Big Blue View - 2022 NFL Draft scouting reportsYour place for year-round New York Giants discussion and informationhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47371/bigblueview_fave.png2022-04-28T14:00:00-04:00http://www.bigblueview.com/rss/stream/226556832022-04-28T14:00:00-04:002022-04-28T14:00:00-04:002022 NFL Draft prospect profile - Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
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<img alt="NCAA Football: SEC Championship-Georgia vs Alabama" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QIBGuppwNij4vL4CWfxlSP_k55Y=/0x0:4246x2831/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70805794/usa_today_17293599.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Is Neal the offensive tackle the Giants have been looking for?</p> <p id="VV1aqE">It’s easy to stand out when you stand over 6-foot-7 and weigh nearly 340 pounds. And Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal certainly stands out. </p>
<p id="EGro8j">The mammoth lineman is the kind of player teams want getting off the bus first when the team shows up to the stadium. But Neal is more than just a giant of a young man — he has long been considered the top offensive lineman in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2022 NFL Draft</a>. Neal is obviously big and powerful, but he’s also an excellent athlete who moves remarkably smoothly and can recover and redirect despite his size. He’s a technician who has gotten excellent coaching from one of the nation’s premier football factories. </p>
<p id="u0hmxO">He’s also experienced and versatile, having started 40 games at left guard, right tackle, and left tackle.</p>
<p id="NVD5VX">Could all of that make Evan Neal the answer that the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> have been looking for at right tackle? </p>
<p id="tyZAxq"><strong>Prospect:</strong> Evan Neal (73)<br><strong>Games Watched:</strong> vs. <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com">Notre Dame</a> (2020), vs. Florida (2021), vs. <a href="https://www.goodbullhunting.com">Texas A&M</a> (2021), vs. Georgia (2021)</p>
<h2 id="vyi1ag">Measurables</h2>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aQaYYPshVSNJ2sptIKrcc_5fRzY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23420473/Screen_Shot_2022_04_27_at_1.35.15_PM.png">
<cite>Kent Lee Platte (@mathbomb)</cite>
<figcaption>Courtesy <a class="ql-link" href="https://ras.football/" target="_blank">RAS.Football</a>
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<p id="hWUCQd"><strong>Games Played:</strong> 40<br><strong>2021 Games Played:</strong> 15</p>
<h2 id="Wcyf0m">Quick Summary</h2>
<p id="KbpDdi"><strong>Best:</strong> Play strength, athleticism, technique, football IQ, pass protection, run blocking, versatility<br><strong>Worst:</strong> Size/conditioning, leverage consistency<br><strong>Projection:</strong> A starting offensive tackle with scheme versatility and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> upside </p>
<h2 id="mHumLP">Game Tape</h2>
<div id="LKzw2x"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A2nBXSPFRE4?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="vK28AB">Full Report</h2>
<p id="FIzKLd">Alabama’s Evan Neal is a big, athletic, technically savvy and versatile offensive tackle prospect. </p>
<p id="IO0jyM">Neal has an impressive 40 games of starting experience over the course of his 3-year career at Alabama. He’s started full seasons at left guard, right tackle, and left tackle for the Crimson Tide. He started at left tackle most recently, while playing right tackle in the 2020 season.</p>
<p id="nWAifr">Neal is a massive lineman at 6-foot 7 ½ inches and 337 pounds with 34-inch arms and 10-inch hands. However, he carries his weight extremely well with evident power in his upper and lower body, but carries surprisingly little body fat. Neal is a natural “knee-bender” who is generally able to compensate for his height by playing with low hips and pads. He maintains good leverage throughout the play, allowing him to make good use of his natural power and keep defenders from getting under his pads. Neal also makes good use of his arms, establishing contact with good hand placement to win inside leverage. He is very disciplined in his hand usage, jolting and controlling defenders, but doesn’t put himself in danger of being called for holding. </p>
<p id="QlkaNy">Neal is a good, reliable pass protector on the edge. He features a smooth, balanced kick-slide that allows him to widen the pocket and beat pass rushers to landmarks. Neal has enough foot speed to mirror speed off the edge, as well as the agility to redirect to counter inside moves or b-gap blitzes. He never plays outside of himself and maintains a wide base and good balance, allowing him to easily absorb bullrushes from power rushes. </p>
<p id="7bmxiH">Neal is also a versatile and very capable run blocker. He has experience executing man-gap, inside zone, and outside zone blocks in Alabama’s diverse offense. Neal fires off the ball with good leverage on down-hill runs and is easily able to move most defenders off the line of scrimmage. He does a good job of working off of double teams and climbing to the second level when necessary as well. Neal shows a good understanding of angles and does a good job of taking half-man leverage to turn defenders and seal off running lanes. </p>
<p id="LCeTDm">He is also athletic enough to execute zone blocking schemes. Neal has enough quickness and long speed to to stay in phase with his teammates and has little issue getting the defense to flow laterally. </p>
<p id="8AMVb9">Neal was slimmer and much more athletic as a junior than he was as a sophomore. While there are no concerns about his athleticism or conditioning based on his 2021 tape, his size and history of playing heavier suggest that it’s something worth noting. Neal will need to keep on top of his nutrition as well as his strength and conditioning work to maintain his athleticism throughout his career. </p>
<p id="GG3dVp">Neal’s height can make slight losses in leverage significant. He has a slight tendency to allow his knees to straighten and bend at the waist when blocking laterally to his right – such as on the back side of an outside zone run or on a reach-block toward the B-gap. It’s unknown how that would transition to right tackle or whether specific coaching could address the issue. It isn’t a big problem overall, but something to note.</p>
<p id="WTUypD"><strong>Overall Grade: 9.4</strong></p>
<div class="c-float-right"><div id="RI8sxD"><div data-anthem-component="aside:10347966"></div></div></div>
<h2 id="5Bguso">Projection</h2>
<p id="AIx7aH">Evan Neal projects as a starting offensive tackle with scheme diversity and Pro Bowl upside. </p>
<p id="Vu0gKU">Neal has the potential to start at left or right tackle at the NFL level, increasing his appeal to teams. His experience at guard should allow him to provide depth at either guard position, though that might be more of an “in case of an emergency” option. Neal’s height could make a move inside slightly problematic, if only due to interference with quarterback sight lines over the middle. </p>
<p id="w726cC">Neal’s lower-body flexibility, hip, and pad level address concerns with leverage at the tackle position. He showed no issues keeping his hips and pads down as a pass protector, and only very specific issues with leverage as a run blocker. Neal has remarkably quick and smooth feet for a player his size, and is able to keep up with speed off the edge – in addition to redirecting back inside if necessary. Likewise, he has enough athleticism to recover and salvage a play if he is initially beaten off the snap. Neal can stop power rushes cold and usher speed rushers safely around the pocket.</p>
<p id="p1B0bz">Neal appeared to be a much better athlete in 2021 than in 2020, and it’s fair to express concerns that he could backslide. Like many players his size, Neal will always need to pay attention to his weight and conditioning. He can have a long and successful career if he maintains his relatively svelte physique, but that could take a concerted effort in the kitchen and weight room. </p>
<p id="BIKQBL">As it stands now, Neal’s size is an asset and he doesn’t seem prone to many of the issues with leverage, balance, or movement skills associated with similarly mammoth players. </p>
