACC Surprises (IFEATU MELIFONWU | Syracuse | CB | Height: 6025 | Weight: 212 | Wingspan: 8018 | Arm: 3218 | Hand: 0900.  A fast-riser, Melifonwu could continue to zoom up draft boards once he gets to the on-field portions of the workout. He boosted his stock in the measurements category as well. Specifically, Melifonwu impressed with a height of 6025 and an arm length of 3218. These numbers confirm the length we saw on film. The Syracuse corner is a press-man expert who will fit most systems in the league with his movement abilities and size.) (1-26-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-weigh-ins-acc-surprises

WHO WON THE 2021 SENIOR BOWL WEIGH-INS? (Melifonwu:  Why does Melifonwu’s weigh-in matter? Everyone loves big corners. Period. Melifonwu certainly qualifies as such and has the length that defensive coaches are going to drool over—you can cover a lot of distance at the catch point and contest a lot of throws through the frame of receivers with this kind of reach on your side. Melifonwu is a great athlete, we always knew that. But now we know he’s a freakishly big cornerback, too. ) (1-26-21):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/senior-bowl-2021-weigh-in-winners

Complete guide to the 2021 Senior Bowl (Star: Ifeatu Melifonwu | Syracuse — The brother of former second-round pick Obi Melifonwu, Ifeatu has the size and athleticism combination that made his older brother such an attractive prospect. While Obi never seemed to find the right position fit at the next level, Ifeatu already has the kind of comfort level at corner that should allow him to succeed.) (1-26-21):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/senior-bowl-2021-preview-top-prospects-positions-rosters/

Top cornerbacks at the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl (Ranking the top cornerbacks at the Senior Bowl — American Team
Ifeatu Melifonwu, Syracuse.  This one was a super easy pick. When it comes to cornerbacks this year at the Senior Bowl, none have the upside and tape that Ifeatu Melinfowu has on his record. The interesting catch-all with Melifonwu is that he can play on the boundary and projects well as a safety. By picking him, you can get a ball of clay with insane physical tools. Melifonwu should only get better as the season roll along.  He is insanely explosive. Melifonwu triggers downhill and has elite closing speed. For a guy who is 6’3″, he has shockingly great fluidity in his hips. Melifonwu’s transitions are seamless and graceful. On top of that, Melifonwu’s length is a weapon at the catch point. His recovery speed and length allow him to make mistakes and still get out of tough spots unscathed.  All of that is great, but my favorite trait of Melifonwu’s is his headiness. He combines a brand of physicality and sure tackling with smart and calculated decisions. Melifonwu’s ability to read route combinations and make plays in zone coverage is impressive. He has lots of man coverage traits, but his attributes are zone-centric as of now. His universal schematic appeal should make him coveted, and a week in Mobile can only help.) (1-25-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-cornerbacks-2021-reeses-senior-bowl/

Top safeties at the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl (Ranking the top safeties at the Senior Bowl — American Team - Ifeatu Melifonwu, Syracuse:  Listen, you might think this is just an excuse for me to talk more about Ifeatu Melifonwu, my pet cat in this draft cycle. Although you’re not wrong, he himself told me some teams had discussed a transition to safety at the next level. I expect him to do a bit of everything in Mobile, Alabama.  His tape against North Carolina and future NFL wide receiver Dyami Brown is excellent. At 6-foot-3 and between 208 and 215 pounds of playing weight, Melifonwu will run in the 4.4 range and has the fluidity and flexibility of someone 20 pounds lighter and three inches shorter. He’s the best physical specimen of all the Senior Bowl safeties.  He’s hyper-focused on his ability to defend the run and screen game, too. That’s probably at least part of the reason some teams see him as a safety. Clemson tested him consistently through the screen game, and he stepped up and used his length and strength to shed blocks and make plays at the line of scrimmage with great tackling form and power for the position.  And with his length, range, and physicality, Melifonwu at least projects to transcend safety positions. He provides scheme versatility because he can play as a center fielder or inside the box defending the C-gap.) (1-25-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-safeties-at-the-2021-reeses-senior-bowl/

Scouting Lenz: Ifeatu Melifonwu, Cornerback, Syracuse (1-21-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/nfldraft/scouting-lenz-ifeatu-melifonwu-cornerback-syracuse

NFL Rumors & Draft News: 2021 NFL Draft class comes into focus (Which prospects are you most looking forward to seeing at the Senior Bowl?  Ifeatu Melifonwu — I thought he was the most underrated defensive back at Syracuse and had the most upside of SU’s trio.) (1-19-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-rumors-draft-news-2021-class-comes-into-focus/

2021 NFL Draft Stock - Late Bowl Games II (Up - Ifeatu Melifonwu, S, Syracuse:  Melifonwu's name probably sounds familiar because he is the younger brother Obi Melifonwu, who was a second-round pick of the Raiders in the 2017 NFL Draft. Ifeatu Melifonwu had a solid 2020 season, recording 55 tackles, one sack, one interception and eight passes defended. That was a big jump from his production levels in 2019 and 2018, and his 2020 season was good enough to earn him a Senior Bowl invitation. Obi Melifonwu was a bust in the NFL in part because of bad influences, so it will be interesting to see if his younger brother can avoid those mistakes.) (1-12-21):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021stock_19.php

Syracuse DB Ifeatu Melifonwu declares for 2021 NFL draft (12-18-20):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2020/12/18/ifeatu-melifonwu-syracuse-2021-nfl-draft/

2021 NFL Draft: PFF's Draft Riser Team (CB IFEATU MELIFONWU, SYRACUSE - There aren’t many corners at any level of football built like the 6-foot-3, 213-pound Melifonwu. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because his older brother Obi was a second-rounder at safety for the Raiders in 2017. Ifeatu is far less of an athletic projection, though, as he's already been stingy for the Orange. He’s allowed fewer yards this year than last year (394 vs. 395) despite playing almost 200 more coverage snaps (451 vs. 274). Of his 50 targets, only 18 resulted in first downs, and he forced incompletions on nine of them.) (12-11-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-pffs-all-draft-riser-team

