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  • Minnesota’s O-Line Dominates Metrics But Not Draft Boards

    Minnesota’s O-Line Dominates Metrics But Not Draft Boards

    The Minnesota Golden Gophers have been the embodiment of Big Ten football the last couple of seasons. They led the FBS in 2021 in the number of plays with 6 offensive linemen and 7 offensive linemen on a play, usually accompanied by a tight end or two as well. Their offensive line was the most experienced in college football with 204 combined starts between the 5 starters. Not only were they experienced, they were massive as well; bigger than the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive line. Unsurprisingly, the team was very effective at running the ball and the metrics illustrate that.

    When it comes to overall  Points Earned, all 5 Minnesota starters rank in the top 18 in the Big Ten for blocking with 4 players in the Top 8. While they did earn some points for pass blocking, the run blocking aspect is where they dominate. Minnesota has 5 of the top 6 Big Ten linemen when it comes to points earned for run blocking. With 4 of its 5 linemen in this year’s draft, why are those players not being talked about more?

    While metrics can tell a very interesting story, it can be easy to overlook the elements that factor into it. Minnesota is an extremely run-heavy team who also relies heavily on RPOs and has a stable of high-quality running backs. The entire offensive line was healthy for the whole year and they often had help blocking with massive tight ends or extra linemen. This isn’t to say the offensive line isn’t good, but rather that they are just perfectly situated to dominate in Minnesota’s offensive scheme.

    Cohesiveness between an offensive line is paramount to their success and Minnesota was able to keep a fairly consistent offensive line together over the last couple of years. Players understand each other’s assignments and how to communicate stunts and blitzes effectively. When the linemen are looked at individually compared to as a whole, there are some strengths and weaknesses that begin to emerge.

    Daniel Faalele is the best pro prospect on the Minnesota offensive line. He is an absolute mountain of a man with athleticism not seen in men his size very often. While he has been only playing football a few years, he shows immense potential. 

    One of the things Minnesota coaches is the 45-degree set. The offensive line treats the line of scrimmage like a 45-degree angle which allows the tackles to keep up with speed rushers on the outside, but leaves them vulnerable to inside moves. The vertical set is much more common in the NFL and this is a new technique for Faalele. Faalele showed a lot of upside while at Minnesota, but Minnesota’s offensive scheme is not what the NFL uses and he will need to adjust to this.

    Blaise Andries and Conner Olson both had a ton of starts in college and were very effective in their roles. They are being viewed as Day 3 picks at best with a good chance of going undrafted. 

    Similar to Faalele, Minnesota’s offensive scheme highlighted their strengths while masking any deficiencies. 

    Olson set the Big Ten record for most collegiate starts and was as durable as they come, but he’s close to his ceiling already and lacks fluidity in open spaces that teams want to see out of their interior linemen. 

    Andries was a valuable piece that could be moved just about anywhere and be counted on, but he doesn’t drive defenders off the ball and struggles with leverage on the interior. Sam Schlueter was another linemen who helped pave the way for Minnesota, but he received a low grade and likely saw his best football at the collegiate level. 

    These players had great college careers, but playing in a scheme that fit their strengths, and having the entire offensive line in sync was a big reason for their success.

    The Golden Gophers have not had an offensive linemen drafted to the NFL since 2006. That’s likely to end this year. Minnesota’s offensive line is filled with NFL-level players, but there will be plenty of players drafted higher or have bigger NFL roles that don’t show up as metric darlings. 

    Metrics are a great tool to dissect a game, a team, a player, but it is important to remember that these players are still humans with strengths and weaknesses. Evaluating a player requires individual film analysis along with metrics. While the Minnesota offensive line will be broken up and find various roles at the next level, it is fun to sit back and take in just how dominant they were together during the 2021 season.

  • NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS: Houston Texans

    NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
    Houston Texans

    The State of the Texans:

    There is not much positive to say going on in Houston, besides being free of the never-ending news cycle of Deshaun Watson rumors. Acquiring multiple years of extra draft picks, the Texans put themselves in a great spot to improve. 

    New head coach Lovie Smith looks to take a team in the bottom 5 of virtually all efficiency metrics, and turn it around. 

    Every position is a need for this team as they are certainly in “best player available” mode. Tytus Howard and Laremy Tunsil will be a capable blindside to incumbent QB Davis Mills, as well as Brandin Cooks as a No. 1 option, but both sides of the ball are desperate for talent.

