I wasn’t happy with the horizontal board I published last week. It was really only designed to illustrate a point on the strength of the interior O-line class.
Over the weekend I made a big effort to review my notes on many prospects I’ve already watched. I also worked through a priority list of players I hadn’t studied yet.
Today I’ve updated the horizontal board. A lot more work has gone into this. Click on the image to make it bigger.
Underneath you’ll find notes on each prospect listed.
As the board suggests, it’s a particularly strong receiver class again. There’s good depth at cornerback. There’s a sweet spot for the interior O-line in the first two rounds. It’s not a particularly deep class at running back or tight end, even if some good options are available.
Defensive prospects
Round one
Micah Parsons (LB, Penn State)
There are some suggested character question marks surrounding Parsons but you can easily make the case that he’s the best defensive player in the draft.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (LB, Notre Dame)
Highly explosive and dynamic — a true first round talent. He can jump a 39-inch vertical and a 10-3 broad jump.
Round two
Alim McNeill (DT, NC State)
Massive, highly athletic prospect who will shock people when he eventually runs and does the agility testing. Ran a 4.27 short shuttle (!!!) at SPARQ.
Daviyon Nixon (DT, Iowa)
A TFL machine in 2020 (13.5). Nixon creates havoc from the interior and is a true playmaking defensive tackle.
Levi Onwuzurike (DT, Washington)
Great attitude, plays pissed off, much more athletic than you think and able to pursue to the ball carrier away from the LOS. Creates interior pressure with dynamic quickness.
Christian Barmore (DT, Alabama)
Definitely flashed some pass rushing prowess late in the season but he never quite lived up to expectations. Is he special enough to have the same success at the next level?
Tommy Togiai (DT, Ohio State)
All-action defensive tackle who lets interior offensive linemen know they’re in a game. Great effort, power and motor — will run to the sideline to make a play if needed.
Gregory Rousseau (DE, Miami)
Looks the part — long, lean and uses his physical tools to create problems. Amazing upside but he needed seasoning at Miami and opting out of 2020 meant a missed opportunity to develop.
Carlos Basham (DE, Wake Forest)
Clearly he’s an outstanding athlete but he lacks length and that might be an issue working the edge at the next level.
Azeez Olujari (DE, Georgia)
Great quickness and bend and straighten to the quarterback. Arguably the most natural pass rusher alongside Jaelen Phillips.
Kwity Paye (DE, Michigan)
Well known for his athletic profile thanks to Bruce Feldman’s freak list. However, his tape is hit-and-miss. You’re investing in potential.
Jaelen Phillips (DE, Miami)
Teams will need to investigate the concussion issues that led to his departure from UCLA. However — Phillips was once a major recruiting superstar and has natural talent to get after the quarterback. Few players have his upside in this draft.
Ronnie Perkins (DE, Oklahoma)
Plays with his hair on fire and possibly the most violent edge rusher in the class. Good motor and passion for the game.
Joe Tryon (DE, Washington)
He looks like a Terminator with his shirt off. Has a physique that D.K. Metcalf would appreciate. Uses his hands well, wins with power and can do it all.
Baron Browning (LB, Ohio State)
Wow-athlete at linebacker with tremendous character and intensity. Ran a 4.18 short shuttle at SPARQ and jumped a 37 inch vertical. Long arms.
Zaven Collins (LB, Tulsa)
He only ran a 5.03 forty at SPARQ but when you put on the tape he jumps off the screen.
Cam McGrone (LB, Michigan)
Limited snaps at Michigan but he still showed incredible pursuit to the ball-carrier, quickness and forceful hits. Could be a terrific get for someone.
Jaycee Horn (CB, South Carolina)
He looks like a Greek God of a cornerback. Incredibly put together. Dominated Auburn’s Seth Williams. If he played every game like that he’d be a top-10 lock.
Elijah Molden (CB, Washington)
Outstanding player who will only last this long based on his size and straight-line speed. Ran a 3.93 short shuttle at SPARQ and jumped a 37 inch vertical.
Caleb Farley (CB, Virginia Tech)
He has talent but you don’t see much effort in run-support, his tackling isn’t great and he’s not a physical player. You want to like him more than you do.
Shaun Wade (CB, Ohio State)
He might have to settle for a permanent role in the slot but Wade has talent and someone has to try and develop him. Five-star recruit.
Asante Samuel Jr (CB, Florida State)
NFL bloodlines. Flies to the ball. I liked his feet and ability to recover. Can play outside and kick inside to the slot when needed. Suits a man-cover scheme.
