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https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-ranking-the-lb-prospects-for-the-2018-nfl-draft
Ranking the LB prospects for the 2018 NFL Draft
BY SAM MONSON
Here’s a look at PFF’s linebacker rankings that encapsulates our grading of every snap dating back to 2014 as well as a deeper dive into film study on each player.
1. ROQUAN SMITH, GEORGIA
The class of this year’s linebacker crop, Georgia’s Roquan Smith is a talented and athletic linebacker who perfectly fits the mold of the modern NFL. Like Atlanta’s Deion Jones, Smith has the talent to be a matchup weapon on defense when it comes to coverage and has the speed and athleticism to make plays sideline to sideline, neutralizing some of the game’s most effective offensive weapons.
There will be people that nitpick his game, but his PFF grades have been excellent and he had 74 defensive stops in 2017, the second-most among all linebackers. His coverage skills can be something special at the next level, he is the best linebacker in this class and should be taken high in the first round.
2. LEIGHTON VANDER ESCH, BOISE STATE
The third linebacker who has first-round value on PFF’s draft board, Boise State’s Vander Esch is something of a one-season wonder, but that one season showcased the kind of impact linebacker he can be. He’s an instinctive linebacker who excels in the run game and is able to work quickly to the back through traffic and bottle up those plays.
He notched 57 run stops in 2017, which led all FBS inside linebackers along with his run-stop percentage (15.9 percent). His coverage is solid and his positioning is sound, but he doesn’t have the same coverage range and skills as the best players in this draft class yet, though he is still relatively inexperienced.
3. TREMAINE EDMUNDS, VIRGINIA TECH
If there is a player liable to make people lose their minds when it comes to the prospect of athletic potential, it’s Virginia Tech’s Tremaine Edmunds. A monster of a linebacker, Edmunds is 6-foot-5, 250-pounds at just 19 years old, and it comes on a long, lean frame. He looks unlike the rest of this linebacker group and is already a very good player.
He is not, however, in Roquan Smith’s class, and projecting him above Smith requires the assumption that he will put all of his athletic tools together with improved technique and performance at the next level. He has been very productive, with 128 defensive stops over the past three seasons, only two of which were every-down seasons. Edmunds is likely a very good linebacker in any scheme and has the potential to be special, but at the moment that potential represents a gamble.
4. RASHAAN EVANS, ALABAMA
Evans is another linebacker to come from Alabama’s pipeline, which has produced a number of NFL linebackers recently. He has excellent athletic and physical traits, and that gives him as high a ceiling as any linebacker in this class.
He could also go as high as the first round if teams fall in love with those physical abilities, but his game on the field needs significant development. His coverage needs work and how successful that work is will likely determine his ultimate value at the next level, but his play against the run and how efficient he can be on the blitz should allow him to make an early impact.
5. SKAI MOORE, SOUTH CAROLINA
Moore has a lot of negatives working against him, but his play has been excellent in the SEC, which is no small order. His PFF coverage grade of 88.7 was one of the highest in the nation in 2017, one spot above Georgia’s Smith, and his instincts are clearly excellent.
He will need to convince NFL teams that he can still produce with a step up in competition given he is both undersized and potentially less athletic than they would like. Missing the entire 2016 season with a herniated disc is also a major injury red flag and he will need to check out medically as well.
6. JOSEY JEWELL, IOWA
Iowa’s Jewell is an all-around linebacker who has graded well in all areas. He doesn’t have the same eye-popping measurables as the players above him in this list, but he has some impressive tape that should get him deserved consideration regardless.
He has been a quality coverage linebacker and allowed zero touchdowns in 2017 despite leading the draft class among linebackers with 55 targets on the season. He also had 61 defensive stops, the sixth-most among linebackers in this class, giving him three-down ability at the next level.
7. SHAQUEM GRIFFIN, UCF
One of the most intriguing players in the entire draft, UCF’s Shaquem Griffin is missing one hand after having it amputated as a child. He has been an exceptional pass-rusher in college, but would be remarkably undersized for that role in the NFL and will likely need to prove his abilities as an off-the-ball-linebacker.
However, Griffen did generate pressure at a greater per-snap rate than 2016 first-round pick Hasson Reddick. Griffin has overcome long odds throughout his football career, but his true prospects at linebacker are all a projection.
8. JEROME BAKER, OHIO STATE
Baker has the athletic profile of a first-round pick at linebacker, but his best season came in 2016. His 2017 season was solid, but a significant drop from the overall PFF grade of 87.7 that he managed the year before.
He can move well in coverage and mirror receivers in man coverage, but he surrendered three touchdowns in each of his past two seasons and has just two picks and two pass breakups over that same span, so he needs to improve his ability to challenge at the catch point.
9. DORIAN O’DANIEL, CLEMSON
O’Daniel graded positively in each of his four seasons in at Clemson, ending his career with his best season to date in 2017 with plus-grades in each facet. He recorded a total of 20 QB pressures on just 58 pass-rushes, saw a passer rating when targeted of 70.0 and recorded 36 defensive stops, third on the team behind two interior defensive linemen.
