Author: Jordan Edwards

2023 SIS SEC All-Conference Team

It’s finally time to release our SIS All-Conference teams. We used our all-encompassing player value stat, Total Points, along with other metrics and our scouting work as leading references in putting together our team of selections for 2023, plus some honorable mentions.

You can learn more about Total Points and the statistics referenced here.

These picks are meant to honor this season’s best-of-the-best in the SEC.

Offense

Position	Name	School
QB	Jayden Daniels	LSU
RB	Cody Schrader	Missouri
WR	Malik Nabers	LSU
WR	Luther Burden III	Missouri
TE	Brock Bowers	Georgia
FLEX	Quinshon Judkins	Ole Miss
OT	Javon Foster	Missouri
OT	JC Latham	Alabama
OG	Garrett Dellinger	LSU
OG	Tate Ratledge	Georgia
OC	Charles Turner III	LSU

It’s no surprise that this past season’s Heisman Trophy Award winner, Jayden Daniels, leads our All-SEC team at Quarterback. He was 2nd in Total Points among QBs. However, he posted a staggering 0.52 Points Earned Per Play, which was a whole .12 points higher than the next QB.

Not only did Daniels have a tremendous season throwing the ball, he led the country at the QB position with 64 Total Points rushing, 24 points higher than 2nd place. Daniels’ teammate, Malik Nabers, headlines the pass catching group where he led all WRs in Points Earned with 48.

While LSU leads the SEC with 4 selections on the offensive side, the Missouri Tigers have good representation as well. Tackle Javon Foster led the conference in Total Points among all positions on the offensive line with 41.

Defense

Position	Name	School
DT	Marcus Harris	Auburn
DT	Nathan Pickering	Mississippi State
EDGE	James Pearce Jr.	Tennessee
EDGE	Dallas Turner	Alabama
LB	Edgerrin Cooper	Texas A&M
LB	Jett Johnson	Mississippi State
CB	Terrion Arnold	Alabama
CB	Tykee Smith	Georgia
S	Shawn Preston Jr.	Mississippi State
S	Malaki Starks	Georgia
FLEX	Maxwell Hairston	Kentucky

On the defensive side, edge rushers James Pearce Jr. from Tennessee and Dallas Turner from Alabama lead the way. Pearce led the conference in Total Points Per Pass Rush attempt, and was tied for 1st in total hurries while starting in only three games. Turner flourished in his first season as a full-time starter, placing 3rd among pass rushers in both Total Points and Total Points Per Rush.

Mississippi State’s Jett Johnson displayed his versatility against both the pass and run, placing 2nd in Total Points against the run and 1st in Total Points against the pass among all LBs in the conference. Alabama’s Terrion Arnold and Kentucky’s Maxwell Hairston headline the defensive backs, as they were tied leading the SEC with 5 interceptions and ranked 1st and 2nd in Total Points in the conference, respectively.

Specialists

Position	Name	School
K	Will Reichard	Alabama
P	Matthew Hayball	Vanderbilt
Returner	Barion Brown	Kentucky

Alabama’s Will Reichard was one of the most reliable kickers in not just the SEC but all of college football, converting on 88% of his field goal attempts, with 12 of his 22 makes coming from 40+ yards.

Vanderbilt’s sole selection on the All-SEC team is punter Matthew Hayball. In the SEC, he ranked 2nd in punt average with 47.6, and total number of punts that landed inside both the 20 and 10-yard line.

Rounding out the special teams selections is Kentucky’s Barion Brown, who led the entire country with 3 kickoff returns for touchdowns this past season, while also ranking 3rd in punt return average among all players in the SEC with 17.6 yards per attempt.

Honorable Mentions

Name	School
WR Brian Thomas Jr.	LSU
WR Xavier Legette	South Carolina
OL Will Campbell	LSU
OL Miles Frazier	LSU
OL Sedrick Van Pran	Georgia
DT Deone Walker	Kentucky
ED Chris Braswell	Alabama
LB Nathaniel Watson	Mississippi State
CB Kool-Aid McKinstry	Alabama
CB Kamari Lassiter	Georgia
CB Kris Abrams-Draine	Missouri
S Javon Bullard	Georgia

The SEC was loaded with players who are worthy of 1st-Team selections, so here are some players with accolades worth noting. While his teammate got the 1st Team selection, LSU’s Brian Thomas led the entire country with 17 touchdowns. Kentucky’s Deone Walker led all defenders in the SEC with 36 hurries. Alabama’s Chris Braswell led the SEC in Total Points among all pass rushers. Almost all of Georgia’s secondary is represented when accounting for 1st Team and Honorable Mention selections with Tykee Smith, Malaki Starks, Kamari Lassiter and Javon Bullard.