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https://www.bigblueview.com/2022/4/28/23044935/2022-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-evan-neal-ot-alabama-scouting-report-ny-giantsChris Pflum2022-04-28T10:00:00-04:002022-04-28T10:00:00-04:002022 NFL Draft prospect profile - Kyle Hamilton, S, Notre Dame
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Notre Dame at Florida State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ten-xrd92K_XFYUrJUZIDOhNQ0k=/0x140:1170x920/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70804392/usa_today_16695334.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Is Hamilton the best player in the draft? </p> <p id="07QYtO">A number of different players have jockeyed for the top spot on most public draft boards over the course of the 2021 season and <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2022 NFL Draft</a> process. </p>
<p id="HfzWkS">But while the exact “top player” has shifted on a weekly basis, one name has been in consistent contention: <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com">Notre Dame</a> safety Kyle Hamilton.</p>
<p id="2YXRCT">Hamilton is widely regarded as one of the best players at any position in the nation. While the safety position might not be held in the same esteem as some others, Hamilton’s ability is undeniable. He brings a rare blend of size, athleticism, football IQ, instincts, and technique to the field, giving him an incredibly diverse skill set. Hamilton was a game-changing player for Notre Dame, and he could have an immediate impact in the NFL.</p>
<p id="DCvIPp">As it so happens, the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> have a gaping hole at the safety position. They’re also transitioning to a new defensive scheme which depends heavily on Cover-1 shells and good free safety play. Could Hamilton be a transformative player for the Giants?</p>
<p id="tX5HGX"><strong>Prospect:</strong> Kyle Hamilton (14)<br><strong>Games Watched:</strong> vs. Clemson (2020), vs. <a href="https://www.tomahawknation.com/">Florida State</a> (2021), vs. Purdue (2021), vs. Wisconsin (2021)<br><strong>Red Flags:</strong> Knee (2021)</p>
<h2 id="HIeklP">Measurables</h2>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ivyro4NvpevHxtb7DlX21964Wno=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23420438/Screen_Shot_2022_04_27_at_1.23.14_PM.png">
<cite>Kent Lee Platte (@mathbomb)</cite>
<figcaption>Courtesy <a class="ql-link" href="https://ras.football/" target="_blank">RAS.Football</a>
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<h3 id="jG0ERa">Career Stats</h3>
<p id="jjGxQT"><strong>Games Played:</strong> 31</p>
<p id="biwmbB"><strong>Tackles:</strong> 138<br><strong>Tackles For a loss:</strong> 7.5<br><strong>Passes Defensed:</strong> 16<br><strong>Interceptions:</strong> 8</p>
<h3 id="kL4JBv">2021 Stats</h3>
<p id="8SmJ9D"><strong>Games Played:</strong> 7</p>
<p id="roe8JZ"><strong>Tackles:</strong> 34<br><strong>Tackles For a loss:</strong> 2.0<br><strong>Passes Defensed:</strong> 4<br><strong>Interceptions:</strong> 3</p>
<h2 id="8XazBK">Quick Summary</h2>
<p id="rw7Vwy"><strong>Best:</strong> Size, football IQ, mental processing, range, explosiveness, run defense, coverage<br><strong>Worst:</strong> long speed<br><strong>Projection:</strong> A starting safety with position and scheme versatility and All-Pro upside </p>
<h2 id="9REqKG">Game Tape</h2>
<div id="HW3sMA"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4NpvsCQVGE0?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="OUfYBk">Full Report</h2>
<p id="vxpkSR">Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton boasts a rare combination of size, athleticism, football IQ, and competitive toughness.</p>
<p id="T6ICAw">Hamilton sports a very versatile frame at 6-foot-4, 220 pounds. His size allows him to effectively play near the line of scrimmage as a box safety, slot defender, or pseudo-linebacker. He also has surprisingly fluid hips for his size, a very explosive lower body, and enough long speed to effectively man the deep coverage zone in a Cover-1 defense. </p>
<p id="8CZtbT">While Hamilton’s size and athleticism are immediately apparent, his football IQ, instincts, and mental processing form the foundation for his game. </p>
<p id="cH4QsU">Hamilton is a leader on the defense with a great understanding of both defensive and offensive concepts. He’s a great communicator before the snap, often helping to align teammates, making sure there aren’t coverage breakdowns, and calling out offensive tendencies. Hamilton does a good job of processing and diagnosing the offense after the snap. He plays with an instinctive quickness, allowing him to act almost in unison with the offense. </p>
<p id="BXJz8W">Hamilton is a great zone defender, quickly hitting his landmarks and playing with great situational awareness. He is rarely manipulated by offensive misdirection and is able to avoid schemed conflicts or traffic. Hamilton plays with one eye in the backfield, has a very quick downhill trigger on running plays or underneath passes, and very good “click and close” quickness. Hamilton’s mental processing, fluid lower body, and explosiveness give him great range in zone coverage and he is able to make plays far away from his starting point.</p>
<p id="aOdJ4R">Hamilton takes great paths to the ball from his coverage zones. He attacks downhill well, anticipates blockers and modifies his route accordingly. He has a great closing burst, and is a very good form tackler. Hamilton doesn’t shy away from contact and is a hard hitter who rarely gives up significant yards after contact.</p>
<p id="tIIYIS">He is also a capable man coverage defender with plenty of size and athleticism to match up with tight ends and running backs. He has enough speed to run with most bigger players down the field, while his rare length and closing burst give him a big “catch denial” radius. Hamilton arrives in a hurry and uses his length and mass well to attack the catch point or jar the ball loose with a hard hit. He is disruptive at the catch point and is quick to knock the ball away or react to an opportunity for an interception. </p>
<p id="KQwAb5">There are few true weaknesses in Hamilton’s game. While he is certainly athletic and has great range from the single-high position, he has only average long speed. His speed doesn’t significantly limit his range, but teams will want to avoid matching him up on particularly athletic receivers in one-on-one situations. </p>
<p id="6qzBsM">Teams will also want to do their due diligence on Hamilton’s injured knee. He was limited to just seven games in 2021 due to a “fat pad impingement”. There is, reportedly, no structural damage and his meniscus is “no longer affected”. However, teams will want to make sure his knee is sound and his long-term prognosis is good. </p>
<p id="r9K8vu"><strong>Overall Grade: 9.5</strong></p>
<div class="c-float-right"><div id="yNT6Ag"><div data-anthem-component="aside:10347966"></div></div></div>
<h2 id="0Gw7y3">Projection</h2>
<p id="56adc0">Notre Dame’s Kyle Hamilton projects as a starting safety at the NFL level with positional and schematic versatility. </p>
<p id="ex6V9E">Hamilton can play free safety, box or strong safety, a pseudo-linebacker role (such as “moneybacker” or “STAR”), or come down to the slot to defend tight ends or running backs who motion to the position. Hamilton has a legitimately rare blend of size and athleticism for the position, but it’s his football IQ and mental processing that unlock his potential and give him a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> or All-Pro ceiling. </p>
<p id="ODh1oP">Hamilton has excellent mental footwork, never appearing confused, panicked, or hurried by the offense. His instincts, combined with a surprisingly fluid lower body and great quickness, make up for long speed that’s simply “average” for the position. Hamilton is a great run defender who comes downhill quickly and with bad intentions. He diagnoses running plays quickly and accurately and is very quick to transition from a backpedal (or zone coverage) to driving downhill.</p>
<p id="Ut2zSG">He also has upside as a blitzer, though he wasn’t asked to do much of that at Notre Dame. Hamilton’s versatility and downhill burst should allow him to rush from unexpected angles or effectively disguise coverages in exotic blitz designs. </p>