10. MALIK JEFFERSON, TEXAS
Jefferson was once one of the top high school recruits in the country, but he never quite fully realized that potential at Texas, and only this past season did we begin to see him tap into that potential. He has the athletic profile of a top NFL linebacker and when coming forwards he can be a stud, but things get significantly more worrying when he has to play in space and drop into coverage.
He missed at least 10 tackles every season of his college career, and 15 in 2017. NFL teams will like his potential, but it’s a long shot to think he will ever fulfill it entirely.
11. AL-RASHEED BENTON, WEST VIRGINIA
There are few linebackers that have the kind of leadership qualities that Benton displayed at WVU. He has three seasons of solid play, but saw his college career end on an ugly note, with back-to-back struggles and a bowl defeat as his send off. He didn’t allow a touchdown in coverage over the past two seasons, albeit on just 33 targets, but did have two interceptions and three pass breakups in 2017 alone.
Was a missed tackle machine in 2017, falling off 28 tackles, the most in the nation and three times as many as his 2016 total. He very well could prove to be a mid-round steal if he limits the missed tackles.
12. GENARD AVERY, MEMPHIS
A player that split time between off-the-ball linebacker and true edge rusher, Avery presents NFL teams with a challenge in terms of identifying his best position. Avery had 128 total pressures over his college career.
13. STACY THOMAS, LOUISVILLE
A year ago, Thomas posted one of the best single-season PFF grades we have seen from any linebacker in this class at Louisville (91.2). He took a major step back in 2017 and while he wasn’t bad, he was notably less impressive and flawed as a player. Thomas doesn’t wow athletically on tape and could potentially rejuvenate his prospects if he tests well before the draft, but otherwise, he hits the NFL coming off some weak tape.
14. FOYE OLUOKUN, YALE
Oluokun was a rocked-up safety at Yale who projects to linebacker in the NFL. He played safety with a reckless streak and has the athleticism and physicality to play linebacker at the next level.
15. JACK CICHY, WISCONSIN
Has played just 737 defensive snaps over the past three seasons, and 388 over the past two. Injuries kept him sidelined entirely during 2017, but Cichy has big talent and could prove to be a late round steal if he can get healthy.
16. MICAH KISER, VIRGINIA
If this was a decade or more ago, Kiser would be a much better prospect, but his weakness is coverage – the most important aspect of linebacker play in 2017. He surrendered seven touchdowns in his college career in coverage.
17. FRED WARNER, BYU
A darling of many in the draft community, Warner has athleticism to burn and extensive positive play in coverage, the most important trait for NFL linebackers in 2018. Warner played the walk-out/overhang linebacker role at BYU, so there will be a transition to the NFL where he will need to occupy a more traditional position.
18. JA’WHAUN BENTLEY, PURDUE
Another downhill thumper at a time where that trait has never been less valuable, Bentley had exceptional PFF grades this past season at Purdue. He improved marginally in coverage in 2017, but will need a big leap to be more than a two-down player at the next level.
19. SHAUN DION HAMILTON, ALABAMA
If injuries weren’t a concern, Hamilton would be one of the better linebacker prospects in this draft, but he was visibly hampered in 2017 and then suffered another injury on the top of that. Could be a late-round steal if a team can get him healthy.
20. BEN NIEMANN, IOWA
‘The other Iowa linebacker,’ Niemann was very productive in his own right alongside Jewell in the Hawkeyes’ defense. In total, he missed just 13 tackles in his college career.
21. QUENTON POLING, OHIO
Missed 18 tackles in each of the past two seasons, Poling has nevertheless been very productive at Ohio, grading well in all facets of the game over his college career.
22. TEGRAY SCALES, INDIANA
Another player coming off a down year, Scales was outstanding in 2016, and could go higher if teams are convinced they can get that player instead of the 2017 version. Allowed just one touchdown in each of the past two seasons in coverage.
23. MATTHEW THOMAS, FSU
A highly athletic linebacker whose on-field play has yet to match those measurables. His grade has improved each season, and he is coming off a solid year, but Thomas will be drafted based on what teams believe he can become.
24. TRE’ WILLIAMS, AUBURN
Former five-star recruit with an underwhelming college career, Williams has been a solid run-defender that struggled more in coverage, never picking off a pass and notching just two pass breakups over his college career.
25. MIKE MCCRAY, MICHIGAN
Excellent run-defense grades over the past two seasons for Michigan, but his coverage fell off in 2017 and he had some very ugly games on his tape.
26. OREN BURKS, VANDERBILT
Played a different position virtually every season. He is a good athlete who could find a role as a box defender or tight end matchup weapon.
27. ANDREW MOTUAPUAKA, VIRGINIA
Has excellent instincts and play against the run, but may find himself exposed in man coverage at the next level against superior athletes.
28. ALVIN JONES, UTEP
Excellent athlete who struggles terribly when it comes to breaking down and securing tackles in space. Will find a role in the NFL, but needs to tighten that weakness up if he wants to keep it.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-ranking-the-ot-prospects-for-the-2018-nfl-draft
Ranking the OT prospects for the 2018 NFL Draft
BY MICHAEL RENNER
The tackle class is one of the deepest in recent memory. At PFF, we’ve been traditionally lower on many tackles because of the steep learning curve the position faces when translating to the NFL, but there are four players in this class we think have a chance to start immediately. Let’s take a look at how the top-10 shape up.