Check out this year’s NFL Draft site to see how we feel some of these players project to the NFL.

Total Points, stats, and ranks as of 3/5/2024

March 7, 2024

2023 SIS Preseason SEC All-Conference Team

As we approach the beginning of the 2023 college football season, we want to highlight some of the top players in each conference by announcing our SIS Preseason All-Conference teams. We used our all-encompassing player value stat, Total Points, along with other metrics and our scouting work as leading references in putting together our selections.

You can learn more about Total Points and the statistics referenced here.

Offense

Position	Name	School
QB	Jayden Daniels	LSU
RB	Quinshon Judkins	Ole Miss
WR	Malik Nabers	LSU
WR	Ladd McConkey	Georgia
TE	Brock Bowers	Georgia
FLEX	Raheim Sanders	Arkansas
OT	Will Campbell	LSU
OT	Gunner Britton	Auburn
OG	Cam’ron Johnson	Missouri
OG	Tate Ratledge	Georgia
OC	Sedrick Van Pran	Georgia

LSU’s Jayden Daniels headlines the offensive team returning as the SEC QB selection from the 2022 season. He returns as the conference’s second leading quarterback in passing Total Points at 106. Additionally, last year he was the conference’s leading rusher amongst all positions with 71 Total Points which was 25 more than the next closest player.

That player was Ole Miss’ Quinshon Judkins. Judkins is our selection at the RB spot where he is looking to add onto his spectacular freshman season, leading all conference running backs in Total Points. The third leading rusher in Total Points was Arkansas’ Raheim Sanders who earned a spot at the “Flex” position.

The two-time defending National Champion Georgia Bulldogs lead the way with four selections on the offensive side of the ball, with Tight End Brock Bowers leading the way. His 32 Total Points in 2022 led the conference among all eligible positions and was only 2nd in the entire FBS in Total Points at tight end. Georgia’s Sedrick Van Pran also fortifies the OL group, where his 36 Total Points in 2022 led the conference among returning interior lineman.

Defense

Position	Name	School
DT	Mekhi Wingo	LSU
DT	Jordan Jefferson	LSU
EDGE	Harold Perkins	LSU
EDGE	Dallas Turner	Alabama
LB	Nathaniel Watson	Mississippi State
LB	Smael Mondon Jr.	Georgia
CB	Dwight McGlothern	Arkansas
CB	Kool-Aid McKinstry	Alabama
S	Jordan Lovett	Kentucky
S	Malaki Starks	Georgia
FLEX	Kris Abrams-Draine	Missouri

LSU also headlines the defensive side of the ball occupying three of the four defensive front selections. Mekhi Wingo returns as the conference’s leading defensive tackle in pass rush Total Points Saved and was only second to Top 10 NFL selection Jalen Carter in points saved in run defense. Harold Perkins also looks to build onto his dominant freshman season where he totaled 7.5 sacks and leads the SEC in returning Pass Rush Points Saved among all front seven players.

Arkansas’ Dwight McGlothern and Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry lead the way in returning Total Points saved amongst cornerbacks in the SEC from last season with 52 and 51 Total Points Saved respectively. The conference’s third leading defensive back with 47 Total Points Saved, Kris Abrams-Draine represents the “Flex” position out Missouri where he shined in just his second season at cornerback after switching positions (he was originally a wide receiver).

Specialists

Position	Name	School
K	Will Reichard	Alabama
P	Kai Kroeger	South Carolina
Returner	Lideatrick Griffin	Mississippi State

Alabama’s Will Reichard made 84.6% of his 26 FG attempts in 2022 making 9 FG of 40+ yards. South Carolina’s Kai Kroeger led the SEC last season in net avg among all punters while also leading the conference in punts that were downed inside the 20- and 10-yard line.

