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Author: Ben Hrkach

  • NFL Draft: Fernando Mendoza Scouting Report

    NFL Draft: Fernando Mendoza Scouting Report

    Below is an excerpt from Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza’s scouting report on The SIS NFL Draft Website.

    Click here to read the full report and ratings from Ben Hrkach, as well as statistical analysis from our R&D team.

    Overview

    Mendoza is an experienced quarterback with good height that can make every throw on the field and plays with a consistent confidence that bleeds into his teammates, and though he lacks big-time arm strength or athleticism, he can lead a team to a championship at the next level.

    Overall

    Fernando Mendoza is the quarterback in Indiana’s shotgun offense that utilizes play-action, designed rollouts, and requires its playcaller to make copious pre-snap reads. He played in Cal’s spread offense for the 3 years prior. After redshirting as a freshman and a few end-of-game snaps in Week 1 of 2023, Mendoza seized the starting role in Week 6. He proceeded to lead the Bears for the next 17 games before an illness forced him to miss the final 2 in 2024. Mendoza then transferred to Indiana, where he started all 16 games in 2025. Mendoza plays with a consistent confidence that shows in his mental and physical resilience. He is a sufficient athlete with good height and a wiry frame, but he is ready and willing to sacrifice himself and he will pick up critical yardage on the ground.

    Pass Game

    As a passer, Mendoza’s greatest skills are on display prior to the snap. He makes shrewd reads and rarely puts his offense into a bad play. Diagnosing the defense and finding his key are two things that come naturally to Mendoza and it is clear that he spends an abundant amount of time on that during mid-week preparation. Mendoza stands tall in the pocket after the snap as his eyes assess the opposition. While he does a good job of looking off defenders, Mendoza is not adept at multiple progressions. He was rarely burdened with more than a half-field read and the majority of his explosive plays came via single-route concepts. On these, he uses pre-snap diagnosis and his ability to deftly run play-action to force a single defender into conflict and then take advantage of their mistakes.

    As a thrower, Mendoza’s snappy three-quarter delivery allows him to get the ball out in a hurry and that, along with his poise and cognitive acumen, make him a fit for an up-tempo offense that incorporates RPO concepts. When Mendoza is able to comfortably set his feet and go to his read, he can make all of the NFL throws. With natural touch and tempo, receivers don’t break stride and they are put in a position to pick up YAC in a hurry. Seam routes and back-shoulder throws are his preference, as he immediately identifies defenders out of phase and can place the ball in their blind spot.

    In the pocket, Mendoza is sufficient at feeling the pressure and manipulating his space. Once he does sense pressure, he prefers to escape the pocket and look downfield for a broken play opportunity. When he does try to stand and deliver, he will frequently short-stride his throwing motion or fade away from the throw. As a result, Mendoza does not get proper zip on the ball and his off-platform throws often fall short or hang in the air. When he gets outside of the pocket and attempts to reset his platform, his upper and lower halves are not always in sync and he is often caught flat-footed trying to push the ball to his target. This is when he can get careless with the ball, as his supreme confidence and ability to will his team to victory veil the danger in his decisions.

    Run Game

    Mendoza is a tough, savvy runner that plays with guile and finds critical yards when the play breaks down. He is not the most fleet of foot and he will get tracked down quickly at the next level, but he has a sense for when to take off and absorbs contact. His mesh point ball handling is sufficient and his ability to take advantage of straying defenders gives him some upside as a designed runner, but most of his rushing prowess in the NFL will come from scrambles when he needs to find a few yards for his team.

    Last Word

    Overall, Mendoza is a quarterback prospect that will bring all the intangibles and cognitive abilities required to lead an NFL team to the ultimate goal. Along with those bankable skills, Mendoza has good size, good ball placement, and enough athleticism to prevent him from becoming a statue. Though he does not have the arm strength for an offense that relies on vertical throws, he is tailor-made for today’s wide-zone dominant offenses that ask their QBs to diagnose the defense pre-snap, shift into an advantageous call, make every play-fake look exactly the same, and capitalize on what the defense gives you.

    Click here to read the full report and ratings from Ben Hrkach, as well as statistical analysis from our R&D team.

  • 2023 SIS Sun Belt All-Conference Team

    2023 SIS Sun Belt All-Conference Team

    Photo: Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire

    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 Sun Belt.