1. MIKE MCGLINCHEY, NOTRE DAME
McGlinchey’s three-year sample of grading is about as good as we’ve seen since we started grading college players and easily tops in this class. The fact that he’s done it at both left and right tackle makes it that much easier a projection to the next level. He’s far from a perfect prospect, but he does so many things well that he’s ascended to the top of this class.
2. CONNOR WILLIAMS, TEXAS
Scrap Williams’ injury-riddled 2017 tape and go back to his sophomore year. That season he was utterly dominant and allowed only four pressures all season. Not many true sophomores are capable of the level of play we saw from Williams in 2016, as he flashed all the tools necessary to be a high-level tackle in the NFL.
3. JAMARCO JONES, OHIO STATE
Jones wins the award for prettiest pass sets in the entire class. That’s even more encouraging considering how little Ohio State’s offense asked him to take true pass sets. He’s already NFL ready in that regard and has improved every season of his college career.
4. TYRELL CROSBY, OREGON
Crosby is arguably the most physical tackle in the entire class. He’s also another player who has done it on both the left and right side in the college ranks. Crosby’s not going to win any awards for his athleticism, and could ultimately end up at guard, but he’s an easy projection as a run-blocker.
5. ORLANDO BROWN, OKLAHOMA
Brown has more reps on tape that make you say ‘wow’ than any offensive tackle in this class. He quite simply engulfs defensive linemen on a regular basis. He may struggle with speed at times, but he’s impervious to the bull-rush with his size and length (didn’t allow a single bull-rush pressure all year).
6. BRIAN O’NEILL, PITTSBURGH
O’Neill is a terrific athlete for the position and possesses some of the best mirroring ability in the entire class. His punch and play strength are lacking at the moment though, and it’s concerning how poorly he performed Senior Bowl week. While there, he won only 27 percent of his reps in 1-on-1 practice.
7. KOLTON MILLER, UCLA
Miller has the size and athleticism to stay at tackle at the next level, but he’ll need to add a good deal of strength to be a quality player at the next level. He was bull-rushed far too frequently against college defenders and that issue will only increase exponentially in the NFL.
8. WILL RICHARDSON, N.C. STATE
Richardson took a huge step forward in 2017 and allowed only five pressures all season long and never more than one in a single game at right tackle for the Wolfpack. Richardson has a handful of off-field issues that could drop him down boards, though, including a DUI as a freshman and a two-game suspension for marijuana this past season.
9. GERON CHRISTIAN, LOUISVILLE
Louisville did Christian no favors by having him flip from left tackle to right tackle in each game depending on the play call. That cross-training though could come in handy in the NFL.
10. MARTINAS RANKIN, MISSISSIPPI STATE
Rankin is one of the few extremely long-armed tackles who already knows how to utilize that length advantage properly. His slow feet could cause a rocky transition to the NFL however and he allowed 18 pressures on only 247 pass-blocking snaps this past season.
11. CHUKWUMA OKORAFOR, WESTERN MICHIGAN
Okorafor is nothing more than a projection at this point. His size, length and athleticism scream NFL tackle, but his technique and physicality leave a lot to be desired. One would expect a tackle of his caliber to dominant against the competition Okorafor faced, but that was all too infrequently the case.
12. DESMOND HARRISON, WEST GEORGIA
Harrison’s movement skills jump off the tape immediately when you watch him. He’s a tad undersized though and will see a huge leap in competion coming from West Georgia.
13. ALEX CAPPA, HUMBOLDT STATE
Another small school tackle who pops off the tape. Cappa however, does so because of his impressive technique rather than pure athleticism.
14. TONY ADAMS, NC STATE
Adams has impressed as a pass-protector in his time at NC State. The past two seasons he’s allowed all of 17 pressures.
15. ZACHARY CRABTREE, OKLAHOMA STATE
Crabtree is one of the rare college tackle who is already technically proficient in pass protection, allowing all of 12 pressures this past season.
16. JEROMY IRWIN, COLORADO
Irwin was very productive in his four seasons at Colorado, improving in grading every single year. He’s far too easily knocked off balance though and is undersized for a tackle.
17. JOSEPH NOTEBOOM, TCU
Noteboom fits what the NFL is looking for from a size and athletcism standpoint, but was far too often exposed in pass protection in college.
18. TOBY WEATHERSBY, LSU
Weathersby is an ox whose best position is likely guard at the next level. In a phone booth, he can look dominant, but when he has to play on the move it’s far less pretty.
19. ZACK GOLDITCH, COLORADO STATE
With three straight years of grades in the 84.0 to 86.0 range, Golditch is worth a look in the late rounds. He ranked 10th in the draft class with a pass-blocking efficiency of 98.2 last season.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-ranking-the-interior-ol-prospects-for-the-2018-nfl-draft
Ranking the interior OL prospects for the 2018 NFL Draft
BY MICHAEL RENNER
It’s been three years since an interior offensive lineman was taken in the top 10 of the draft, but there’s a 99.9 percent chance that changes this year. Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson leads a strong and deep interior offensive line class that could see multiple first-round selections.