July 17, 2023

NFL Draft AnalySIS: Carolina Panthers

Leading up to the NFL Draft, SIS will be publishing team previews for those with Top 10 picks in the draft. Each preview will look at the players who most make sense for that team at that selection based on stats and scouting factors and will include quotes from that player’s scouting report.

You can find more than 300 scouting reports and much more team analysis at our NFL Draft website.

The State of the Panthers:

It has been a busy offseason in Charlotte for the Panthers over the past few months following another sub .500 season. The Matt Rhule era came to a quick end in the 2022 season as he was fired after a 1-4 start. The Panthers rallied under interim coach Steve Wilks to finish 7-10, landing them the 9th pick of the NFL Draft. The organization decided to turn to Frank Reich to become the next Head Coach, and have built a strong support staff under him.

After the staff was finalized, the organization turned its focus on the NFL Draft and made a blockbuster trade to receive the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2023 draft. It came at a steep price of two 1st- and two 2nd-round picks over the next three draft cycles and star WR D.J. Moore. Now the Panthers hold the keys to the 2023 Draft, and are likely to select someone who they want to be their franchise quarterback No. 1 overall.

Even though the Panthers parted ways with Moore, they have replenished their stable of weapons for the next quarterback with offseason additions like, RB Miles Sanders, WR’s Adam Theilen and DJ Chark, and TE Hayden Hurst. Carolina also returns all 5 starters on the offensive line and a young defense that will help bolster any quarterback the Panthers select.

#1 Overall

Bryce Young – Quarterback – Alabama

Young’s accuracy, awareness, and steadily poised demeanor make him a good starting-level QB, and don’t allow his size concerns to affect his ability to be a true playmaker on the field.

The former Heisman winner is the top QB on the SIS Big Board, and is the heavy favorite to be the No. 1 pick. His decision making and playmaking ability is similar to a point guard in basketball (read his draft profile for more info).

C.J. Stroud – Quarterback – Ohio State

Stroud has the makings of a high-level NFL starter due to his spot-on accuracy, pocket management, and ability to perform in clutch situations assuming he develops his decision making under pressure.

Stroud seemed like early favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick after the Panthers traded up in March. His size and accuracy are traits that the new Panthers head coach seems to value in a quarterback.

Anthony Richardson – Quarterback – Florida

Richardson is the full package talent wise with the dual-threat ability and arm strength coveted at the next level, but he will need to refine his mechanics and simplify his decision-making to be a more consistent player.

Richardson has the biggest upside out of all the quarterbacks in this draft cycle. His size and athletic profile also have a similar resemblance to the last franchise quarterback the Carolina Panthers selected with the No. 1 overall pick, Cam Newton.

To learn more about the Panthers and their needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here.

April 25, 2023
2023 NFL Draft AnalySIS: Atlanta Falcons

Leading up to the NFL Draft, SIS will be publishing team previews for those with Top 10 picks in the draft. Each preview will look at the players who most make sense for that team at that selection based on stats and scouting factors and will include quotes from that player’s scouting report.

You can find more than 300 scouting reports and much more team analysis at our NFL Draft website.

The State of the Falcons:

The Falcons are entering into year three of the Terry Fontenot and Arthur Smith General Manager-Head Coach pairing. Year 3 is often a make it or break it season for an NFL Head Coach, as the average tenure for a NFL coach is 3.2 seasons, according to Guiding Metrics. With the NFC South perceived to be wide open, this could be a window of opportunity for the Falcons to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

The Falcons have added some valuable weapons to the offensive side of the ball through the draft the last two seasons in Kyle Pitts, Drake London and Tyler Allgeier. Even with the Falcons success on offense, the defensive side of the ball has been less than stellar. They did add some key veterans in safety Jesse Bates, and defensive lineman Calais Campbell and David Onyemata, but could benefit even more by adding some young elite defensive prospects as well.