    Offense

    Position Name School
    QB Jordan McCloud James Madison
    RB Kimani Vidal Troy
    WR Elijah Sarratt James Madison
    WR Caullin Lacy South Alabama
    TE Jjay McAfee Georgia Southern
    FLEX La’Damian Webb South Alabama
    OT Jack Murphy Appalachian State
    OT Travis Glover Georgia State
    OG Bucky Williams Appalachian State
    OG AJ Gillie Louisiana
    OC Chandler Strong Georgia Southern

    When discussing the Sun Belt in 2023, you have to begin with Kimani Vidal. His dominant season culminated in receiving both the Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year and the Sun Belt Football Championship Game Most Valuable Player award. It is no surprise that Vidal led all Sun Belt RB’s with 37 Total Points. Not far behind him is rising senior La’Damian Webb, who racked up 35 Total Points while missing a game due to injury.

    When taking a deeper look at the Total Point amounts in the Sun Belt this year, one player jumps off the page, Elijah Sarratt. Sarratt’s 42 Total Points easily surpassed his position mates, with two players tying for 2nd place at 26 Total Points each.

    Defense

    Position Name School
    DT Jamree Kromah James Madison
    DT Micheal Mason Coastal Carolina
    EDGE Jalen Green James Madison
    EDGE Javon Solomon Troy
    LB Brian Holloway Texas State
    LB Jason Henderson Old Dominion
    CB Reddy Steward Troy
    CB D’Angelo Ponds James Madison
    S Clayton Isbell Coastal Carolina
    S TyGee Leach Georgia State
    FLEX Wayne Matthews III Old Dominion

    While the Sun Belt provided plenty of stout defenses in 2023, none dominated like James Madison. Both Jamree Kromah and Jalen Green paced their position groups with 43 and 47 Total Points, respectively. Green, who suffered a season ending injury after only nine games, also led the nation with 13 solo sacks. Add in a stellar performance from true freshman D’Angelo Ponds and it is easy to see why the Dukes feel like they would have won the Sun Belt Championship, if they were eligible.

    The 2023 Sun Belt Champion Troy Trojans would argue that their defense would have proved the Dukes wrong, and they have the players to back it up. Pressure specialist Javon Solomon was 2nd to Green with 43 Total Points and 12 solo sacks in 2023, while Reddy Stewart led all Sun Belt CBs with 62 Total Points.

    Specialists

    Position Name School
    K Michael Hughes Appalachian State
    P Ryan Hanson James Madison
    Returner Jayden Harrison Marshall

    With strong specialists from multiple schools in the Sun Belt this year, we leaned on team success to land on Michael Hughes and Ryan Hanson as our top choices. Both were tied for the most Total Points at their position, with 16 and 12, respectively. Both were consistent contributors that aided in their team’s accomplishments.

    When looking at returners, Jayden Harrison bounds off the screen when watching him with the ball in his hands. A perpetual threat to take it the distance on every touch, Marshall will look to incorporate the electric receiver more in 2024.

    Honorable Mentions

    Name School
    WR Sam Pinckney Coastal Carolina
    TE Eli Wilson Appalachian State
    OL Khalil Crowder Georgia Southern
    OL Isaiah Helms Appalachian State
    OL Reggie Smith South Alabama
    DT James Carpenter James Madison
    DT Adin Huntington Louisiana-Monroe
    ED Jamie Sheriff South Alabama
    ED Richard Jibunor Troy
    ED Mikail Kamara James Madison
    LB Ben Bell Texas State
    CB Tyrek Funderburk Appalachian State

    Anyone watching the Sun Belt over the past decade has seen the improvement in both top-tier athletes and sustainable depth in talent. It is no surprise to see some excellent college football players find themselves on this list. Sam Pinckney, in particular, is someone that easily could have been the second WR on our list. His 26 Total Points were only eclipsed by Elijah Surratt and Pinckney played as a true WR1 for CCU.

    Defense was the theme of the Sun Belt in 2023 and we see why with this list. James Carpenter was increments away from supplanting his teammate, Jamree Kromah, on this list. Carpenter’s 42 Total Points are only one off and they were a dynamic duo when playing together. Another player that was ousted by a teammate is Richard Jibunor. His 38 Total Points were good for 4th among Sun Belt EDGEs, and he complimented fellow rusher Javon Solomon to bring havoc to passers.