<p id="yBx6hR">Teams will need to do their homework on Hamilton’s knee, if only to ensure a good long-term prognosis. Assuming his knee checks out, Hamilton is one of the rare defenders with the ability to fundamentally change how a team is able to play defense. He can be a weapon to counter modern “wide open” offenses and allow aggressive “multiple” defenses to fully open their playbooks.</p>
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https://www.bigblueview.com/2022/4/28/23044774/2022-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-kyle-hamilton-s-notre-dame-scouting-report-ny-giantsChris Pflum2022-04-27T14:00:00-04:002022-04-27T14:00:00-04:002022 NFL Draft prospect profile - Ikem Ekwonu, OT/G, North Carolina State
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Louisville at North Carolina State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/22CQL1BuQ9Kg6oN4MtundRaM9AM=/0x0:4136x2757/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70800757/usa_today_17062831.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Will Ekwonu be the first offensive lineman off the board?</p> <p id="xjlcgv">The <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2022 NFL Draft</a> doesn’t have many players who are the prohibitive front-runners at their position. There aren’t any players who don’t have concerns, and few who’ve been draft darlings since high school. </p>
<p id="tqVDta">This year’s draft does have very good depth and a lot of players with very intriguing traits. That’s opened the door for several prospects to push for contention at the top of their respective position groups. </p>
<p id="Z0Pfmv"><a href="https://www.backingthepack.com/">NC State</a>’s Ikem Ekwonu, for instance, has gone from a relatively unknown prospect at the start of 2021 to some evaluator’s top offensive tackle. </p>
<p id="YxcSBK">Icky Ekwonu has emerged as a favorite target in mock drafts for the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a>, thanks both to his versatility and his play demeanor. In fact, there is even some speculation that he may be selected in the first four picks. What kind of player is Ekwonu on the field?</p>
<p id="RBkqgB"><strong>Prospect:</strong> Ikem Ekwonu (79)<br><strong>Games Watched:</strong> vs. Miami (2020), vs. <a href="https://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com">Mississippi State</a> (2021), vs. <a href="https://www.tomahawknation.com/">Florida State</a> (2021), vs. Miami (2021)</p>
<h2 id="Wlw0tO">Measurables</h2>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8_rra9HkZJfIpqtWy8wUu99KajM=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23419697/Screen_Shot_2022_04_27_at_9.09.08_AM.png">
<cite>Kent Lee Platte (@mathbomb)</cite>
<figcaption>Courtesy <a class="ql-link" href="https://ras.football/" target="_blank">RAS.Football</a>
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<p id="Vqgg5g"><strong>Career Games Played:</strong> 31<br><strong>2021 Games Played:</strong> 12</p>
<h2 id="EYN9fK">Quick Summary</h2>
<p id="ZFGHuk"><strong>Best:</strong> Play strength, athleticism, competitive toughness, versatility, run blocking<br><strong>Worst:</strong> Over-aggression, consistency<br><strong>Projection:</strong> A starting offensive lineman with position and scheme versatility.</p>
<h2 id="ZgceoS">Game Tape</h2>
<div id="ZG3Coj"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aJpLxLY0pxY?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="16Cy5y">Full Report</h2>
<p id="7wyVgc">NC State’s Ikem “Icky” Ekwonu is a powerful, athletic, versatile, and aggressive offensive line prospect. </p>
<p id="bZyvmO">Ekwonu has a versatile frame at 6-foot-4, 310 pounds, with 34-inch arms and 10 ¼ inch hands. His combination of frame and athleticism allows him to start at both guard and tackle.</p>
<p id="vnyZ3x">Ekwonu is an athletic blocker with quick feet and easy movement skills. He has enough foot speed and agility to mirror speed rushers off the edge, as well as put himself in position to absorb bullrushes from powerful linemen. He has enough long speed to be an effective pulling lineman, does a good job of climbing to the second level, and is able to get out in front of receivers on screen plays. </p>
<p id="kwbBKN">He matches that athleticism with impressive play strength. Ekwonu features heavy hands and a violent punch, which is capable of knocking most defenders off their pass rush. Ekwonu combines a powerful upper body with a strong lower body, allowing him to anchor against power and sustain his blocks through the whistle. His lower body is also quite flexible and he plays with good natural knee bend and pad level, as well as a wide base.</p>
<p id="Mb3LaU">Ekwonu is an effective run blocker who can execute both man-gap and zone schemes. He fires off the ball with good initial leverage, allowing him to get under defenders’ pads and move them off the ball. Ekwonu has the athleticism to get defensive linemen flowing on outside zone plays, work off double-teams and climb to the second level, or get in front of the play as a puller. Likewise, he has the power to generate movement at the line of scrimmage as a man-gap blocker. </p>
<p id="oB4rHU">Competitive toughness is the hallmark of Ekwonu’s game. He routinely blocks through the whistle and looks for work on extended plays. Ekwonu is a mauler of a lineman, and his demeanor borders on “bully”. He seems to relish hitting defenders and will often take them to the ground or give extra shoves as the play ends. </p>
<p id="94EJ1u">That said, Ekwonu’s aggressiveness has a tendency to bleed over into “over-aggressiveness”, which compromises other areas of his game. </p>
<p id="QOShYz"> Ekwonu has a tendency to carry his hands low and wide in pass protection, which can make his punch imprecise. That compounds when he tries too hard to strike defenders, sacrificing his balance and leverage. That leaves him vulnerable to defenders with the length, quickness, or technique to neutralize his initial punch. In those cases, Ekwonu is stuck with his hips high and weight out over his toes. Athletic defenders are able to quickly work past him, while technicians are able to take half-man leverage and neutralize his play strength. At times he can take his initial punch so far that he lunges at speed rushers or his feet leave the ground entirely.</p>
<p id="dJA97C">Ekwonu’s tendency to take his aggressiveness too far can also open him up to holding or unnecessary roughness penalties at the next level.</p>
<p id="V7OzN2"><strong>Overall Grade: 8.2</strong></p>
<div class="c-float-right"><div id="2tsG5m"><div data-anthem-component="aside:10347966"></div></div></div>
<h2 id="fPeyn3">Projection</h2>
<p id="BPmXm7">Ikem Ekwonu projects as a starting offensive lineman with positional and schematic versatility at the NFL level.</p>
<p id="OyBjhX">Ekwonu has the power and athleticism to execute both man-gap and zone blocking schemes well. He also has the movement skills to play either offensive tackle position, as well as the natural leverage and play strength to move inside to guard.</p>
<p id="ikV7Y9">His exact projection, however, is complicated by some persistent issues in his game. Ekwonu struggled against NFL caliber pass rushers off the edge, and had issues with players who have the speed or technique (or both) to neutralize his initial punch. He also has a tendency to fall back on his power and aggressiveness and let his own technique degrade, which only makes matters worse. </p>
<p id="hGCKOo">This isn’t a fatal flaw in his game, but it is an issue for which teams will need to account. The best outcome is that the team who drafts him will have a plan for his development, it will pay off, and they’ll be rewarded with a starting offensive tackle. However, that’s no sure thing and Ekwonu might be forced inside if he can’t rein in his aggressiveness or adapt to seeing NFL speed off the edge every week. </p>
<p id="hYR05U">There’s a lot to like about Ekwonu’s game, and it’s easy to see scouts and coaches alike falling in love with him. However, they can’t be blind to the flaws in his game and how they could impact his transition to the NFL.</p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2022/4/27/23044425/2022-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-ikem-ekwonu-ot-g-north-carolina-state-scouting-report-ny-giantsChris Pflum2022-04-27T10:00:00-04:002022-04-27T10:00:00-04:002022 NFL Draft prospect profile - Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 31 CFP Semifinal - Goodyear Cotton Bowl - Cincinnati v Alabama" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qs7-T6fnjV_JtKvRa_SDM3ZX73M=/0x0:4629x3086/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70799444/1237796024.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Is Sauce Gardner just what Martindale is looking for?</p> <p id="CbMVnD">It takes a lot for a prospect to be considered a Top 10 pick in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>. Not only do they need great tape showing skill, Football IQ, and production, but they also need rare physical traits to entice teams to spend top picks on them. </p>