Week 14 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Ifeatu Melifonwu getting buzz, both good and bad, from performance against Notre Dame (5:45 PM):  He’ll get some flak for getting juked out of his shoes by Notre Dame running back Kyren Williams. Still, Syracuse defensive back Ifeatu Melifonwu has shown off some of his upside today, even as the Orange gets expectedly lambasted by the Fighting Irish, now down 38-14 in the fourth quarter.  On one play in the second half, Melifonwu lined up at cornerback on the left side of the field. Melifonwu took his receiver in man coverage, used his physicality in press coverage to keep the receiver in front of him, and when Ian Book tried to loft one over to his target, Melifonwu showcased his insane vertical athleticism by leaping to bat the ball down, high-pointing it at its peak.  Only a junior, Melifonwu is 6-foot-3, 213, and has some versatility in the secondary. He still has some room to polish his game, but his athletic potential is through the roof, both literally and figuratively. IC) (12-6-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-14-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-and-more/

The best college football player on every Power 5 team (Syracuse: Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB - Another lost season in western New York hasn't stopped Melifonwu from being a lockdown player for the Orange. His 81.3 coverage grade is fourth in the ACC, just above his teammate Trill Williams as far as cornerbacks are concerned. Melifonwu has played the most snaps in coverage in the conference at 274 but has only allowed 22 catches against, while coming away with six forced incompletions.) (11-6-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/the-best-college-football-player-on-every-power-5-team

Syracuse safety Ifeatu Melifonwu has physical tools to be a high upside sleeper (9-20-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/syracuse-safety-ifeatu-melifonwu-has-physical-toools-high-upside-sleeper/

College Football Games Today: Week 2 Live Blog with Tony Pauline (CB Ifeatu Melifonwu of Syracuse looks good in the early going (12:15 pm ET):  With so much focus on Andre Cisco and Trill Williams in the Syracuse secondary, it’s easy to forget about Ifeatu Melifonwu, who I’ve graded as a draftable prospect.  The junior is athletic, has solid ball skills and a huge upside.  He also has a physical nature in his game which his brother Obi Melifonwu, a former second round pick in 2017 no longer in the league, never displayed.) (9-12-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-game-updates-week-2-live-blog-tony-pauline-2020/


Posted by LionsFan at 11:48 PM 0 comments

Evening Lions Links for Friday 4-30-21

DT Alim McNeil Articles:


NFL draft analyst: Lions get ‘throwback’ in NC State DT Alim McNeill:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/nfl-draft-analyst-lions-get-throwback-in-nc-state-dt-alim-mcneill.html

2021 NFL draft: Detroit Lions select N.C. State DT Alim McNeill in third round:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/2021-nfl-draft-detroit-lions-select-nc-state-dt-alim-mcneil-in-third-round.html



Lions double up on DT's with 'run-stopper' Alim McNeill in third round:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/lions-double-up-on-dts-with-run-stopper-alim-mcneill


Lions find potential starting nose tackle in third-rounder Alim McNeill:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/04/30/lions-draft-alim-mcneill-analysis-positional-fit/


Lions Select Alim McNeill in Third Round:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-select-alim-mcneill




DT Levi Onwuzurike Articles:

A CLOSER LOOK: Defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/a-closer-look-defensive-tackle-levi-onwuzurike

5 things to know about Lions’ second-round pick Levi Onwuzurike:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/5-things-to-know-about-lions-second-round-pick-levi-onwuzurike.html

Lions second-round pick Levi Onwuzurike: ‘I’m going to (bleep) some (bleep) up’:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/lions-second-round-pick-levi-onwuzurike-im-going-to-bleep-some-bleep-up.html

NFL draft analyst: Lions get ‘disruptive force’ in Washington DT Levi Onwuzurike:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/05/nfl-draft-analyst-lions-get-disruptive-force-in-washington-dt-levi-onwuzurike.html

2021 NFL draft: Detroit Lions select Washington DT Levi Onwuzurike in second round:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/04/2021-nfl-draft-detroit-lions-select-washington-dt-levi-onwuzurike-in-second-round.html






Pat Caputo: Levi Onwuzurike pick puts Brad Holmes under familiar microscope:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/onwuzurike-pick-puts-lions-gm-brad-holmes-under-microscope

Lions draft Levi Onwuzurike with 41st pick: "I'm the best D-tackle in the draft":  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions


How does second-round selection Levi Onwuzurike fit on the Lions defensive line?:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/04/30/lions-draft-levi-onwuzurike-depth-chart-defensive-line/



Lions Select DT Levi Onwuzurike in Second Round:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-select-levi-onwuzurike




Levi Onwuzurike Has an All-Timer of a Quote After Getting Drafted by the Lions:  https://www.thebiglead.com/posts/levi-onwuzurike-lions-draft-quote-01f4jn9btzj4

Penei Sewell Articles:

Listen to the Lions’ draft-night phone call to Penei Sewell: ‘You be just as nasty and dirty as you’ve been’:  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/04/listen-to-the-lions-draft-night-phone-call-to-penei-sewell-you-be-just-as-nasty-and-dirty-as-youve-been.html

VIDEO:

Lions select Levi Onwuzurike with No. 41 pick in 2021 draft:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/lions-select-levi-onwuzurike-with-no-41-pick-in-2021-draft

Lions select Alim McNeill with No. 72 pick in 2021 draft:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/lions-select-alim-mcneill-with-no-72-pick-in-2021-draft



Posted by LionsFan at 11:08 PM 0 comments

DT Alim McNeil Grades and Analysis

Grades:

PFN (Alim McNeill, DT, North Carolina State
It’s never a bad idea to build a strong rotation of interior linemen, and that’s what the Lions are doing. After taking Levi Onwuzurike in Round 2, they swiped Alim McNeill in Round 3. McNeill is a stout player and a stellar athlete. He provides a high-end run defender on Day 1, and he has the upside to be a devastating pass rusher. The Lions could have addressed wide receiver here, but McNeill is excellent value on the board.  Grade: A-):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/detroit-lions-nfl-draft-picks-grades-2021/