#8 Overall

The Falcons are entering into year three of the Terry Fontenot and Arthur Smith General Manager-Head Coach pairing. Year three is often a make it or break it season for an NFL Head Coach, as the average tenure for a NFL coach is 3.2 seasons, according to Guiding Metrics. With the NFC South perceived to be wide open, this could be a window of opportunity for the Falcons to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

The Falcons have added some valuable weapons to the offensive side of the ball through the draft the last two seasons in Kyle Pitts, Drake London and Tyler Allgeier. Even with the Falcons success on offense the defensive side of the ball has been less than stellar to say the least. They did add some key veterans in safety Jesse Bates, and defensive lineman Calais Campbell and David Onyemata, but could benefit even more by adding some young elite defensive prospects as well.

#8 Overall

Jalen Carter – Edge – Georgia

There are almost no flaws in Carter’s on-field play and with an increased effort and professionalism combined with his ability to force teams to change gameplans, he can put himself in the NFL DPOY discussion every year.

The off the field concerns have started to lower Carter’s floor to be selected in this draft, and if he makes it down to the 8th pick it would be difficult for Atlanta to pass up. Carter’s combination of explosiveness and power would immediately strengthen the interior of the Falcons defensive front.

Nolan Smith – Edge – Georgia

Smith is a supremely athletic prospect with elite speed and explosive ability to go with eye-opening strength held together by good football intelligence and a very disciplined game overall.

Terry Fontenot and the Falcons value elite athletes in the first round, and there aren’t many more in this class outside of Smith. The Georgia native would bring a different body type and skill set to a subpar edge group.

Tyree Wilson – Edge – Texas Tech

Wilson is a long, strong power rusher who can rush the quarterback and defend the run, but a lack of speed and agility may be traits that hold him back early in his career.

Wilson has a towering frame with a long wingspan to match. The Falcons recently signed seasoned veteran Calais Campbell who has a similar size and athletic profile to Wilson, and Campbell could serve as a mentor to the young athletic edge rusher.

Anthony Richardson – Quarterback – Florida

Richardson is the full package talent wise with the dual-threat ability and arm strength coveted at the next level, but he will need to refine his mechanics and simplify his decision-making to be a more consistent player.

This is the offensive wild-card selection of the group the Falcons could target. Continuing the theme of elite athletes, Richardson is one of the most athletic quarterback prospects in draft history. While the Falcons did just draft Desmond Ridder in the 3rd round a season ago, Richardson’s athleticism would be a match made in heaven in Arthur Smith’s offense.

To learn more about the Falcons and their needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here. (https://nfldraft.sportsinfosolutions.com/nfl-draft/teams/atlanta-falcons)

April 12, 2023

2022 SIS SEC All-Conference Teams

You can learn more about Total Points and the statistics referenced here.

These picks are meant to honor this season’s best-of-the-best in the SEC.

Offense

Position	Name	School
QB	Jayden Daniels	LSU
RB	Quinshon Judkins	Ole Miss
WR	Malik Nabers	LSU
WR	Jalin Hyatt	Tennessee
TE	Brock Bowers	Georgia
FLEX	Jahmyr Gibbs	Alabama
OT	Darnell Wright	Tennessee
OT	Will Campbell	LSU
OG	Nick Broeker	Ole Miss
OG	Beaux Limmer	Arkansas
OC	Caleb Warren	Ole Miss

LSU’s Jayden Daniels wins a tight race for the SEC QB selection. Even though Daniels ranked 5th in Total Points as a Passer in the conference, he was far and away the best running threat at the position totaling 34 more Total Points than the next QB in the SEC. Daniels is joined by two other Tigers on the offense in Malik Nabers and Will Campbell, both who had breakout seasons in their sophomore and freshman campaigns, respectively.

The two Tennessee Volunteers who made the team were also 1st-Team SIS All Americans as well. Jalin Hyatt, the 2022 Biletnikoff Award Winner, led the entire SEC in receiving yards and touchdowns among all eligible pass catchers. Meanwhile Darnell Wright, who led all SEC linemen in Total Points earned, anchors the offensive line group.

Ole Miss is tied with the LSU Tigers for most selections, who each had three on the offensive side of the ball. The three Rebels selected are led by one of the best true freshmen in the country, Quinshon Judkins. He finished in the top 10 in the country in both rushing yards and touchdowns this season.