Patrick Surtain II (CB, Alabama)
He had a few lapses in 2020 and he only ran a 4.57 at SPARQ. Surtain has talent, undoubtedly, but I’m not convinced he warrants a higher grade than this.
Benjamin St. Juste (CB, Minnesota)
6-3 with great length, St. Juste constantly plays the ball to break-up passes. Amazing feet for his size — he ran a 3.86 short shuttle at SPARQ. Massive potential.
Talanoa Hufanga (S, USC)
He deserves much more attention. Hufanga is an aggressive, downfield, attacking safety who will suit blitzing schemes.
Andre Cisco (S, Syracuse)
A dynamic athlete and playmaker who has a shot to be really good at the next level. Ran a 4.27 short shuttle at SPARQ, adding a 36 inch vertical. Great production.
Trevon Moehrig-Woodard (S, TCU)
A very talented safety who doesn’t wow with his profile or big hits but does everything to a good standard.
Round three
Jalen Twyman (DT, Pittsburgh)
Interior rusher who lacks size (6-2, 290lbs) but he made enough plays in 2019 (10.5 sacks & 12 TFL’s) to show that he can make an impact.
Jay Tufele (DT, USC)
One of many forgotten players in this class after opting out of 2020. Very strong and disruptive, he’s stout against the run and capable of making plays as a pass rusher.
Milton Williams (DE/DT, LA Tech)
Excellent athlete, great quickness working off the edge or kicking inside. Very disruptive. Has a lot of potential.
Dayo Odeyingbo (DE, Vanderbilt)
Fantastic size and length. Can really disrupt as an inside/out rusher. Major potential but recently suffered a serious achilles injury.
Payton Turner (DE, Houston)
Superb balance and does an excellent job dipping and rounding the offensive tackle before straightening to the quarterback. Very interesting.
Jayson Oweh (DE, Penn State)
The stories about his workout potential are well known but the fact is that for all his athletic talent he didn’t make many plays at Penn State. Major project.
Adetokunbo Ogundeji (DE, Notre Dame)
Ideal size and length with the kind of short shuttle at SPARQ (4.21) that will have teams taking notice.
Dylan Moses (LB, Alabama)
Didn’t play as well in 2020 after returning from an ACL injury. The talent’s there and might just need some time.
Joseph Ossai (LB, Texas)
Would be an ideal fit for someone like the Rams to replace Leonard Floyd. Useful 3-4 OLB prospect who can rush the edge and drop when needed.
Nick Bolton (LB, Missouri)
Old-school linebacker who’ll step up and smack you in the face but limited athleticism could mean he lasts into day two.
Justin Hilliard (LB, Ohio State)
His performance against Northwestern was eye-popping. He can cover, he can get around a football field and he can hit.
Kelvin Joseph (CB, Kentucky)
Former LSU recruit who has the size, the agility and the explosive traits you look for. Long speed is a question mark.
Eric Stokes (CB, Georgia)
Good size, ideal length, a really consistent defender and he ran a 4.06 short shuttle at SPARQ.
Ifeatu Melifonwu (CB, Illinois)
Has the NFL bloodlines, good size, probably a great athlete like his brother but more suited to corner.
Jevon Holland (S, Oregon)
Decent player who can play deep coverage and up at the LOS. However, opting out of 2020 took away a chance to show progress (not that the PAC-12 season was much to write home about anyway).
Richie Grant (S, UCF)
Had an exceptional Senior Bowl. Just has a playmaking knack of being around the football to create turnovers.
Richard LeCounte III (S, Georgia)
He never quite lived up to the 5-star billing but the fact is he’s a safety who runs a 4.01 short shuttle and jumps a 37 inch vertical. You can work with that.
Ar’Darius Washington (S, TCU)
He’s tiny but that doesn’t matter as much when you fly around the field, make interceptions and deliver punishing hits like Washington.
Jamie Sherwood (S, Auburn)
Excellent athlete with good size who can cover the slot or deep and is very happy moving up to the LOS to deliver a big tackle.
Round four
Darius Stills (DT, West Virginia)
He might be undersized and he might be limited to a specialist role. However, he had 22.5 TFL’s in 20 starts for WVU, plus 10.5 sacks. NFL bloodlines, he’ll give you everything he has. Tone setter.
Osa Odighizuwa (DT, UCLA)
He might be limited to a sub-package rusher at the next level but at the Senior Bowl he showed plenty of explosion and quickness, so he could be a useful rotational player.
