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  • NFL Draft AnalySIS: Miami Dolphins

    NFL Draft AnalySIS: Miami Dolphins

    The State of the Dolphins

    The Miami Dolphins have had quite the offseason! 

    After a 9-8 season, they fired Brian Flores, which he quickly responded to by filing a lawsuit. While it seems that the plan was to bring in Tom Brady and Sean Payton to run the team (allegedly), the Dolphins eventually set their sights in a different direction. 

    Mike McDaniel has taken over as Head Coach, and the Dolphins offense around Tua Tagovailoa promises to look very different this year. After trading a load of draft capital for Tyreek Hill, Miami will have one of the fastest pairs of wide receivers in the league, but it isn’t scheduled to pick until a compensatory selection in the 3rd round at 102 overall.

    #102 Overall

    Coby Bryant – CB – Cincinnati

    Bryant doesn’t have elite speed and needs to become a better tackler, but is an intelligent and athletic corner who has the field awareness and ball skills to be a long-time starter at the next level.

    It might be a longshot to hope that he will still be available, but if the other half of Cincinnati’s excellent CB duo (along with Sauce Gardner) is still available at the end of Round 3, that would present excellent value to a team that needs some more cost-controlled options at the position.

    Matthew Butler – DT – Tennessee

    Butler has the first-step explosion, heavy hand punch, and nonstop motor to be disruptive, but his lack of strength and agility likely keep him from being a three-down starter at the next level.

    Butler seems likely to be available at this slot, and he could provide some much needed depth on Miami’s defensive line. He’s naturally slotted in as a reserve 5-technique with the ability to rush from the inside on passing downs.

    Isaiah Likely – Tight End – Coastal Carolina

    Likely is a unique hybrid tight end with the athletic, receiving skills needed to pose a threat to defenses, but he’ll need to improve as a standard blocker to become a complete player.

    The Dolphins are in no position to be drafting for need without a pick in the top 100, so even though they already have Mike Gesicki on a franchise tag, Likely would upgrade the receiving ability of the position group immediately and potentially provide roster flexibility in the future.

    #125 Overall

    John Ridgeway – NT – Arkansas

    Ridgeway has the size, strength, and body control to be an effective two-gap run defender, but he lacks the athleticism or mismatch ability to be an effective pass rusher.

    If the Dolphins elect to fortify their defensive front at the Nose, the former small schooler, Ridgeway, would present an interesting alternative to Raekwon Davis and John Jenkins.

    Justyn Ross – WR – Clemson

    Ross has the combination of size, athleticism, and quick-twitch to contribute in a variety of ways in a receiving room at the next level, but must overcome injury and production concerns to do so.

    After adding Tyreek Hill and Credric Wilson to a team that already includes Jaylen Waddle, McDaniel can afford to take a shot on a big-bodied talent despite the injury risk.

    Amare Barno – Edge – Virginia Tech

    Barno has the athleticism, speed, and explosion to get after the quarterback, but needs to get stronger in the run game and become a more polished pass rusher in order to be a three-down player at the next level.

    The Dolphins are one injury away from having major issues finding somebody to come off the edge. You can never have too many pass rushers, and Barno will provide depth while he learns the ins and outs of the position.

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

  • Study: College Football Injury Overview

    Study: College Football Injury Overview

    Every player in our NFL Draft site has had their injury history reviewed. Each player page has a space to indicate two types of injury designations: long-term injury risk or currently injured. Long-term injury risk measures how problematic or detrimental a player’s injury history may affect  their participation at the next level. If a player is deemed to be at high risk of injury he is given a red flag. Moderate risk players are given a yellow flag and low-risk players are given a green flag. 

    This season, each long-term injury risk flag was determined and supported by published research. Injuries such as ACL tears, spinal injuries and shoulder injuries requiring surgery are likely to prompt a yellow or red flag depending on the player’s position.

    For example, meniscectomies (surgery to treat damaged meniscus) to specifically linemen, running backs, defensive backs and linebackers have been a significant hindrance to the number of snaps and games played in the NFL – and thus given a red flag.1

    This isn’t to say that unnamed position groups are scot-free with a history of meniscal damage, but there is simply evidence that the named groups are at a higher risk.

    Currently, 77% of the players in the SIS NFL Draft site have been given a green flag. They carry unremarkable injury histories to suggest long-term injury risks leading up to the big draft day. Many of these players have been injured in college and high school, but the injuries have little cause for concern. 

    The yellow flag has been given out to 20% of the players as moderate risk which leaves 3% for the dreaded red flag. The ‘currently injured’ tag is used for players dealing with an injury that will limit their participation in the draft process, but will not necessarily have lasting effects during their career. For example, Jeremy Ruckert has not been able to participate at the combine or Ohio State’s pro day due to a minor foot injury. 

    All of the 2021 injury data displayed below has been collected here at Sports Info Solutions. The injury data is accumulated via our Video Scouts recording every injury event that occurred in the FBS. Every tagged injury is video-audited by our injury department and updated using media reports until the player has healed. Along with tagging the injured players during a play, scouts will also record the initial injury severity, using a scale from 1 to 5 with objective definitions.

    • Severity 1 equates to an apparent injury with no visible reaction by a player. These are particularly difficult to notice, like when a lineman gets rolled up on from behind but shows no signs of pain after the play. 
    • Severity 2 occurs when a player physically shows pain, but stays on the field for at least one more play. 
    • Severity 3 takes place when an injury forces a player to remove himself from a play.
    • Severity 4 happens when the player requires a timeout on the field prior to receiving assistance leaving the field. 
    • Severity 5 injury is reserved for an extreme situation when a player requires a cart or stretcher to be removed from the field. 

    Injuries by Team

    Below are the 25 most-injured teams in the FBS during the 2021 season. The table breaks down each team’s injuries by two initial severity groups – Severe (4, 5) and Not Severe (1, 2, and 3). The injuries column is the sum of all in-game injuries tagged and off-field injuries reported. Games missed equates to the total number of absences due to injury for the entire team over the course of the season.

    Tennessee tops the list at 81 in-game injuries in 2021 and happened to suffer the 15th-most injuries of 2020 as well. Oregon and Clemson stand out in total games missed due to injury over the season. Both teams had relatively successful seasons despite having to overcome tremendous absences.

