EDGE
1 – Bradley Chubb – NC State – 6’4/269
Grade: 86
Strong Points:
-Violent, aggressive, and downright nasty player that loves the physical game
-Far along and well developed techniques against the run and pass
-Every down threat
Weak Points:
-Quick twitch when moving upfield won’t scare NFL pass blockers
-Loses focus and track of his assignments
-Needs to harness his emotions and use them for his advantage
Summary:
Three year starter. The top edge defender in this class and while some may say it is a result of a lack of top end talent in the group overall, it’s hard not to label Chubb a stud. After gaining 25 pounds between the 2015 and 2016 season, Chubb went on to amass 46.5 TFL and 20 sacks. If you want to alter the toughness as a defense, you can start with a guy like this. He walks the line of too dirty and dirty enough like Suh was in college, but coaches rave about his leadership and fire. Chubb will very much be in the picture for NYG, whether it is at #2 overall or back a few spots.
NFL Comparison: Joey Bosa / LAC
2 - Kemoko Turay – Rutgers – 6’5/253
Grade: 83
Strong Points:
-Easy burst off the line, puts a blocker on his heels
-Translates speed to power, violent punch that will get a blocker off balance
-Leverage comes easy for him with chest up and a long reach
Weak Points
-Has battled, and continues to battle, injuries
-Slow to pick up schemes and responsibilities
-Needs more core strength to maintain ground against power blocks
Summary:
Fifth year senior. Began his career off with a Freshman All American season in 2014, recording 7.5 sacks. He then was on and off the field via coaching decisions and injuries. From what I was told, he isn’t the brightest player and the coaches didn’t trust him in certain roles. Others will say the coaches there just didn’t know what they were doing with him. Whatever the case, Turay has enormous upside at a premium position. He is worth the gamble because of that ceiling. Watching the discomfort he gives pass blockers via physical pop and explosion can be thrown in to an NFL role right now. Pair him up with the right situation and you might have a top10 caliber pass rusher that can be had in round 2.
NFL Comparison: Whitney Mercilus / HOU
3 - Marcus Davenport – UTSA - 6’6/254
Grade: 82
Strong Points:
-A frame that will make coaches and scouts drool
-Has plenty of pop and violence in his game, finishes hard
-Bends easily, flexibility throughout, keeping his pad level low
Weak Points:
-Needs more staying power, lacks NFL core strength
-Lacks urgency in some situations, gives up too easily
-Very dependent on the initial movement, lacks secondary moves
Summary:
A big time athlete in 3 sports in high school, Davenport was overlooked on the national scouting scene. He started to break out in 2016, showing glimpses of top tier movement with a frame that gets all talent evaluators excited. He went on to finish with 17 TFL and 8.5 sacks in 2017 in addition to being one of the top performers at the combine and Senior Bowl, respectively. Davenport doesn’t get the elite grade from me like some have on him, as I think his power game and lack of ability to get off blocks will be an issue early on. He will have to work his butt off and play more aggressive at the point of attack. If those two parts of his game evolve, he can be a good one.
NFL Comparison: Danielle Hunter / MIN
4- Harold Landry – Boston College – 6’2/252
Grade: 81
Strong Points:
-Elite movement when it comes to both burst and change of direction
-Plays low and fast, tough for a blocker to get a hold of
-Excellent anticipation of the snap, gets the head start
Weak Points:
-Underachieved in 2017, struggled through injuries and lack of playing time
-Effort switch goes off and on too often
-Struggles against the run that goes right at him
Summary:
Could have come out last year and been a top 15 pick after his 22 TFL/16.5 sack season. He was the guy in this class that was supposed to be the elite pass rusher but a few injuries and a coaching staff that mishandled him in my opinion made 2017 a down year. Landry might not be an every down threat because of his struggle in the power game, but pass rushers like this are still sought after. His burst, agility, and leverage are traits that a blocker has a hard time dealing with. I think the NYG scheme may be a perfect fit for him and if he is there in the 2nd round, I wouldn’t be surprised one bit to see them bite.