    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 3/26/2023

  • 2023 NFL Draft AnalySIS: Philadelphia Eagles

    2023 NFL Draft AnalySIS: Philadelphia Eagles

    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 Eagles:

     From the first night of the 2022 NFL Draft to the last game of the season, the Philadelphia Eagles were arguably the hottest team in the league. The front office took big swings to show their trust in QB Jalen Hurts, and they were rewarded tenfold. Hurts took a leap in his game that allowed the Eagles to introduce a high-scoring, smashmouth style of football that is predicated on his ability to do everything.

    With Hurts now in position to reset the QB market and both coordinators finding head coaching gigs elsewhere, the Eagles will need to hit on their draft picks and fill the roster with both starters and role players on rookie deals.  

    #10 Overall

    Jalen Carter – DT – 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.

    Though Carter is one of the best prospects in recent memory, off-field questions and a poor showing at his Pro Day may cause him to slide and the Eagles have a track record of valuing IDL, as well as being aggressive when moving up in the draft.

    Peter Skoronski – OL – Northwestern

    Skoronski may not have the standard measurements for an NFL left tackle, but his athleticism, strength, and technique show a high-floor offensive line prospect who should be a quality starter early in his career.

    It is not the sexiest pick, but the Eagles always look for impact OL early in the draft and with Cam Jurgens’ inexperience at guard, along with Landon Dickerson’s penchant for getting dinged up, they may view Skoronski as a 4-position starter at the next level and someone they will need moving forward.

    Jaxon Smith-Njigba – WR – Ohio State

    While Smith-Njigba has only one year of production and recent injury concerns, he is a starting-level receiver who will work best in the slot due to his route savvy, elusiveness, and body control.

    With one of the best WR duos in the league and a QB that runs the RPO game with Bach-esque orchestration, the Eagles would be a dream landing spot for Smith-Njigba, whose innate route savvy and separation skills would be unstoppable as the 3rd option.

    Brian Branch – S – Alabama

    Branch is a starting free safety who should spend most of his time playing in the slot. He has exceptional coverage skills, awareness, and physicality.

    After losing both starters in free agency, Branch is a high-intellect player that brings versatility and should start immediately for new defensive coordinator, Sean Desai, who uses Nick Saban concepts in his playcalling. 

    Bijan Robinson – RB – Texas

    Robinson is a consistent playmaker who has the size, speed, power, and vision to be an every-down back at the NFL level, but he will need some improvement in pass pro to reach his full potential.

    This would be the shock of the draft for anyone familiar with the Eagles and there is a better chance they pass on Robinson at 30 than take him at 10, but he is the best RB prospect since Saquon Barkley. The Eagles came one win (arguably one unlucky turnover) away from a Super Bowl victory, meaning that a high-end talent at a position of need could be the move.

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

  • Inside The Eagles’ Pass Rush Plan

    Inside The Eagles’ Pass Rush Plan

    The NFL passing boom of the past two decades has allowed star quarterbacks to influence their teams in a disproportionate manner. They are the most pivotal player in terms of game play, front office directive, and public image. 

    As the rules have limited what defenders can do to receivers on the outside and all but abolished the fear of going over the middle, there has been one path to disrupting the plan of the offense: Get to the quarterback. Hit him early and hit him often has long been the refrain. Joe Gibbs was thwarted by both Lawrence Taylor and the 46 defense, Tom Brady’s Super Bowl losses all came against fronts that could penetrate up the middle, and even the stupendous Patrick Mahomes has struggled against 4-man rushes that can contain him within the pocket.

    This year’s Eagles team is familiar with taking down an all-time great quarterback. Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham may not be what they were when they defeated Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII, but they both still play a major role. With Chris Long retired and Derek Barnett on IR, Josh Sweat and Javon Hargrave more than pick up the slack. 

    One player that helps take this team from underdog to the betting favorite is second team All-Pro Haason Reddick. While his 16 sacks are tied for the second most in the league, his overall value as a pass rusher stands out: 

    • Total Points is a metric that approximates a player’s overall value contributed on each play in terms of points on the scoreboard. Reddick led the NFL in Pass Rush Total Points, as well as Total Points per pass rush. 
    • Points above Replacement (PAR) calculates a player’s value relative to what would be expected by a backup-level player at his position. Reddick’s 26 Pass Rush PAR is the most in the NFL and almost 7 points higher than Nick Bosa, who is second.