    Last season’s most often injured team, Florida State, turned things around by being outside of the 75 most injured teams of 2021. FSU made this reversal while bringing on the only quarterback to be tagged with the red flag, McKenzie Milton.

    Milton suffered a devastating dislocated right knee in a game during the 2018 season. Surgery saved his leg after ligament, arterial and nerve damage threatened his chances of ever playing again. He was able to play 6 games in 2021 after 2 seasons of rehabilitation. He’s a talented player, but his injury will be something NFL Draft war rooms discuss when Milton’s name is brought up.

    Team Conf Severe Not Severe Injuries Games Missed
    Tennessee SEC 60 21 83 39
    Texas A&M SEC 34 32 77 63
    Pittsburgh ACC 55 21 77 24
    Penn State BIG10 26 41 69 11
    Oregon PAC12 29 25 68 105
    Rice CUSA 45 23 68 31
    Virginia Tech ACC 39 21 67 46
    Texas BIG12 36 22 66 41
    Virginia ACC 34 27 66 24
    Georgia Tech ACC 37 22 66 22
    Kentucky SEC 46 17 65 17
    North Texas CUSA 41 22 64 31
    Clemson ACC 24 23 63 97
    Arizona State PAC12 26 26 63 51
    Ole Miss SEC 43 18 63 10
    Wisconsin BIG10 21 22 61 49
    Purdue BIG10 30 22 60 57
    Alabama SEC 21 25 59 58
    Eastern Michigan MAC 46 12 58 20
    Colorado State MW 28 26 58 14
    Oklahoma State BIG12 19 24 57 43
    Utah State MW 35 19 55 22
    Mississippi State SEC 22 60 54 12
    Indiana BIG10 32 17 53 49

     

    Injuries by Position

    When taking a look at injuries that occur during a game, it’s particularly interesting to break down the data by position. In the positional table below, the ‘Severe’ and ‘Severe%’ columns denote injuries that were charted as Severity 4 or 5. The 2021 data aligns with the same findings in the previous 2 seasons – the defensive line is the most dangerous position to play.

    We have 6 defensive linemen with a red flag and another 17 with a yellow flag. Particularly concerning injuries for the d-line are shoulder injuries that damage the rotator cuff, labrum, or capsule causing instability to the joint. Defensive linemen with these injuries have historically had a shorter career in the league and a decreased chance of being drafted.2

    Tyler Johnson of Arizona State is one of those players with an unfortunate history of a shoulder labrum and rotator cuff injury in 2018. He admitted he almost retired due to the pain that lingered in his shoulder over the course of the following season.

    PositionName Injuries Games Missed Severe Severe %
    DL 873 408 646 79%
    WR 873 583 267 35%
    LB 720 431 481 72%
    QB 658 431 139 23%
    CB 673 418 451 74%
    RB 610 316 181 33%
    OL 601 533 402 75%
    S 542 387 358 71%
    TE 250 239 89 41%

     

    Injuries by Body Part

     

    When the 2021 injury data is broken down by region injured it’s no surprise to see knee and ankle injuries at the top of the totals. There were 1,386 injury timeouts (severity 4) in FBS due to knee and ankle injuries alone. When speaking of knees, the dreaded ACL tear is often spoken of in an overly cautious manner for these prospects.

    Surprisingly, a single instance of an ACL tear and reconstruction only warrants a yellow flag for all position groups besides OL, DL and LB (red flag). Historically, prospects from all positions with an ACL injury have been picked lower in the draft on average.4 This could perhaps lead to hidden value in players like George Pickens, Treylon Burks, John Metchie and Jameson Williams who all have been given a yellow flag. 

     

    Part Injuries Games Missed
    Knee 1065 1186
    Ankle 897 530
    Shoulder 582 314
    Neurological 560 154
    Calf 243 35
    Chest 179 37
    Hamstring 155 33
    Hand 127 69
    Ribcage 105 28
    Foot 90 180

     

    Injury Designations

    The player injury designation table summarizes only the players within the draft site who have been identified in their player profile as having at least one of a yellow flag, red flag, or currently injured tag. On this list you will see players such as Justyn Ross as he has dealt with a congenital fusion in his cervical spine plus a stress fracture in his foot – both requiring surgery. 

     