Defense

Position	Name	School
DT	Mekhi Wingo	LSU
DT	Jalen Carter	Georgia
EDGE	Will Anderson	Alabama
EDGE	Harold Perkins Jr.	LSU
LB	Smael Mondon Jr.	Georgia
LB	Nathaniel Watson	Mississippi State
CB	Dwight McGlothern	Arkansas
CB	Kool-Aid McKinstry	Alabama
S	Brian Branch	Alabama
S	Christopher Smith	Georgia
FLEX	Emmanuel Forbes	Mississippi State

It’s no surprise that future top-5 2023 NFL Draft hopefuls Georgia’s Jalen Carter and Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. lead the way for all SEC Defense. Two more LSU Tigers round out the front four with Mekhi Wingo and Harold Perkins Jr.. Wingo led all SEC defensive tackles in Pass Rush Points Saved and was second only to Carter in Points Saved as a run defender. Perkins burst onto the scene in his true freshman season totaling 7.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles and an interception.

Alabama leads the way with most selections on the defensive side of the ball as Brian Branch and Kool-Aid McKinstry join Anderson. Besides having one of the best names in college football, McKinstry was 2nd in Total Points among all SEC cornerbacks only to his counterpart from Arkansas, Dwight McGlothern. Meanwhile Branch, who spent over 70% of his snaps in 2022 in the slot, was second in Total Points amongst SEC safeties along with the leader from the Georgia Bulldogs, Christopher Smith.

Specialists

Position	Name	School
K	Will Reichard	Alabama
P	Kai Kroeger	South Carolina
Returner	Lideatrick Griffin	Mississippi State

Alabama’s Will Reichard made 22-of-26 field goal attempts this season making 9 field goals of 40+ yards. South Carolina’s Kai Kroeger led the SEC in net average amongst all punters while also leading the conference in punts that were downed inside the 20 and 10 yard line.

Honorable Mentions

Name	School
Bryce Young	Alabama
Hendon Hooker	Tennessee
Raheim Sanders	Arkansas
Darnell Washington	Georgia
Tavius Robinson	Ole Miss
Kelee Ringo	Georgia
Demarcco Hellams	Alabama
Mekhi Garner	LSU
Kris Abrams-Draine	Missouri

Alabama’s Bryce Young and Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker both made strong cases to be the All-SEC quarterback but came up just short. Darnell Washington also deserves some praise as he earned 15 Total Points this season, only coming in second to a player in his own tight end room at Georgia, Brock Bowers.

Total Points, stats, and ranks as of 2/5/2023

February 7, 2023

Preseason All-American Team: Offensive Tackle

As we approach the start of the college football season we will be releasing our 2022 Preseason All-American team. Two offensive tackles and four honorable mentions were selected and discussed.

Check out our other selections in these links.

Offense: QB RB WR TE

Defense: DL Edge LB CB

Entire series

The offensive tackles selected are…

OT Peter Skoronski – Northwestern

OT Paris Johnson Jr. – Ohio State

Skoronski returns to the Wildcats after being named First Team All-Big Ten by the coaches. He has started in every game in his collegiate career at Northwestern. He was the leader on the offensive line, and helped create run lanes for 1,000 yard rusher Evan Hull.

Skoronski returns as one of the top offensive lineman in the country regardless of position, and could potentially be the second offensive tackle taken from Northwestern in the First Round of the NFL Draft in the last 3 seasons, along with former teammate Rashawn Slater.

Johnson is a former 5-star recruit who has already gained experience at multiple positions along the offensive line in his first two seasons for the Buckeyes. After starting all 13 games of the 2021 season at right guard, Johnson is projected to switch positions and become Ohio State’s starting left tackle in 2022. He will be tasked with leading OSU’s line, paving the way for 1,000 yard rusher TreVeyon Henderson, and protecting the blind side for Heisman candidate C.J. Stroud.

Honorable Mentions

OT Jaxson Kirkland – Washington

OT Kadeem Telfort – UAB

OT Blake Freeland – BYU

OT Zion Nelson – Miami

Kirkland, an All-Pac 12 First Team selection, returns for his sixth season and is one of the most experienced left tackles in the country. He has played in 39 games in his career and has started in every one.

Telfort is a massive left tackle who returns to the Blazers with All-CUSA Honorable Mention honors from the 2021 season. He started all 13 games and helped lead the UAB running backs to reach over 2,700 yards rushing last season.