    With Andy Reid’s designs and Mahomes’ ability to capitalize on the slimmest of opportunities, the Eagles must maintain consistent pressure. Thankfully, they have one of the deepest pools of rushers in the league. In 2022 the Eagles were one of only 3 teams (Jaguars & Titans) to have 5 players with at least 26 pressures. 

    Eagles Top Pass Rushers, 2022 Season Ranks

    Total Pressures Sacks Points Saved
    Haason Reddick 14th T-2nd 1st
    Javon Hargrave 37th T-14th 67th
    Brandon Graham T-40th T-14th 21st
    Josh Sweat T-44th T-14th 39th
    Fletcher Cox T-102nd T-42ndt 48th

    While pressuring Mahomes is a must, it cannot be done by blitzing. In 2022, Mahomes’ Independent Quarterback Rating (IQR) rose from 108.5 when facing 4 rushers, to 126.1 when facing 5 or more. When looking back at Kansas City’s loss to Tampa Bay in the Super Bowl, Mahomes had an IQR of 53.9 when facing 4 rushers, as opposed to 95.8 when facing more.

    In that Super Bowl, Tampa Bay was able to give Mahomes more pressure than he had seen in the playoffs that year. The Buccaneers as a team produced a 45% pressure rate, much higher than the 30% and 32% Mahomes faced in the two games prior and they did it with 4 pass rushers having big days. 

    Shaq Barrett, Jason Pierre-Paul, Vita Vea, and current Eagle Ndamukong Suh, all had at least 5 pressures in that game. When looking at the Eagles numbers when only rushing 4 players, they show an improvement from where they rank on all pass rush plays. Any number that is highlighted green indicates a ranking that is equal to or higher than the previous table.

    Eagles Top Pass Rushers when Rushing Four, 2022 Season Ranks

    Total Pressures Sacks Points Saved
    Haason Reddick 6th 2nd 1st
    Javon Hargrave T-30th T-27th 61st
    Brandon Graham T-48th T-12th 20th
    Josh Sweat T-42nd T-12th 26th
    Fletcher Cox T-73rd T-18th 24th

    The Eagles defense has remained true to one phrase all year: “Earn the right to rush the passer.” That will need to ring true for the entire team this Sunday. They must control the game in all phases and force the Chiefs into clear passing situations. With multiple high power rushers and the positional flexibility that many of these rushers have, Philadelphia is in place to replicate the 2020 Buccaneers method of bringing pressure from multiple places without sacrificing anything on the back end. 

    The Eagles have been methodically winning the numbers all year long, and keeping 7 defenders in coverage is a key number for defeating Patrick Mahomes, which, even with a high ankle sprain, is a near-impossible task.

  • Heart & Soul: As Played by the Eagles’ Kenny G

    Heart & Soul: As Played by the Eagles’ Kenny G

    Corey Clement means little to most fans, but he’s a football hero in the city of Philadelphia. That is because, more often than not, a team’s best player is not the one thrust into crucial moments in monumental games. This year’s Eagles team has a roster fleshed out from the stars to the practice squad. One overlooked player, in particular, is champing at the bit for his opportunity to make a play.

    Kenneth Gainwell is not a traditional player in any sense. As a running back listed at 5’9” 200 lbs, Gainwell has always punched up a class. Though his cousin, Fletcher Cox, has the ideal size for an NFL player, Gainwell admired a different Eagle growing up, Darren Sproles. After a stellar redshirt freshman year at Memphis, Gainwell received some draft buzz before deciding to opt-out of the 2020 season and prepare for the NFL draft. Even though this shocked some, Gainwell knew what he was.

    In his second year out of college, Gainwell has blossomed into a key component of the Eagles offense. He has dominated 3rd down snaps for Philadelphia throughout the season and his grasp on the role of 3rd down back has only strengthened. Since Week 14, lead back Miles Sanders has played 0 snaps in the backfield on 3rd down dropbacks.