    Position Player Red Flag Yellow Flag Currently Injured
    QB Davis Cheek, Elon x
    QB EJ Perry, Brown x
    QB D’Eriq King, Miami FL x
    QB McKenzie Milton, Florida State x
    QB Skylar Thompson, Kansas State x
    QB Jack Coan, Notre Dame x
    QB Carson Strong, Nevada x
    RB Vavae Malepeai, USC x
    RB Brittain Brown, UCLA x
    RB LD Brown, Oklahoma State x
    RB Shamari Brooks, Tulsa x
    RB Ronnie Rivers, Fresno State x
    RB Jerrion Ealy, Ole Miss x
    RB Zamir White, Georgia x
    RB Malik Davis, Florida x
    RB Kevin Harris, South Carolina x
    RB Master Teague III, Ohio State x
    RB Cam’Ron Harris, Miami FL x x
    RB Mataeo Durant, Duke x
    RB Ricky Person, Jr., NC State x
    RB Zonovan Knight, NC State x
    RB Max Borghi, Washington State x
    RB Kennedy Brooks, Oklahoma x
    RB Abram Smith, Baylor x
    WR Drake London x
    WR Christian Watson, North Dakota State x
    WR Demetris Robertson, Auburn x
    WR Changa Hodge, Virginia Tech x
    WR Reggie Roberson, Jr., SMU x
    WR Corey Sutton, Appalachian State x x
    WR George Pickens, Georgia x
    WR Treylon Burks, Arkansas x
    WR John Metchie, Alabama x x
    WR Jameson Williams, Alabama x x
    WR David Bell, Purdue x
    WR Justyn Ross, Clemson x
    WR Tre Turner, Virginia Tech x
    WR Britain Covey, Utah x
    WR Jalen Tolbert, South Alabama x
    WR Khalil Shakir, Boise State x
    TE Nick Muse, South Carolina x
    TE Trae Barry, Boston College x
    TE Chase Allen, Iowa State x
    TE John FitzPatrick, Georgia x
    TE Jeremy Ruckert, Ohio State x
    TE Peyton Hendershot, Indiana x
    TE Austin Allen, Nebraska x
    TE Braden Galloway, Clemson x
    TE James Mitchell, Virginia Tech x x
    TE Charlie Kolar, Iowa State x
    OL Justin Shaffer, Georgia x
    OL Thayer Munford, Ohio State x
    OL AJ Arcuri, Michigan State x
    OL Navaughn Donaldson, Miami FL x
    OL Jarrid Williams, Miami FL x
    OL Jack Wohlabaugh, Duke x
    OL Denzel Okafor, Texas x
    OL Josh Sills, Oklahoma State x
    OL Zachary Thomas, San Diego State x
    OL Chasen Hines, LSU x
    OL Brodarious Hamm, Auburn x
    OL Case Cook, Missouri x
    OL Andrew Stueber, Michigan x
    OL Alec Anderson, UCLA x
    OL Dawson Deaton, Texas Tech x
    OL Luke Goedeke, Central Michigan x
    DL Jayden Peevy, Texas A&M x
    DL Perrion Winfrey, Oklahoma x
    DL Kobie Whiteside, Missouri x
    DL Julian Rochester, Georgia x
    DL Miles Fox, Wake Forest
    DL Keyshon Camp, Pittsburgh x
    DL Ralfs Rusins, Liberty x
    DL Jordan Jackson, Air Force x
    DL DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M x
    DL Kalia Davis, UCF x
    DL Viane Moala, Utah x
    DL Jeremiah Moon, Florida x
    DL Ryder Anderson, Indiana x
    DL Tomon Fox, North Carolina x
    DL Ryan Bowman, Washington x x
    DL Scott Patchan, Colorado State x
    DL Arron Mosby, Fresno State x
    DL Christopher Allen, Alabama x
    DL Kingsley Enagbare, South Carolina x
    DL David Ojabo, Michigan x x
    DL Tyreke Smith, Ohio State x
    DL Luiji Vilain, Wake Forest x
    DL Tyler Johnson, Arizona State x
    DL Mika Tafua, Utah x
    DL Alex Wright, UAB x
    LB Troy Andersen, Montana State x
    LB James Houston IV, Jackson State x
    LB Aaron Hansford, Texas A&M x
    LB JoJo Domann, Nebraska x
    LB Jake Hansen, Illinois x
    LB James Skalski, Clemson x
    LB Nate Landman, Colorado x
    LB Riley Whimpey, Boise State x
    LB Damone Clark, LSU x x
    LB Nakobe Dean, Georgia x
    LB Jaylan Alexander, Purdue x
    LB Khalan Tolson, Illinois x
    LB Nephi Sewell, Utah x
    LB Terrel Bernard, Baylor x
    LB Drew White, Notre Dame x
    LB Chad Muma, Wyoming x
    DB Matt Hankins, Iowa x
    DB Coney Durr, Minnesota x
    DB Caesar Williams, Wisconsin x
    DB Meiko Dotson, Florida State x
    DB Damarri Mathis, Pittsburgh x
    DB Christian Holmes, Oklahoma State x
    DB Derek Stingley Jr., LSU x
    DB Josh Jobe, Alabama x x
    DB Jalyn Armour-Davis, Alabama x
    DB Montaric Brown, Arkansas x
    DB Akayleb Evans, Missouri x
    DB Faion Hicks, Wisconsin x
    DB Jermaine Waller, Virginia Tech x
    DB Andrew Booth Jr., Clemson x x
    DB Mario Goodrich, Clemson x
    DB Josh Blackwell, Duke x
    DB Isaac Taylor-Stuart, USC x
    DB Josh Thompson, Texas x
    S Jaylon Jones, Ole Miss x
    S Cameron Lewis, LSU x
    S Deontai Williams, Nebraska x
    S Marquel Dismuke, Nebraska x
    S Marcelino McCrary-Ball, Indiana x
    S Nolan Turner, Clemson x
    S De’Vante Cross, Virginia x
    S Tariq Carpenter, Georgia Tech x
    S Tycen Anderson, Toledo x
    S Shaq Bond, Utah State x
    S Daniel Wright, Alabama x
    S Smoke Monday, Auburn x
    S Scott Nelson, Wisconsin x
    S Bubba Bolden, Miami FL x
    S Isaiah Pola-Mao, USC x
    S Kolby Harvell-Peel, Oklahoma State x
    S Tre Sterling, Oklahoma State x
    S Jalen Pitre, Baylor x
    S Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame x
    S Percy Butler, Louisiana x

    References

    1. Brophy RH, Lyman S, Chehab EL, Barnes RP, Rodeo SA, Warren RF. Predictive value of prior injury on career in professional American football is affected by player position. Am J Sports Med. 2009;37(4): 768-775.
    2. Brophy RH, Gill CS, Lyman S, Barnes RP, Rodeo SA, Warren RF. Effect of shoulder stabilization on career length in National Football League athletes. Am J Sports Med. 2011;39(4):704-70.
    3. Kluczynski, M., Kelly, W., Lashomb, W., & Bisson, L. (2019). A Systematic Review of the Orthopaedic Literature Involving National Football League Players. Orthopaedic Journal Of Sports Medicine, 7(8).
    4. Provencher MT, Bradley JP, Chahla J, et al. A history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction at the National Football League Combine results in inferior early National Football League career participation. Arthroscopy. 2018;34(8):2446-2453.
    5. Wang, D., Weiss, L., Abrams, M., Barnes, R., Warren, R., Rodeo, S., & Taylor, S. (2018). Athletes With Musculoskeletal Injuries Identified at the NFL Scouting Combine and Prediction of Outcomes in the NFL: A Systematic Review. Orthopaedic Journal Of Sports Medicine, 6(12).
  • NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS: Seattle Seahawks

    NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
    Seattle Seahawks

    The State of the Seahawks:

    The Seattle Seahawks are yet another team at the end of an era, trading former Super Bowl winning quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos for a haul of picks and players, including former 2nd round pick Drew Lock.

    Even with public-facing positive comments about Lock being their starter they love, their could still be a QB in the cards for the Seahawks. Pete Carroll remains the head coach, and seems to continue with his run-first mentality. However, the Seahawks have multiple holes on the offensive line, especially at both tackle spots, and are in need of a next-level edge rusher.

    #9 Overall

    Derek Stingley Jr. – CB – LSU

    Stingley has the man coverage, athleticism, and ball skills to be an NFL defense’s No. 1 cornerback, but his injury history and dip in on-field production since his freshman year are concerns that need to be vetted.