Rashad Weaver (DE, Pittsburgh)
A skilled pass rusher but what’s his best fit? He’s not quite big enough for the five technique but he’s not lean and long like a natural EDGE.
Patrick Jones (DE, Pittsburgh)
He played well in 2020 but his Senior Bowl showing was a massive disappointment and he has short arms (32 inches).
Joshua Kaindoh (DE, Florida State)
Former recruiting star who just looks the part. Yes he’s inconsistent but he bullied tackles at times, can win with quickness and just looks like a NFL pass rusher. The type of player who could be a steal or a titanic bust.
Monty Rice (LB, Georgia)
Very solid linebacker but lacks some of the pizzaz the day-two prospects have at his position.
Chaz Surratt (LB, North Carolina)
Former quarterback who has done a good job transitioning to a totally different role. However, he still needs time and coaching before he becomes a regular starter. I’m not sure he has the athletic profile to justify taking him earlier.
Pete Werner (LB, Ohio State)
He just has a knack for making plays. If you watch any of the front seven Ohio State players, Werner draws your attention. He might not be an amazing athlete but he’ll contribute one way or another.
KJ Britt (LB, Auburn)
Arguably the most impactful defensive player during the Senior Bowl game. Good combination of agility and explosive traits. Praised at Auburn for his work ethic.
Tyson Campbell (CB, Georgia)
Has the size and the speed but lacks agility and doesn’t play the ball well enough.
Ambry Thomas (CB, Michigan)
He competes for the ball and covers well. His short shuttle (3.90) is impressive. He lacks size however and didn’t make a jump in Mobile.
Aaron Robinson (CB, UCF)
He’s fun to watch. Whether he transitions to safety or nickel remains to be seen. His lack of length is a problem if he wants to play outside corner.
Greg Newsome (CB, Northwestern)
He was solid in 2020 but I’m just not sure how much upside he has based on his size and athletic profile.
Keith Taylor (CB, Washington)
Stuck like glue to receivers at the Senior Bowl and gave his stock a nice boost.
Offensive prospects
Round one
Penei Sewell (T, Oregon)
He might be the best player in this draft after Trevor Lawrence.
Ja’marr Chase (WR, LSU)
It feels like a long time ago but Chase was practically unstoppable in 2019.
De’Vonta Smith (WR, Alabama)
He’s sudden and quick, even if he lacks truly incredible long-speed. He’ll dominate on slants. Massive production.
Jaylen Waddle (WR, Alabama)
Good character, elite speed and the type of player NFL teams love to draft early.
Rondale Moore (WR, Purdue)
Moore is explosive, fast and unlike anything else in the NFL. He ran a 4.33 forty, a 4.01 short shuttle and jumped a 43 inch vertical at SPARQ.
Kyle Pitts (TE, Florida)
He was good going into 2020 but he just took his play to an all-new level. He was unstoppable in several games and will be a #1 target for somebody.
Trevor Lawrence (QB, Clemson)
A born winner. Accurate, athletic, strong, mobile, mature and ready to be a star.
Zach Wilson (QB, BYU)
He improvs well, makes some special throws and has a little magic about his play. May need time to settle into the NFL.
Round two
Walker Little (T, Stanford)
Perfectly sized, great agility and a very capable tackle prospect. Had the best SPARQ score among O-liners in 2017 (107.25). Hasn’t played for two years (ACL tear, opted out).
D’Ante Smith (T, ECU)
He was superb at the Senior Bowl and whether he plays at tackle or guard he has the kind of potential teams crave on the O-line. Amazing length.
Christian Darrisaw (T, Virginia Tech)
Rising offensive lineman who does a good job in the running game moving defenders to create big lanes.
Teven Jenkins (T, Oklahoma State)
Massive tackle who won’t wow you with his footwork or athleticism. He’s just an enormous road-grader.
Alijah Vera-Tucker (G/T, USC)
He’s not a special athlete but my word, his tape is really good. Gets the job done at left tackle. His UCLA tape was a pleasure to watch. Brilliant prospect.
Rashawn Slater (G/T, Northwestern)
Did a good job handling Chase Young in 2019 but I’m not sure he’s a slam-dunk left tackle prospect. If nothing else, he’ll be a decent guard.
Jaylen Mayfield (T, Michigan)
Might not have the length and profile to play tackle but if he kicks inside to guard there’s no reason why he can’t be really good.