    #3 Overall

    Kayvon Thibodeaux – Edge – Oregon

    Thibodeaux is a game-changing pass rusher and strong run defender who plays with heavy hands and good leverage, though he needs to improve his flexibility and run a hotter motor to become a more complete player.

    If a No. 1 overall talent is going to make it to pick number 3, Houston should spend no more than 30 seconds on the clock. The ceiling is too high.

    Evan Neal – OT – Alabama

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

    Even with Laremy Tunsil at left tackle, Neal’s versatility and athletic abilities are too high to pass on. Get him on the team and figure out alignment later.

    #13 Overall

    Jordan Davis – DT – Georgia

    Davis is a powerful and physically imposing nose tackle with the ability to become a true game wrecker up the middle of the field as long as he improves his effort level and stamina.

    The heart of a dominant defense, Davis’ play style and build requires a ton of opposing line attention. He would make all other rusher’s lives easier while dominating on run defense.

    Jermaine Johnson II – Edge – Florida State

    With his pass rush ability, strength, and power, Johnson should make an instant impact at the next level, though he needs to become more consistent across all areas of the game to hit his full potential.

    A “best player available” selection for a team with virtually no pass rush. Johnson can step in Day 1 and play at an NFL level. 

    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.

    Wide receiver might not be a top priority, but a full audition for Davis Mills as a franchise QB requires more than just Brandin Cooks as a pass-catcher.

    #37 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.

    Give him all the time he needs to recover from the Achilles tear, and get a first round player at a massive discount.

    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.

    Walker’s diverse skill set and high athletic potential make him an easy “BPA” style pick.

    Sam Howell – QB – North Carolina

    Howell has the arm strength, mobility, and improvisational skills to be productive at the next level, but his lack of eye discipline, pocket awareness, and footwork might make it tough for him to be more than a circumstantial starter.

    Davis Mills may or may not be the answer to the Texans puzzle. But it isn’t often a QB with so much starting experience and production history is available in the 2nd round. 

    #68 Overall

    Troy Andersen – LB – Montana State

    Andersen’s versatility and FCS production may only be matched by his intangibles, but he’ll need to improve his play strength and continue growing his defensive comfortability to become more than a quality, position-fluid backup and special teamer.

    A dominant FCS linebacker who has repeatedly dominated in different draft events. Yes, please.

    Phidarian Mathis – DT – Alabama

    Mathis’ excellent length and consistent snap-to-whistle effort will get him playing time at the next level, but he’ll need to better utilize that length and improve the power in his lower half to become the three-down starter his tools suggest he could be.

    Mathis’ high work rate and competitiveness have led to excellent Total Points Ratings in both the run and pass game.

    #80 Overall

    Isaiah Spiller – RB – Texas A&M

    Spiller is a playmaker who has the vision, speed, and COD ability to become an all-down player at the next level, though he’ll need to shore up the ball-security mistakes and improve in pass pro to hit his full potential.

    Rather than a revolving door of veterans, the Texans can take a local hero and make him a centerpiece of an offense void of young talent.

    Ed Ingram – OG – LSU

    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.

    The Texans’ usage of a gap-scheme running front gives them a valuable startable guard in Ingram, one that other teams can’t fit as well.

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

  • NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS: Denver Broncos

    NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
    Denver Broncos

    The State of the Broncos:

    The Broncos have put together some solid, young pieces over the past few years, such as Javonte Williams, Jerry Jeudy, and Patrick Surtain II. With a solid roster, they’ve seemed to be just a quarterback away. After an injury-decimated season in 2020, they went and got Teddy Bridgewater to compete with Drew Lock. Unfortunately, they had another injury-decimated season in 2021. 

    However, with an offseason trade for Russell Wilson, things are looking back up in Denver. Now that they have their quarterback, one more strong draft class could help push them over the edge in the AFC West. Even without a 1st-round pick, they still have plenty of picks in this draft. Let’s take a look at some options the Broncos should look into on Day 2.

    #64 Overall

    Tre 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.

    The trade of Noah Fant brings uncertainty to the tight end room in terms of receiving. McBride is a hometown kid who would fill that need and please the fanbase.