    Stingley is a bank-on-the-tools cornerback who showed the ability to anchor a secondary as a freshman, but recent lack of production could cause him to slip to the Seahawks.

    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.

    The Seahawks have had plenty of success with a mobile QB, and with Willis’ elite rushing skill set, could bank on that as they move their team into a new era.

    Travon Walker – Edge – Georgia

    Walker has the physical and athletic traits that are highly coveted as a versatile defensive lineman, and if he can reach his potential as a pass rusher at the next level, he can be a special pass rushing talent.

    Walker’s off-the-charts athleticism could give Seattle the elite rusher it has long looked for.

    #40 & #41 Overall

    With back to back picks, the considered players are the same.

    Matt Corral – QB – Ole Miss

    Corral is a mobile quarterback with great pocket awareness and athletic ability, but he must refine his spot-on accuracy to all levels and decision-making skills in order to become a reason you win games in the NFL.

    Corral comes with a huge RPO background, and his abilities with his legs are reminiscent of Russell Wilson’s younger years.

    Arnold Ebiketie – Edge – Penn State

    Ebiketie is toolsy in key areas like length, athleticism, flexibility and closing speed, but he needs to improve as a run defender by adding bulk to his lower half, as well as his efficiency and variety as a pass rusher in order to see an expanded role at the next level.

    Ebiketie’s ability to make plays behind the LOS and generate pressure in pass rush make him a perfect candidate for a D-line needing that spark.

    Kyler Gordon – CB – Washington

    Gordon is an athletically gifted cover corner with good versatility inside and out, who should develop into a solid subpackage contributor with improved instincts and hand techniques.

    The local Kyler Gordon would serve as a great developmental corner who, with experience, could develop into a dependable NFL starter.

    Daniel Faalele – OT – Minnesota

    Faalele has the gargantuan size and surprising athleticism teams salivate over in a potential tackle, but he will need to continue to improve his body composition and his foot quickness to reach his high potential.

    Faalele’s dominant run blocking, massive potential with his massive size, and need of reps makes him a perfect day one insert into Seattle’s front.

    #72 Overall

    Brandon Smith – LB – Penn State

    Smith has the athleticism, coverage comfortability, and closing speed to play in today’s NFL, but he must refine his run game strength and technique to see the field consistently.

    Smith’s high athleticism and experience as a tackle machine make a great developmental stand-in for the now-Ram Bobby Wagner.

    Carson Strong – QB – Nevada

    Strong has the arm strength and leadership qualities needed to be a solid quarterback at the NFL level, but he will need to become more accurate and better under pressure to be much more than a circumstantial starter.

    Odds are low any QB will have as much experience calling the shots for their offense than Strong. There’s a lot to like, but falls a step short in accuracy and handling pressure.

    Abraham Lucas – OT – Washington State

    Lucas is a big-bodied technician that wins with savvy and anticipation on the edge, though his lack of strength and athleticism will prevent him from being a consistent starter.

    Lucas’ experience goes a long way, and his high production in pass protection fills an immediate need for right tackle.

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

  • NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS: New Orleans Saints

    NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
    New Orleans Saints

    The State of the Saints:

    The New Orleans Saints have found themselves at the brink of the salary cap for multiple years, and are planning to give Jameis Winston another run at the helm after tearing his ACL in 2021. With a .500 roster, the Saints have potential needs on the left side of the line, and in supporting WRs.

    After a massive trade with the Eagles, the Saints gave up plenty of future selections to add an extra 1st round pick to this season. It could be QB driven, it may not be. The now Sean Payton-less Saints head into a draft crucial to their long-term success.

    #16 Overall

    Desmond Ridder – QB – Cincinnati

    Ridder shows good decision-making ability, mobility, and leadership, but he lacks the arm talent to be an ideal starter on the NFL level.

    Trading an extra first with a shaky QB situation makes it impossible to ignore this possibility. Ridder’s leadership, experience, and evident production make him an easy candidate for a developmental future face of the franchise.

    Jameson Williams – WR – Alabama

    It remains to be seen if he can regain the elite sink and explosive force in his lower half post-injury, but Williams’ speed control, intangibles, and overall game-breaking dynamism will make for a high-quality receiving threat in the NFL.

    The Saints have had tons of success with getting Alvin Kamara the ball in space, and Williams presents those same luxuries from the lacking receiver room.

    Devin Lloyd – LB – Utah

    Lloyd has the speed, aggressive mindset, pass rushing ability, and defensive playmaking ability teams crave in a Will linebacker, and if he continues to hone his craft within the box, he has a very high ceiling.

    Lloyd’s all-around abilities and fantastic athleticism would make him a day one starting linebacker in New Orleans, likely as a Will.

    #19 Overall

    Chris Olave – WR – Ohio State

    Olave has the catch radius, catch skills, and tracking ability to be a threat at all levels of the field, but needs to become a cleaner route runner and get quicker out of breaks to take advantage of his full potential.

    With one of the weakest receiver rooms in the league, Olave’s ability to separate and win at all levels makes him an easy WR selection.

    Treylon Burks – WR – Arkansas

    Burks will have to improve as a sharp route separator as his tree expands moving forward, but his body control, catching skills, and competitive speed make him an impact player at all levels of the field.

    Burks’ physical abilities are nowhere to be found in the current receiving corps. A dynamic weapon for years to come.

    Trevor Penning – OT – Northern Iowa

    Penning is a physically dominant and imposing run blocker with an ideal frame for an NFL tackle, but he needs to keep developing his hand use and improve his pad level to round out his overall profile taking the big step up in competition.

    With a large hole at left tackle, Penning’s physicality would be a welcomed addition to the Saints.

    #49 Overall

    Bernhard Raimann – OT – Central Michigan

    Raimann is a raw athlete with good size and the strength to hold up early at the next level, though refining his hands and overall skill set as a lineman could allow him to develop into a solid starter one day.

    Betting on his traits, he would get plenty of reps to catch up to NFL speed at LT to replace Terron Armstead.

    Jaquan Brisker – S – Penn State

    Brisker is a polished, ready-made, versatile DB with a well-rounded set of physical, mental, and emotional tools that add up to a high-floor safety in the NFL.

    Brisker’s all-around game will fill the hole left by the dependable Malcolm Jenkins’ retirement.

    #98 Overall

    Alontae Taylor – CB – Tennessee

    Taylor has the speed, physicality, and cover skills to make an impact at the next level, with improvement playing off, with his transition, and his overall tackling ability in order to work himself into a starting role.