Wyatt Davis (G, Ohio State)
He had a very successful career strictly as a right guard. His lack of versatility could limit his stock but if you want a solid right guard for the long haul, Davis is worth a shot. NFL bloodlines, consistent and powerful.
Alex Leatherwood (T, Alabama)
Has tackle size but guard athleticism. If he moves inside he could be great. I’m not sure he has the kick-slide or agility to stick at tackle.
Josh Myers (C, Ohio State)
Incredibly consistent, tough and very athletic center with a long career ahead of him. He ran a 4.49 short shuttle at 310lbs which is outstanding.
Landon Dickerson (C, Alabama)
A heart-and-soul player who was much loved at Alabama. Incredibly talented and powerful. Scored 100.05 at SPARQ. However, he’s had consistent injuries throughout his career and is recovering from an ACL tear.
Elijah Moore (WR, Ole Miss)
Strong for his size and capable of going up to get the football — Moore is an ideal slot receiver but he can be so much more than that too.
Kadarius Toney (WR, Florida)
He’s a big favourite in the media but here’s something to consider — he ran a 4.69 at SPARQ at 177lbs. Was it just a bad run? He did jump a 41 inch vertical.
D’Wayne Eskridge (WR, Western Michigan)
Explosive, lightning quick, a threat every time he has the football, makes difficult catches, return specialist — a pure playmaker.
Cade Johnson (WR, South Dakota State)
Dominated the Senior Bowl with dynamic breaks, great routes and superb catching technique. Highly impressive individual. He is a mirror image of Tyler Lockett.
Pat Freiermuth (TE, Penn State)
The ‘Baby Gronk’ nickname is warranted. Superb body control and size when making catches. Runs over defenders. Runs a 4.44 short shuttle.
Brevin Jordan (TE, Miami)
Ultra-dynamic pass-catching tight end who ran a sensational 4.21 short shuttle at 250lbs at SPARQ. Seems to have a good personality, will fit in well at the next level.
Javonte Williams (RB, North Carolina)
PFF gave him a 95.9 rushing grade — the highest of the 2020 season and the best they’ve ever recorded at the running back position. He ranked #1 in the NCAA for broken tackle rate (46.5%). He’s a Seahawks-style runner and frankly, a terrific player.
Najee Harris (RB, Alabama)
Gliding, cultured runner who somehow combines power and finesse. Very talented and productive. Won’t fit every scheme as his cuts are sometimes laboured. Ran a 4.16 short shuttle at SPARQ. Not overly explosive.
Travis Etienne (RB, Clemson)
I think he had a ‘meh’ 2020 season but his profile is incredible. Jumped a 37 inch vertical at SPARQ and ran a 4.43. Finally offered something as a receiver in 2020.
Trey Lance (QB, North Dakota State)
Big, strong and athletic. Runs with toughness. Can drive the ball downfield. Minimal starts though and he struggled in his one 2020 game.
Justin Fields (QB, Ohio State)
Mobile, strong and well sized but he struggles to go through progressions, locks on to targets and he had a couple of really bad picks in 2020.
Mac Jones (QB, Alabama)
In an offense that relies on getting the ball out on time and playing within the system, he could be superb. I think he’d be a great fit for the Niners.
Davis Mills (QB Stanford)
He’s tall, accurate, has just enough mobility and he throws with timing. However, only 10 college starts are a concern. I think teams will like him more than the media.
Round three
Dillon Radunz (T, North Dakota State)
He had a good Senior Bowl but there are a couple of technique issues and he might have a limited physical profile. I think he’d make a really good guard.
Liam Eichenberg (T, Notre Dame)
Probably not a left tackle but plays with strength and consistency and could find a home working inside.
Ben Cleveland (G, Georgia)
A player I would pound the table for (as Mike Mayock would say). Incredible power and underrated athleticism. Built like ‘the Mountain’ from Game of Thrones. Took the will from Auburn’s D-line last season. If you want to hammer people up front, draft him.
Aaron Banks (G, Notre Dame)
Massive guard prospect who isn’t the same level of explosive athlete as others in this class but he can be a people mover up front.
Trey Smith (G, Tennessee)
Despite all the high expectations as a former high recruit, Smith’s career at Tennessee was a mix of disappointing tape and health concerns. However, he has the frame and upside that will still intrigue some teams.
Quinn Meinerz (C, UWW)
One of the stars of the Senior Bowl. Meinerz looks like he was born to play center but he has experience at left guard. He’s tough, athletic and explosive.
