Category: Team Needs

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.

April 20, 2022
NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The State of the Buccaneers:

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

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

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

#27 Overall

Zion Johnson – OG – Boston College

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

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

Devonte Wyatt – DT – Georgia

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

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

#60 Overall

DeMarvin Leal – DT – Texas A&M

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

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

Logan Hall – DT – Houston

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

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

Jeremy Ruckert – TE – Ohio State

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

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

#91 Overall

Cade Otton – TE – Washington

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

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

Cameron Thomas – Edge – San Diego State

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

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

Cade Mays – OG – Tennessee

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

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

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

April 19, 2022
NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
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.

April 19, 2022
NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
Dallas Cowboys

The State of the Cowboys:

After a first round exit of the 2021 playoffs, the Cowboys have also lost several starters at multiple positions from the season, including Amari Cooper, La’el Collins, and Randy Gregory. With this being a deep draft at those positions, the Cowboys will look to fill some of the holes left by the departures.

Dallas has made its offensive line a staple of their offense over several seasons, and it should look to retool the line if it wants to get back to their dominant running style that proved successful. Their 67% zone run scheme ranked 21st in efficiency. Here are a few players Dallas may be considering for their first 3 picks.

#24 Overall

Zion Johnson – G – 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.

One of the top guards in the draft, Johnson could be a starter on Day 1 to help reload the left side of the offensive line. His scheme versatility would help the Cowboys rejuvenate their run offense.

Kenyon Green – G – Texas A&M

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

Green has shown to be amongst the top guards in the draft with his physicality and strength. He would again be a Day 1 starter on the left side of the line.

Chris Olave – WR – Ohio State

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

Needing to help replace the gap left by Amari Cooper, Olave has the hands and vertical threat ability to be a solid receiver in the Cowboys offense if he is available here.

#56 Overall

DeMarvin Leal – DL – 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 high pass rush ability to be a versatile piece along the line in Dan Quinn’s defense. He shows the ability to play out on the edge as well as reduce down inside on sub packages.

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.

As a high-motor edge rusher against the pass, Enegbare could be a sparkplug off the edge to get after opposing quarterbacks.

Christian Harris – LB – Alabama

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

Harris adds immediate versatility and depth into a relatively shallow LB room and could be useful in rotation with Micah Parsons, Leighton Vander Esch, and Jabril Cox.

#88 Overall

Khalil Shakir – WR – Boise State

Shakir has the route running, short-area quickness, and versatility to become a slot receiver at the next level, but he will need to work on his hands and his ability to attack the ball to maximize his playing time.

Shakir’s quickness and precise route running could find space and work underneath and through the middle to provide a nice compliment to Ceedee Lamb and Michael Gallup.

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.

With the loss of Blake Jarwin, Dulcich provides a solid all-around skill set to fill the void and provide a solid target for Dak.

Max Mitchell – OT – Louisiana

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

With Tyron Smith in the later years of his career and some questionmarks at right tackle, Mitchell has the tools needed to play on either side of the line as a developmental tackle.

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

April 19, 2022
NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
New York Jets

The State of the Jets:

The Jets re-invented themselves in 2021, hiring a new head coach in Robert Saleh and using the #2 selection on quarterback Zach Wilson.

The team is full of NFL-level players, but there are no difference-makers, players the opposing coaches really need to plan for. Simply put, the Jets don’t have the “needs” at any specific positions, but they have room to improve in all of them.

While the team operated below average in almost all offensive and defensive stats, a sophomore step forward from Zach Wilson with two first and second round picks can quickly improve those numbers.

#4 Overall

Ikem Ekwonu – OT – NC State

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

With a 2023 free agent LT George Fant, and a lost 2021 season from RT Mekhi Becton, another dominant tackle offers OL security.

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.

The Jamal Adams trade netted an extra top 10 pick this year, so the Jets could use one to draft a more versatile and younger safety.

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.

Bryce Hall had a great 2021. This gives him a shutdown opposite who has shown top-end athleticism and dominance as a freshman.

#10 Overall

Garrett Wilson – WR – Ohio State

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

The Jets need a top-end outside receiver, and Wilson’s well-rounded skill set and success against top-end defenders is a perfect solution.

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.

If the Jets prefer a more “Alpha” style receiver with great YAC ability, Burks fits the mold as a player requiring defensive attention.

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.

The Jets don’t have a star edge rusher, Johnson comes with elite 2021 production even while facing constant double-teams and chips.

#35 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.