    The Saints need to ensure depth at the corner position, and Taylor’s man coverage ability and physicality make him a strong developmental candidate.

    Jelani Woods – TE – Virginia

    Woods is an adequate receiver and blocker with the smarts and physicality to see time as a backup tight end, though he’ll need to get faster and improve his functional strength once he gets to the next level.

    Woods’ receiving and YAC ability would give Jameis another much-needed weapon by virtue of the tight end position.

    Zach Tom – OT – Wake Forest

    Tom is a technical blocker who possesses the reactive athleticism, hand use, and range to be an effective player at the next level, though lack of length, lower-body strength, and overall finishing ability make him more of a backup.

    Tom’s technically sound and reactive style would make a serviceable solution to the left tackle spot, but his lacking strength will hold him to a long-term backup.

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

  • NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS: Arizona Cardinals

    NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
    Arizona Cardinals

    The State of the Cardinals:

    The Cardinals enter the 2022 season as a team seemingly progressing towards a deep playoff push, but uncertainty is abound. It will be the fourth year of Kliff Kingsbury’s tenure that has seen an increase in wins each season, but late season woes and disappointing finishes as well. They have also yet to extend their young quarterback Kyler Murray, causing him to show frustration in the public. With an aging group of skill position players, they will look to fortify their future. 

    #23 Overall

    Drake London – WR – USC

    London lacks explosive speed and quickness, but his hands, size, basketball-level athleticism, and natural feel for the receiver position should make him an impact player in the NFL at multiple levels of the field.

    London gives the Cardinals another big play receiver that could take their offense to the next level.

    Treylon Burks – WR – Arkansas

    Burks will have to improve as a sharp route separator as his tree expands moving forward, but his body control, catching skills, and competitive speed make him an impact player at all levels of the field.

    Burks is a big-bodied playmaker that fits well and will be an impact blocker for Kingsbury’s offense.

    Trevor Penning – OT – Northern Iowa

    Penning is a physically dominant and imposing run blocker with an ideal frame for an NFL tackle, but he needs to keep developing his hand use and improve his pad level to round out his overall profile taking the big step up in competition.

    Penning’s size, athleticism, and demeanor give him tremendous potential, and after he gains some refinement, he can take over at either tackle or guard spot.

    #55 Overall

    Trey McBride – TE – Colorado State

    McBride has the hands, catch radius and body control as a receiver with the willingness and competitiveness as a blocker to start at the next level, but inconsistent separation skills and run block effectiveness could hold him back.

    McBride is a ready to play prospect that can help this team win now and is a natural to take over for Zach Ertz.

    Drake Jackson – Edge – USC

    Jackson has the physical profile and energy of a potential starter, but he needs technical refinement of his quality tools to reach a consistent three-down level of development.

    With Markus Golden getting older and Chandler Jones moving on, Jackson is a player that can contribute some this year and could be a potential impact rusher.

    #87 Overall

    Nik Bonitto – Edge – Oklahoma

    Bonitto is an athletic, rangy, bendy pass rusher who should excel at getting to the passer with his lack of strength and run game stoutness limiting him to just third downs early in his career at the next level.

    If the Cardinals wait on an Edge, Bonitto is a pass rush specialist that could fill the role vacated by Chandler Jones.

    Isaiah Likely – TE – Coastal Carolina

    Likely is a unique hybrid tight end with the athletic, receiving skills needed to pose a threat to defenses, but he’ll need to improve as a standard blocker to become a complete player.

    With no clear tight end of the future on the roster, Likely gives them an explosive playmaker that could develop into a well-rounded, top-tier player.

    Greg Dulcich – TE – UCLA

    Dulcich isn’t the shiftiest route runner or most technically refined run blocker, but he’s a converted wide receiver with good competitive toughness and the strong all-around skill set of a potential starter.

    Dulcich is a weapon in the pass game that can model himself after Ertz. 

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

  • NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS: Atlanta Falcons

    NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
    Atlanta Falcons

    The State of the Falcons:

    Truly the end of an era in Atlanta. Decade-plus quarterback Matt Ryan was sent to Indianapolis for one last push at a Super Bowl, while the Falcons re-tool a roster that has continued to overachieve. Their SIS-WAR expected wins was 3.2 last year, but they won 7. All efficiency metrics rank in the 20s. This is not a good football team.

    With a hole at virtually every position besides their last two first round selections (TE Kyle Pitts and CB A.J. Terrell), the Falcons are looking for any piece of value coming their way. Trying to reunite Marcus Mariota with a coach who benched him for Ryan Tannehill in Arthur Smith is, a start. With Mariota likely just a bridge QB, the Falcons have plenty to address with their five Top 100 picks.

    #8 Overall

    Kyle Hamilton – S – Notre Dame

    Hamilton is a versatile safety who impacts all three levels of the field and is a rangy playmaker with the cover skills, speed, and athleticism to be an elite-level defender against both the run and pass.

    If there’s a slide for his testing metrics, the Falcons should jump on the incredibly versatile and dynamic safety.

    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.

    Cross is a franchise left tackle that can be a pre-built solution for their QB investment of the future.

    Travon Walker – Edge – Georgia

    Walker has the physical and athletic traits that are highly coveted as a versatile defensive lineman, and if he can reach his potential as a pass rusher at the next level, he can be a special pass rushing talent.

    Walker’s phenomenal athletic upside and home-grown talent would make him a fan-favorite franchise building block.

    Garrett Wilson – WR – Ohio State

    Wilson has the speed, route running, and ballcarrying traits that excite teams, and if he can work on attacking the ball when it’s in the air and improving his ability along the sideline, he will be a strong starter very early in his NFL career.

    The WR room in Atlanta is abysmal. We’ve seen the Falcons build around a WR previously (Julio Jones), and Wilson comes with the versatility to win anywhere and everywhere.

    #43 Overall

    Quay Walker – LB – Georgia

    Walker’s ability to defend the run and play in zone coverage make him an intriguing prospect at his size and athletic profile, and if he can continue to improve his instincts, he has the potential to be a high-level starter at the next level.

    The tools of a dependable LB, with pass game experience and run game excellence.

    Bernhard Raimann – OT – Central Michigan

    Raimann is a raw athlete with good size and the strength to hold up early at the next level, though refining his hands and overall skill set as a lineman could allow him to develop into a solid starter one day.