5 - Lorenzo Carter – Georgia – 6’5/250
Grade: 78
Strong Points:
-Physically gifted with a rare combination of speed, height, length, and speed
-Progressed throughout the 2017 season as much as any defender in the class
-Versatile skill set that can be used in multiple roles, in space and in the trenches
Weak Points:
-Still a step behind mentally when it comes to reading defenses and reacting
-Hesitant when taking on blocks
-High hipped, too much of a straight line athlete
Summary:
A former 5 star recruit that earned the newcomer of the year award for UGA in 2014, Carter simply took awhile to blossom. He has always been packed with talent and ability, but the football sense wasn’t quite clicking for him until 2017. He was a situational guy, a good edge rusher with burst and long strides that would eat up a 5-10 yard window in a blink. But his role expanded in 2017 and he showed the kind of versatility and overall progress that could end up getting his name called in the 1st round. The NFL loves tools paired with a good attitude, and that he has. Carter is a little to manufactured for me, meaning he is only a top tier player when the role is simple and he can burst in to a straight line. He comes back down to earth when the game is quickly changing directions and quality reads need to be made. I love the upside here, but he is a 3rd round-only option for NYG in my book.
NFL Comparison: Connor Barwin / FA
6 - Sam Hubbard – Ohio State – 6’5/270
Grade: 77
Strong Points:
-Power presence against run is elite, he wins the power battle almost always
-Developed technique and approach, very detail-attentive
-Plays within the scheme, rarely caught out of position
Weak Points:
-Athletically limited, burst and agility are average at best
-Struggles to get movement as a bull rusher, gets locked up
-Never reached the production level that was projected of him
Summary:
Fourth year junior entry. Was being labeled the next Joey Bosa but he never came close to that level. Hubbard was overrated by the national spotlight for a tad, but I still think he has a very solid role in the NFL in the right scheme. He plays the run well, very aware and savvy, and will finish when he gets to the ball. Hubbard’s ceiling is limited, but he is a safe and reliable edge player that will get the job done as long as his role is right.
NFL Comparison: Jordan Jenkins / NYJ
7 - Kylie Fitts – Utah – 6’4/263
Grade: 76
Strong Points:
-Violent off the snap, plays aggressive and powerful
-Really quick burst and light footed
-Can turn the edge at a fast rate with good pad level
Weak Points:
-Has been marred by injuries throughout his career
-Can be stood up too easily by a strong, low blocker
-Moved backward by the power run block and double team too easily
Summary:
Fifth year senior. Spent a year at UCLA before transferring to Utah. Missed most of 2016 with a foot injury and was hampered by multiple injuries in 2017. He got a green light in his medicals at the combine and I think this might be one of the best day 2/3 values in the draft. Fitts plays with the quick twitch violence that can factor off the edge. There are a lot of physical traits to like here and if he can actually stay on the field for a full year for the first time since 2015, he could evolve in to a first round caliber talent.
NFL Comparison: Derrick Morgan / TEN
8 - Jalyn Holmes – Ohio State – 6’5/283
Grade: 75
Strong Points:
-Has the NFL ready frame and power presence right now
-Flashes an array of developed rush moves
-When the light is on, his impact is near top notch when he punches the blocker
¬Weak Points:
-Inconsistent all around when it comes to production and effort
-Urgency and quick reactions aren’t there
-Pad level gets too high, makes him an easy target
Summary:
Senior that struggled to get a ton of playing time because of the overcrowded defensive line at OSU. Holmes gets people excited because of what he would flash on a weekly to bi-weekly basis. His size and short area burst is enough to send power blockers back a couple steps. He has also shown the ability to rip under blockers and make plays in the backfield. I think if he played a little lighter, 10-15 pounds, he could be a terror. He could break out in the NFL if he ever gets more consistent snaps, but at the same time his intensity needs to be there no matter what when his number is called, something I didn’t always see in college.
NFL Comparison: Cameron Jordan / NO
9 - Uchenna Nwosu – USC – 6’2/251
Grade: 76
Strong Points:
-NFL caliber technique from head to toe
-Smart, aware player that understands situations and his role
-High effort hustler, is found all over the place
Weak Points:
-Doesn’t jump off the screen when it comes to speed and burst
-Undersized and it shows up when a quality blocker gets his hands inside
-Doesn’t move guys to create a new line of scrimmage
Summary:
Two year starter. A coach’s favorite because of his attention to detail when it comes to techniques and awareness. Plays his butt off each week. Nwosu needs to be watched week after week to truly appreciate what he is. He won’t impress anyone with his tools, although he is a solid athlete with length and easy leverage. When it comes to burst and power presence, he falls just short of what you want in an every down starter. I do think he will find a role and produce at a good enough level to warrant a day 2 pick, but it will be hard to get a lot out of him play after play.