Freeland enters his 5th season as the leader of BYU’s offensive line and hopes to improve his NFL draft stock. After a very successful season last year, he has a lot of momentum heading into the season and has a chance to be an All-American at the end of the season.

Nelson earned the starting left tackle position as a true freshman in 2019 and enters his 4th season as a name to watch. His combination of size, athleticism, and skill are hard to find and if he has another successful year, could hear his name called early in the 2023 NFL Draft.

August 8, 2022
Preseason All-American Team: Defensive Line

As we approach the start of the college football season, we will be releasing our 2022 Preseason All-American team. Two defensive linemen were selected (not including Edge rushers). We also picked two honorable mentions and discussed them in-depth as well.

Check out our other selections in these links.

Offense: QB RB WR TE

Defense: Edge CB

Entire series

The defensive linemen selected are…

DL Jalen Carter – Georgia

DL Bryan Bresee – Clemson

Carter burst onto the scene for the national champion Georgia Bulldogs in the 2021 season. Even though he totaled just 3 sacks last season, he was second on the team in total pressures (29), trailing only the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Travon Walker (32).

The All-SEC Second Team player will look to take on a much bigger role this season as he is getting early buzz as the nation’s top interior defensive lineman and a potential Top 10 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Bresee is a former 5-star prospect and No. 1 recruit that was a consensus Freshman All-American in the 2020 season. Bresee was sidelined with an ACL and shoulder injury after playing in only four games in the 2021 season. However, he still made All-ACC Third Team.

Even in a limited number of snaps last season he totaled 3 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, and an INT. Look for Bresee to have a big comeback season alongside a loaded defensive front including potential Top 10 pick, running mate Myles Murphy.

Honorable Mentions

DL Byron Young – Alabama

DL Jonah Tovai – San Diego State

Look for Byron Young to be the next star defensive tackle on the Alabama defensive line. After making only seven starts last year, Young projects to take on a bigger role heading into the 2022 season. He had 9 TFLs and 2 sacks last season, and he should see an increase in production rushing inside next to teammate Will Anderson, who will surely command a lot of attention.

Tovai was a First Team All-American according to multiple outlets last season. He ranked in the Top 5 nationally among all DTs with 40 total pressures in 2021. He finished the season with 14 TFLs and 8.5 sacks.

August 1, 2022
NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The State of the Buccaneers:

It’s been a rollercoaster offseason for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers so far the last few months. Since losing to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs, the Bucs have seen Tom Brady retire, only to announce that he would be returning for his 23rd season 40 days later. Then, Bruce Arians shockingly retired and the Bucs promoted their defensive coordinator, Todd Bowles, to be their next head coach.

The Bucs front office has brought back some core veterans on their roster to keep contending for a Super Bowl, but they still have some holes to fill with the likes of Ndamukong Suh, Rob Gronkowski, and others’ futures with the team still up in the air.

Even with the changes in the coaching staff the Bucs philosophy and play style should still remain the same, so let’s take a look at some prospects they could target in the first few rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft.

#27 Overall

Zion Johnson – OG – Boston College

Johnson is a plug-and-play left guard at the next level with the anchor and hand usage to pass protect at a high level and the scheme versatility to excel in the run game.

With Ali Marpet retiring and Alex Cappa departing in free agency, the Bucs were tasked with replacing both guards this offseason. Zion Johnson can immediately be a Day 1 starter for the Bucs.

Devonte Wyatt – DT – Georgia

Wyatt is an athletic interior lineman who will be a solid three-down contributor in the NFL with a quick get-off, active hands, and a high motor, but he needs to improve his overall power to take his game to the next level.

Wyatt can fill a major hole along the interior of the defensive front for the Bucs. He is a high-energy player who can rush the passer and defend the run at a high level.

#60 Overall

DeMarvin Leal – DT – Texas A&M

Leal is an athletic and agile defensive lineman at his size, who offers great versatility as a pass rusher but needs to work on his interior run defense to keep that flexibility on all three downs.

Leal has the pass rush upside and athleticism to be a valuable interior defensive lineman, and he can fill a need for the Bucs as a 5-tech with positional versatility.

Logan Hall – DT – Houston

Hall is a long, quick 3-technique who wins at the snap with a devastating swim move and plus strength, though he needs refinement as a pass rusher in order to be a three-down player.