<p id="CH8tVW">Cincinnati’s Ahmad Gardner has emerged as the top cornerback on every draft board. Gardner has a rare combination of length, athleticism, and press-man coverage ability. He has smothered passing games throughout the AAC for years, and Cincinnati’s great 2021 season brought “Sauce” Gardner to national attention. </p>
<p id="gsZDUi"><a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale uses aggressive press-man coverage as the basis for his defensive scheme. There has quite a bit of speculation that the Giants will use one of their top picks on Gardner to help facilitate Martindale’s scheme, so what kind of player would the Giants be getting?</p>
<p id="KQMWJB"><strong>Prospect:</strong> Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner (1)<br><strong>Games Watched:</strong> vs. Indiana (2021), vs. <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com">Notre Dame</a> (2021), vs. Houston (2021), vs. Alabama (2021)</p>
<h2 id="hOW2MT">Measurables</h2>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0X9rJ-EHH4UG3rD4ixA0Dj_SpxE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23418387/Screen_Shot_2022_04_26_at_4.26.08_PM.png">
<cite>Kent Lee Platte (@mathbomb)</cite>
<figcaption>Courtesy <a class="ql-link" href="https://ras.football/" target="_blank">RAS.Footbal</a>l</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2 id="TBhB3G">Career Stats</h2>
<p id="FTDUtk"><strong>Games Played:</strong> 33</p>
<p id="KdNORO"><strong>Tackles:</strong> 99<br><strong>Tackles For a loss:</strong> 5.5<br><strong>Sacks:</strong> 3.5<br><strong>Passes Defensed:</strong> 16<br><strong>Interceptions:</strong> 9 (2 returned for touchdowns)</p>
<h2 id="78yZWQ">2021 Stats</h2>
<p id="TkpEmO"><strong>Games Played:</strong> 13</p>
<p id="2N4diw"><strong>Tackles:</strong> 40<br><strong>Tackles For a loss:</strong> 5.0<br><strong>Sacks:</strong> 3.0<br><strong>Passes Defensed:</strong> 4<br><strong>Interceptions:</strong> 3</p>
<h2 id="tsSXGP">Quick Summary</h2>
<p id="ox4oGT"><strong>Best:</strong> Length, quickness, agility, fluidity, press-man coverage, ball skills, competitive toughness<br><strong>Worst:</strong> Tackling, mass<br><strong>Projection:</strong> A starting press-man corner with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> or All-Pro upside.</p>
<h2 id="IzykB9">Game Tape</h2>
<div id="DYlfPq"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GPIAlV39ZsI?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="dd3NyG">Full Report</h2>
<p id="Gqub9F">Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner has a great combination of length, athleticism, competitive toughness, and skills to be a cover corner at the NFL level.</p>
<p id="0KMjsV">Gardner primarily aligned as an outside corner for Cincinnati’s defense, playing both the field and boundary. He also covered the slot on occasion, suggesting the ability to travel with a designated receiver and not just stay on the outside. </p>
<p id="8IOZ6G">Gardner primarily played man and press-man coverage for the Bearcats and excels in both techniques. Gardner has excellent foot quickness, agility, and “oily” hips, allowing him to get in phase with receivers and stay there throughout their routes. He has enough play strength to jam even bigger receivers and doesn’t allow himself to be bullied at any point in the rep. Gardner has the speed to run down the field with all but the fastest receivers, and the ability to match sharp breaks on timing routes. </p>
<p id="SVZulf">Gardner is also a capable off or zone coverage corner, though he didn’t play those techniques often. He is very disciplined in picking up and passing off receivers, and isn’t easily fooled by offensive misdirection. He does a good job of keeping his eyes in the backfield and has a quick trigger on the ball. Gardner has a good closing burst and his length allows him to slam receiving windows shut. </p>
<p id="hNVk9I">He also has great awareness in both man and zone coverage. He’s quick to come off of his man to defend underneath passes, and has a good understanding of offensive route concepts. Gardner does a great job of avoiding schemed traffic on man-beaters, allowing him to stay with receivers even against rub routes. </p>
<p id="cxxmAV">Gardner wasn’t asked to blitz often, but he showed upside when he did rush the passer. He disguises his rushes well and is remarkably sudden off the line of scrimmage. Passers didn’t seem to anticipate his blitzes – particularly from the blind side – and he has a good closing burst. Gardner’s speed allowed him to blitz effectively from near the sideline, and he could be an effective slot blitzer.</p>
<p id="Eaaz5k">While run defense isn’t exactly a strength of Gardner’s, his role in Cincinnati’s defense didn’t put him in position to be a primary run defender all that often. When he is on the play-side of a run, he shows surprisingly good technique in taking on blockers and has enough play strength to not get beaten. Gardner is a willing hitter and doesn’t really shy away from contact, either. </p>
<p id="uSn4Da">The only real weakness in Gardner’s game is his lack of thickness, and by extension, his tackling. Gardner is undeniably whip-thin, and there likely isn’t much room on his frame for more muscle mass without compromising his athleticism. That lack of mass can make shedding blocks and getting runners on the ground problematic for Gardner. Also, while he’s a willing hitter, he doesn’t make good use of his length and often fails to wrap ball carriers up. That creates opportunities for yards after contact, or runners just bouncing off of him (or vice versa). </p>
<p id="I5TpgI"><strong>Overall Grade: 8.7</strong></p>
<div class="c-float-right"><div id="RxdAUd"><div data-anthem-component="aside:10347966"></div></div></div>
<h2 id="HZBOfI">Projection</h2>
<p id="BCoXYS">Sauce Gardner projects as a starting cornerback with scheme versatility and Pro Bowl or All-Pro upside at the NFL level. </p>
<p id="5Gw3uX">While he has the ability to play in just about any coverage scheme a defensive coordinator will call, Gardner’s rare skill set and ability as a man coverage corner practically demands that he spend his career out on islands with receivers. </p>
<p id="7jXZBv">There are few corners who can boast Gardners length, speed, fluidity, and skill as a press-man corner, and those are exceptionally sought-after traits. It’s a testament to just how good a cover corner Gardner is that opposing quarterbacks consistently avoided him even when his man was their primary read. There are multiple instances of quarterbacks looking in Gardner’s direction, checking another read, looking again, then giving up on that receiver as an option. </p>
<p id="0Ihhtb">When passers did test Gardner, they often failed. He’s very competitive at the catch point and does a great job of using his length to slam windows shut. Gardner’s closing burst allows him to erase separation and his length makes high-pointing the ball difficult at best. He does a great job of playing receivers’ hands and can track balls in the air like a receiver. </p>
<p id="IUxSM5">That ability to simply rip pages out of offensive playbooks and force quarterbacks to hold onto the ball is why press-man corners are so coveted by NFL defenses.</p>
<p id="KCW5e5">Gardner isn’t just an outside corner, and he has the ability to move into the slot. That gives a defense options if they have a match-up they like, or if the offense uses a “big slot” who traditional slot corners can’t cover. Likewise, Gardner also has upside as a blitzer, further increasing his appeal to aggressive coordinators. He wasn’t asked to blitz often, but he was effective when he did. </p>
<p id="TBrCmq">About the only knock on Gardner is his lack of mass and the impact that has on his run defense and tackling. And it does have a significant impact on his grade, dropping it from a great “9.0” down to an 8.7. </p>