NFL Comparison: Kyle Van Noy / NE
10 - Arden Key – LSU – 6’5/238
Grade: 75
Strong Points:
-Explosive first step, can get his hands on the blocker in a hurry
-Good flexibility, can make himself small as he bends the edge sharp
-Rangy defender, swallows a lot of space in a blink
Weak Points:
-Effort and passion for the game are rightfully in question
-Inconsistent pad level, gets too high and easily rendered ineffective
-Doesn’t use a wide variety of rush moves, techniques are behind
Summary:
Junior entry. At this time last year, everyone had Key as a probable future top 10 pick after his 12 sack breakout season. The offseason leading up to the 2017 season wasn’t kind to Key, as he recovered from a couple of injuries and started to question if he wanted to play anymore. He actually left the team for a bit and even though he returned, he was a shell of his former self. He did flash, however. Key has the tools when it comes to size and burst, but doesn’t have much power or strength to work with yet. He is someone could look at round 3 or 4 and see a project that could be worth trying for, but I suspect he will be gone way before then.
NFL Comparison: Chandler Jones / ARI
11 - Peter Kalambayi – Stanford – 6’3/252
Grade: 75
Strong Points:
-Well developed frame, wiry strong with plenty of functional quick twitch
-Fast in the open field, can factor in space
-Power on the move is there, he is violent with blockers
Weak Points:
-Reaction speed isn’t there, often late on reads
-Instincts are in question, doesn’t feel the action before it happens
-Burst up the edge as a pass rusher won’t scare tackles
Summary:
Fifth year senior and two time team captain. Kalambayi is one of my sleepers for the position. He moves really well for a guy his size. Kalambayi is a hard worker on the field that can make his presence felt on contact with developed power from his lower body. I think his best football is ahead of him and he is entering the league at the right time for a mid round value grab.
12 - Tyquan Lewis – Ohio State – 6’3/269
Grade: 74
Strong Points:
-Power game is already pro caliber, he can create a new line of scrimmage
-Plays hard, loves to be physical with his hands
-Plays low, plenty of knee bend and will get in to the blocker fast
Weak Points
-Lacks variety as a pass rusher, it is bull rush or bust
-Takes a lot of energy for him to change direction, quick twitch isn’t there
-Struggles to bet blockers up the edge with speed
Summary:
Fifth year senior that has a lot of experience. Has been a consistent power force on that like that will likely be a plus run defender in the NFL. Lewis loves to play the role of a violent bully. He will deliver a punch the blocker and look to finish off a ball carrier hard. His effort is consistent and while the overall talent as pass rush skills may lack, he can find a role somewhere. I just don’t see an every down guy.
NFL Comparison: Vinny Curry / PHI
13 - Ogbonnia Okoronwo – Oklahoma - 6’2/253
Grade: 74
Strong Points:
-Fluid lower half, easy moving and easy bending
-Change of direction and reaction to the offense is natural and fluid
-Flattens the edge with no loss of speed
Weak Points:
-Plays small, overly reliant on movement and space
-Gets too high and when he does, he is an easy block
-Doesn’t stifle a blocker with his hands
Summary:
Fifth year senior. Was a two year factor for the Sooners, finishing with 29.5 TFL and 17 sacks over that time. A very good mover off the snap that, when he anticipates the snap well enough, can simply out race blockers up the edge. His quickness and body control and make it easy for him to adjust, making him an inside/double move threat as well. Okoronwo is highly touted by some, but he is one dimensional. If an NFL OT gets his hands on him, it’s over. He doesn’t have the strength to get off them and he won’t be much of a run defender. Not a fit for every scheme.
NFL Comparison: Dion Jordan / SEA
14 - Hercules Mata’afa – Washington State – 6’2/254
Grade: 74
Strong Points:
-Crafty against blockers, understands leverage and hand usage
-Has a nose for the ball, quick to locate and pounce
-Comfortable playing low to the ground
Weak Points:
-Very short arms and it shows up on tape, can be locked up
-Won’t be a speed rushing threat off the edge
-Power game is lacking, if he doesn’t get a head start he can be driven back
Summary:
Fourth year junior entry. Played a unique nose tackle role for the WSU defense. Despite being vastly undersized for the position, he was a very disruptive player. He constantly was in the backfield because of his snap anticipation, reaction, and ability to make himself small to defenders. As an NFL edge rusher, Mata’afa lacks the speed and size you want, but has proven to be crafty with his feet and hands. Might be a gimmick type player, so buyer beware.