    Chad Muma – LB – Wyoming

    Muma is an explosive player with ideal size and a motor that does not quit in order to make splash plays and contribute as a core special teamer, but he needs to refine his skills to make a consistent impact in all areas.

    Muma is a versatile linebacker who will bring speed and range to the 2nd level of the Broncos defense, as he can learn behind Josey Jewell and then step in once his contract is up.

    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.

    Denver’s pass rush seemed to weaken after the Von Miller trade happened. Bonitto is an athletic pass rusher who has a lot of upside and can be paired opposite of Bradley Chubb.

    #75 Overall

    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.

    Right tackle is still a question mark and Garrett Bolles isn’t getting any younger. So, Lucas would be a good swing tackle to bring versatility and depth to the tackle position with the hope he can take over when the time comes.

    Sean Rhyan – OT – 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.

    Rhyan is another swing tackle option who can even bump down to guard. With the question marks at right tackle, he could come in and be a solid backup and even fight for the job as a rookie.

    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 still needs to improve his blocking, but he already has plus catching and RAC skills. A player who could develop into a complete tight end would be welcomed after the Fant trade.

    #96 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.

    Taylor fits the Cover-2 zone scheme the Broncos are likely to run. Not only does he have the speed and ball skills to make plays against the pass, but he’s also a willing run supporter.

    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.

    Before Ross’s injury in 2020, he looked like a potential No. 1 receiver. While he still has starting-level traits, he’d be a perfect fit in the slot right away and help give Russell Wilson more firepower at the position.

    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.

    Joseph is the speedy, rangy safety that teams look for who will fit perfectly into the team’s 2-high scheme, and he can even roam as the single-high or drop down into the slot given the play call.

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

  • Evaluating Our Evaluations: How our Scouting Grades Have Fared So Far

    Evaluating Our Evaluations: How our Scouting Grades Have Fared So Far

    At SIS, we use a role-based grading scale for draft prospects. That means that we’re not as concerned about what round you should select a player; instead, we focus on the mix between the overall quality of the player and the kind of role he could take for an NFL franchise.

    Our grades are meant to be taken as a projection for the player by their second NFL season. There is a bit more detail than this, but as a rough guide, you can think of our grading scale this way:

    Grade Range Rough Description % of grades from 2019-21
    7.0-9.0 Blue Chip / All Pro 2%
    6.7-6.9 Strong Starter 17%
    6.5-6.6 Situational Starter 17%
    6.2-6.4 Role Player 36%
    6.1 or below Backup 28%


    These grade ranges, if calibrated appropriately, should bear themselves out in terms of both playing time and performance on the field. This might seem like an obvious thing to say, but it’s important when you’re in the business of analysis to check your assumptions and make sure they’re valid!

    The intent is, naturally, to project players accurately. But there are always players who find themselves in particularly good or bad situations in terms of playing time, so sticking too close to the starter/backup distinction is a bit rigid.

    Let’s take a few different angles and see how these grading ranges relate to NFL outcomes.

    For all of the below, I’ll be using results from the last three draft classes. I’ll also be lumping in the players with grades of 7.0 or higher with the group below, because that group is too small to analyze on its own (and small enough that it won’t bias the result).

    In the case of the 2021 class, they haven’t had a chance to play their second season, which means they haven’t had as much opportunity to make an impact. As a result, it’s fair to assume that we’re slightly underestimating the value of our grades by including these players. The 2021 quarterback class is a particularly apt example, given the mix of subpar opportunity and performance from all but Mac Jones.

    Relating Pre-Draft Grade to NFL Playing Time
    Here we’re taking the grade ranges from above and looking at how often players in each group get on the field. This is on a per-season basis to put the 2021 draftees on an even playing field, and uses position-specific quartiles that account for differences in typical snap counts by position.


    Per-Season Snap Count Percentiles, 2019-21 Draftees’ First Two Seasons

    Grade Range > 25% > 50% > 75%
    Strong Starter (6.7+) 82% 73% 50%
    Situational Starter (6.5-6.6) 68% 41% 22%
    Role Player (6.2-6.4) 47% 28% 9%
    Backup (6.1 or lower) 37% 19% 6%


    You can see that there are nice monotonic relationships. The top graded players are multiple times more likely to achieve snap counts in the 75th percentile than anyone with less rosy grades. Those graded as situational starters are more likely to be below the median than above it. And players with role player or backup grades are more likely to be in the bottom quartile than the upper three quartiles.