    Eagles Running Back Usage on 3rd Downs, 2022 Season (Includes Playoffs)

    Full Season After Week 14
    Total Snaps Pass Snaps Total Snaps Pass Snaps 
    Kenny Gainwell 178  128 68 51
    Miles Sanders 55 8  7  0 
    Boston Scott 34 17 14 8

    As a receiving option out of the backfield, Gainwell has been his reliable self. In 2022, among all running backs with at least 20 targets, he gained 5.8 yards per target, placing him 22nd. He also showed an ability to make something out of nothing, producing a Broken+Missed Tackle rate of 34.8%, good for T-10th.

    Along with earning the trust of the coaching staff and MVP candidate quarterback, Jalen Hurts, Gainwell has produced value running the ball. 

    When comparing him to all running backs with at least 50 carries in 2022, Gainwell’s numbers shine. He produced 12 Expected Points Added per 100 rushes, good for 2nd in the NFL. 

    Even better than that, his consistency has been unparalleled, with a positive play rate of 59%. That number was 11 percentage points higher than the running back that finished with the second highest rate, a gap equivalent to the gap from the 2nd highest to the 56th. 

    Gainwell doesn’t just get what’s in front of him either; he is aware of the line to gain and converted his runs into first downs 32% of the time, good for 2nd in the league among qualifiers.

    In a matchup where scoring first and ground control are crucial factors, Gainwell will help assure the Eagles offense stays in phase on early downs while fulfilling the duties of a 3rd-down back. His performance of late may not only help bring a Lombardi trophy back to Broad Street, but may also afford his fiscally-mindful organization options in the offseason. 

    Miles Sanders is a pending free agent playing on the last year of his rookie deal. Coming off a two touchdown championship game and playing behind the vaunted Eagles offensive line, Sanders has a realistic chance to win a Super Bowl MVP, which might create a market too rich for the Eagles taste. With Gainwell proven to be their 3rd down back, Philadelphia could look to the draft for its perennially deep supply of capable early down backs.

  • 2022 SIS Big Ten All-Conference Team

    2022 SIS Big Ten 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 2022, plus a few 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 Big Ten Conference.

    Offense

    Position Name School
    QB C.J. Stroud Ohio State
    RB Mohamed Ibrahim Minnesota
    WR Emeka Egbuka Ohio State
    WR Marvin Harrison Jr. Ohio State
    TE Payne Durham Purdue
    FLEX Blake Corum Michigan
    OT Paris Johnson Jr. Ohio State
    OT Aireontae Ersery Minnesota
    OG Zak Zinter Michigan
    OG Chuck Filiaga Minnesota
    OC Olusegun Oluwatimi Michigan

    Leading the discussion on phenomenal play in 2022 is quarterback C.J. Stroud, who nearly led the nation with 41 passing touchdowns. Stroud also produced tremendous value, ending the year in the top-5 amongst all QB’s in the nation in Total Points (TP), Points Above Average (PAA), and Expected Points Added (EPA).

    While the quarterbacks always get the glory, 2022 was the year of the star running back in the Big Ten. Minnesota’s Mohamed Ibrahim proved that a torn Achilles in 2021 would not hinder his durability and consistency. He toted the rock 320 times and ended the year tied for the most rushing touchdowns in the nation (20) and 3rd in yards (1665).

    Michigan’s Blake Corum was not to be outdone. Though he lost some carries to the dynamic Donovan Edwards, Corum still logged 247 carries, good for 13th in the nation, and found the end zone 18 times on the ground.

    After transferring to Michigan for his final year of college football, Olusegun Oluwatimi became a leader and finished the year 1st in Total Points among linemen in the conference and 2nd in PAA among all linemen in the country.

    Defense

    Position Name School
    DT Jer’Zhan Newton Illinois
    DT Mazi Smith Michigan
    EDGE Zach Harrison Ohio State
    EDGE J.T. Tuimoloau Ohio State
    LB Seth Benson Iowa
    LB Tommy Eichenberg Ohio State
    CB Devon Witherspoon Illinois
    CB Riley Moss Iowa
    S Cooper DeJean Iowa
    S Kaevon Merriweather Iowa
    FLEX Sydney Brown Illinois

    After two years of defensive play that could rival the historic run from Georgia, Iowa players filled our All Big Ten team. Riley Moss, Cooper DeJean, and Kaevon Merriweather were all top-10 amongst defensive backs in the Big Ten in Points Saved (PS), PAA, and EPA.