1. QUENTON NELSON, NOTRE DAME – GUARD
Nelson is the cleanest offensive line prospect in our four years of grading every snap of every game at the FBS level. His combination of flawless technique, athleticism and strength is beyond rare. You’ll hear me throw around the term ‘can’t miss’ almost never. Nelson is can’t miss.
2. FRANK RAGNOW, ARKANSAS – CENTER
Ragnow doesn’t have the rare physical traits that Nelson possesses, but he’s been arguably as dominant when healthy over the past couple seasons. He’s been PFF’s top-graded center in back-to-back seasons despite being only limited to 415 snaps this past year. In 2,603 collegiate snaps, Ragnow did not allow a single sack.
3. ISAIAH WYNN, GEORGIA – GUARD
A tackle at Georgia, Wynn’s height and length projects best inside at the next level. Wynn will give you déjà vu at times with how consistent he is technically. He allowed all of five pressures this past season, and only 26 in his 2,609 collegiate snaps.
4. WILL HERNANDEZ, UTEP – GUARD
Hernandez may be limited to a straight-forward gap/inside zone scheme, but he should be a dominant run-blocker if he is put in one. The UTEP guard possesses an almost comically-thick build that makes him a people mover in the run game. He was PFF’s highest-graded guard in 2016.
5. WYATT TELLER, VIRGINIA TECH – GUARD
Teller possesses about as much nastiness as any offensive linemen in this draft class when he wants to show it. He had some of the most dominant blocks we’ve seen this past season and that explosiveness will translate well to the NFL. Teller is a four-year starter with impressive grades each season.
6. BRADEN SMITH, AUBURN – GUARD
Smith plays angry snap after snap, consistently playing to the whistle. He’s not the most natural of athletes, but his power in a phone booth is special. He finished 2017 as PFF’s third-highest graded guard.
7. JAMES DANIELS, IOWA – CENTER
Daniels finished this past season as PFF’s third-highest graded center and improved every year of his career. He rarely ‘wow’s,’ but he plays as under control as any center prospect in the draft.
8. AUSTIN CORBETT, NEVADA – CENTER
The Nevada left tackle stepped onto the field as a freshman in 2014 and was already one of the better pass protecting left tackles in the nation. That season, he allowed all of 17 total pressures and has only gotten better since. Corbett is far more technically sound than most small school tackle prospects and could legitimately start in the NFL as a rookie. He likely profiles best to the interior at the next level.
9. WILL CLAPP, LSU – CENTER
Clapp has multiple years grading very well in the SEC at both center and guard. That’s an impressive accomplishment in and of itself. Add in some of the best hands in this draft class, and Clapp is ready to start sooner rather than later.
10. BILLY PRICE, OHIO STATE – CENTER
Price is one of the rare offensive line prospects who can claim starting experience at all three interior positions. Offensive line coaches will love that, as well as the fact that he plays every snap like he’s out for blood. Price is as aggressive an offensive line prospect as there is in this draft.
11. MASON COLE, MICHIGAN – CENTER
Cole played both tackle and center at Michigan, but never quite mastered either. He’ll be on the interior in the NFL, where that cross-training could be seen as a positive. Cole also hails from a creative, pro-style run scheme at Michigan that should translate well at the next level.
12. COLBY GOSSETT, APPALACHIAN STATE – GUARD
Gossett is a perfect fit for an outside zone scheme as he consistently makes difficult reach blocks. He must improve in pass protection after posting a 76.0 grade in that department last season, but he has four strong years of solid, 80.0-plus overall production.
13. JEREMIAH KOLONE, SAN JOSE STATE – GUARD
Kolone led the draft class with a pass-blocking efficiency of 99.7 last season, allowing only one pressure on 244 attempts. He has three strong years of grading, including a 90.7 overall mark in 2016.
14. DEJON ALLEN, HAWAII – GUARD
Allen has been one of the top non-Power 5 tackles in the country for the past three seasons and has the requisite athleticism to kick in to guard at the next level.
15. KYLE BOSCH, WEST VIRGINIA – GUARD
Bosch finished with three straight years of solid production including an 87.1 grade in 2016 and an 86.9 mark last season. He allowed only 23 pressures over the last three years.
16. BRADLEY BOZEMAN, ALABAMA – CENTER
Bozeman was very consistent over the course of his career at Alabama. His lack of strength and athleticism will be an issue heading into the league.
17. BRIAN ALLEN, MICHIGAN STATE – CENTER
Allen hails from a pro-style running game at Michigan State that projects well to the NFL. Unfortunately, Allen is undersized for the position and power will give him issues at the next level.
18. SAM JONES, ARIZONA STATE – GUARD
Jones is nothing special athletically, but still got the job done more often than not for the Sun Devils with back-to-back years of solid grading.
19. ANTONYO WOODS, FAU – CENTER
Woods had strong finish to his FAU career, grading at 86.4 overall. He can make the necessary blocks required in a zone scheme and he finished 11th in the draft class with a pass-blocking efficiency of 98.7 last season.