NFL Comparison: Matt Longacre / LAR
15 - Davin Bellamy – Georgia – 6’4/255
Grade: 74
Strong Points:
-Man’s power presence already
-Gets his hands on the blocker first and will control the initial engagement
-Good instincts and feel for the action
Weak Points:
-Struggles with lateral movement and adjustment
-Speed up the edge is average at best
-Needs toe extra step or two when recovering
Summary:
Fifth year senior. Has been the run defending edge presence for the Bulldogs over the past two years that will occasionally surprise with burst in traffic. Bellamy is a an aggressive player that has the grown man’s style to playing. Against college kids, he was too powerful at times. I don’t think that will translate in to the NFL but I think there is some hidden potential here as a pass rusher. He is smart and crafty. A solid backup edge rusher that will be a weapon on special teams.
NFL Comparison: James Cowser / OAK
16 - Jeff Holland – Auburn – 6’1/249 –GRADE: 74
17 - Javon Rolland-Jones – Arkansas State – 6’2/253 – GRADE: 73
18 - Dorance Armstrong – Kansas – 6’4/257 – GRADE: 70
19 - Josh Sweat – Florida State – 6’5/251 – GRADE: 70
20 - Marquis Haynes – Ole Miss – 6’2/235 – GRADE: 68
21 - Joe Ostman – Central Michigan – 6’3/255 – GRADE: 68
22 - Duke Ejiofor – Wake Forest – 6’4/264 – GRADE: 68
23 - Anthony Winbush – Ball State – 6’1/249 – GRADE: 67
24 - Trevon Young – Louisville – 6’4/258 – GRADE: 66
25 - James Hearns – Louisville – 6’2/239 – GRADE: 66
NYG APPROACH
Without fully knowing the scheme, I think there is an obvious need for more edge presence on this roster. Whether it be a starter or a backup, NYG will need to address this at some point. Bradley Chubb is a real possibility with their first pick, I firmly believe that. Otherwise, they can sit back and wait for the right value. They can take a chance on Turay, Carter, or even Key on day 2 and hope their high ceiling is reached. Or they can play if safe with a Tyquan Lewis, Sam Hubbard, or Uchenna Nwusu. Thos guys won’t ever be stars but they play smart and assignment-based, which is what I think they are looking for before anything else.
Regarding Duke Ejiofor can you provide a little deeper analysis on how you think he prospects out? He's generated a lot of buzz down here since he plays for Wake Forest and they are talking about him being a possible Panther selection in the 3rd round. That seems a bit high based on your rankings, but would be interested to get your take.
Regarding Duke Ejiofor can you provide a little deeper analysis on how you think he prospects out? He's generated a lot of buzz down here since he plays for Wake Forest and they are talking about him being a possible Panther selection in the 3rd round. That seems a bit high based on your rankings, but would be interested to get your take.
He is a low ceiling, high floor type. He is a DE but he won't come screaming off the edge. Thats not his game. The explosion and speed aren't there.
He excels at hand techniques. He was further along than almost every OL he faced and that is how he produced. He has the frame to add some bulk without losing speed and that should allow him factor as an inside pass rusher on 3rd down. I think his best fit is 3-4 LDE, a spot where the run defenders usually play.
With Chubb being a possibility at 2, how do you think he projects as a stand up linebacker vs having his hand in the dirt. Would he be better at end in passing situations or LB?
With Chubb being a possibility at 2, how do you think he projects as a stand up linebacker vs having his hand in the dirt. Would he be better at end in passing situations or LB?
He would be fine in either role. Scheme doesn't impact his grade
I am higher on him than most. All about upside with him...and it's a gamble.
I think general view on him is round 3.
Second, I’m curious to your thoughts on Kentavius Street. Coming out of high school, he was rated higher than Chubb and showed flashes at times at State. I’m hoping the Giants sign him as a UDFA.
Second, I’m curious to your thoughts on Kentavius Street. Coming out of high school, he was rated higher than Chubb and showed flashes at times at State. I’m hoping the Giants sign him as a UDFA.
Street tore ACL when he visited us IIRC.
Sy nailed what happened after. I'll also add that he's dealt with some shoulder issues which may have stunted his physical development, so he probably has some room to grow. Also, Rutgers was getting completely gashed on the ground the last 5 years as they adjusted to the Big Ten, it wasn't exactly the most conducive environment to develop a raw and undersized DE in their 4-3. I'd be a little hesitant to use the 34th pick on him, too risky at that spot, but definitely in the 3rd or at the end of the 2nd in a trade down/up. Another bonus with him is that he'll be a stud STer, he blocked a few kicks in college.