    Let him have all the reps he needs, and use his athleticism to mold him into the franchise tackle the Falcons want.

    #58 Overall

    Perrion Winfree – DT – Oklahoma

    Winfrey’s positional versatility, power, and pass rush ability will give him a chance to make an impact early on, but his body control and agility will need to improve for him to become a three-down player.

    A Senior Bowl dominator, Winfree displays a dominant athletic profile, where he can work on technicalities with plenty of reps.

    Kenneth Walker III – RB – Michigan State

    Walker isn’t the most dynamic running back, and his passing game skills will need to be improved if he wants to see an every-down workload, but his vision as a ballcarrier is excellent and should allow him to be a quality starter right away.

    Patterson is a fun, dynamic player, but the Arthur Smith Titans leaned on a fantastic pound-the-rock runner, and Walker is exactly that. 

    #74 Overall

    The Falcons WR room is this bad. Each one of these receivers is a bit different, but would all provide needed upside and ability, something necessary for Marcus Mariota if he’s getting a real shot at a long-term starting gig.

    Wan’Dale Robinson – WR – Kentucky

    Robinson is undersized and needs improved route sharpness, savvy, and overall receiving play detail, but his short-area quickness and extensive history as a ballcarrier give him an intriguing ceiling as a mismatch weapon out of the slot.

    David Bell – WR – Purdue

    Bell needs to improve his route running separation skills, but his deep ball tracking and slippery ballcarrying abilities should make for a multi-level threat and a reliable, alignment-versatile third option.

    Jalen Tolbert – WR – South Alabama

    Tolbert has the size, speed, and athletic body control to take the top off a defense at the next level, but he’ll need to improve on the finer points of receiver play to become a more versatile offensive contributor.

    #82 Overall

    Sean Rhyan – OG – UCLA

    Rhyan is strong and powerful, generating push in the run game and using accurate hand placement in pass pro, but heavy feet, a lack of quickness, and the inability to redirect against pass rushers pencil him in as a backup swing tackle.

    Could play tackle, but also projected to move inside. Smart and powerful, but technique refinement necessary.

    Myjai Sanders – Edge – Cincinnati

    Sanders has a relentless mindset with the length, repertoire, and hand use to be an effective three-down player, but he’ll need to keep his pad level down and focus on mixing up his pass rush moves in order to hit his ceiling.

    The ceiling is high for Sanders, and plenty of snaps are available for him to develop more moves.

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

  • NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS: Philadelphia Eagles

    NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
    Philadelphia Eagles

    The State of the Eagles:

    After a trip to the playoffs that surprised some, the Eagles enter the 2022 season with second year head coach Nick Sirianni, and third year quarterback Jalen Hurts. They have already moved one of their first round picks into 2023, as Hurts is in a prove-it year and the 2023 QB class looks to have high-end talent.

    As for the rest of the roster, the secondary is in dire need of help in the back-end, as well as someone to play opposite CB Darius Slay. They also must improve upon their lackluster 2021 sack production 

    #15 Overall

    Derek Stingley Jr. – CB – LSU

    Stingley has the man coverage, athleticism, and ball skills to be an NFL defense’s No. 1 cornerback, but his injury history and dip in on-field production since his freshman year are concerns that need to be vetted.

    If available, Stingley Jr. could give the Eagles the best cornerback tandem in the league if he regains the form he displayed as a freshman at LSU.

    Kyle Hamilton – S – Notre Dame

    Hamilton is a versatile safety who impacts all three levels of the field and is a rangy playmaker with the cover skills, speed, and athleticism to be an elite-level defender against both the run and pass.

    With his 40-yard dash time causing concerns, Hamilton could fall into the lap of the Eagles and give them the versatile tone-setter their defense requires.

    Trent McDuffie – CB – Washington

    McDuffie is a fluid athlete who has the speed, quickness, and transition ability to be a solid shutdown corner at the next level, though his size for the outside and limited on-ball production could be what holds him back.

    McDuffie would thrive as a No. 2 cornerback and would force offenses to test Darius Slay more frequently.

    #18 Overall

    George Karlaftis – Edge – Purdue

    Karlaftis is an athletic and powerful edge prospect with his best football ahead of him, especially if he can continue refining his pass rush detail.

    Karlaftis shows the ability to rush the passer from the outside, as well reduce down and could take over for Brandon Graham going forward.

    Daxton Hill – S – Michigan

    Hill is a versatile and competitive defensive back who can be impactful at all levels of the field with his man coverage ability, despite his slight frame.

    With a lack of production from the safeties on the roster, Hill could fill multiple roles and looks to have his best football in front of him.

    #51 Overall

    Jaquan Brisker – S – Penn State

    Brisker is a polished, ready-made, versatile DB with a well-rounded set of physical, mental, and emotional tools that add up to a high-floor safety in the NFL.

    The Eagles need cohesion on their defense and Brisker can act as a coach on the field and become a leader as a rookie.

    Jalen Pitre – S – Baylor

    Pitre is a super twitched-up athlete with very good instincts for when to attack and a skill set that will have him making plays all over the field, but limited deep cover skills likely limit him to exclusively playing near the LOS.

    Pitre is a playmaker that can both sure up the Eagles’ run defense and help boost their sack numbers.

    Roger McCreary – CB – Auburn

    McCreary projects best as a 3rd corner with good height, speed, and athleticism to play in the slot or out wide, and despite his short arms, he is at his best in press coverage.

    Despite his lack of ideal length, McCreary is a pure technician that can be left alone on an island.

    #83 Overall

    Jalen Tolbert – WR – South Alabama

    Tolbert has the size, speed, and athletic body control to take the top off a defense at the next level, but he’ll need to improve on the finer points of receiver play to become a more versatile offensive contributor.

    The Eagles could use a vertical threat opposite DeVonta Smith and Tolbert is a master at taking the top off the defense.

    Cole Strange – G – Chattanooga

    Strange has the reactive athleticism to mirror defenders, consistent leg drive to move them, and the nastiness to finish through the whistle, but he’ll need to improve his balance, footwork, and awareness to maximize his potential.

    Strange has the ability to play guard at the next level, and at the Senior Bowl, showed that he is also an option at center.

    #101 Overall

    Dameon Pierce – RB – Florida

    Pierce is a powerful back who has the contact balance, strength, and toughness to impact the next level, but his lack of playmaking ability, long speed, and receiving impact may keep him from being a three-down player.