The Jets likely aren’t looking to compete for a playoff run this season, Ojabo’s Achilles can get a full year to heal while the Jets plethora of other picks help immediately.

Tyler Smith – OT – Tulsa

Smith consistently puts defenders on the ground while using heavy hands and generating tons of movement in the run game, and while he should be tabbed as a starter, he needs to clean up the holding penalties and become a better space player.

Smith is a good tackle prospect that could use the reps vs NFL defenders before becoming a full-time franchise LT.

#38 Overall

Breece Hall – RB – Iowa State

Hall has the patience, vision, burst, and make-you-miss style of running to be a productive starter at the next level, but his still-improving pass game impact may hold him back from consistently playing on all three downs.

Michael Carter was very good in 2021, and his pass-game impact paired with Hall’s rushing ability would make for a dominant and deep backfield.

George Pickens – WR – Georgia

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

Pickens is a perfect complementary WR to Elijah Moore, Corey Davis, and Braxton Berrios, he can open up Zach Wilson’s deep range.

#69 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.

Another edge defender that the Jets can use their selection on to bet on the tools.

Jalyn Armour-Davis – CB – Alabama

Armour-Davis’ one year of playing time on Alabama’s defense showed technical inconsistencies but also quality physical tools to develop into a potential low-end starter on the outside moving forward.

Lacking reps, Armour-Davis shows great physical traits and good production against top-end talents.

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.

A big-bodied deep threat that can take the top off a defense to allow Moore and Berrios to operate underneath.

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

April 18, 2022
NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
New York Giants

The State of the Giants:

The New York Giants have revamped. Bringing in a pair of leaders from the other blue New York team (Bills), new GM Joe Schoen and Head Coach Brian Daboll have an arsenal of picks to mold this roster into their liking.

All reports suggest the team giving Daniel Jones another shot, and a weak QB class doesn’t present a lot of alternatives.

The team as a whole needs more blue-chip talent, but two top 7 picks will surely help address that. The offense was league worst in most efficiency metrics, even with talented playmakers such as Saquon Barkley, Kenny Golladay, and Kadarius Toney.

The offensive line remains to be a massive weakness, as the team has continued to sputter with limited protection, is likely to be a huge focus of this draft.

The defense also needs work, so “best player available” is likely the primary draft strategy for the new-look Giants.

#5 Overall

Ikem Ekwonu – OT – NC State

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

Ekwonu’s tenacity and play speed are something the Giants do not have up front.

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 Thibodeaux is somehow available at No. 5, the Giants would be foolish to pass on the upside and freakish athleticism that he brings.

Charles Cross – OT – Mississippi State

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

Cross being a high ceiling LT, this would necessitate a move of Andrew Thomas elsewhere on the line. Cross’ ability to hold the blindside of a fumble-prone QB would do wonders to improve the offense.

#7 Overall

With only one (likely quarterback) pick between 5 and 7, the Giants could see an almost back-to-back selection scenario.

Travon Walker – Edge – Georgia

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

Looking for blue chip talent? Bet on the highly athletic traits that Walker brings if the other Edge prospects are gone.

Ahmad Gardner – CB – Cincinnati

Gardner is a press-man corner with length, athleticism, and natural cover talent to become a top lockdown cover man in the NFL, though he just needs to get stronger and refine his off-coverage skills to take his game to the next level.

Trustworthy man-coverage corners are almost a necessity in the modern NFL. “Sauce” Gardner would give the Giants a huge boost, even if their corner play last year was one of their few positives.

#36 Overall

Tyler Smith – OT – Tulsa

Smith consistently puts defenders on the ground while using heavy hands and generating tons of movement in the run game, and while he should be tabbed as a starter, he needs to clean up the holding penalties and become a better space player.

Saquon can’t show off the unbelievable abilities in space if he constantly gets hit behind the line. Smith is a huge run blocker to help fix that.

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.

After losing Logan Ryan and Jabrill Peppers to free agency, the Giants need a safety counterpart to Xavier McKinney.

Bernhard Raimann – OT – Central Michigan

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

A former TE, Raimann is an immediate athletic upgrade, and his consistent improvement with reps is encouraging.

#67 Overall

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 how the Giants replicate Jabrill Peppers’ box presence without sacrificing significant capital.

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.

Speedy and powerful edge that brings needed athletic upside to the defensive front.

Darian Kinnard – OG – Kentucky

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

A physically imposing guard to help support a run game to improve the offense and give Daniel Jones some breathing room.

