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- Nov 9, 2014
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Well today was a hell of a headscratcher for me but there is some pretty good players for our 3 picks in the 4th tomorrow.
Two specifically I think can do well being next to AD and the rest of our line.
I love his versatility
TQ Graham Texas DT
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qI0jI-Wcuck
Overview
Well-built with long arms and good lean mass, Graham looks the part physically but plays with below-average twitch and quickness to make plays. He has the length and strength that might make more sense as an odd-front five-technique on a unit that leans heavily on physical traits. He won't offer much as a rusher, so he'll really need to elevate his game as a run stuffer to play in the league.
Strengths
Absolutely love this guy and pairing him with AD would be a dream.
Dayvion Nixon DT Iowa
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGEcmIjG_qA
Daviyon (pronounced DAVE-ee-un) Nixon began his collegiate career at Iowa Western Community College, and he played well in his one season for the Reivers (nine tackles for loss, five sacks). He was considered a top junior college prospect, but the Wisconsin native stayed in the Midwest instead of taking an offer from Alabama, among others. Nixon redshirted the 2018 season to get his grades in order, then entered the transfer portal after the season. He stuck around Iowa City in the end, playing in all 13 games with one start in 2019 (29 tackles, 5.5 for loss, three sacks). He earned first-team Associated Press All-American, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Nagurski Trophy finalist honors in 2020. Nixon led his squad with 13.5 tackles for loss and tied for the lead with 5.5 sacks among his 45 total stops in eight starts. -- by Chad Reuter
Analysis
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Draft Projection
Rounds 3-4
NFL Comparison
Ross Blacklock
Overview
Three-technique who thrives with his ability to penetrate and disrupt the offensive proceedings. He’s good at getting skinny and darting into gaps in order to attack the run or cause blocking schemes to come off track. He appears to have much more functional strength in his lower body than upper body and has trouble controlling blockers at the point of attack with hand work and shed quickness. His agility and pursuit quickness will help him make plays that other interior defenders can’t get to, but offenses will likely have success running right at him. He has Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) talent and could become an eventual starter.
Strengths
D'Ante Smith OT ECU
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d41Czo1ZS0
D'Ante (pronounced dee-ON-tay) Smith was an all-region pick in football, as well as a heavyweight wrestler, at Grovetown High School in Augusta, Georgia. Smith played in the season opener of his true freshman season but was injured, causing him to redshirt. Coaches got him into seven games the following season, including four starts at left tackle and one at left guard. Smith took over the left tackle spot for the Pirates permanently in 2018. He started all 12 games that season and in his junior campaign. He began the 2020 season opener at left tackle, as well, but suffered an undisclosed injury late in the game. Smith eventually decided to shut it down for the year to prepare for the NFL draft. He accepted an invitation the Senior Bowl. -- by Chad Reuter
Analysis
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Draft Projection
Round 4
Overview
Smith has intriguing length and good feet, but his lack of size and strength is a concern. Determining whether or not he has the frame to consistently carry over 300 pounds will be critical, as his lack of natural strength and body control is already working against him. He might need to begin his pro career as a swing tackle while he puts in the necessary work to get ready for a bigger role. His Senior Bowl practices were a strong step in the right direction, but there is still plenty of work to be done.
Strengths
I'm sorry but I absolutely love this guys play and think he could be a stud in our defense. (but highly unlikely since we drafted a LB)
Cameron Mcgrone ILB Michigan
View: https://youtu.be/4JK4C4SZe20
McGrone was a five-star prospect, rated among the top-25 overall recruits in the country out of Indianapolis' Lawrence Central High School when signing with the Wolverines. He redshirted his first year in Ann Arbor, playing in one game on special teams. Moving into the starting lineup for 10 of 13 contests in 2018, McGrone garnered honorable mention All-Big Ten honors with 66 tackles, 9.5 for loss, with four sacks. He started five games in 2020 (26 tackles, two for loss), missing time with an injury before declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft. -- by Chad Reuter
Analysis
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Overview
Inside linebacker with adequate size and athletic ability who might require a heavier lean toward the 2019 tape due to limited action in 2020. McGrone plays with a naturally physical demeanor and carries heavy pads as a body-on-body tackler. He has the skill and strength to make the plays that are in front of him, but he tends to play the game through a straw, limiting his field recognition and ability to play with efficiency against play-action and misdirection. There isn't enough good tape to suggest he can be a factor on passing downs, but he has the talent to be an early down backup who could move up the ranks.
Strengths
Guy has freakish ability, needs some legit coaching to polish him up.