    The 2022 Illinois defense deserves to be lauded and they were led by All-World cornerback, Devon Witherspoon. Witherspoon led all Big Ten DB’s in PS, PAA, and EPA, as well as finishing top-3 amongst all DB’s in the nation in those three categories and looks to be the first DB off the board in this year’s draft.

    Specialists

    Position Name School
    K Jake Moody Michigan
    P Adam Korsak Rutgers
    Returner Jaylin Lucas Indiana

    Jake Moody is the standout here, leading the nation with 29 Field Goals made, while making 83% of his kicks, along with 100% of his PAT’s. He was also viable from distance, making 3 FG from 50 or more yards, one off the nation’s best.

    Honorable Mentions

    Name School
    Chase Brown Illinois
    Charlie Jones Purdue
    John Michael Schmitz Minnesota
    Garrett Nelson Nebraska
    Chop Robinson Penn State
    Jack Campbell Iowa
    Quinton Newsome Nebraska
    Kalen King Penn State
    Deonte Banks Maryland
    Ji’Ayir Brown Penn State
    Jordan Howden Minnesota
    Bryce Baringer Michigan State
    Tory Taylor Iowa

    With the phenomenal running back play in the Big Ten this year, Chase Brown became the odd man out for this endeavor. His 328 carries was second in the nation and his 1,643 yards was good for fourth. 

    Perhaps no player in the country changed their national perspective more than Purdue’s Charlie Jones, Chucky Sizzle if you’re nasty. After accumulating only 21 catches in two years at Iowa, Jones teamed up with childhood friend and Purdue QB, Aidan O’Connel. Jones proceeded to lead the nation in receptions, as well as finish 2nd in yards and 5th in touchdowns.

    While Iowa has played lights out defense the past two years, Penn State looks to be primed to produce in a similar fashion in 2023. With studs at every level all playing in their second or third year, Manny Diaz has every tool desirable to make a run at the Broyles award in 2023 and earn another shot at a head coaching gig.

    After transferring in from Maryland, Chop Robinson hit the ground running and produced the second most pressures in the conference. In the secondary, Kalen King finished top-5 in the Big Ten in PS, PAA, and EPA on pass plays.

     

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

  • Preseason All-American Team: Wide Receivers

    Preseason All-American Team: Wide Receivers

    As we approach the start of the college football season, we will be releasing our 2022 Preseason All-American team this month and next. Today we’re adding two wide receivers and some honorable mentions.

    Check out our other selections in these links.

    Offense: QB RB

    Defense: Edge CB

    Entire series

    The wide receivers selected are…

    WR Jordan Addison – USC

    WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Ohio State

    As the recipient of the 2021 Biletnikoff award winner, given to the most outstanding FBS receiver, Jordan Addison has little to prove entering his third year in college football. After a phenomenal season in which Pitt won the ACC Championship and QB Kenny Pickett jumped draft boards all the way to the first round, Addison will take his talents to Venice Beach and team with offensive mastermind Lincoln Riley and highly-touted QB Caleb Williams,  Addison has the ideal package to translate to the next level after the season.

    With requisite size, Addison plays even bigger than he is. He creates separation with ease and makes acrobatic catches that could place him in Cirque du Soleil, if not for NFL teams lining up to draft him early in the first round.

    Jaxon Smith-Njigba thrived in 2021 on an Ohio State offense that featured two receivers taken No. 10 and No. 11 overall in this past draft, as well as a 3rd-round tight end. Though some question Smith-Njigba’s ability to work outside of the slot, his value is undeniable. He led the nation in Yards per Target (14.2) and Yards per Route Run (4.4). He also led the nation in SIS metrics for receivers such as: Total Points (47.8), Points Above Average (38.9), Expected Points Added (97.4), and Positive Play Percentage (73.5%).

    With the potential No. 1 pick in the draft, QB C.J. Stroud, and a bevy of highly recruited and talented receivers, Smith-Njigba is in a position to repeat his breakout season and show that he can do it all.