<p id="MH2QiI">Considering how good his coverage is, NFL teams will be willing to deal with that as a weakness given all his other strengths.</p>
<p id="Z2cxso"></p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2022/4/27/23043243/2022-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-ahmad-gardner-cb-cincinnati-scouting-report-ny-giantsChris Pflum2022-04-26T15:00:00-04:002022-04-26T15:00:00-04:002022 NFL Draft prospect profile - Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
<figure>
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 13 Mississippi State at Auburn" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RiC-b6HG6BA_vQZfrxovcT2ExsU=/0x0:4536x3024/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70796190/1236543774.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Can Cross reach his potential in the NFL?</p> <p id="lq89bu">One of the more tricky aspects of preparing for the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> is projecting some prospects into the pros. </p>
<p id="EnjQYP">There are some players, and schools, where projection is relatively simple. They’re experienced in Pro Style concepts and the traits are pro-ready. But there are other players that involve more artistry than science, players where the projection isn’t as clear and questions need to be answered. </p>
<p id="dEp19c"><a href="https://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com">Mississippi State</a> offensive tackle Charles Cross is one such player. He boasts many of the traits that get executives excited: He’s a fluid mover with long arms who rarely gave up pressure in the SEC. </p>
<p id="JiCJ4T">However, there’s also quite a bit of projection involved in Cross’ evaluation. For example, he only has 20 starts to his name, and many of those were in an offense which has little in common with how football is played in the NFL. </p>
<p id="w2bLYC">Cross has been widely linked to the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> at the top of the first round. Could Cross be the answer to the Giants’ questions at right tackle?</p>
<p id="5vhBON"><strong>Prospect:</strong> Charles Cross (67)<br><strong>Games Watched:</strong> vs. Georgia (2020), vs. LSU (2021), vs. Texas A&M (2021), vs. Alabama (2021) </p>
<h2 id="wjhRph">Measurables</h2>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZlJOF601laRJOU9qTyJYK_QNTDQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23417202/Screen_Shot_2022_04_26_at_11.20.44_AM.png">
<cite>Kent Lee Platte (@mathbomb)</cite>
<figcaption>Courtesy <a class="ql-link" href="https://ras.football/" target="_blank">RAS.Football</a>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="rKdrt7"><strong>Career Games Played:</strong> 25<br><strong>2021 Games Played:</strong> 12</p>
<h2 id="iHB8dK">Quick Summary</h2>
<p id="uOueex"><strong>Best:</strong> Athleticism, arm length, foot speed, lower-body fluidity<br><strong>Worst:</strong> Run blocking, hand usage/technique, experience<br><strong>Projection:</strong> A starting NFL tackle with “boom/bust” potential. </p>
<h2 id="eMAZCD">Game Tape</h2>
<div id="Sx75Tm"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3Z1etR_k2Go?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="NxSbIq">Full Report</h2>
<p id="tTLjme">Mississippi State’s Charles Cross is an athletic and fluid offensive tackle prospect. </p>
<p id="ZX2PcW">Cross sports a (relatively) lean and athletic frame at 6-foot 4 ¾ inches, 307 pounds. While he’s slightly undersized for the position, Cross compensates with long 34 ½ inch arms and big 10 ¾ inch hands. His long arms and slightly short frame give Cross good length for the position while maintaining natural leverage. Likewise, his hands are powerful enough to maintain control of defenders when he wins inside leverage. </p>
<p id="kaLmGJ">Cross lined up exclusively at left tackle for Mississippi State’s offense. He has a fluid lower body with good short-area quickness and very good agility for the position. Cross has enough athleticism to mirror speed rushers off the edge, as well as recover against sudden inside moves. Mississippi State’s offense heavily featured screen passes, and Cross was easily able to climb to the second level. He has enough agility and quickness to get into position ahead of the ball carrier and make accurate blocks in space. </p>
<p id="qOZ1N0">He also has a flexible lower body and is a natural knee bender. Cross is able to sit into his stance and maintain good hip and pad level throughout the play. That leverage, and his foot quickness, allows Cross to dissipate power rushes through a series of choppy steps. </p>
<p id="NbR0xa">But while Cross’ quick feet and good leverage allow him to blunt bull rushes, he has to give up ground to do so. He lacks the kind of play strength and anchor to hold up against powerful defensive linemen without being walked into the backfield. </p>
<p id="CpTpMb">Cross also needs to improve his hand usage and placement. He rarely wins inside leverage on defenders, and often winds up with his hands outside their framework. Cross has a habit of taking fistfulls of jersey to control defenders when he doesn’t have inside leverage, which could draw holding penalties at the NFL level. He also has a habit of lowering his head and lunging into defenders when they transition to counter moves. </p>
<p id="0IGZmw"><strong>Overall Grade: 7.7</strong></p>
<div class="c-float-right"><div id="m01VrX"><div data-anthem-component="aside:10347966"></div></div></div>
<h2 id="SxqxH3">Projection</h2>
<p id="wcxvF2">Mississippi State’s Charles Cross has many of the athletic traits necessary to become a starting tackle at the NFL level. </p>
<p id="GDzBda">He has enough size, good length, and great movement skills. Cross is a fluid, easy mover with enough play strength to at least blunt power rushes, and the athleticism to match up with most speed rushers. </p>
<p id="0x1rhr">All of that makes it easy to fall in love with the player Cross could become. However, he’s a relatively inexperienced tackle and he has some definite warts to his game.</p>
<p id="MScbdc">Some of them can be improved over time. Cross’ suspect anchor should be improved with time in an NFL strength and conditioning program. Cross will need coaching in NFL blocking schemes and technique, as Mississippi State’s offense has little in common with the NFL game. It remains to be seen how Cross will fare in a scheme that uses (many) more 3-5 step drops and doesn’t rely heavily on “catch and throw” bubble screens to get the ball out before even unblocked pressure has the chance to threaten the quarterback. </p>
<p id="5bxj1a">Likewise, Cross will also need work on his technique and hand usage. His tendency to place his hands outside defenders’ framework – often taking fistfulls of their jersey or grabbing their shoulders to control them without inside leverage – could make him a magnet for holding penalties at the NFL level. </p>
<p id="sqoAzY">Charles Cross has the tools and potential to be a good offensive tackle in the NFL, but teams will need to understand who he is now and have a clear plan for his development. Cross has tremendous upside, but real concerns as well.</p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2022/4/26/23042801/2022-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-charles-cross-ot-mississippi-state-scouting-report-ny-giantsChris Pflum2022-04-26T11:51:00-04:002022-04-26T11:51:00-04:002022 NFL Draft prospect profile - Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
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<img alt="Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uBUySFsMQJkISyrfACOkmMTdUzQ=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70795112/usa_today_17243270.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There’s no way Hutchinson will fall to the Giants, right?</p> <p id="gXyRKa">The <a href="https://www.maizenbrew.com">Michigan Wolverines</a> emerged as a force in the Big 10 as the 2021 season wore on. They overcame Penn State, <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a>, and Iowa on their way to winning the Big 10 Championship and earning a ticket to the College Football Playoffs. </p>
<p id="idKBYT">Michigan was carried by its defense, who in turn took their lead from EDGE Aidan Hutchinson. </p>