Grading Lions' Selection of DT Alim McNeill (Grade:  A-):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/grading-alim-mcneill

FTW NFL Draft Tracker: Grading every pick in the first round (72. Lions: Alim McNeil, DT, NC State:  Alim McNeill should slide right in as the Lions starting nose tackle. He’s never going to the best pass rusher and he doesn’t have great range on outside runs, but he’s just destructive in small spaces. This a great value at this point in the draft. Grade: B+):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-draft-tracker-live-grades-round-2-3

Instant analysis and grade for the Lions selection for DT Alim McNeill (Grade:  B+):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/04/30/lions-draft-grade-alim-mcneill-third-round-analysis/

Sporting News (72. Detroit Lions: Alim McNeill, DT, N.C. State - Grade: B.  The Lions went for another defensive tackle to support second-rounder Levi Onwuzurike. McNeil is a good complaint to Onwuzurike’s quicker, more explosive frame with his stouter nose-like presence against the run.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-grades-2021-live-picks-results/12vn4s61xusn71cix3t8h0lv7k

Draft Wire (72. Detroit Lions | North Carolina State DL Alim McNeill:  Dan Campbell is definitely setting the tone for his first draft as head coach, getting another tough, nasty player for his defensive front. McNeill is a massive mauler who will be a perfect fit.  GRADE: B):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2021-nfl-draft-grades-day-2-analysis-2nd-round-3rd-round/

SI (72. OT Alim McNeil (Grade -B-):  The Lions have now taken three players in the trenches. McNeill can be a pass rushing nose tackle which is hard to find. In a weaker class, the early third round was an expected landing spot for McNeill. His athleticism as a nose tackle is hard to find. -- JB):   https://www.si.com/nfl/2021-draft-tracker

Yahoo Edholm (41. DT Alim McNeil (Grade - C+):   Eric Edholm's Commentary - Detroit is beefing up this weekend. McNeill is a smaller-framed nose tackle who lacks great length or mass, but he possesses intriguing athletic traits to be an interior disruptor. His power and quickness are unusual, and he teams with Levi Onwuzurike to give the Lions some new blood and depth on the defensive line.):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/draft/

CBS Prisco (72. Lions: Alim McNeil, IDL, N.C. State - Grade: C+.  Athletic nose tackle with a serious first step and a devastating bull rush. Not much else in his arsenal. Did Lions really need to pick two defensive linemen today?):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2021-nfl-draft-grades-picks-live-tracker-order-analysis-for-every-third-round-selection/

Reuter's Day 2 Grade (Grade
C+.  Detroit Lions - Analysis: The Lions selected Onwuzurike, a strong penetrator who will be difficult to block at the next level, early in Round 2. Then they picked McNeill, a severely underrated player who will challenge offensive linemen on every play, in the third round. These picks were on top of trading for Michael Brockers from the Rams this offseason. Building on the lines is great, but ignoring other positions of need could cause depth issues during the season. Melifonwu has the length and size to be a solid outside corner, but he has to be more physical to stick in the league long-term. The former Syracuse defender was selected using the third-rounder gained in the Matthew Stafford-Jared Goff trade.):   https://www.nfl.com/news/2021-nfl-draft-day-2-quick-snap-grades-for-all-32-teams

Walter Football (Detroit Lions: Alim McNeill, DT, N.C. State - C- Grade.  I get one defensive tackle to help stop the run, but two? That makes less sense. I never had Alim McNeill in the second day of my mock draft. In my final update, he was chosen at the end of the fourth round, so this is a slight reach.):  https://walterfootball.com/nfldraftgrades.php

Carlos Monarrez Lions' grade for DT Alim McNeill in Round 3: C'mon, another lineman? (Grade: D):  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2021/04/30/detroit-lions-akim-mcneill-draft-grade/4896485001/

Draft Analysis:


NFL.com Bucky Brooks (72.  Alim McNeil DT:  The massive interior defender possesses A-plus athleticism and movement skills in a refrigerator-like body. The NCSU product is a premier run-stuffer with some pass-rush ability. McNeill is a potential problem on the interior for opponents.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2021-nfl-draft-bucky-brooks-pick-by-pick-analysis-for-day-2 

PFF (72.  DT Alim McNeil - Pick Grade:Very Good.  The consensus was all over the board in this interior defender class, but McNeill slotted in as PFF’s DT2, behind only Alabama’s Christian Barmore. McNeill is an impressive athlete for a guy who tips the scales at 320 pounds. That allows him to provide more pass-rushing juice than your typical nose tackle. It’s not difficult to see him becoming a difference-maker on a defense that sorely needs those types of players. ):  https://www.pff.com/draft/tracker

ESPN (Pre-Draft Analysis:  McNeill is a big defensive tackle with the strength and low center of gravity to control the middle of the line of scrimmage. He flashes the ability to get off blocks and chases with good effort. He's a good athlete who played linebacker in high school, and he timed better than expected at his pro day, so he has some upside as a pass-rusher. -- Steve Muench.  Post-Draft Analysis:  Another BIG pick! Detroit adds a solid defensive tackle to the trenches in McNeill, who said he believes the organization "is trending in the right direction." In terms of historical context, the Lions haven't selected defensive linemen with two of their first three picks in a draft since 1992. McNeill heads to Detroit with strong credentials as a 2020 All-ACC selection and second-team AP All-American, which the Lions hope will translate at the next level. "I really feel like something special is brewing here, and I can't wait to get it going," McNeill said. -- Eric Woodyard):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft/rounds

PFN Tony Pauline (72. Detroit Lions: Alim McNeill, DT, North Carolina State (Pauline’s Ranking: #89 (DT06) | Scouting Report) - Pauline: The Lions add another defensive lineman, this time in the form of tackle Alim McNeill. More of a three-technique type, McNeill is explosive, quick, and plays gritty football.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-tracker-2021-live-analysis-insight-from-tony-pauline/