    It’s very likely that part of the reason that the players with “strong starter” grades are so much more likely to get substantial playing time is that teams are more likely to give top draft picks more opportunities. After all, two-thirds of those players have been drafted in the first two rounds—and nearly all of the players with a 6.9 grade or higher.

    Relating Pre-Draft Grade to NFL Performance
    To the previous point, it’s insufficient to judge a pick on playing time. So let’s take a similar angle, but instead use the player’s Wins Above Replacement (WAR) per play.

    Analogous to the above, we’ll look at the odds of a player not making it onto the field, playing but being a sub-replacement contributor (i.e. recording a below-zero WAR), and being a solid contributor (i.e. recording an above-average WAR).

    Breakdown of performance of NFL draft prospects over the last three classes. In general, players with starting grades from SIS bomb out much less and have above-average results much more.

    Once again, we come to the encouraging conclusion that higher grades yield better NFL outcomes. But the picture is muddier this time around.

    In contrast to the rather dramatic and consistent trend for playing time, the relationship between pre-draft grade and performance is less stark. In particular, we find that there is a larger gap in per-play performance between the starter and backup grades than between the different backup-level grades. Higher grades correspond most strongly with getting onto the field and with being above average, but there are plenty of examples of sub-par performance regardless of the scouting grade.

    Takeaways and Next Steps

    We’re still in the early days of our scouting operation, but so far we are doing a good job in projecting a player’s likelihood of making an NFL impact. Keep an eye on a player’s grade within that range of 6.2 to 6.9, because the outcomes for that middle-to-upper-middle class of players can vary quite a bit. We can see an effect not only in playing time but also in performance.

    As discussed on the Off the Charts Podcast, we are really excited to look at this with more seasons of data and more targeted analysis of the value of specific positional factors. Players often land in spots that don’t allow them to achieve their projection (think Jordan Love in Green Bay as an extreme example), so we want to be able to make additional adjustments beyond taking the sample of draftees as a whole.

  • SIS NFL Draft Picks AnalySIS: Detroit Lions

    SIS NFL Draft Picks AnalySIS:
    Detroit Lions

    The State of the Lions:

    The Lions seem to have finally found the right combination of GM and Head Coach. While their record didn’t show it, the team competed and was in most games during 2021. Brad Holmes’ first draft class was a success, highlighted by Penei Sewell falling to No. 7.

    The roster is still in rough shape and has plenty of holes, but another good draft class in 2022 could really set this team up well for a run with strong, young talent as early as 2023. Some of the biggest needs are getting pass rush and secondary help on the defensive side and receiver help on offense. With four picks in the first 66 selections, they have a chance to pick up some solid talent. 

    #2 Overall

    Aidan Hutchinson – Edge – Michigan

    Hutchinson is the ideal modern NFL edge with a special blend of pass rush skills, athleticism, strength, hand use, and competitiveness that will make him a cornerstone player for an NFL franchise.

    There is still a ton of uncertainty with the No. 1 pick. If Hutchinson isn’t the pick, the Lions would be wise to go for the “hometown” player and grab Hutchinson, who should have no issue producing double-digit sack totals early in his career.

    Kayvon Thibodeaux – Edge – Oregon

    Thibodeaux is a game-changing pass rusher and strong run defender who plays with heavy hands and good leverage, though he needs to improve his flexibility and run a hotter motor to become a more complete player.

    If Hutchinson is gone, Thibodeaux is a great, next-best option. He’s arguably one of the most talented players in this draft class and has game-changing ability in both the pass and run games.

    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.

    Not many players are 6’4”, 220 lbs. and can run, range, and locate the ball like he can. Hamilton would bring true athleticism to a secondary that desperately needs it.

    #32 Overall

    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.

    While QB isn’t out of the question at No. 2, it feels like it would make more sense at No. 32. If Corral is still around, he’s a great developmental option who has a quick release and some dual-threat ability.

    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.

    The receiving corps needs one more big-play option, and Pickens could be that guy. His blend of size, speed, and athleticism is rare.

    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 was poised to go much higher than here before the unfortunate Pro Day injury. Taking him here gives the team a 5th-Year Option on a player who likely will be “redshirting” his rookie year anyway.