<p id="sI9ZjI">Hutchinson rebounded from a lost 2020 season with a fantastic break-out season in 2021. He notched an impressive 16.5 tackles for a loss, 14.0 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 passes defensed. That was enough to propel Hutchinson to the top (or almost top) of every draft board out there. </p>
<p id="EQ8h52">Hutchinson’s draft stock seems to have cooled off a bit in the national media. Concerns over his arm length and 4.74-second 40 yard dash (he still had a great 1.61-second 10-yard split) have lead to other prospects being mentioned above him. </p>
<p id="f6ZEzb">NFL teams have talked themselves out of talented players before. Could the late-breaking concerns over Hutchinson depress his draft stock enough to give the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> a chance at drafting him? </p>
<p id="dOaztX">That seems highly unlikely, but stranger things have happened and the Giants need to be prepared.</p>
<p id="nZ4SXv"><strong>Prospect:</strong> Aidan Hutchinson (97)<br><strong>Games Watched:</strong> vs. Washington (2021), vs. <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com">Michigan State</a> (2021), vs. Penn State (2021), vs. Ohio State (2021)<br><strong>Red Flags:</strong> fractured ankle (2020)</p>
<h2 id="0dniem">Measurables</h2>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rPt7eNQBO3oY8W6uA2kDb-fBHLU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23415550/Screen_Shot_2022_04_25_at_3.55.52_PM.png">
<cite>Kent Lee Platte (@mathbomb)</cite>
<figcaption>Courtesy <a class="ql-link" href="https://ras.football/" target="_blank">RAS.Football</a>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2 id="tUi2ly">Career Stats</h2>
<p id="jzxabr"><strong>Games Played:</strong> 36</p>
<p id="Kz1jEH"><strong>Tackles:</strong> 156 <br><strong>Tackles For a loss:</strong> 27.5<br><strong>Sacks:</strong> 17.5<br><strong>Forced Fumbles:</strong> 5<br><strong>Passes Defensed:</strong> 10</p>
<h2 id="BYzaT8">2021 Stats</h2>
<p id="6LXwoQ"><strong>Games Played:</strong> 14</p>
<p id="uXvQ0U"><strong>Tackles:</strong> 62<br><strong>Tackles For a loss:</strong> 16.5<br><strong>Sacks:</strong> 14.0<br><strong>Forced Fumbles:</strong> 2<br><strong>Passes Defensed:</strong> 3</p>
<h2 id="hIEeBu">Quick Summary</h2>
<p id="dn5Be6"><strong>Best:</strong> Competitive toughness, explosiveness, athleticism, size, versatility, pass rush, run defense, size<br><strong>Worst:</strong> Pass coverage, bend, arm length<br><strong>Projection:</strong> A starting EDGE with positional versatility and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> upside </p>
<h2 id="FUCMOP">Game Tape</h2>
<div id="HIPdve"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EuylUl44cik?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="d0cjS7">Full Report</h2>
<p id="udJOXx">Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson has a great combination of size, athleticism, technique, and competitive toughness to play the position at the NFL level. </p>
<p id="naatim">Hutchinson has a prototypical frame at 6-foot 6 ⅝ inches, which he combines with great play strength and athleticism. That combination allows Hutchinson to play from a variety of stances and alignments. He is able to effectively rush as both a down defensive lineman and as a stand-up rusher or outside linebacker. Likewise, he is able to win with power, technique, and speed, or any combination thereof. </p>
<p id="wODk4K">Hutchinson plays with a controlled aggression, balancing discipline and fidelity to his assignments with a desire to be disruptive and attack into the backfield. He flashes a truly explosive first step in obvious passing situations, firing out of his stance with great leverage and gaining good depth with his second and third steps. Hutchinson is a polished technician who knows how to make good use of his hands. He almost always places them well, landing heavy strikes on blockers’ chest plates as a bull rusher. He also has a good variety of pass rush moves and is judicious in using them. </p>
<p id="tfR1xz">Hutchinson can win with swipe, club, swim, rip, long-arm, bull-rush, push-pull, and forklift moves. He makes good use of those moves as both primary and counter-moves, and is careful to avoid becoming predictable. He also has a good sense of when to simply hold blockers and allow his teammates to make the play. At times he commands double (or triple) teams, giving other rushers free runs at the quarterback.</p>
<p id="qOa4wT">Hutchinson is a disruptive player behind the scrimmage. He is a hard hitter, a sound tackler, and simply never gives up on his rush. Hutchinson is willing to fight through waves of blockers and pursue with second or third efforts if the quarterback still has the ball.</p>
<p id="agdek8">Hutchinson’s technique, awareness, and play strength make him a predictably capable run defender. He does a good job of quickly and accurately diagnosing running plays and keeps good leverage throughout the play. He does a good job of getting under blockers pads despite his height and his hand usage allows him to shed blockers and pursue ball carriers. He has good gap discipline and is tireless in pursuit.</p>
<p id="gbm1tl">While Hutchinson has prototypical size, he lacks ideal arm length. His burst, play strength, and technique make up for his 32-inch arms at the collegiate level. However, he could run into problems against long-levered, athletic, and skilled blockers at the NFL level. He played against a high level of competition at the college level and was very successful, so teams will have to decide for themselves if Hutchinson’s arm length is a concern.</p>
<p id="Ja6kqm">Hutchinson has good agility and bend for a player of his size, but he does lack elite flexibility in his lower half. He can struggle to turn particularly tight corners and flatten around the edge when he isn’t able to set himself up with good technique.</p>
<p id="pLUVS0"><strong>Overall Grade: 9.2</strong></p>
<div class="c-float-right"><div id="yYJIwW"><div data-anthem-component="aside:10347966"></div></div></div>
<h2 id="eQ0yeY">Projection</h2>
<p id="ToyB64">Michigan EDGE Aidan Hutchinson projects as a starting EDGE at the NFL level with scheme versatility and Pro Bowl upside. </p>
<p id="XentKK">Hutchinson has a versatile blend of height, weight, strength, and athleticism to play both a 4-3 defensive end or a 3-4 outside linebacker. It’s notable that he truly blossomed in 2021 after Michigan transitioned to a Baltimore-style front using two down linemen and two stand-up pass rushers in their base defense. That alignment allowed Hutchinson to make full use of his versatility and attack offenses from across the defensive formation. </p>
<p id="kjDltw">Hutchinson is more than just a big and great athlete, he is also a technician. He has a polished arsenal of pass rush moves, has a good idea of when to use them, and comes to every play with a plan. But it’s Hutchinson’s competitive toughness that stands out the most, and is his greatest asset. He plays as hard on the final snap of the game as he does on the first, and never gives up on the play. Hutchinson made multiple plays in 2021 in which he was knocked to the ground, got up, and kept pursuing through the whistle. </p>
<p id="vjJdZH">While Hutchinson is capable of dropping into coverage, it isn’t something teams should ask him to do regularly. He doesn’t appear particularly comfortable and he is simply more useful attacking downhill into the backfield. That said, he’s good enough at dropping into coverage that he can be used to disguise zone blitzes on occasion. </p>
<p id="Zge5xr">The only real knock on Hutchinson is his lack of arm length. Long arms are an undeniable advantage for a pass rusher, and Hutchinson will have to compensate at the NFL level. It’s possible that NFL teams that focus heavily on measurable thresholds could get stuck on his lack of arm length. However, his tape is too good for an inch or two of arm length to be much of a concern.</p>
<p id="m2FrUt"></p>
<p id="Tlu3Ex"></p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2022/4/26/23041620/2022-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-aidan-hutchinson-edge-michigan-scouting-report-ny-giantsChris Pflum2022-04-25T14:00:00-04:002022-04-25T14:00:00-04:002022 NFL Draft prospect profile - Kayvon Thibodeaux, EDGE, Oregon