Ranking the LB prospects for the 2018 NFL Draft
BY SAM MONSON
Here’s a look at PFF’s linebacker rankings that encapsulates our grading of every snap dating back to 2014 as well as a deeper dive into film study on each player.
1. ROQUAN SMITH, GEORGIA
The class of this year’s linebacker crop, Georgia’s Roquan Smith is a talented and athletic linebacker who perfectly fits the mold of the modern NFL. Like Atlanta’s Deion Jones, Smith has the talent to be a matchup weapon on defense when it comes to coverage and has the speed and athleticism to make plays sideline to sideline, neutralizing some of the game’s most effective offensive weapons.
There will be people that nitpick his game, but his PFF grades have been excellent and he had 74 defensive stops in 2017, the second-most among all linebackers. His coverage skills can be something special at the next level, he is the best linebacker in this class and should be taken high in the first round.
2. LEIGHTON VANDER ESCH, BOISE STATE
The third linebacker who has first-round value on PFF’s draft board, Boise State’s Vander Esch is something of a one-season wonder, but that one season showcased the kind of impact linebacker he can be. He’s an instinctive linebacker who excels in the run game and is able to work quickly to the back through traffic and bottle up those plays.
He notched 57 run stops in 2017, which led all FBS inside linebackers along with his run-stop percentage (15.9 percent). His coverage is solid and his positioning is sound, but he doesn’t have the same coverage range and skills as the best players in this draft class yet, though he is still relatively inexperienced.
3. TREMAINE EDMUNDS, VIRGINIA TECH
If there is a player liable to make people lose their minds when it comes to the prospect of athletic potential, it’s Virginia Tech’s Tremaine Edmunds. A monster of a linebacker, Edmunds is 6-foot-5, 250-pounds at just 19 years old, and it comes on a long, lean frame. He looks unlike the rest of this linebacker group and is already a very good player.
He is not, however, in Roquan Smith’s class, and projecting him above Smith requires the assumption that he will put all of his athletic tools together with improved technique and performance at the next level. He has been very productive, with 128 defensive stops over the past three seasons, only two of which were every-down seasons. Edmunds is likely a very good linebacker in any scheme and has the potential to be special, but at the moment that potential represents a gamble.
4. RASHAAN EVANS, ALABAMA
Evans is another linebacker to come from Alabama’s pipeline, which has produced a number of NFL linebackers recently. He has excellent athletic and physical traits, and that gives him as high a ceiling as any linebacker in this class.
He could also go as high as the first round if teams fall in love with those physical abilities, but his game on the field needs significant development. His coverage needs work and how successful that work is will likely determine his ultimate value at the next level, but his play against the run and how efficient he can be on the blitz should allow him to make an early impact.
5. SKAI MOORE, SOUTH CAROLINA
Moore has a lot of negatives working against him, but his play has been excellent in the SEC, which is no small order. His PFF coverage grade of 88.7 was one of the highest in the nation in 2017, one spot above Georgia’s Smith, and his instincts are clearly excellent.
He will need to convince NFL teams that he can still produce with a step up in competition given he is both undersized and potentially less athletic than they would like. Missing the entire 2016 season with a herniated disc is also a major injury red flag and he will need to check out medically as well.
6. JOSEY JEWELL, IOWA
Iowa’s Jewell is an all-around linebacker who has graded well in all areas. He doesn’t have the same eye-popping measurables as the players above him in this list, but he has some impressive tape that should get him deserved consideration regardless.
He has been a quality coverage linebacker and allowed zero touchdowns in 2017 despite leading the draft class among linebackers with 55 targets on the season. He also had 61 defensive stops, the sixth-most among linebackers in this class, giving him three-down ability at the next level.
7. SHAQUEM GRIFFIN, UCF
One of the most intriguing players in the entire draft, UCF’s Shaquem Griffin is missing one hand after having it amputated as a child. He has been an exceptional pass-rusher in college, but would be remarkably undersized for that role in the NFL and will likely need to prove his abilities as an off-the-ball-linebacker.
However, Griffen did generate pressure at a greater per-snap rate than 2016 first-round pick Hasson Reddick. Griffin has overcome long odds throughout his football career, but his true prospects at linebacker are all a projection.
8. JEROME BAKER, OHIO STATE
Baker has the athletic profile of a first-round pick at linebacker, but his best season came in 2016. His 2017 season was solid, but a significant drop from the overall PFF grade of 87.7 that he managed the year before.
He can move well in coverage and mirror receivers in man coverage, but he surrendered three touchdowns in each of his past two seasons and has just two picks and two pass breakups over that same span, so he needs to improve his ability to challenge at the catch point.
9. DORIAN O’DANIEL, CLEMSON
O’Daniel graded positively in each of his four seasons in at Clemson, ending his career with his best season to date in 2017 with plus-grades in each facet. He recorded a total of 20 QB pressures on just 58 pass-rushes, saw a passer rating when targeted of 70.0 and recorded 36 defensive stops, third on the team behind two interior defensive linemen.