USA Today (72. Lions – DT Alim McNeill, North Carolina State:  A highly mobile interior havoc wreaker. Detroit continues to devote this draft to the trenches ... tells you something about how they're rebuilding.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2021/04/30/nfl-draft-tracker-2021-second-third-round-live-picks-analysis/7390636002/

Posted by LionsFan at 10:31 PM 0 comments

DT Alim McNeil Scouting Reports and Articles


Scouting Reports:




Alim McNeill -  Nose Guard North Carolina State Wolfpack Scouting Report:  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/scouting-reports/alimmcneill




Rankings:

Thor Nystrom DT (5. Alim McNeil, NC State | 6’2/320 (Comp: Malcolm Brown):  McNeil was a consensus four-star recruit and 18th rated defensive tackle who could have gone to just about any school he wanted, receiving offers from Penn State, Michigan, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, Arkansas, Clemson and Virginia Tech. However the Raleigh, NC native eschewed the opportunity to play at a more high profile institution in favor of staying close to home and attending NC State.  A talented baseball player in high school, McNeil hit .355 as a senior and was a three-year all-conference honoree on the diamond. Despite his gigantic 280-pound stature at the time, McNeil possessed the requisite quickness to play both linebacker and running back in high school, cashing in 40 career touchdowns as a rusher.   His advanced agility for his size helped McNeil transition to the collegiate game seamlessly, earning freshman All-American accolades from 247Sports. He was freed up to create disruption from the three-tech, logging only 29 of his 410 snaps from the nose tackle position. As a result McNeil registered his highest single season total in pressures, with 20, while tying his single season best mark with 19 stops and posting 3.0 sacks.   Sophomore year he bulked up from 300 pounds to 320 to endure the rigors of lining up on ball as a 0-1 tech nose tackle, a role he would occupy for the remainder of his Wolfpack tenure. McNeil thrived as a stout, block-eating enforcer who holds his ground and clogs run lanes while also possessing the requisite quickness to push the pocket and cash in secondary sack opportunities. He recorded an impressive 5.5 sacks and 28 tackles on the year, capping off a standout year by humbling a quality UNC interior offensive line to the tune of 5 tackles and 2.0 sacks in the season finale.  In 2020, McNeil was just as productive as his breakout 5.5 sack performance from a year ago, but serving as a double-team stacking, run-stuffing nose tackle instead of a pocket crasher. He lined up far less frequently from the 1 or 3 tech spots where he can attack with angles more effectively. Ruthless on run plays, McNeil is rarely driven backwards and is violent with his hands, as his sky-high PFF run grade of 92.1 will attest.  Here is a two-play sequence from their 2020 game against Virginia Tech where McNeil first uses his quick feet and balance to dart through the gap and string out Khalil Herbert. On the next play he fires off the snap, immediately establishes dominant hand position and burrows Virginia Tech OL Brock Hoffman into the backfield before ripping his hands away and pursuing the ball carrier.  On this next play set McNeil gets double-teamed on a designed run, however he anchors down and maintains his leverage while closing off his gap and making the play on D’Eriq King. He then manhandles Miami C Corey Gaynor, forcing RB Cam’Ron Harris to bounce the play outside.  McNeil excels as a gap-plugging interior defender who can hold the point of attack and drive opposing linemen into the backfield on run plays. He is one of the few athletic IDLs in this class that is strong and thick enough to handle early down nose tackle work. His pass rush value stems from his combination of strength, balance and power rather than an array of moves. Utilizes a strong bull rush, superior hand position and a deceptive first-step to gain an advantage before using his strong lower body to generate push. He could use more nuance as a pass rusher and is a bit too stout to be an immediate heads-up starter. However with more polish and a couple of tools to draw upon McNeil could be a valuable gap filler and a menacing run defender at the NFL level. He has the advantage of being a solid, athletic nose tackle prospect in a three-tech heavy class.):   https://www.nbcsports.com/edge/article/nfl-draft-order/nfl-draft-idl-rankings

Articles:

NFL player comparisons for the top 50 prospects in the 2021 draft class (42. Alim McNeill, IDL, North Carolina State -- Grady Jarrett:  I had a second-round grade on Jarrett when he came out of Clemson in 2015, so I was shocked when he lasted until the 137th overall pick in the fifth round of that draft. Jarrett has proven to be at least a second-round talent if not more (had the Falcons held on to win Super Bowl LI, Jarrett had an outside shot at MVP with his three sacks), and though he wasn’t for everybody at 6-foot-0 and about 300 pounds, he fit quite naturally into Atlanta’s defense as a nose and nose shade tackle, with occasional three-tech work. McNeill has many of Jarrett’s attributes, and should benefit his NFL line sooner than later. — DF) (4-22-21):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-player-comparisons-trevor-lawrence-justin-fields-kyle-pitts-mac-jones/

O'HARA'S DRAFT PREVIEW: 10 defensive linemen that could interest Lions (5. Alim McNeill, North Carolina St - Stats line: 30 career games, 17.5 tackles for loss with 10 sacks. Careers highs of 7.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks were in 2019.  How he could fit the Lions: A two-year starter, built to play nose tackle if the Lions are looking for an interior defender.) (4-17-21):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/10-defensive-linemen-that-could-interest-lions-paye-rousseau-barmore

NFL Draft: Five superlatives for intriguing players in a mediocre defensive line class (Most Pro-Ready: Alim McNeill, NC State - Simply put, Alim McNeill is an absolute tank. N.C. State’s defense was a disaster in 2020, giving up 29.2 points and over 415 yards per game, but that wasn’t the fault of McNeill.  McNeill is a classic nose tackle prospect with powerful hands and surprising explosiveness and athleticism for a player his size, but what will get him on the field early is his ability to decipher blocking schemes and beat offensive linemen to their landmarks.  Take both of these plays against Virginia Tech from last season. As the offensive lineman is getting his second foot in the ground, McNeill has already deciphered where the ball is going. There are questions to be had about his range outside the tackle box, as there are about basically every nose tackle ever, but he puts himself in advantageous positions by getting in front of the play.  McNeill isn’t a great pass rusher, which might push him down into late Day 2 or Early Day 3, but he his understanding of the game will get him on the field in a hurry as a rookie.) (4-15-21):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/2021-nfl-draft-defensive-line-scouting-superlatives