    Pierce gives the Eagles a running back that fits the current offensive scheme and reduces the future cap hit from that position. 

    Dylan Parham – G – Memphis

    Parham is a smart player with the athleticism and quickness to be a versatile lineman, but will need to get stronger and more physical to maximize his potential at the next level.

    Parham’s athleticism and experience across the offensive line make him a prime candidate to take over for center Jason Kelce moving forward.

    Sam Williams – Edge – Ole Miss

    Williams is a fantastic athlete who will bring good length, strength and upside to a team’s pass rush attack, but he needs to refine his technique and play with more mental consistency to become a reliable three-down player.

    With experience ranging from off-ball linebacker to interior defensive lineman, Williams has consistently won with both physicality and athleticism.

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

     

  • NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS: Buffalo Bills

    NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
    Buffalo Bills

    The State of the Bills:

    The Bills are in full on win now mode and perennial super Bowl favorites heading into the 2022 season. After having their season ended by the Kansas City Chiefs the past two seasons, GM Brandon Beene is looking to add the missing pieces with an eye on the Lombardi trophy.

    The offseason has already seen them fill key holes at some crucial positions by bringing in Von Miller, Rodger Saffold III, and O.J. Howard in free agency. Through the draft they will be looking to fill their No. 2 CB role, add another WR to Josh Alllen’s arsenal, and perhaps bring a youthful young RB into the locker room. 

    #25 Overall

    Andrew Booth Jr. – CB – Clemson

    Booth is a twitchy, athletic corner with the man coverage tools and ball skills to develop into a strong starter at the next level, but his tackling woes and lack of hip fluidity could hold him back early in his career.

    Looking to fill the No. 2 CB spot across from Tre’Davious White, the Bills would look to Booth to fill that role in the first round.

    Jahan Dotson – WR – Penn State 

    Dotson’s size and toughness limit him in certain situations, but his explosiveness and body control allow him to make spectacular plays at all levels of the field.

    With departures of Emmanuel Sanders and Cole Beasley the Bills need to look at filling a void at the WR position and Dotson does just that.

    Kenyon Green – OG – Texas A&M

    Green can have inconsistent hand placement and needs more refined technique against finesse rushers, but he is a physical and athletic guard with the footwork, sheer strength, and awareness to be a difference maker on the inside.

    The weak point of the Bills offense has been their OL play, more specifically their guards over the past several seasons, so any help would be a welcome addition to protecting Josh Allen and aiding in the run game.

    #57 Overall

    Christian Harris – LB – Alabama

    Harris is a fast, smart, and versatile linebacker who has many of the requisite physical traits of a quality starter, but he needs to improve his downhill playmaking and zone instincts to reach his full potential.

    While the Bills starting LBs are locked down with Edmunds and Milano, they will be looking for a back-up and some fresher legs if one of their starters may miss time due to injury which Harris can provide for them.

    John Metchie III – WR – Alabama

    Metchie has the quickness, route running, and ability after the catch to be a threat out of the slot at the next level, but his inability to make contested grabs and lack of long speed may be what holds him back.

    The Bills will be looking for WR help especially for a savvy route runner who can fill the void of Cole Beasley in the slot and Metchie fills this role perfectly.

    Kenneth Walker III – RB – Michigan St

    Walker isn’t the most dynamic running back, and his passing game skills will need to be improved if he wants to see an every-down workload, but his vision as a ball carrier is excellent and should allow him to be a quality starter right away.

    While RB may not be a focus of the offseason, having more options behind Devin Singletary also wouldn’t hurt the Bills offense and Walker provides skills they could use.

    #89 Overall

    Ed Ingram – OG – Georgia

    Ingram is gap-scheme-specific, and his limited athletic ability and finesse traits could hold him back if misutilized, but his pulling prowess, point-of-attack tenacity and power, and pass pro awareness should make him a starting-caliber NFL guard.

    Ingram would give the Bills another option as an interior lineman, a position of weakness in the past.

    James Cook – RB – Georgia

    Cook is a dynamic receiver who has the versatility and playmaking ability to win in space at the next level, but he’ll need to become a more technical and consistent runner and improve in pass pro to become a three-down back.

    The third round is where the Bills may start to be more inclined to add a RB and Cook’s skill set, especially his abilities in the passing game, will earn him snaps on the Bills offense.

    Wan’Dale Robinson – WR – Kentucky

    Robinson is undersized and needs improved route sharpness, savvy, and overall receiving play detail, but his short-area quickness and extensive history as a ball carrier give him an intriguing ceiling as a mismatch weapon out of the slot.

    The versatility of Robinson would be a welcome addition to the Bills offense where he could fit right in lining up in the slot.

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

     

  • NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS: San Francisco 49ers

    NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
    San Francisco 49ers

    The State of the 49ers:

    The 49ers turned an injury-riddled slow start into being one quarter away from the Super Bowl, thanks in large part to the steady play of QB Jimmy Garoppolo and the explosive talent of WR-turned-RB Deebo Samuel.

    Now, Garoppolo and Samuel are both awaiting potential draft-night trades, as San Francisco’s competitive roster turns to 2020 1st-round QB Trey Lance.

    The 49ers pieced together its secondary last year and saw multiple free agent departures that need addressing, especially on the offensive line. However, Lance’s readiness and the apparent replacement of Samuel’s touches are the most crucial keys to sustaining their contending status.

    Potential mid-late 1st Round Pick (Deebo Samuel trade)

    Treylon Burks – WR – Arkansas

    Burks will have to improve as a sharp route separator as his tree expands moving forward, but his body control, catching skills, and competitive speed make him an impact player at all levels of the field.

    Burks has often been compared to a larger Deebo Samuel in this draft process, so he’d be an ideal target in the event of a trade. The 49ers have a clear trend in their receiving preferences – yards after catch abilities – and Burks has that in spades.

    Trevor Penning – OT – Northern Iowa

    Penning is a physically dominant and imposing run blocker with an ideal frame for an NFL tackle, but he needs to keep developing his hand use and improve his pad level to round out his overall profile taking the big step up in competition.

    This is a deep WR class, so the Samuel replacement could come later. Having bookend tackles with the elite athleticism and mauling tenacity of Trent Williams and Trevor Penning could be too difficult to pass up.