10. MALIK JEFFERSON, TEXAS
Jefferson was once one of the top high school recruits in the country, but he never quite fully realized that potential at Texas, and only this past season did we begin to see him tap into that potential. He has the athletic profile of a top NFL linebacker and when coming forwards he can be a stud, but things get significantly more worrying when he has to play in space and drop into coverage.
He missed at least 10 tackles every season of his college career, and 15 in 2017. NFL teams will like his potential, but it’s a long shot to think he will ever fulfill it entirely.
11. AL-RASHEED BENTON, WEST VIRGINIA
There are few linebackers that have the kind of leadership qualities that Benton displayed at WVU. He has three seasons of solid play, but saw his college career end on an ugly note, with back-to-back struggles and a bowl defeat as his send off. He didn’t allow a touchdown in coverage over the past two seasons, albeit on just 33 targets, but did have two interceptions and three pass breakups in 2017 alone.
Was a missed tackle machine in 2017, falling off 28 tackles, the most in the nation and three times as many as his 2016 total. He very well could prove to be a mid-round steal if he limits the missed tackles.
12. GENARD AVERY, MEMPHIS
A player that split time between off-the-ball linebacker and true edge rusher, Avery presents NFL teams with a challenge in terms of identifying his best position. Avery had 128 total pressures over his college career.
13. STACY THOMAS, LOUISVILLE
A year ago, Thomas posted one of the best single-season PFF grades we have seen from any linebacker in this class at Louisville (91.2). He took a major step back in 2017 and while he wasn’t bad, he was notably less impressive and flawed as a player. Thomas doesn’t wow athletically on tape and could potentially rejuvenate his prospects if he tests well before the draft, but otherwise, he hits the NFL coming off some weak tape.
14. FOYE OLUOKUN, YALE
Oluokun was a rocked-up safety at Yale who projects to linebacker in the NFL. He played safety with a reckless streak and has the athleticism and physicality to play linebacker at the next level.
15. JACK CICHY, WISCONSIN
Has played just 737 defensive snaps over the past three seasons, and 388 over the past two. Injuries kept him sidelined entirely during 2017, but Cichy has big talent and could prove to be a late round steal if he can get healthy.
16. MICAH KISER, VIRGINIA
If this was a decade or more ago, Kiser would be a much better prospect, but his weakness is coverage – the most important aspect of linebacker play in 2017. He surrendered seven touchdowns in his college career in coverage.
17. FRED WARNER, BYU
A darling of many in the draft community, Warner has athleticism to burn and extensive positive play in coverage, the most important trait for NFL linebackers in 2018. Warner played the walk-out/overhang linebacker role at BYU, so there will be a transition to the NFL where he will need to occupy a more traditional position.
18. JA’WHAUN BENTLEY, PURDUE
Another downhill thumper at a time where that trait has never been less valuable, Bentley had exceptional PFF grades this past season at Purdue. He improved marginally in coverage in 2017, but will need a big leap to be more than a two-down player at the next level.
19. SHAUN DION HAMILTON, ALABAMA
If injuries weren’t a concern, Hamilton would be one of the better linebacker prospects in this draft, but he was visibly hampered in 2017 and then suffered another injury on the top of that. Could be a late-round steal if a team can get him healthy.
20. BEN NIEMANN, IOWA
‘The other Iowa linebacker,’ Niemann was very productive in his own right alongside Jewell in the Hawkeyes’ defense. In total, he missed just 13 tackles in his college career.
21. QUENTON POLING, OHIO
Missed 18 tackles in each of the past two seasons, Poling has nevertheless been very productive at Ohio, grading well in all facets of the game over his college career.
22. TEGRAY SCALES, INDIANA
Another player coming off a down year, Scales was outstanding in 2016, and could go higher if teams are convinced they can get that player instead of the 2017 version. Allowed just one touchdown in each of the past two seasons in coverage.
23. MATTHEW THOMAS, FSU
A highly athletic linebacker whose on-field play has yet to match those measurables. His grade has improved each season, and he is coming off a solid year, but Thomas will be drafted based on what teams believe he can become.
24. TRE’ WILLIAMS, AUBURN
Former five-star recruit with an underwhelming college career, Williams has been a solid run-defender that struggled more in coverage, never picking off a pass and notching just two pass breakups over his college career.
25. MIKE MCCRAY, MICHIGAN
Excellent run-defense grades over the past two seasons for Michigan, but his coverage fell off in 2017 and he had some very ugly games on his tape.
26. OREN BURKS, VANDERBILT
Played a different position virtually every season. He is a good athlete who could find a role as a box defender or tight end matchup weapon.
27. ANDREW MOTUAPUAKA, VIRGINIA
Has excellent instincts and play against the run, but may find himself exposed in man coverage at the next level against superior athletes.
28. ALVIN JONES, UTEP
Excellent athlete who struggles terribly when it comes to breaking down and securing tackles in space. Will find a role in the NFL, but needs to tighten that weakness up if he wants to keep it.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-ranking-the-ot-prospects-for-the-2018-nfl-draft
Ranking the OT prospects for the 2018 NFL Draft
BY MICHAEL RENNER
The tackle class is one of the deepest in recent memory. At PFF, we’ve been traditionally lower on many tackles because of the steep learning curve the position faces when translating to the NFL, but there are four players in this class we think have a chance to start immediately. Let’s take a look at how the top-10 shape up.