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<img alt="Oregon State v Oregon" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/V_Xp8HfsAC4GWQ_Dzhor-a2zNf0=/0x0:4743x3162/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70791445/1358890585.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Why is Thibodeaux so divisive? </p> <p id="MfgWwt">It wasn’t all that long ago that Oregon EDGE was one of the two or three players widely considered to be in contention for the first overall pick. </p>
<p id="bWM02U">Thibodeaux was the top recruit in the nation when he committed to Oregon, and his ability simply leapt off the field. Thibodeaux has all the tools a defensive coordinator could want with speed, agility, technique, football IQ, and enough power. Thibodeaux was able to take over games at the collegiate level and has the potential to be an instant impact player in the NFL.</p>
<p id="xpmgiq">So why has he become a polarizing player who’s sliding down some draft boards? </p>
<p id="6rpHFy">Well, he had a bit of a disappointing 2021 season. Thibodeaux missed three games after having his ankle rolled up on by another player in the season opener. He never really found his stride the rest of the season, flashing brightly at times, but not consistently. </p>
<p id="ecojbH">He is also a very frank and straightforward person who isn’t afraid to say what’s on his mind. That simply rubs some people the wrong way, and many “Football Guys” would really rather that players be seen and not heard. </p>
<p id="x5Iymo">How do the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> come down on Thibodeaux? He would certainly upgrade their pass rush, and his versatility could be put to great use by Wink Martindale. </p>
<p id="20PFJI"><strong>Prospect:</strong> Kayvon Thibodeaux (5)<br><strong>Games Watched:</strong> vs. California (2021), vs. <a href="https://www.bruinsnation.com">UCLA</a> (2021), vs. Washington (2021), vs. <a href="https://www.cougcenter.com">Washington State</a> (2021)<br><strong>Red Flags:</strong> Ankle (2021)</p>
<h2 id="Vp8y1q">Measurables</h2>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TDXY_wgI4LAye7GUFyPUVTnoTRI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23415098/Screen_Shot_2022_04_25_at_12.51.35_PM.png">
<cite>Kent Lee Platte (@mathbomb)</cite>
<figcaption>Courtesy <a class="ql-link" href="https://ras.football/" target="_blank">RAS.Football</a>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2 id="DcBVfN">Career Stats</h2>
<p id="7WHEBK"><strong>Games Played:</strong> 30</p>
<p id="JHgHS2"><strong>Tackles:</strong> 126<br><strong>Tackles For a loss:</strong> 35.5<br><strong>Sacks:</strong> 19.0<br><strong>Forced Fumbles:</strong> 3<br><strong>Passes Defensed:</strong> 7</p>
<h2 id="NHw3jt">2021 Stats</h2>
<p id="0bLnJE"><strong>Games Played:</strong> 10</p>
<p id="h8qHHc"><strong>Tackles:</strong> 49<br><strong>Tackles For a loss:</strong> 12.0<br><strong>Sacks:</strong> 7.0<br><strong>Forced Fumbles:</strong> 2<br><strong>Passes Defensed:</strong> 1</p>
<h2 id="aZ7JGg">Quick Summary</h2>
<p id="nuBCLZ"><strong>Best:</strong> Explosiveness, athleticism, get-off, technique, pass rush, run defense, versatility, football IQ<br><strong>Worst:</strong> Length, inconsistent ankle flexibility<br><strong>Projection:</strong> A starting EDGE with scheme versatility and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> upside.</p>
<h2 id="NCJSMR">Game Tape</h2>
<div id="Ur8roX"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NpoOSL6mdRQ?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="HIJlsE">Full Report</h2>
<p id="bFuASF">Oregon EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux has a great combination of size, explosiveness, athleticism, versatility, and football IQ to play the position at the NFL level. </p>
<p id="H3lY5n">Thibodeaux lined up across the Oregon defensive formation. He rushed from both the left and right edges, as a stand-up rusher and a down defensive lineman, he reduced inside and rushed as a defensive tackle, and even rushed from an inside linebacker position on occasion. </p>
<p id="9sE4o3">Thibodeaux has a flexible lower body, allowing him to settle into a compact stance and fire off the snap with great pad level. Thibodeaux is a versatile pass rusher with the ability to win with pure speed, technique, and with power off the edge. He has an impressively explosive first step which is capable of stressing almost any offensive tackle he lines up against. He is able to use his first step to win quickly around the edge or set up a quick inside move. Thibodeaux also brings a good array of pass rush moves, including club, rip, swipe, and long-arm moves. </p>
<p id="TfTW7c">He also has the ability to uncoil his hips, transfer his initial speed to power, and walk blockers who overcompensate for his speed into the backfield. Thibodeaux has enough play strength to be an effective bullrusher with good leverage. He generally does a good job of gaining inside leverage and bench pressing offensive tackles to create separation. He also does a good job of using his hands and contorting his upper body to “get skinny” and split double-teams.</p>
<p id="2bU2rd">Thibodeaux is a smart, savvy rusher who shows evidence of a definite pass rush plan, mixing his speed and power over the course of a game. Likewise, he usually seems to come to the line of scrimmage with a primary and counter-move prepared. </p>
<p id="uZhxA1">He is a capable run defender on the edge and uses his leverage, play strength, and technique to set a firm edge. Thibodeaux shows good competitive toughness in pursuit of the play and willing to fight through multiple blockers. He has good awareness of the play, taking smart angles to the ball when scraping over the top, and is generally disciplined in playing his assignment.</p>
<p id="aoOuqM">Thibodeaux has enough athleticism to drop into shallow zone coverage on occasion. He gets good depth relatively quickly and is capable of running with tight ends in the flats. He shows solid awareness and movement skills in space, making coverage drops a viable option for disguising zone blitzes.</p>
<p id="Utw3dh">While Thibodeaux is by no means undersized, he does lack ideal measurables. At 6-foot-4 and with 33-inch arms, Thibodeaux doesn’t quite have prototypical length for the NFL. That isn’t much of an issue on tape, but it could give pause to teams with strict measurable thresholds. </p>
<p id="P5hupJ">There is also some slight concern regarding Thibodeaux’s ankle flexibility. He occasionally runs on his toes at the top of his arc, limiting his contact with the ground. Thibodeaux can occasionally have his feet go out from under him when turning particularly tight corners. Teams will want to do their due diligence to see if his early-season ankle injury had any impact on his lower-body fluidity. </p>
<p id="Ysm5FV"><strong>Overall Grade: 9.1</strong></p>
<div class="c-float-right"><div id="faRZC3"><div data-anthem-component="aside:10347966"></div></div></div>
<h2 id="sAGGaN">Projection</h2>
<p id="Vhj0AV">Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux projects as a starting EDGE with scheme versatility at the NFL level. </p>
<p id="cS66kN">Thibodeaux should be able to line up as a 4-3 defensive end, an outside linebacker in a 3-4 front, or do a little bit of everything for a “multiple” defense. He’s a reliable and disciplined run defender and has the potential to be a dominant pass rusher from just about any alignment or stance.</p>
<p id="IUi7L4">Thibodeaux would likely be at his best in an aggressive defense that will let him attack on every play, and make full use of his ability to move around the defensive front. Not only is Thibodeaux a dangerous pass rusher, but he can also help disguise exotic blitz packages by effectively dropping into coverage. He is capable of legitimately taking over games when he fully unleashes his explosive first step and uses that to set up the rest of his game – he can be almost unblockable in obvious passing situations. </p>
<p id="137JS3">Thibodeaux appears to be a smart, savvy pass rusher, who already knows how to rush with a plan and play off of linemen’s expectations. That football IQ should allow him to pick up an NFL defense quickly and he should be able to produce quickly. </p>
<p id="OfhJ5p">Teams will want to do their due diligence to make sure Thibodeaux doesn’t have any lingering issues from the ankle injury which cost him time at the beginning of the 2021 season. If Thibodeaux checks out medically, he has Pro Bowl upside in the right situation.</p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2022/4/25/23041197/2022-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-kayvon-thibodeaux-scouting-report-ny-giantsChris Pflum2022-04-25T10:00:00-04:002022-04-25T10:00:00-04:002022 NFL Draft prospect profile - Jordan Davis, iDL, Georgia