PFF Critical Factors: The most important numbers for the 2021 NFL Draft class (Over the last two seasons, the best run-defense grades belong to a pair of stout nose tackles in LSU’s Tyler Shelvin and NC State’s Alim McNeil. McNeil has the edge as a pass-rusher with a 77th-percentile pass-rush grade in college football compared to Shelvin’s 39th-percentile mark.) (4-14-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pff-critical-factors-most-important-numbers-for-2021-nfl-draft-class

2021 NFL Draft: Biggest pro and con for each of PFF’s top DL prospects (DI ALIM MCNEILL, NC STATE - Biggest pro: Explosiveness at his size -McNeill came to NC State as a four-star defensive tackle recruit who played linebacker and running back in high school. Yes, that’s right — running back. And he was pretty good in that role thanks to his explosiveness.  The 6-foot-2, 320-pound interior defensive lineman's get-off often stymies interior offensive linemen. McNeill moved to 0-technique in 2019, producing a 79.4 PFF grade, and then broke out to elite status in 2020 with a 90.7 grade in the same role.  Biggest con: Pass-rushing moves - McNeill's college production as a beefy interior lineman will get the seal of approval from the NFL, but that success was largely because of his explosiveness. He flashed few pass-rush moves at NC State. You can get away with a lack of refinement at the college level, but that won’t fly in the NFL. McNeill will need to develop his pass-rush toolbox to find similar success in the league. If he can do that, the sky’s the limit.) (4-7-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-biggest-pro-con-top-defensive-line-prospects

2021 NFL Draft: Landing spots for PFF’s top 8 defensive line prospects (DI ALIM MCNEILL, NC STATE: DALLAS COWBOYS:  Dallas needs an interior defender who can hold his own at nose tackle and won’t be a liability against the run. And there just might be a great one on the board when they are picking at No. 44 in Round 2: the beefy and explosive Alim McNeill.  The 6-foot-2, 320-pound interior defensive lineman has a ridiculous get-off that few interior offensive linemen can handle. After playing primarily as a defensive tackle in his 2018 true freshman season, McNeill moved to 0-technique in 2019 and produced a 79.4 PFF grade.  He then broke out to elite status in 2020 with a 90.7 grade in the same role. He was a constant force against the run, earning a 92.1 grade in that facet. Despite playing almost solely at heads-up nose, McNeill was a fairly productive pass rusher in 2020 (77.5 pass-rush grade). However, he doesn’t have much in his pass-rush toolbox and is fairly raw. He still managed to dominate from his role, though.  I can almost envision Jerry Jones smirking and dialing this pick in from his yacht.) (3-4-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-landing-spots-pff-top-defensive-line-prospects

Meet Alim McNeill, North Carolina State's explosive DL prospect (3-1-21):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2021/03/01/2021-nfl-draft-prospects-alim-mcneill-north-carolina-state-interview/

2021 NFL Draft: 10 prospects PFF likes more than other scouts and media (DI ALIM MCNEILL, NC STATE (PFF Big Board Rank: 47):  McNeill came to NC State as a four-star defensive tackle recruit who played linebacker and running back in high school. Yes, running back — and he was damn good carrying the rock with how explosive he is.  The 6-foot-2, 320-pound interior defensive lineman has a ridiculous get-off that few interior offensive linemen could handle. McNeill moved to 0-technique in 2019 and produced a 79.4 PFF grade. He then broke out to elite status in 2020 with a 90.7 grade in the same role. He was a constant force against the run, earning a 92.1 grade in that facet. And despite playing almost exclusively at heads-up nose, McNeill generated good pass-rush production (77.5 pass-rush grade). That output won’t hold in the NFL unless McNeill can improve from a technical standpoint, though.  Some view his pass-rush move repertoire, or lack thereof, and rawness as big weaknesses, but we don’t think this should be viewed as negatively. McNeill was one of college football's most dominant nose tackles over the past few years, and yet, there’s still so much more room for him to grow. The sky’s the limit. In due time, he’s going to be an impact player at the next level.) (2-24-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pffs-favorite-2021-nfl-draft-prospects

2021 NFL Draft interior defensive line rankings (2. ALIM MCNEIL, N.C. STATE:  McNeil is the rare nose tackle who can also affect the passing game. He played true 0-technique in N.C. State’s defense this past season and was quite easily the most immovable nose in college football, leading all Power 5 defensive tackles in run-defense grade (92.1). At 340 pounds with a legit get-off, McNeil plops down against double-teams and doesn’t cede an inch. While still more disruptor than a playmaker, McNeil has shown flashes over his career.  I think the most encouraging thing about McNeil’s tape is that even though he has almost no pass-rushing moves to speak of, he’s still earned pass-rush grades of 80.8 and 77.5 over the past two seasons. You can forgive a true junior for being a little raw, but the fact that he’s still producing for as raw as he is? That is what we like to see.) (2-22-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-interior-defensive-line-rankings

2021 NFL Draft: Building the best defensive line from the 2021 draft class (NOSE TACKLE: ALIM MCNEILL, NC STATE:  This is almost a no-brainer because we don’t usually see nose tackles with this much athleticism.  I didn’t think there was a point in separating nose tackles into pass-rushers and run defenders because you’re generally not asking your nose to win much in the passing game. That said, McNeill is a superb pass-rusher from the nose alignments, which is what makes him stand out. His pass-rush grade over the last two seasons is 84.0 — awesome for a nose.  McNeill is a very patient pass-rusher who sets up centers before hitting them with a push-pull or club-swim counter move against the grain to get to the quarterback. He could end up playing in the NFL for a lot of years — he is one of the most fun prospects to watch in this draft.) (2-17-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-building-best-defensive-line