1. MIKE MCGLINCHEY, NOTRE DAME
McGlinchey’s three-year sample of grading is about as good as we’ve seen since we started grading college players and easily tops in this class. The fact that he’s done it at both left and right tackle makes it that much easier a projection to the next level. He’s far from a perfect prospect, but he does so many things well that he’s ascended to the top of this class.
2. CONNOR WILLIAMS, TEXAS
Scrap Williams’ injury-riddled 2017 tape and go back to his sophomore year. That season he was utterly dominant and allowed only four pressures all season. Not many true sophomores are capable of the level of play we saw from Williams in 2016, as he flashed all the tools necessary to be a high-level tackle in the NFL.
3. JAMARCO JONES, OHIO STATE
Jones wins the award for prettiest pass sets in the entire class. That’s even more encouraging considering how little Ohio State’s offense asked him to take true pass sets. He’s already NFL ready in that regard and has improved every season of his college career.
4. TYRELL CROSBY, OREGON
Crosby is arguably the most physical tackle in the entire class. He’s also another player who has done it on both the left and right side in the college ranks. Crosby’s not going to win any awards for his athleticism, and could ultimately end up at guard, but he’s an easy projection as a run-blocker.
5. ORLANDO BROWN, OKLAHOMA
Brown has more reps on tape that make you say ‘wow’ than any offensive tackle in this class. He quite simply engulfs defensive linemen on a regular basis. He may struggle with speed at times, but he’s impervious to the bull-rush with his size and length (didn’t allow a single bull-rush pressure all year).
6. BRIAN O’NEILL, PITTSBURGH
O’Neill is a terrific athlete for the position and possesses some of the best mirroring ability in the entire class. His punch and play strength are lacking at the moment though, and it’s concerning how poorly he performed Senior Bowl week. While there, he won only 27 percent of his reps in 1-on-1 practice.
7. KOLTON MILLER, UCLA
Miller has the size and athleticism to stay at tackle at the next level, but he’ll need to add a good deal of strength to be a quality player at the next level. He was bull-rushed far too frequently against college defenders and that issue will only increase exponentially in the NFL.
8. WILL RICHARDSON, N.C. STATE
Richardson took a huge step forward in 2017 and allowed only five pressures all season long and never more than one in a single game at right tackle for the Wolfpack. Richardson has a handful of off-field issues that could drop him down boards, though, including a DUI as a freshman and a two-game suspension for marijuana this past season.
9. GERON CHRISTIAN, LOUISVILLE
Louisville did Christian no favors by having him flip from left tackle to right tackle in each game depending on the play call. That cross-training though could come in handy in the NFL.
10. MARTINAS RANKIN, MISSISSIPPI STATE
Rankin is one of the few extremely long-armed tackles who already knows how to utilize that length advantage properly. His slow feet could cause a rocky transition to the NFL however and he allowed 18 pressures on only 247 pass-blocking snaps this past season.
11. CHUKWUMA OKORAFOR, WESTERN MICHIGAN
Okorafor is nothing more than a projection at this point. His size, length and athleticism scream NFL tackle, but his technique and physicality leave a lot to be desired. One would expect a tackle of his caliber to dominant against the competition Okorafor faced, but that was all too infrequently the case.
12. DESMOND HARRISON, WEST GEORGIA
Harrison’s movement skills jump off the tape immediately when you watch him. He’s a tad undersized though and will see a huge leap in competion coming from West Georgia.
13. ALEX CAPPA, HUMBOLDT STATE
Another small school tackle who pops off the tape. Cappa however, does so because of his impressive technique rather than pure athleticism.
14. TONY ADAMS, NC STATE
Adams has impressed as a pass-protector in his time at NC State. The past two seasons he’s allowed all of 17 pressures.
15. ZACHARY CRABTREE, OKLAHOMA STATE
Crabtree is one of the rare college tackle who is already technically proficient in pass protection, allowing all of 12 pressures this past season.
16. JEROMY IRWIN, COLORADO
Irwin was very productive in his four seasons at Colorado, improving in grading every single year. He’s far too easily knocked off balance though and is undersized for a tackle.
17. JOSEPH NOTEBOOM, TCU
Noteboom fits what the NFL is looking for from a size and athletcism standpoint, but was far too often exposed in pass protection in college.
18. TOBY WEATHERSBY, LSU
Weathersby is an ox whose best position is likely guard at the next level. In a phone booth, he can look dominant, but when he has to play on the move it’s far less pretty.
19. ZACK GOLDITCH, COLORADO STATE
With three straight years of grades in the 84.0 to 86.0 range, Golditch is worth a look in the late rounds. He ranked 10th in the draft class with a pass-blocking efficiency of 98.2 last season.
https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-ranking-the-interior-ol-prospects-for-the-2018-nfl-draft
Ranking the interior OL prospects for the 2018 NFL Draft
BY MICHAEL RENNER
It’s been three years since an interior offensive lineman was taken in the top 10 of the draft, but there’s a 99.9 percent chance that changes this year. Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson leads a strong and deep interior offensive line class that could see multiple first-round selections.