Robert Rochelle CB Central Arkansas
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQlgLPeoiOQ
Draft Projection
Round 3
NFL Comparison
James Bradberry
Overview
A freakish athlete with outstanding size, length and explosiveness, Rochell has evaluators buzzing about his expected testing numbers. He typically works as a press-man corner but has all the tools necessary to play in a variety of coverages, including Cover 3, where he has displayed an ability to excel with his range and ball skills. His technique and spotty transitions will be quickly discovered and exploited by pro talent so he might require a year for additional work and polish. He attacks throws like the former wideout he is and could become successful at baiting quarterbacks into throws they shouldn't make. The ball production and rare physical traits/abilities could make him a fast riser in this draft as a Day 2 talent.
Strengths
Two specifically I think can do well being next to AD and the rest of our line.
I love his versatility
TQ Graham Texas DT
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qI0jI-Wcuck
Overview
Well-built with long arms and good lean mass, Graham looks the part physically but plays with below-average twitch and quickness to make plays. He has the length and strength that might make more sense as an odd-front five-technique on a unit that leans heavily on physical traits. He won't offer much as a rusher, so he'll really need to elevate his game as a run stuffer to play in the league.
Strengths
- Elite length with over 35-inch arms.
- Athletic build for an interior lineman.
- Heavy hands taking on blocks.
- Shows some stack-and-shed talent at the point of attack.
- Length gives him a shot to find quick wins at point of attack with more work.
- Might be able to set strong edges as an odd-front end.
- Hands and feet work together in lateral slides across blocker's face.
- Average first step into neutral zone.
- Engages with blocks and loses sight of the football.
- Heavy feet lack play range and closing burst.
- Needs earlier attack with his hands.
- Below-average strength as pure interior player.
- Slow-twitch tackling mechanism.
- Head-first rusher with no true go-to moves.
- Sluggish movements in twist game.
Absolutely love this guy and pairing him with AD would be a dream.
Dayvion Nixon DT Iowa
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGEcmIjG_qA
Daviyon (pronounced DAVE-ee-un) Nixon began his collegiate career at Iowa Western Community College, and he played well in his one season for the Reivers (nine tackles for loss, five sacks). He was considered a top junior college prospect, but the Wisconsin native stayed in the Midwest instead of taking an offer from Alabama, among others. Nixon redshirted the 2018 season to get his grades in order, then entered the transfer portal after the season. He stuck around Iowa City in the end, playing in all 13 games with one start in 2019 (29 tackles, 5.5 for loss, three sacks). He earned first-team Associated Press All-American, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Nagurski Trophy finalist honors in 2020. Nixon led his squad with 13.5 tackles for loss and tied for the lead with 5.5 sacks among his 45 total stops in eight starts. -- by Chad Reuter
Analysis
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Draft Projection
Rounds 3-4
NFL Comparison
Ross Blacklock
Overview
Three-technique who thrives with his ability to penetrate and disrupt the offensive proceedings. He’s good at getting skinny and darting into gaps in order to attack the run or cause blocking schemes to come off track. He appears to have much more functional strength in his lower body than upper body and has trouble controlling blockers at the point of attack with hand work and shed quickness. His agility and pursuit quickness will help him make plays that other interior defenders can’t get to, but offenses will likely have success running right at him. He has Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) talent and could become an eventual starter.
Strengths
- Has experience at three-technique and slant nose.
- Maintains knee bend and pad level off the snap.
- Slippery with efficient slide-and-go shots into the gap.
- Knives in and shoots upfield to disrupt blocking scheme.
- Above-average lateral movement for reactive tackles in his gap.
- Speedy big man who's able to range way outside home base.
- Possesses pursuit agility and change of direction to make plays.
- Lower-body flexibility for surprising anchor when hips are unlocked.
- Good job of setting up rush moves.
- Shows ability to get to his rush edge with finesse or power.
- Keeps tight track to quarterback when attacking pocket.
- Quick to sniff out screen passes.
- Lacks desired mass and width for interior defender.
- Not built for read-and-react football.
- Not enough upper-body power to press, separate and control blockers.
- Labors to neutralize base blocks and rarely gets quick block shed.
- Drops head into contact and loses sight of play development.
- Edge-to-edge movements can be a little gradual as rusher.
- Below-average rush counters when locked up.
- Did not stack sacks on a consistent basis.
D'Ante Smith OT ECU
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d41Czo1ZS0
D'Ante (pronounced dee-ON-tay) Smith was an all-region pick in football, as well as a heavyweight wrestler, at Grovetown High School in Augusta, Georgia. Smith played in the season opener of his true freshman season but was injured, causing him to redshirt. Coaches got him into seven games the following season, including four starts at left tackle and one at left guard. Smith took over the left tackle spot for the Pirates permanently in 2018. He started all 12 games that season and in his junior campaign. He began the 2020 season opener at left tackle, as well, but suffered an undisclosed injury late in the game. Smith eventually decided to shut it down for the year to prepare for the NFL draft. He accepted an invitation the Senior Bowl. -- by Chad Reuter
Analysis
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Draft Projection
Round 4
Overview
Smith has intriguing length and good feet, but his lack of size and strength is a concern. Determining whether or not he has the frame to consistently carry over 300 pounds will be critical, as his lack of natural strength and body control is already working against him. He might need to begin his pro career as a swing tackle while he puts in the necessary work to get ready for a bigger role. His Senior Bowl practices were a strong step in the right direction, but there is still plenty of work to be done.