The Bucs love long and powerful interior defenders like William Golston and Ndamukong Suh. Hall’s physical and athletic makeup fit the profile that Tampa desires making this an ideal fit.

Jeremy Ruckert – TE – Ohio State

Ruckert isn’t a dynamic weapon, but he has a well-balanced game in all phases with the blocking temperament and receiving upside to become a solid tight end.

With the departure of O.J. Howard in free agency, and the future of Rob Gronkowski still in question, the Bucs have a big need to fill in their tight end room. Ruckert projects as a Y-TE which fits perfectly in the Bucs offensive scheme.

#91 Overall

Cade Otton – TE – Washington

Otton is more steady than flashy and won’t draw much attention from defenses, but he offers reliable hands and tough, competitive blocking as a traditional, in-line tight end.

Otton has been flying under the radar throughout the draft process recovering from a foot injury. His skill set as an effective blocker and reliable catching skills make him a potential fit as a late Day 2 prospect.

Cameron Thomas – Edge – San Diego State

Thomas is a heat-seeking edge with the power and techniques to be a starter at the next level, but needs some development in play recognition and working leverages to hit his higher ceiling.

Thomas’ physical and athletic profile fits in the Bucs defensive front. He also has the versatility to rush from the interior on passing downs as well.

Cade Mays – OG – Tennessee

Mays is a tough, powerful run blocker with good awareness and hands in pass pro who has the potential to be a solid starter in the NFL if he can improve his footwork and become a better blocker in space.

Mays is an experienced player who has played multiple positions in college, but projects best as an interior lineman. He also fits into the Bucs power run game, and can be a Day 2 target if they can’t fill this need earlier in the draft.

To learn more about the Buccaneers and their needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here.

April 19, 2022
NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS: Carolina Panthers

The State of the Panthers:

Since Matt Rhule was hired in 2020, the Panthers have openly been in the market for an elite quarterback. The Teddy Bridgewater era only lasted one season, and they came up short in the trade sweepstakes for Matthew Stafford, Russell Wilson, and Deshaun Watson.

Currently, the Panthers’ front office believes they have the roster to compete in the NFC South, but their confidence in Sam Darnold seems to be wavering.

The Panthers are also in a prime position to secure a left tackle of the future, a position that Carolina has seen a different starter at the beginning of each season since 2013. Here are some players the Panthers could be considering for the only pick they hold in the top 100.

#6 Overall

Evan Neal – OT – Alabama

Neal is a young prospect with the rare combination of size and athletic ability that give him both a high floor and a Hall of Fame ceiling as a blind-side protector.

Neal can give the Panthers stability at the left tackle position, and fits their history of drafting high-profile SEC prospects with Top 10 selections in recent years.

Charles Cross – OT – Mississippi State

Cross’ transition to a more diverse offense will be an adjustment, but he’s a true pass-protecting left tackle displaying outstanding athleticism and body control, whose improvements already at a young age suggest a very high ceiling.

Even at a young age, Cross is the best pass-protecting left tackle in the class, which is an area Carolina really struggled stabilizing in 2021.

Ikem Ekwonu – OT – NC State

Ekwonu isn’t clean in all technical areas, and his ability to blind-side pass protect against elite finesse rushers could be a concern, but his combination of size, power, athleticism, and finishing tenacity are rare, regardless of position.

The Charlotte native Ekwonu could be a match for the Panthers with his positional versatility, whether at the left tackle spot or along the interior of the line.

Kenny Pickett – QB – Pittsburgh

Pickett lacks some arm strength and the ability to truly work the pocket, but his ability to work through progressions, use eye discipline to hold safeties, and perform in clutch situations should make him a low-end “win-with” NFL starter.

Pickett has ties to the Panthers coaching staff and ownership, and with the sense of urgency to win now, Pickett seems like the QB best suited to do so in this Draft.

Malik Willis – QB – Liberty

Willis is a true dual-threat quarterback with special arm talent and explosive athleticism, but needs to become a more polished and accurate passer to reach his full potential at the next level.

Willis is the most physically gifted quarterback in this Draft, but may be best suited to sit and develop for a season. However, can the Panthers be patient with him given the urgency to win now?

To learn more about the Panthers and their draft needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here.

April 12, 2022