    #61 Overall

    Tariq Woolen – CB – UTSA

    Woolen’s gliding strides, elite athleticism, and superior length are difficult traits to teach, but he needs to match his play strength to his size and continue growing his natural coverage skills and comfortability to reach his high ceiling.

    Woolen is a high upside cornerback prospect, with exceptional length and athleticism to go with a raw wide receiver background, that would give the 49ers a quality outside corner to develop opposite FA signing Charvarius Ward.

    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.

    Arik Armstead’s move inside could be the template for Leal, and Javon Kinlaw has had a bumpy start to his career. Leal fits the 49ers’ mold of pass rushers with alignment diversity.

    Darian Kinnard – OG – Kentucky

    Kinnard is a big, strong blocker with a mauling mentality in the run game, but needs to refine his footwork, hand accuracy, and overall technique in the pass game to be an effective starter at the next level.

    San Francisco will have some new pieces up front next season. Kinnard is a big body but moves well for Shanahan’s zone scheme, especially with a shift inside to guard.

    Wan’Dale Robinson – WR – Kentucky

    Robinson is undersized and needs improved route sharpness, savvy, and overall receiving play detail, but his short-area quickness and extensive history as a ballcarrier give him an intriguing ceiling as a mismatch weapon out of the slot.

    In the event of a Deebo Samuel trade that isn’t addressed with a potential earlier pick, Robinson offers a similar package of RB/WR experience and ballcarrying flexibility that the 49ers covet.

    #93 Overall

    Kerby Joseph – S – Illinois

    Joseph is a rangy, ball-hawking deep safety who has the smarts and skills to be a starter at the next level, though he’ll become more of a threat if he gets a little more physical and is willing to mix it up more often.

    Jaquiski Tartt is now a free agent after spending 7 seasons in San Francisco. Joseph is a different style of player than Tartt, and what the 9ers currently have as alternative options, but he’s a back-end pass and run playmaker.

    Marcus Jones – CB – Houston

    Jones is an excellent, fluid athlete with the speed, quickness, and mirror-match ability to excel at the next level, but his size and issues against bigger receivers may prove difficult to overcome from time to time.

    One of the most unique players in this year’s class, Jones is a twitchy, undersized ball hawk, who can contribute from the slot in subpackages and boost a tepid return game.

    Kingsley Enagbare – Edge – South Carolina

    Enagbare has the hand usage, pass-rush technique, and motor to be an effective pass rusher early on, but must get stronger in his lower half and get a little more athletic to be an impact player against the run. 

    Enagbare could be a nice edge rusher complement to Joey Bosa and give the 49ers good rotational depth at a position that’s lacked consistent production.

    #105 Overall

    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.

    George Kittle is arguably the most complete tight end in the NFL, but injuries and heavy usage suggest finding a strong No. 2 is a need. Few tight ends in this class match Ruckert’s combination of blocking and receiving upside.

    Max Mitchell – OT – Louisiana

    Mitchell has the frame and athleticism to become a valuable swing tackle and potentially more if he can continue to work on the technical aspects of his game.

    Mitchell is an experienced zone blocker with a well-rounded skill set to assist at multiple spots on the 49ers’ evolving offensive line.

    Luke Fortner – OC – Kentucky

    Fortner has the quickness, athleticism, and smarts to start at the center position by Year 2, but he needs to improve his strength and leverage in order to hit his full potential.

    Alex Mack has a lot of miles on his body. Fortner could potentially contribute early at guard in their zone scheme as the center-in-waiting for the future.

    To learn more about the 49ers and their needs, visit their team page on our NFL Draft website here.

  • NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS: Chicago Bears

    NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
    Chicago Bears

    The State of the Bears:

    With a new head coach in Matt Eberflus and a second year quarterback in Justin Fields, the Bears are in a transition period and need to find a clear direction. As a defensive-minded coach takes over, they will likely get back to the physical play the organization is known for.

    After using their 2022 first round pick to move up and get Justin Fields, they will have to wait until pick No. 39 to make their first selection this year. They need to hit on solid starters and get some building blocks to put them in a position to take over a division that could be in flux in the very near future.

    #39 Overall

    David Ojabo – Edge – Michigan

    Ojabo is an excellent athlete with the speed, range, bend, and flexibility to be a force as a pass-rush specialist, but he needs to get stronger and just see more reps in order to develop into an all-around player at the next level.

    Ojabo gives the Bears their stud edge of the future and can afford to let him get back to full health after he tore his Achilles in the draft process.

    Boye Mafe – Edge – Minnesota

    Mafe has the hand use and freaky athleticism teams covet in edge defenders, but he will have to work on his pad level and round out his pass rushing plan of attack to reach his potential as a three-down starter.

    Though he will be on the field in 2022, Mafe has a lot of refinement needed and could turn into an All-Pro if he fulfills his potential.

    George Pickens – WR – Georgia

    Pickens is a big-bodied, big-play threat whose hands, tracking ability and competitiveness will make him a consistent contributor, especially once he learns an NFL route tree and if he becomes more dynamic after the catch.

    Pickens has the ability to contribute early on, as well as develop a relationship with Justin Fields that could turn into one of the best tandems in the league.

    #48 Overall

    DeMarvin Leal – IDL – 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.

    Getting pressure up the middle is needed in today’s NFL and Leal is as good as anyone doing so in this draft.

    Perrion Winfrey – IDL – Oklahoma

    Winfrey’s positional versatility, power, and pass rush ability will give him a chance to make an impact early on, but his body control and agility will need to improve for him to become a three-down player.

    After terrorizing every opponent at the Senior Bowl, Winfrey showed he has skills that might mean his best football is ahead of him in a role more suited to what he does best.

    #71 Overall

    Nik Bonitto – Edge – Oklahoma

    Bonitto is an athletic, rangy, bendy pass rusher who should excel at getting to the passer with his lack of strength and run game stoutness limiting him to just third downs early in his career at the next level.

    If the Bears wait on an edge, Bonitto is a pass rush specialist that could step right into the shoes of Robert Quinn.

    Justyn Ross – WR – Clemson

    Ross has the combination of size, athleticism, and quick-twitch to contribute in a variety of ways in a receiving room at the next level, but must overcome injury and production concerns to do so.

    After an all-world freshman season, injuries hindered Ross’s development, but the Bears can take a gamble in efforts to to have a true no. 1 option in a few years.

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