PFF 2021 NFL Draft Guide: PFF's top interior defensive line prospect, plus a wild card to watch (BIGGEST RISER: ALIM MCNEIL, NC STATE:  Alim McNeill was a coveted recruit coming out of North Carolina’s Sanderson High School in 2018. He made more than 200 tackles playing linebacker on the defensive side of the ball and scored more than 30 offensive touchdowns in his preps career — and he did it at 6-foot-2, 272 pounds. He received more than 25 scholarship offers and ultimately made the decision to stay close to home by signing with NC State over Virginia Tech and Alabama, among others. Every defense known to mankind can use a run-stuffing nose tackle who can also consistently collapse pockets. With McNeil's explosiveness at 320 pounds, he could very well be that guy sooner rather than later. Even with little more than a first step in his repertoire, McNeil earned a 92.1 run-defense grade and a 77.5 pass-rushing grade this season. He also showed marked improvement holding up to double teams compared to 2019. In a weak defensive tackle class, McNeil could pay big dividends.  NFL player comparison: Javon Hargrave.  Biggest strength: Explosiveness at his size.  Biggest weakness: Pass-rushing moves.  Projection: Second-round pick.  Bottom line: McNeil is a line-of-scrimmage resetter on the nose who could make his presence felt as a pass-rusher in time.) (2-2-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-pff-top-interior-defensive-linemen

2021 NFL Draft: PFF's favorite draft prospect at each position (DI ALIM MCNEILL, N.C. STATE (90.7):  McNeil made Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List last summer and lived up to that billing on the field during the fall. The 320-pound nose tackle led all Power 5 interior defenders with a 92.1 run-defense grade this past season; he didn’t face a center who could take him off the line of scrimmage one-on-one. While he's still raw, it’s encouraging that he’s producing on a football field despite that.) (1-26-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pff-favorite-2021-nfl-draft-prospects

Top 10 defensive line prospects in 2021 NFL Draft (2. Alim McNeill | NC State — It didn’t take McNeill long to make an impact for the Wolfpack. As a freshman in 2018, McNeill notched 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. In 2020, McNeill’s numbers weren’t quite as impressive with 4.5 tackles for loss and just 1.0 sack. Still, Pro Football Focus believes he will be a coveted prospect because of how well he moves for a player his size.) (1-21-21):  https://247sports.com/LongFormArticle/2021-NFL-Draft-rankings-defensive-line-Christian-Barmore-Greg-Rousseau-159658946/#159658946_1

2021 NFL Draft: Ranking the top five players at each position (This isn’t the year to be in need of defensive tackle help. Outside of Barmore, there may not be another guy making too much of an impact in Year 1. One guy who could certainly develop into a difference-maker in time, though, is North Carolina State’s Alim McNeil. He’s a 320-pounder who possesses a first-step like a 280-pounder. He played a ton of pure 0-tech for the Wolfpack and continuously disrupted in the run game. McNeil’s 92.1 run-defense grade was the second-highest in the country at the position. While he’s got little in the way of pass-rushing moves, it doesn’t take much to be effective in that regard with his explosiveness.) (1-19-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-ranking-top-five-players-each-position

101 best players in college football from the 2020 season (34.  DI ALIM MCNEIL, NC STATE:  McNeil played 87% of his total snaps at heads-up nose tackle this year, making his production nothing short of incredible. Only one player since 2014 has produced a higher PFF grade at 0-technique than McNeil’s 90.5 mark this season (former Mississippi State Bulldog and current Tennessee Titan Jeffery Simmons in 2017). McNeil won 10% of his pass-rush snaps at nose tackle, an impressive figure in its own right, but his success was largely in run defense. He was a constant disruptor en route to a 92.1 run-defense grade on the year.) (1-18-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-101-best-players-2020

College Football 2020: PFF’s All-ACC Team (First-Team: Alim McNeil, NC State:  McNeil played 87% of his total snaps at heads-up nose tackle this year, making his production nothing short of incredible. Only one player since 2014 has produced a higher PFF grade at 0-technique than McNeil’s 90.5 this season (former Mississippi State Bulldog and current Tennessee Titan Jeffery Simmons in 2017).  McNeil won 10% of his pass-rush snaps from the position, an impressive figure in its own right, but the reason for his overall success is due to his run defense. He was a constant disruptor against opposing run games and earned a 92.1 run-defense grade on the year.) (12-22-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2020-pffs-all-acc-team

College Football 2020: PFF's All-American Team (First-Team: Alim McNeil, NC State - McNeil played 87% of his total snaps at heads-up nose tackle this year, making his production nothing short of incredible. Only one player since 2014 has produced a higher PFF grade at 0-technique than McNeil’s 90.5 this season (former Mississippi State Bulldog and current Tennessee Titan Jeffery Simmons in 2017).  McNeil won 10% of his pass-rush snaps at nose tackle, an impressive figure in its own right, but the reason for his success is all due to his run defense. He was a constant disruptor and fully deserved the 92.1 run-defense grade on the year.) (12-21-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2020-pffs-all-american-team

2021 NFL Draft: PFF's Draft Riser Team (DI ALIM MCNEILL, N.C. STATE:  It certainly helps McNeil that there’s almost nothing in the way of “blue chip” at defensive tackle in this year’s class. With the rare quicks that he brings to the table as a 320-pound nose tackle, his dominance against the run this year could make him the first defensive tackle off the board. He earned a 91.8 run-defense grade this season after a 77.1 in that regard last year. His block and double-team recognition have taken massive steps forward. While he’s still a work in progress as a pass-rusher, he can penetrate at an elite level.) (12-11-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-pffs-all-draft-riser-team