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<img alt="2022 CFP National Championship - Georgia v Alabama" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2gc4S73brGk0oKCo2ewJ1YQpfq0=/0x0:5100x3400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70790075/1365072741.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Is Davis more than “just a nose tackle” in the NFL?</p> <p id="soUwW4">It’s hard to watch Georgia defensive lineman Jordan Davis play and not be impressed. It’s simply incredible to see a young man with his sheer mass move with his speed and agility. </p>
<p id="dG9yEM">Davis just stands out, even on a stacked defense full of athletic freaks. </p>
<p id="3iQuUm">But is that enough to overcome the stigma attached to players’ his size? Will teams see Davis as a versatile defender to be moved around the front, or will they see a 6-foot-6, 341-pound behemoth and see just another nose tackle? If it’s the former, he has the chance to be drafted high in the first round. If the NFL’s consensus is that Davis is a nose tackle, he could slide on draft night. </p>
<p id="y2uNPy">Potential questions about Davis’ positional value aside, he could be an intriguing fit in Wink Martindale’s defense. Davis’ athletic upside gives him rare versatility for a player his size to move around the defensive front. That said, his raw power could certainly help fill the Giants’ need for a true nose tackle. </p>
<p id="5D28Wl">Will the value be right to make this giant of a man a New York Giant?</p>
<p id="Sqr9W5"><strong>Prospect:</strong> Jordan Davis (99)<br><strong>Games Watched:</strong> vs. Florida (2021), vs. Alabama (2021 - SEC Championship Game), vs. Michigan (2021 - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/orange-bowl">Orange Bowl</a>), vs. Alabama (2022 - National Championship Game)</p>
<h2 id="IDSOTy">Measurables</h2>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HKXFGs4vNAAb69WJnyBCpZdvSfI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/23413708/Screen_Shot_2022_04_24_at_7.02.34_PM.png">
<cite>Kent Lee Platte (@mathbomb)</cite>
<figcaption>Courtesy <a class="ql-link" href="https://ras.football/" target="_blank">RAS.Football</a>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2 id="C90izn">Career Stats</h2>
<p id="veyzZw"><strong>Games Played:</strong> 41</p>
<p id="I5VwT9"><strong>Tackles:</strong> 90<br><strong>Tackles For a loss:</strong> 11.5<br><strong>Sacks:</strong> 7.0<br><strong>Passes Defensed:</strong> 1</p>
<h2 id="2zDsTZ">2021 Stats</h2>
<p id="bOR4gJ"><strong>Games Played:</strong> 14</p>
<p id="gJEqPs"><strong>Tackles:</strong> 32<br><strong>Tackles For a loss:</strong> 5.0<br><strong>Sacks:</strong> 2.0<br><strong>Passes Defensed:</strong> 1</p>
<h2 id="cYPvSU">Quick Summary</h2>
<p id="lanqkd"><strong>Best:</strong> Size, play strength, power, explosiveness, agility, run defense, disruptiveness<br><strong>Worst:</strong> Stamina or conditioning questions<br><strong>Projection:</strong> A starting interior defensive lineman with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> potential.</p>
<h2 id="8ljNKy">Game Tape</h2>
<div id="ivqmmE"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WmNhVqZ52JQ?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture;"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="2BOVjA">Full Report</h2>
<p id="9sD7LT">Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis has an exceptional, and exceptionally rare, combination of size, explosiveness, and athleticism to play the position at the NFL level. </p>
<p id="jl9Mlf">Davis primarily lined up as a nose tackle on Georgia’s defensive front, though thanks to the “multiple” nature of their front, his exact alignment differed depending on the personnel package. He usually lined up as a 1-technique or 0-technique defensive tackle, depending on whether he was asked to play a 1-gap or 2-gap technique on that particular play. It’s worth noting that he did also line up as a 3 or 4i-technique, and even played defensive end on occasion.</p>
<p id="sUNpKn">Davis’ size and evident play strength simply leap off the film and he often dwarfs opposing offensive linemen. His sheer mass belies rare explosiveness, and Davis is capable of firing out of his stance like a much smaller defensive tackle. He routinely plays with good leverage to maximize his already impressive play strength. Davis is often too much for a single blocker and is able to hold up double teams without giving an inch. </p>
<p id="gacdHC">Davis is an excellent run defender who uses his hands, leverage, and power well to control blockers and discard them at will to make plays on passing ball carriers. He is able to use his long arms to make one-handed tackles if he isn’t able to completely shed a blocker in time. Davis also shows surprising range as a run defender, with incredible short-area quickness despite his massive frame. He also boasts rare speed for a player his size, with great hustle and agility in pursuit of ball carriers.</p>
<p id="2USMoY">While he wasn’t asked to rush the passer often for Georgia, Davis does show some upside in that area. His explosive power allows him to push – and collapse – pockets as a nose tackle. Likewise, he is able to command double (or triple) teams to create free lanes for interior blitzers and one-on-one matchups for his fellow linemen. Davis is even able to generate some pass rush on his own, thanks to his lower-body explosiveness and solid hand technique. He is able to use a bullrush, with a push-pull or arm-over counter move, to beat blockers when attacking a single gap and disrupt in the backfield. </p>
<p id="JRBnvl">But while Davis might have untapped potential as a pass rusher, teams will need to investigate why he was frequently taken off the field on obvious passing downs. It may have simply been a coaching decision based on Georgia’s impressive depth, but teams looking to draft Davis highly will want to know what he brings as a pass rusher.</p>
<p id="nVwHvK">Teams will also want to be sure regarding Davis’ conditioning and stamina. Not only was he taken off the field on some obvious passing downs, he was also rotated off for whole series at a time. Rotating defensive linemen isn’t a red flag in and of itself, and nobody should expect a player of Davis’ size to play every single snap. However, teams will need to find out if they would have to make special considerations for Davis’ stamina over the course of a game and the whole season.</p>
<p id="woDMCm"><strong>Overall Grade: 9.1</strong></p>
<div class="c-float-right"><div id="hMprTh"><div data-anthem-component="aside:10347966"></div></div></div>
<h2 id="Or7Eaw">Projection</h2>
<p id="e3pnSy">Jordan Davis projects as a starting defensive tackle with positional and schematic versatility, and the potential to be a perennial Pro Bowl player.</p>
<p id="FB5dJW">Davis’ unique blend of size, power, and athleticism gives him the upside to be a dominant player in any defensive scheme. He has more than enough size and power to play the nose in a 3 or 4-man front, while his rare athleticism should allow him to play a 3, 4i, or 5-technique if his future defensive coordinator so desires. </p>
<p id="7NEilz">It’s easy to become so awed by Davis’ size, power, and athleticism that you miss the technique with which he plays. Jordan Davis is more than just an industrial-sized block eater. He is a technician at the defensive tackle position who uses his leverage and hands to facilitate his incredible physical tools. The result is a player who is capable of simply mauling offensive linemen. Not only can he collapse pockets, but Davis can discard blockers almost at will, and even has great range as well. </p>
<p id="BrnDVN">Davis will likely have to be in an active defensive line rotation at the next level, and teams will certainly have to do their homework to make sure he isn’t too much of a “part time” player. The big guys need rest over the course of a game to be at their best when it matters most, and for all his athleticism, Davis is no different. But when he is on the field, he is certainly a difference maker. </p>
https://www.bigblueview.com/2022/4/25/23040259/2022-nfl-draft-prospect-profile-jordan-davis-idl-georgia-scouting-report-ny-giantsChris Pflum