    Honorable Mentions

    WR Josh Downs – UNC

    WR Cedric Tillman – Tennessee

    WR Xavier Worthy – Texas

    WR Jalen Cropper – Fresno State

    There are many receivers that could find themselves on the first team. Though Josh Downs and Cedric Tillman find themselves deservedly high on draft boards, second year receiver Xavier Worthy, of the Texas Longhorns, proved as a true freshman that he was able to shine immediately at the collegiate level. The dynamic playmaker could follow a Ja’Marr Chase-like path and solidify himself as the top receiver in the nation in just his second season. 

    When taking a look at players from outside of the Power 5 conferences, it is impossible to overlook Jalen Cropper of Fresno State. Cropper was one of the hottest names in the transfer portal until deciding to stay at Fresno State. Cropper and QB Jake Haener will maintain one of the most dynamic duos in college football. Cropper is a wiry, electric athlete that plays bigger than his size and challenges the defense on every snap.

  • Preseason All-American Team: Cornerbacks

    Preseason All-American Team: Cornerbacks

    As we approach the start of the college football season, we will be releasing our 2022 Preseason All-American team throughout this month and next. Among our selections were three cornerbacks, along with six honorable mentions. 

    Check out our previous articles in these links:

    Offense: QB RB

    Defense: Edge

    Entire series

    The cornerbacks selected are…

    CB Kelee Ringo – Georgia

    CB Cam Smith – South Carolina

    DB Malachi Moore – Alabama

    After sitting out his first year in Athens due to an offseason surgery, Kelee Ringo quickly proved that he is one of the top cornerbacks in the nation and that NFL teams should be drooling over the possibility of having him at the next level.

    Listed at 6’2” and 205 lbs., Ringo looks more like a Will linebacker than a college cornerback. Ringo uses his physicality like a seasoned veteran and blends it with fluidity and speed that you don’t see from players that size. Though he made his name known to all with a stellar National Championship game, Ringo was that dude all year. He allowed only a 37% completion rate when targeted, along with a 47.5 QB Rating.

    With Georgia losing nearly its entire defense to the NFL, Ringo will need to become a leader and be the face of a defense that wants to prove that its predecessors were no fluke.

    Cam Smith is a physical cornerback with good size and mirror abilities. He projects as a high-level press-man cornerback at the next level. Smith shows speed to run with receivers, early eyes lead him to the ball, and he can take the ball away from an intended receiver. He is on a rising South Carolina defense that could lead the Gamecocks to a surprisingly successful season.

    Along with the impressive physical traits, Smith shows the technique to contain his opponent, which came through in his numbers. Smith had 3 interceptions, allowed just 5.5 Yards Per Attempt, and had a QB Rating of just 35.4 when targeted. 

    Whether listed as a cornerback or a safety, Malachi Moore is a difference maker. Rated as one of the top safeties in his recruiting class, Moore has become the ideal modern positionless player. Moore lines up primarily in the slot, but has snaps at outside cornerback, deep safety, in the box, and as an edge.

    When in coverage, Moore performed well, allowing a 77.3 QB Rating when targeted and only 5.6 Yards Per Attempt when targeted. Against the run, Moore took the role of a third LB and had an average tackle depth of 2.1 yards. Moore was also able to rush the passer efficiently, generating a pressure on 11.2% of his pass rushes. That number outpaced the 10.1% rate posted by First-Team All-Universe Edge, Will Anderson Jr.

    Honorable Mentions

    CB Eli Ricks – Alabama

    CB Riley Moss – Iowa

    CB Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson – TCU

    CB Tykee Smith – Georgia

    CB Joey Porter Jr. – Penn State

    Darrell Luter Jr. – South Alabama

    With a plethora of talented cornerbacks across the country, there are multiple flavors to fit everyone’s taste. There’s those like Joey Porter Jr. of Penn State, with prototypical size to translate directly to the next level. There’s also those like Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson of TCU, whose skill set would put them on the top of everyone’s draft board if they had the typical size NFL teams look for.

    When looking at production though, it is impossible to highlight anyone other than Darrell Luter Jr. of South Alabama. Luter put up staggering numbers when targeted in coverage: a 22% completion percentage, 2.9 yards per attempt, and a 0.0 QB Rating when targeted. Luter also performed well based on SIS metrics, leading the nation in Total Points Per Play and Points Above Average per play among cornerbacks.

  • 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: 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.