The best college football player on every Power 5 team (NC State: Alim McNeill, DI:  McNeill has proved to be worth the preseason hype and has turned into a dominant, run-stuffing force inside for the Wolfpack. His 88.3 run defense grade is the second best in all of the Power 5. He clogs up the middle every snap, allowing for his linebackers to make plays cleanly. He has made his presence felt against the pass, as well, with seven total pressures.) (11-6-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/the-best-college-football-player-on-every-power-5-team

College Football Recap, Week 6: The top storylines from the weekend (McNeill is a force in the middle of the line (1:10 PM):  North Carolina State has looked good this year, and presently, they are up 17 points over ACC foe Virginia as the first half is coming to a close. Through it all, nose tackle Alim McNeill has looked very impressive.  He’s a quick, explosive defensive lineman built low to the ground, and McNeill can be impossible to stop. Most impressive is the way he holds his ground against double team blocks, occupying opponents and allowing teammates to make plays on the ball. McNeill is also agile with a good change of direction, which helps him make plays on the ball. TP) (10-11-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-scores-schedule-live-blog-week-6-2020/

College Football Games Today, Week 3: TV Schedule and Live Blog with Tony Pauline (Alim McNeill has shined against Wake Forest (10:50 PM ET):  The defensive tackle for NC State has been disruptive all night for the Wolfpack, wreaking havoc on the Wake Forest offensive line. He just forced a fumble that gives the ball back to the Wolfpack with a chance to take the lead in the fourth quarter. With Florida State’s Marvin Wilson, Pitt’s group of Jaylen Twyman and Keyshon Camp, and Clemson’s dominant defensive line, the NC State product has flown under-the-radar in his conference. He isn’t a dominant pass-rusher or athlete, but his ability to hold at the point-of-attack and disrupt the run game makes him an ideal nose at the next level. I’d expect a draft stock of day three with a chance to improve that with a good Combine showing. -AS) (9-19-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-games-today-week-3-live-blog-tony-pauline/

College Football Week 3 Preview: Picks, predictions and advanced stats to know (On the defensive side of the ball, they have a great nose tackle in Alim McNeil. He was one of two Power Five defensive linemen to produce 75.0-plus grades both against the run and as a pass-rusher when lined up at heads-up nose.) (9-18-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-3-preview-picks-predictions-stats

College Football: PFF's 2020 Preseason All-ACC Team (FIRST TEAM: ALIM McNEIL, NC STATE:  You're not going to find a more productive heads-up nose tackle both against the run and the pass than McNeil. Over 88% of his snaps in 2019 were at 0-tech, and he was one of two Power Five interior defensive linemen to produce 75.0-plus grades in both facets there.) (8-22-20):   https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-pffs-2020-preseason-all-acc-team

2021 NFL Draft: Preseason interior defensive line rankings (5. ALIM MCNEILL, N.C. STATE:  Nose tackles aren't supposed to move the way McNeill does. At 326 pounds, McNeil is rumored to run a sub-5.0-second 40-yard dash. That's reaching Dontari Poe levels of scooting for a big fella. If you watch even a handful of McNeill's tape, you'll believe the rumors. Centers simply could not match up with him athletically enough to reach-block McNeill, and he was damn near unblockable when they slanted him.  He didn't win a ton as a pass-rusher, with 18 pressures on 252 rushes last season, but when he did, it was in the blink of an eye. Seven of those pressures resulted in sacks, and his 80.8 pass-rushing grade is a reflection of just how quickly he was winning. Only a true junior this upcoming year, McNeill needs to play lower more consistently if he wants teams to look at him as a nose tackle.  2020 Outlook:  McNeil has to up his game against better competition this year, or else he'll be returning to N.C. State in 2021. The only games he had that earned grades of 75.0 or higher as a pass-rusher came against Eastern Carolina, Western Carolina and West Virginia. Doing that against some real interior lines is a must.) (8-13-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-preseason-interior-defensive-line-rankings

2020 ACC Preseason Summer Scouting Preview (Alim McNeill is a stout, somewhat athletic nose tackle with the ability to make plays on the ball. He explodes off the snap, plays with great pad level and is impossible to move off the point. McNeill is not a good pass rusher and has limitations, although he could start in the right system on Sundays.)(7-9-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-acc-preseason-summer-scouting-preview/3/

2021 NFL Draft: Alim McNeill is an underrated draft prospect (6-16-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/alim-mcneill-2021-nfl-draft-prospect/
Posted by LionsFan at 10:14 PM 0 comments

DT Levi Onwuzurike Draft Grades and Analysis

Grades:

Sporting News (41. Detroit Lions: Levi Onwuzurike, DT, Washington.  Grade: A.  The Lions needed to beef up their defensive front with more quickness and strength for new coordinator Aaron Glenn. Onwuzurike is a great value here at a position that suddenly got scarce in impact players in this class with Barmore off the board a few picks earlier.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-grades-2021-live-picks-results/12vn4s61xusn71cix3t8h0lv7k

CBS Prisco (41. Lions: Levi Onwuzurike, IDL, Washington (Grade: A-):  Fun, versatile defensive lineman who won at nose tackle despite being smaller. Heavy hands. Deceptive first-step quicks. Hand work could improve slightly. Seems like a big-time Dan Campbell pick.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-grades-picks-live-tracker-order-analysis-for-every-second-round-selection/

PFN (Levi Onwuzurike, DT, Washington:  The Lions need to upgrade the trenches. Even after re-signing Romeo Okwara and trading for Michael Brockers, that remained clear into the draft. Levi Onwuzurike is a high-level prospect with the explosiveness and flexibility to be a threat as a pass rusher. He also has the trademark length and reach that the Lions value heavily on the interior. The value is solid here, and it addresses an important position.  Grade: A-):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/detroit-lions-nfl-draft-picks-grades-2021/

SI (7. OT Penei Sewell (Grade -B+):  Levi Onwuzurike DT | Washington:  More trench help for the Lions! Onwuzurike is an exciting pass rusher from the interior. His first step is special and he has the strength to hold up in the run game. -- LL):   https://www.si.com/nfl/2021-draft-tracker