Strengths
- Tremendously long.
- Has 85-inch wingspan and 35-inch arms.
- Punch is well-timed and has some snap on it.
- Keeps scrambling in recoveries and will find wins.
- Lateral foot quickness to make back-side/play-side reach blocks.
- Good rhythm as a work-up blocker to second level.
- Looks to get a strong finish once he takes the lead as run blocker.
- Length helps with last second redirection blocks.
- Narrow through waist, hips and chest.
- Has struggled to keep enough weight on his frame.
- Way too much lean and reach in his play.
- Needs to trust his length and foot quickness more often.
- Upper-body strength is way below par.
- Struggles to press, extend and separate at point of attack.
- Gets tossed around by powerful opponents.
- Overreacts in pass pro, creating easy counter shots.
- Doesn't have the body control or block sustain teams look for.
I'm sorry but I absolutely love this guys play and think he could be a stud in our defense. (but highly unlikely since we drafted a LB)
Cameron Mcgrone ILB Michigan
View: https://youtu.be/4JK4C4SZe20
McGrone was a five-star prospect, rated among the top-25 overall recruits in the country out of Indianapolis' Lawrence Central High School when signing with the Wolverines. He redshirted his first year in Ann Arbor, playing in one game on special teams. Moving into the starting lineup for 10 of 13 contests in 2018, McGrone garnered honorable mention All-Big Ten honors with 66 tackles, 9.5 for loss, with four sacks. He started five games in 2020 (26 tackles, two for loss), missing time with an injury before declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft. -- by Chad Reuter
Analysis
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
Overview
Inside linebacker with adequate size and athletic ability who might require a heavier lean toward the 2019 tape due to limited action in 2020. McGrone plays with a naturally physical demeanor and carries heavy pads as a body-on-body tackler. He has the skill and strength to make the plays that are in front of him, but he tends to play the game through a straw, limiting his field recognition and ability to play with efficiency against play-action and misdirection. There isn't enough good tape to suggest he can be a factor on passing downs, but he has the talent to be an early down backup who could move up the ranks.
Strengths
- Proportional build and musculation.
- Reads keys and understands blocking schemes.
- Good understanding of attack angles.
- Willing to take chances to make plays behind the line.
- Adequate upper-body strength to unglue from blocks.
- Subtle level changes to keep blockers guessing.
- Shoots for body-on-body tackles.
- Closes out target and finishes with good play strength.
- Ability to bend and dip under pulling blocks on split zone.
- Adequate sideline-to-sideline range.
- Relatively limited amount of game action.
- Plays with narrow and below-average vision.
- Poor feel for angles to successfully leverage the gap.
- Allows play-side shoulder to be covered by lead blocker.
- Would benefit from more proactive use of hands to control the action.
- Downhill mentality will run him out of positioning against counters.
- Will lose track of coverage duties at times.
- Unable to sniff out play-action or misdirection.
Guy has freakish ability, needs some legit coaching to polish him up.
Robert Rochelle CB Central Arkansas
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQlgLPeoiOQ
Draft Projection
Round 3
NFL Comparison
James Bradberry
Overview
A freakish athlete with outstanding size, length and explosiveness, Rochell has evaluators buzzing about his expected testing numbers. He typically works as a press-man corner but has all the tools necessary to play in a variety of coverages, including Cover 3, where he has displayed an ability to excel with his range and ball skills. His technique and spotty transitions will be quickly discovered and exploited by pro talent so he might require a year for additional work and polish. He attacks throws like the former wideout he is and could become successful at baiting quarterbacks into throws they shouldn't make. The ball production and rare physical traits/abilities could make him a fast riser in this draft as a Day 2 talent.
Strengths
- Highly coveted physical and athletic traits.
- Explosive leaper with long arms and tremendous straight-line speed.
- Legitimate ball-hawking talent with 12 career takeaways.
- Speed to stay in phase down the sideline.
- Recovery speed jumps off the tape.
- Shadows and crowds any outside release.
- His leap and length create challenging high-point roadblock for receivers.
- Spies the throw and will overlap his coverage to make plays on the ball.
- Uses long arms to tag and separate from blocks in space.
- Accelerates through targets and wraps up as a tackler.
- Needs to improve press technique and calm his feet.
- Too persuaded by early release fakes.
- Inconsistent slowing the release from press.
- Upright pedal causes delays with lateral and vertical transitions.
- Average plant-and-drive to the throw from the top of his drop.
- Forgets to find the football when he's in trail position.
- Can do a better job of smothering routes underneath.
- Loses contain duties at times.
- Occasional imbalance when changing direction.