    #34 Overall

    Christian Watson – WR – North Dakota State

    Watson is a quality receiver with the ability to take the top off the defense on any given snap, but needs to get stronger, improve his route running, and separate better in order to hit his potential.

    Another receiver with a solid blend of size, speed, and athleticism, if he transfers his skill set to the NFL game he could be a solid piece moving forward.

    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.

    Linebacker seems to have been a need for Detroit for years. Walker, one of the three Georgia linebackers, is versatile and can excel in both the run and pass game.

    Lewis Cine – S – Georgia

    Cine has very good tracking and ball skills with the speed and smarts to play on the back end, but his inconsistencies in run support and as a tackler may hold him back from reaching his full potential.

    Cine is a versatile playmaker who flies all over the field and isn’t afraid to lay a big hit, something the new coaching staff craves.

    #66 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.

    The Lions need pass rush help. Bonitto is an athletic pass rusher who, once he gets a little bigger and stronger, will be a great option to stand up on the edge in Detroit.

    Leo Chenal – LB – Wisconsin

    Chenal is a fantastic athlete, a jackhammer in the run game, and an impactful blitzer against the pass, but he needs more coverage experience and quicker instincts to reach a true three-down, three-level ceiling.

    Chenal is your classic thumping Mike linebacker. He needs to improve in coverage, but he’s going to play hard, play fast, and attack the line of scrimmage. Will fit perfectly into this locker room.

    Cole Strange – OG – 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.

    While the Lions offensive line is in one of the better places it’s been in for a while, it never hurts to have depth. Strange is no stranger to playing multiple positions, and will fit in as a perfect interior backup.

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

  • NFL Draft Picks AnalySIS:Minnesota Vikings

    NFL Draft Picks AnalySIS:
    Minnesota Vikings

    The State of the Vikings:

    The Minnesota Vikings have a new head coach, Kevin O’Connell, and a new general manager, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, looking to establish their new regime with a strong draft. The Vikings switched to a 3-4 defense, and while their edge pairing is strong, they need some reinforcements along the defensive line and at cornerback. Their offense is essentially set at the skill positions, but their offensive line could still use some work, particularly at guard.

    #12 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.

    The Vikings have a glaring need at cornerback and have a former All-Pro in Patrick Peterson to help mold Stingley into the high-upside player he can become.

    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.

    Hamilton has been falling in recent projections, but he adds a ton of value on the back end of a defense and if the Vikings aren’t sold on Camryn Bynum as Harrison Smith’s running mate, the fellow Fighting Irishman offers a ton of value.

    #46 Overall

    DeMarvin Leal – DT – Texas A&M

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

    With the Vikings moving to a 3-4, they need quality 5-techs who can handle the linemen and allow Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith to rush the passer. Leal could be a great fit with quality run defenders all around him to help take some of the run burden off his shoulders.

    Skyy Moore – WR – Western Michigan

    Moore is a lightning-quick receiver with room to grow and the innate skills that allow him to be a dynamic playmaker for a creative offense at the next level, especially if his refinement and development go as planned.

    Kevin O’Connell usually had three high-end receivers to work with while in Los Angeles and adding Moore to the Vikings offense would take them to another level. While K.J. Osborn did well in the role last year, Moore gives Cousins another explosive playmaker to utilize.

    #77 Overall

    Cole Strange – OG – 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.

    The Vikings had a revolving door of revolving doors at right guard last year, and Cole Strange could be a great fit. A small-school player who has the athleticism to work in a zone scheme and some much-needed nastiness.

    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.

    One of the underrated players on the Vikings’ 2021 team was Tyler Conklin, and with him moving on to the Jets, the Vikings could look for his replacement here. Pairing him with Irv Smith would give the Vikings flexibility and keep their offensive dynamic.

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

  • NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS: Pittsburgh Steelers

    NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
    Pittsburgh Steelers

    The State of the Steelers:

    The Steelers are at an interesting point for their franchise. They were able to take advantage of the expanded playoff last season by sneaking into the 7 seed in the AFC, before promptly getting sent back to Pittsburgh by the Kansas City Chiefs in the Wildcard round. 

    The retirement of long-time starter Ben Roethlisberger means the Steelers suddenly look more like a team that is entering a rebuild rather than the competitive team we have seen for the past number of years. The Steelers have three picks in the Top 100 and will be looking to inject their roster with some much needed talent and productivity. 