#81 Overall

Dylan Parham – C – 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.

Experienced and smart, while dominant upside may not be there, should be a valuable starter for this team.

Josh Paschal – Edge – Kentucky

Paschal is a strong run defender and brings power as a pass rusher, but needs to get much more consistent and detailed with his pass rush plan in order to really be a three-down player at the next level.

A bottom 5 team at defending runs last year, the Giants could use help in run defense with Paschal as an upside pick.

April 18, 2022
NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
Los Angeles Rams

The State of the Rams:

The LA Rams’ talent acquisition methodology of stars, titled *ahem* Forget Them Picks, has started to gain traction across the league, as other organizations have begun to prioritize known NFL commodities over the unknowns of the collegiate draft process.

Still, the Rams would not be the Super Bowl team they are without identifying the bulk of their roster through shrewd draft selections and development.

This strategy has left them without any Top-100 picks this year, but 8 picks in later rounds. Hitting on these dart throws will be key to sustaining their success. They have needs on the offensive line, cornerback, and depth in multiple areas.

#104 Overall

Dylan Parham – OG – 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.

The Rams have reshuffled a few spots across their offensive line. Parham is a great athlete with ideal position flexibility to provide great depth or contend for a starting role at multiple spots.

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 the departures of Obo Okoronkwo and Von Miller, the Rams have a bit of a void opposite Leonard Floyd. Adding Williams, an exceptional athlete with great upside, would give the Rams another rotational option.

Cam Taylor-Britt – CB – Nebraska

Taylor-Britt has some technical aspects to refine, but he has the athleticism, mental processing, and physicality to develop into a quality slot corner or safety.

Taylor-Britt could certainly be off the board by this point, but if available, he offers the physicality and secondary versatility the Rams require to play off of Jalen Ramsey’s frequent alignment shifts in the back end.

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.

With expiring contracts, injury questions, and inexperience within their safety room, the Rams could look to the future with Cook, who has the interchangeable flexibility and toughness to contribute.

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

April 15, 2022
NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS:
Los Angeles Chargers

The State of the Chargers:

After a disappointing 2021 season resulted in the Chargers missing the playoffs for the third straight year and for the seventh time in the past eight years, the Chargers enter 2022 as one of the most exciting teams in the NFL.

Led by a budding superstar quarterback in Justin Herbert, the Chargers have a very solid corps of offensive talent with arguably the best secondary in the league on defense. While they are a talented team, the Chargers find themselves amid an arms race in the NFL’s toughest division, which saw their in-division rival Broncos and Raiders making moves to acquire Russell Wilson and Davante Adams respectively.

The Chargers have only two picks in the Top 100, and should look to fill in some holes in order to compete in a stacked AFC West.

#17 Overall

Jordan Davis – NT – 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.

Davis is a mammoth nose tackle that should be able to contribute from Day 1 on a Chargers defense that ranked among the worst in the NFL in rushing yards allowed and yards per carry.

Chris Olave – WR- Ohio State

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

Olave would be an immediate weapon for the Chargers who can operate both on the outside and in the slot and help the Chargers add to their offensive firepower while also serving as a potential long-term replacement for Keenan Allen.

Nakobe Dean – LB – Georgia

Dean is a smart, rangy linebacker who excels against the run and pass at all three levels of the field, but a lack of length, and inconsistencies as a tackler and disengaging blockers may prove difficult for him from time to time.

Dean is an instinctive linebacker with great range and high football intelligence, bringing much needed leadership and talent to a Los Angeles linebacker corps.

#79 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 could offer the Chargers depth at the tight end position and another receiving threat while allowing the team flexibility next offseason as they have a potential out on Gerald Everett’s contract after the 2022 season.

Daniel Faalele – OT – Minnesota

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

While he is raw and most likely will not be a starter for most of his rookie season, Faalele could provide much needed depth and competition behind incumbent starter Storm Norton while slating in as the team’s potential right tackle of the future..

Darian Kinnard – OG – Kentucky

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

Kinnard would be an immediate boost to their right guard spot and would add a ton of nasty to an offensive line that is tasked with keeping Justin Herbert upright and healthy. He could also provide much needed depth at right tackle, as that is the position he played the most at Kentucky.

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

April 15, 2022
NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS: Washington Commanders

The State of the Commanders:

Washington has a new name, look, and quarterback this season. 2021 went off the rails less than a half into the season when QB Ryan Fitzpatrick suffered what would ultimately become a season-ending hip injury, leading to the Taylor Heinicke experience.