Yahoo Edholm (41. DT Levi Onwuzurike (Grade - B+):   Eric Edholm's Commentary:  New GM Brad Holmes is solidifying the lines of scrimmage. Michael Brockers is good, and there are a few other decent bit players in the mix. But Onwuzurike potentially gives them what they didn’t have: a rusher on passing downs. He opted out last season. He was viewed as a borderline first-/second-round prospect.):  https://sports.yahoo.com/2021-nfl-draft-round-1-instant-grades-041050133.html

Grading Lions' Pick of DT Levi Onwuzurike (Grade - B+):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/grading-levi-onwuzurike

FTW NFL Draft Tracker: Grading every pick in the first round (41. Lions: Levi Onwuzurike, DT Washington:  Onwuzurike is an undersized defensive tackle with some pass-rushing chops. The Lions need pass rush in the worst way, especially on the interior, and the Washington product should provide that.  Grade: B+):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/nfl-draft-tracker-live-grades-round-2-3

Draft Wire (41. Detroit Lions | Washington DL Levi Onwuzurike:  The other top interior defensive in a weak class, Onwuzurike is a solid value here for a defense that needs disruptive playmakers at every level. He’s smaller and more explosive than Barmore, but may not have the same level of versatility. Even so, the Lions got value at a position that won’t offer much of it in this year’s draft. There were a few more prospects on the board with higher grades, but it’s hard to argue with this one.  GRADE: B):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2021-nfl-draft-grades-day-2-analysis-2nd-round-3rd-round/

Walter Football (Detroit Lions: Levi Onwuzurike, DT, Washington - B Grade.  The Lions maintained one of the worst run defenses in the NFL last year, so it's not a surprise to see them address that with this pick. I was never really a fan of putting Levi Onwuzurike in the first round because of his pass-rushing limitations, but he makes sense near the middle of the second round. This is a solid pick.):  https://walterfootball.com/nfldraftgrades.php

Freep Carlos Monarrez - Lions grade for Levi Onwuzurike: B for being a poor man's Aaron Donald?:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2021/04/30/levi-onwuzurike-detroit-lions-nfl-draft-grade/4896468001/

Instant analysis and grade for the Lions selection of DT Levi Onwuzurike (Grade:  B):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/04/30/lions-draft-grade-analysis-levi-onwuzurike/

Grading the Detroit Lions’ selection of DT Levi Onwuzurike (Overall Grade - C+):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2021/4/30/22413206/grading-detroit-lions-selection-dt-levi-onwuzurike

Reuter's Day 2 Grade (Grade
C+.  Detroit Lions - Analysis: The Lions selected Onwuzurike, a strong penetrator who will be difficult to block at the next level, early in Round 2. Then they picked McNeill, a severely underrated player who will challenge offensive linemen on every play, in the third round. These picks were on top of trading for Michael Brockers from the Rams this offseason. Building on the lines is great, but ignoring other positions of need could cause depth issues during the season. Melifonwu has the length and size to be a solid outside corner, but he has to be more physical to stick in the league long-term. The former Syracuse defender was selected using the third-rounder gained in the Matthew Stafford-Jared Goff trade.):   https://www.nfl.com/news/2021-nfl-draft-day-2-quick-snap-grades-for-all-32-teams

Draft Analysis:


NFL.com Bucky Brooks (41.  Levi Onwuzurike
Washington · DT:  A big, athletic interior defender with outstanding first-step quickness and hand skills. Onwuzurike is a disruptor between the tackles with his combination of size, length and explosiveness creating problems for blockers at the point of attack. He has big-time potential as a pass-rushing defensive tackle.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2021-nfl-draft-bucky-brooks-pick-by-pick-analysis-for-day-2 

PFF (41.  DT Levi Onwuzurike - Pick.b Grade:Above Average.  The Detroit Lions are, perhaps predictably, building from the inside out when it comes to the new regime’s first draft. After taking Penei Sewell in the first round, Detroit came back and grabbed an interior defensive lineman in the second. Levi Onwuzurike didn’t play in 2020, but he has exceptional burst and the potential to be an elite pass rusher at the next level, albeit relying on some projection based on what we saw from him in college.):  https://www.pff.com/draft/tracker

ESPN (41. DT Levi Onwuzurike:  Pre-Draft Analysis - Onwuzurike is a sudden athlete with top-end sped for the position. While he finished his college career with only 7 sacks, he's consistently disruptive on tape. He has good upper-body strength and the violent hands to disengage from blocks. Onwuzurike locates the ball quickly and closes well for an interior defensive lineman. -- Steve Muench.  Post-Draft Analysis:  It's now clear which direction the Lions are heading under the new regime: BIG! After taking Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell with the seventh overall pick on Day 1, the Lions fired back with another big man in Washington DT Levi Onwuzurike in the second round. Onwuzurike said he feels his biggest attributes are his get-off and strength, and he is hungry to return to the field after opting out of the 2020 season. "I'll hop on the field right now if I have to," he said, laughing, after his selection. -- Eric Woodyard):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft/rounds

PFN Tony Pauline (41. Detroit Lions: Levi Onwuzurike, DT, Washington (Pauline’s Ranking: #34 (DT01) | Scouting Report) - Pauline: The Lions continue to build on the line of scrimmage, taking athletic prospects with a high upside. In Levi Onwuzurike, they also get a defensive tackle who can rush the passer and play with a non-stop motor.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-tracker-2021-live-analysis-insight-from-tony-pauline/

USA Today (41. Detroit Lions – DT Levi Onwuzurike, Washington:  He can defend the run and penetrate on passing downs and should be willing to bite a few kneecaps for new coach Dan Campbell. He was an all-Pac-12 selection in 2019 before opting out last year. Detroit has now picked two linemen from the conference after going with Oregon OT Penei Sewell in Round 1.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2021/04/29/nfl-draft-tracker-2021-first-round-live-picks-analysis/7390629002/

Posted by LionsFan at 8:31 PM 0 comments
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