But if you want the LT style 'crazed dog's and nasty+ of Suh, 2 in 1 is a good deal.
But if you want the LT style 'crazed dog's and nasty+ of Suh, 2 in 1 is a good deal.
I meant 1 or 2 trick pony.
Thanks
But if you want the LT style 'crazed dog's and nasty+ of Suh, 2 in 1 is a good deal.
Every prospect will have negative points. I believe that because Chubb is so passionate and has a nasty streak, he tends to go overboard chasing the play instead of playing conservative and keeping his assignment (from time to time). Sy correct me if I'm wrong?
Quote:
and I somehow still got him in Round 3.
I am higher on him than most. All about upside with him...and it's a gamble.
I think general view on him is round 3.
If the medical reports come back relatively positive I could see him going that high. That's the key question imho.
But if you want the LT style 'crazed dog's and nasty+ of Suh, 2 in 1 is a good deal.
Quote:
Scare me on Chubb.Is it intelligence? Disinterest in instruction? Make him a 1/2 trick pony?
But if you want the LT style 'crazed dog's and nasty+ of Suh, 2 in 1 is a good deal.
Obviously I'm not the trained eye Sy is but Chubb seems to get preoccupied with opponents between plays and gets distracted by it. His head needs to be screwed on a bit straighter, he can't do that gimmicky crap in the NFL, he has to be more focused on his assignments, the snap and the play and not whose towel he wants to yank off.
Just what this team needs, another Beckham!
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Move back? Sure.
I'm not a huge fan of Davenport, he doesn't seem hungry enough to me and Landry and Turay's injury histories don't bode well. I like Turay's potential more, he's a physical marvel but Landry seems to be a safer pick.
If we want an impact Edge player, I think it has to be at #2 or in the 2nd round. We're too thin at OG/C, RB, OT, LB to stack up picks on edge players and the pool isn't very deep to find an impact guy early.
no more DL with O.O initials :-)
I agree with Joey as well
April 23 my QB report will be out
Second, I’m curious to your thoughts on Kentavius Street. Coming out of high school, he was rated higher than Chubb and showed flashes at times at State. I’m hoping the Giants sign him as a UDFA.
Street is a better workout-guy than he is a football player. He can be used as a rotational indie rusher, but there is a ton of work to be done. And his talent doesn't come out often enough. Throw in the injury...he may be bumped in to 7th round / UDFA territory
OG/RB/S/DT/OG/RB early
Followed by
OT/ILB mid
Followed by
OLB/TE/WR late.
But if you want the LT style 'crazed dog's and nasty+ of Suh, 2 in 1 is a good deal.
It's more of a competitive issue. He is very assignment savvy and disciplined between whistles. But he gets too caught up with other players, bickering back and forth, running his mouth etc. He was penalized a few times for it. He also got in to multiple fights during practice, main one being with QB Finley. While the tough guy mantra is desired, there is a line. Sometimes he goes over it.
My blurb on Sweat
"Sweat has the ideal frame for the edge. He is extremely long-limbed with big hands and easy knee bend. He can keep his center of gravity low with his hands up. The initial jolt he can deliver to the blocker can stand them up and allow Sweat to consistently gain the initial advantage. He gets in to the blocker fast. There is an outstanding forward lean to his approach. He is the kind of athlete that always plays fast with his weight moving in the right direction. He can adjust his path while maintaining his speed and balance. After the initial contact, Sweat struggles to use rush moves and skill to free himself. He is overly reliant on the initial pop and if he doesn’t get it, he rarely wins. There is not nearly enough power derived from his lower half. He has a hard time anchoring against power blockers and there are questions surrounding his surgically repaired knee. Without an increase in strength there, he will be limited in the NFL. Sweat’s tools and hustle along with flashes of high quality play make him an exciting prospect, but there will need to be a lot of development that needs to take place. "
I put him in the DL group. I think he is going to play near 285-290 pounds.
I like his style, very smart player and plays physics. He was a bully. Lacked the true edge speed and pop though. Ice is a 3rd/4th rounder maybe
Problem is I don't think he gets past the first NE round 2 pick. Or PIT after it.
Not a lot of depth for pass rushers in this class. Turay could go in the 40-50 range.
Problem is I don't think he gets past the first NE round 2 pick. Or PIT after it.
Not a lot of depth for pass rushers in this class. Turay could go in the 40-50 range.
Injury risk. Outside of that I agree.
I like him as a 3-4 end if he can bulk up a little more. He doesn't play that big and he is a stiff mover. Good approach and good technique, but just very limited.