While entertaining, finding a quarterback has still been at the top of the to-do list, and after missing out on Matthew Stafford and Russell Wilson, the Commanders hope Carson Wentz can fill the void, at least for one season.

The rest of the team is largely intact, but building a more explosive offense and returning to the defensive excellence of 2020 are the keys to success moving forward.

#11 Overall

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.

Wilson would bring a different level of explosively athletic dynamism next to fellow Buckeye alums Curtis Samuel and especially Terry McLaurin, who desperately needs someone to help take some pressure and attention off of him.

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.

Possibly a best player available scenario with William Jackson and Kendall Fuller already under contract on the outside, if Ron Rivera & Co. can tap back into Stingley’s elite natural abilities, he could be a steal at this point.

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.

Teams often talk about building a basketball lineup in their receiving corps. With Curtis Samuel as the gadget weapon out of the slot and Terry McLaurin as the speedy technician, London would be the perfect contested catch, big-bodied complement.

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.

Rumblings of a minor slide from Hamilton after an average Pro Day performance could be ideal for the Commanders. With the departure of Landon Collins and Hamilton’s versatility, he’d easily fit into Washington’s base nickel three-safety rotations.

#47 Overall

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’s collegiate usage in the slot and box would make for a perfect transition into the Commanders’ “Buffalo Nickel” underneath safety role. His instinctual playmaking would fit very nicely behind Washington’s front four.

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.

If the Commanders don’t go receiver in the 1st round, doing so with their only remaining top 100 pick here would be crucial. Pickens’ injury-shortened 2021 could lead to him still being available, and he’d be the long-bodied, athletic high-pointer Washington is lacking.

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.

Washington may look to be proactive on the defensive front with multiple key members approaching free agency soon. Hall would fit well as an athletic one-gapper with pass rush upside, set to possibly take on a larger role in Year 2.

Kenneth Walker – RB – Michigan State

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

Washington has curiously brought in all of the top RBs in this draft for visits. Walker would be the purest running back on the roster, however, with his vision and interior playmaking, allowing for Antonio Gibson and JD McKissic to rotate and see diverse usage in Scott Turner’s offense.

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

April 14, 2022
NFL Draft Pick AnalySIS: Indianapolis Colts

The State of the Colts:

The Colts had a very up and down 2021 campaign that ultimately ended with disappointment as the team missed the playoffs for the second time in three seasons.

Major change came in the form of the team addressing their two biggest needs early in the offseason: quarterback and edge rusher. General manager Chris Ballard acquired veteran Matt Ryan, and brought in star edge Yannick Ngakoue to fix the teams’ lack of pass rush.

After these high profile offseason moves they still have major question marks at cornerback, offensive line depth, and most notably, pass catching weapons. They have only two Top 100 picks in this draft due to the Carson Wentz trade last offseason, but could be poised to make additions that will be counted on to help the team immediately at 42 and 73.

#42 Overall

George Pickens – WR – Georgia

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

Pickens could immediately step in as the number two option and play opposite of Michael Pittman Jr. to give the Colts two big receivers with alpha mentalities on the outside.

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.

There is a chance that all the top wide receivers in the draft will be gone by this point. This could cause the Colts to look to tight end and take Dulcich to help add firepower to a room that recently lost Jack Doyle to retirement.

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.

The Colts find themselves lacking in receivers that can operate mostly out of the slot with the offseason departures of T.Y. Hilton and Zach Pascal. Moore gives them a quick and shifty option that can get work underneath while still having enough speed to stretch the defense.

#73 Overall

Tariq Woolen – CB – UTSA

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

New defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s Cover 3 scheme offers a nice fit for Woolen. He has the length and athleticism that both Chris Ballard and Gus Bradley love, offering a high upside option to help alleviate the lack of depth at corner.

Alec Pierce – WR – Cincinnati

Pierce has the size, speed, and big-play ability that teams want in an outside receiver, but his inability to consistently win 50/50 balls will limit his appeal to be a game-changing receiver.

Pierce could consistently stretch the field for the Colts and offer big-play ability as he develops into a complete receiver.

Rasheed Walker – OT – Penn State

Walker has the size, strength, temperament, and overall physical abilities of an NFL left tackle, but he needs to refine his perimeter pass blocking awareness, quickness and lower-body technique to hold up there consistently.

Walker would provide the team with much needed tackle depth while also providing competition for veteran tackle Matt Pryor, as well as offering a potential option at starter down the road.

April 13, 2022