    #20 Overall

    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.

    While the Steelers signed Mitchell Trubisky to a short-term deal and may be a candidate to trade up for a different quarterback, Corral offers a good scheme fit for Matt Canada’s offense that featured the second-highest usage of RPOs in the NFL last season. 

    Trevor Penning – OT – Northern Illinois 

    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 is a massive and mean mauler on the left side who would provide an upgrade over last year’s rookie starter Dan Moore and pair with right tackle Chukwuma Okorafor to help reestablish a strong offensive line. 

    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.

    The Steelers face a lack of depth behind their top two starters, Dotson would bring explosiveness and inside/outside versatility to a wide receiver room that is in need of a reload.

    #52 Overall

    Travis Jones – NT – UConn

    Jones is a physical and technical defensive tackle who has the strength and hand use that transition to the NFL, though he needs to get more agile and improve as a pass rusher in order to see time on all three downs.

    Jones is a powerful nose tackle who could step in and help establish a defensive identity as the new anchor in the Steelers’ 3-4 defense that ranked dead last in the NFL in total rushing yards and yards per carry allowed. 

    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.

    Although the team recently added in free agency, a versatile player like McCreary would immediately beef up their cornerback depth while also possibly providing an upgrade over their current starters. 

    DeMarvin Leal – DT – Texas A&M

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

    Leal may be relegated to only passing down work at first but would be a great long-term piece to develop behind the current veteran starters. 

    #84 Overall

    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.

    Ross is a good player and was very productive at the beginning of his career but finds himself sliding in draft boards due to recent injury history and subpar QB play.

    Bryan Cook – S – Cincinnati 

    Cook is a strong, physical safety who has the tackling ability and zone awareness to be the first safety off the bench, but he needs to improve in man coverage and with his pursuit angles to get the bump to a starting role.

    Cook would provide some much needed talent to the Steelers’ strong safety spot. He fits well as a player that can be moved around the field on defense next to star free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. 

    DeAngelo Malone – Edge – Western Kentucky 

    Malone is a freaky athlete with the quickness and pursuit ability to be an effective pass rusher at the next level, though he’ll need to get stronger, become a more consistent tackler, and refine his skills in order to maximize his overall skill set.

    The Steelers have little edge depth behind Alex Highsmith and reigning DPOY T.J. Watt. Malone brings depth in the form of a growable and twitchy pass rusher.

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

  • SIS NFL Draft AnalySIS:Baltimore Ravens

    SIS NFL Draft AnalySIS:
    Baltimore Ravens

    The State of the Ravens:

    The Ravens were the #1 seed in the AFC until an injury to Lamar Jackson derailed the season, on top of the horrendous injury luck that occurred in the preseason. The team comes into the 2022 draft with their area of needs being pass defense and offensive line. 

    Finishing in the bottom 10 in EPA per play while in both man and zone coverage, as well as being 28th in Nickel personnel, the Ravens need to stop the pass via the rush and in coverage. Picking higher than expected (14th), the Ravens will have a lot of options.

    #14 Overall

    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.

    Excellent in coverage and can run sideline-to-sideline to make tackles. A perfect fit for the Ravens.

    Jermaine Johnson II – Edge – Florida State

    With his pass rush ability, strength, and power, Johnson should make an instant impact at the next level, though he needs to become more consistent across all areas of the game to hit his full potential.

    Joining a rush of Odafe Oweh and Tyus Bowser, Johnson brings depth and immediate impact.

    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.

    The Ravens still have Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey, but injuries proved a lack of depth. McDuffie’s traits make him a future starter and immediate 3rd corner.

    #45 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.

    A do-it-all, experienced, immediate starter that can be on the field for all 3 downs.

    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.

    Versatility to play in the slot and in press makes him a perfect 3rd corner as he develops to eventually be a starter.

    Nicholas Petit-Frere – OT – Ohio State

    Petit-Frere’s lateral mobility, innate athleticism, hand use, and pedigree are strong traits to bank on at the next level, but he’ll need to improve in pass protection and overall consistency to see time as a starter.

    A bit of a bet-on-the-tools pick, Petit-Frere can play both tackle positions well.

    #76 Overall

    Cole Strange – OG – 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’s experience being a 6-year player is something no other guards possess in this class.

    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’s pass rush comes at a discount due to his lacking run game, which the Ravens can capitalize on to fill their need to stop the pass.