1. QUENTON NELSON, NOTRE DAME – GUARD
Nelson is the cleanest offensive line prospect in our four years of grading every snap of every game at the FBS level. His combination of flawless technique, athleticism and strength is beyond rare. You’ll hear me throw around the term ‘can’t miss’ almost never. Nelson is can’t miss.
2. FRANK RAGNOW, ARKANSAS – CENTER
Ragnow doesn’t have the rare physical traits that Nelson possesses, but he’s been arguably as dominant when healthy over the past couple seasons. He’s been PFF’s top-graded center in back-to-back seasons despite being only limited to 415 snaps this past year. In 2,603 collegiate snaps, Ragnow did not allow a single sack.
3. ISAIAH WYNN, GEORGIA – GUARD
A tackle at Georgia, Wynn’s height and length projects best inside at the next level. Wynn will give you déjà vu at times with how consistent he is technically. He allowed all of five pressures this past season, and only 26 in his 2,609 collegiate snaps.
4. WILL HERNANDEZ, UTEP – GUARD
Hernandez may be limited to a straight-forward gap/inside zone scheme, but he should be a dominant run-blocker if he is put in one. The UTEP guard possesses an almost comically-thick build that makes him a people mover in the run game. He was PFF’s highest-graded guard in 2016.
5. WYATT TELLER, VIRGINIA TECH – GUARD
Teller possesses about as much nastiness as any offensive linemen in this draft class when he wants to show it. He had some of the most dominant blocks we’ve seen this past season and that explosiveness will translate well to the NFL. Teller is a four-year starter with impressive grades each season.
6. BRADEN SMITH, AUBURN – GUARD
Smith plays angry snap after snap, consistently playing to the whistle. He’s not the most natural of athletes, but his power in a phone booth is special. He finished 2017 as PFF’s third-highest graded guard.
7. JAMES DANIELS, IOWA – CENTER
Daniels finished this past season as PFF’s third-highest graded center and improved every year of his career. He rarely ‘wow’s,’ but he plays as under control as any center prospect in the draft.
8. AUSTIN CORBETT, NEVADA – CENTER
The Nevada left tackle stepped onto the field as a freshman in 2014 and was already one of the better pass protecting left tackles in the nation. That season, he allowed all of 17 total pressures and has only gotten better since. Corbett is far more technically sound than most small school tackle prospects and could legitimately start in the NFL as a rookie. He likely profiles best to the interior at the next level.
9. WILL CLAPP, LSU – CENTER
Clapp has multiple years grading very well in the SEC at both center and guard. That’s an impressive accomplishment in and of itself. Add in some of the best hands in this draft class, and Clapp is ready to start sooner rather than later.
10. BILLY PRICE, OHIO STATE – CENTER
Price is one of the rare offensive line prospects who can claim starting experience at all three interior positions. Offensive line coaches will love that, as well as the fact that he plays every snap like he’s out for blood. Price is as aggressive an offensive line prospect as there is in this draft.
11. MASON COLE, MICHIGAN – CENTER
Cole played both tackle and center at Michigan, but never quite mastered either. He’ll be on the interior in the NFL, where that cross-training could be seen as a positive. Cole also hails from a creative, pro-style run scheme at Michigan that should translate well at the next level.
12. COLBY GOSSETT, APPALACHIAN STATE – GUARD
Gossett is a perfect fit for an outside zone scheme as he consistently makes difficult reach blocks. He must improve in pass protection after posting a 76.0 grade in that department last season, but he has four strong years of solid, 80.0-plus overall production.
13. JEREMIAH KOLONE, SAN JOSE STATE – GUARD
Kolone led the draft class with a pass-blocking efficiency of 99.7 last season, allowing only one pressure on 244 attempts. He has three strong years of grading, including a 90.7 overall mark in 2016.
14. DEJON ALLEN, HAWAII – GUARD
Allen has been one of the top non-Power 5 tackles in the country for the past three seasons and has the requisite athleticism to kick in to guard at the next level.
15. KYLE BOSCH, WEST VIRGINIA – GUARD
Bosch finished with three straight years of solid production including an 87.1 grade in 2016 and an 86.9 mark last season. He allowed only 23 pressures over the last three years.
16. BRADLEY BOZEMAN, ALABAMA – CENTER
Bozeman was very consistent over the course of his career at Alabama. His lack of strength and athleticism will be an issue heading into the league.
17. BRIAN ALLEN, MICHIGAN STATE – CENTER
Allen hails from a pro-style running game at Michigan State that projects well to the NFL. Unfortunately, Allen is undersized for the position and power will give him issues at the next level.
18. SAM JONES, ARIZONA STATE – GUARD
Jones is nothing special athletically, but still got the job done more often than not for the Sun Devils with back-to-back years of solid grading.
19. ANTONYO WOODS, FAU – CENTER
Woods had strong finish to his FAU career, grading at 86.4 overall. He can make the necessary blocks required in a zone scheme and he finished 11th in the draft class with a pass-blocking efficiency of 98.7 last season.