    Channing Tindall – LB – Georgia

    While Tindall never started a game at Georgia, he has the athleticism, man coverage skills, and tackling prowess to be a starter in the NFL and he just needs to improve his power and intelligence to hit his ceiling.

    Well-rounded linebacker with coverage skills, another perfect fit!

    #100 Overall

    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.

    A highly effective rotational rusher upon his arrival to the league, an area Baltimore needs.

    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.

    For similar reasons as I’ve mentioned before, an immediate depth corner that can eventually be a dependable starter.

    Thayer Munford – OG – Ohio State

    Munford is a long, experienced and versatile lineman with good pass protection skills that project better as a reserve guard with his limited flexibility and struggles with finesse.

    Experience against top competition makes him a valuable 3rd guard/spot starter.

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

  • NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
    Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    The State of the Buccaneers:

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

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

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

    #27 Overall

    Zion Johnson – OG – Boston College 

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

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

    Devonte Wyatt – DT – Georgia 

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

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

    #60 Overall

    DeMarvin Leal – DT – Texas A&M 

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

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

    Logan Hall – DT – Houston 

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

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

    Jeremy Ruckert – TE – Ohio State

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

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

    #91 Overall

    Cade Otton – TE – Washington 

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

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

    Cameron Thomas – Edge – San Diego State

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

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

    Cade Mays – OG – Tennessee

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

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

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

  • NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:Cincinnati Bengals

    NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
    Cincinnati Bengals

    The State of the Bengals:

    In 2021 the Cincinnati Bengals turned the corner from a bottom 5 team in the league to a Super Bowl contestant. Riding the backs of Joe Burrow and rookie standout Ja’Marr Chase, the Bengals have put together what seems to be an elite foundation of core players on the offensive side of the ball. 

    Looking to repeat their success in 2022 and beyond, the Bengals still have their fair share of holes in order to make another title run. Cincinnati’s needs on defense revolve around the secondary, where they could use help at corner and a running mate at safety alongside Jessie Bates. 

    On offense, another tight end could be in the mix, as well as help on the interior offensive line. Cincinnati has spent its last five first-round picks on the offensive side of the ball, but that may change this year with #31 as well as two others in the top 100.

    #31 Overall


    Andrew Booth – 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. 

    With his physicality and athletic traits, Booth has the chance to develop into a true No. 1 corner, something the Bengals secondary has been missing.

    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.

    Hill gives the Bengals a massive defensive chess piece who can play multiple roles in coverage as well as play in the box vs the run.

    Tyler Linderbaum – C – Iowa

    Linderbaum’s lack of power and natural lower-body strength won’t be a fit for every offense, but his exceptional athleticism, intelligence, and effort make for a uniquely stylistic center.

    Even with the signing of Ted Karras, Linderbaum could provide stability and longevity to grow alongside Joe Burrow for the foreseeable future, whenever he takes over the starting role.  

    #63 Overall

    Cole Strange – OG – 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 all three interior positions, but is most comfortable at left guard. He gives the Bengals someone to compete with Jackson Carman as well as depth/starting ability at other positions.

    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.

    If Cincinnati goes elsewhere in Round 1, keeping Bryant home is plausible in Round 2. He neither flashes on tape nor has elite traits, but has the instincts and all around skill set to immediately help out any secondary.

    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.

    After losing C.J. Uzomah in free agency, adding a second tight end next to Hayden Hurst is important. McBride has the catching skills and natural receiving ability to develop into a strong starter. He would also have the chance to be eased into the NFL with the presence of Hurst.

    #95 Overall


    Cam Jurgens – C – Nebraska

    Jurgens needs to improve his strength and pass pro efficiency, but he has high potential moving forward as a zone-scheme center with his impressive technique and movement skills.

    Jurgens has the potential to become a mainstay at the center position. Picking Jurgens here gives him time to refine his skills and learn the speed of the NFL before eventually taking over the full time role.

    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.

    The interior defensive line needs some more beef up front and Butler provides that along with being a scheme fit. Butler can one-gap penetrate and get into the backfield on first and second downs.

    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.

    A wide receiver might not be the biggest need, but Bell gives the Bengals immediate insurance as the No. 4 guy and will have a chance to grow into a starting role. As for the Bengals, you can never have too many weapons for a young quarterback.  

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