Creed Humphrey (C, Oklahoma)
He’s great on combo-blocks, he plays with attitude but he has short arms, he fights to get his hand-placement right and he might just last a bit longer than some think.
Rashon Bateman (WR, Minnesota)
Bateman was prolific in 2019 but in the few games he played in 2020 he just looked off. He caught everything a year ago but how much athletic upside does he have?
Tylan Wallace (WR, Oklahoma State)
Savvy receiver. What he lacks in elite long-speed he makes up with intelligent routes, subtle separation and a competitive edge.
Terrace Marshall JR (WR, LSU)
Drops have been an issue at times but he works across the middle well, he was pretty much the only bright spark on LSU’s offense in 2020 and he has a shot at the next level as a solid #2.
Tutu Atwell (WR, Louisville)
Despite his diminutive size, he’s highly explosive and electric with the ball in hand. Excels on deep shots and sweeps.
Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR, USC)
Classy receiver who oozes fluidity in his routes. Silky smooth with good bloodlines. He only ran a 4.67 at SPARQ though.
Nico Collins (WR, Michigan)
Collins’ body control, particularly in contested-catch situations and the red zone, is superb. Does he have the speed to create easy separation though?
Dyami Brown (WR, North Carolina)
Looks effortless getting in and out of his breaks, settles into holes in the coverage well, enough speed to challenge defenders. Very solid.
Jaelon Darden (WR, North Texas)
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a receiver juke tacklers like Darden. His footwork is reminiscent of a Justin Timberlake music video.
Amari Rodgers (WR, Clemson)
Thick, explosive lower body with the 4.4 speed to get downfield. He showed up at the Senior Bowl, making two big red zone plays in the game.
Kenny Yeboah (TE, Ole Miss)
Mismatch weapon who attacks seams with authority, makes big plays at every level and can be thrown to when he’s not open. Excelled against Alabama.
Kenneth Gainwell (RB, Memphis)
My jaw dropped watching him run routes and catch passes. He vacuums the football into his mitts. He’s a dynamic, jinking runner. The only downside is size. As a role-player in the right offense though, he could be a X-factor.
Khalil Herbert (RB, Virginia Tech)
Give him some space and he’ll break off a huge run. Very quick, very dynamic and explosive. Rounds off his cuts but I don’t think it matters because he’s so patient and clinical.
Javian Hawkins (RB, Louisville)
He’s tiny and that’s a problem but he runs a 4.36 forty, a 3.95 short shuttle and he jumps a 41 inch vertical. He can hit home runs.
Kellen Mond (QB, Texas A&M)
He’s not that far behind the other quarterbacks. He’s learnt to throw under pressure. He has a great arm. I thought he performed well in two-minute and red zone drills at the Senior Bowl. He could be a Dak Prescott ‘how did he last that long?’ type prospect.
Round four
Sam Cosmi (T, Texas)
Has the size and the profile but his technique’s all over the place. Leans into defenders, too hesitant to get his hands in there and beat someone up. Passive.
Jackson Carman (G, Clemson)
I don’t think he can stay at left tackle at the next level and for me he’s better off transitioning to an accomplished and well-sized guard.
Michal Menet (C, Penn State)
He doesn’t necessarily beat anyone up in the trenches but he’s very consistent, rarely gets into trouble and can hold his own.
Seth Williams (WR, Auburn)
At times he was the best thing about Auburn in 2020. Yet he finished the season like he couldn’t be bothered and Jaycee Horn had him on toast vs South Carolina.
Marquez Stevenson (WR, Houston)
Elite speed and just needs some refinement. Might take a bit of time but has the tools to play at the next level.
Tommy Tremble (TE, Notre Dame)
A run-blocking terror who could be the next Kyle Juszczyk if teams want to shift him to full back. With a 4.20 short shuttle I’d keep him at tight end.
Tre McKitty (TE, Georgia)
He’s not quick but he has 11 inch hands that swallow the football. Good blocker, reliable catcher. Made two glorious one-handed grabs at the Senior Bowl. Ran a 4.13 short shuttle at 240lbs.
Hunter Long (TE, Boston College)
He just made plays. In the right offense he can be a chain-moving dynamo on third down but he’s capable of big plays too. There’s something to work with here.
Michael Carter (RB, North Carolina)
He’s undersized but he just gets after it. The way he and Javonte Williams combined, you almost want to see it again at the next level. He plays bigger than he is.
Trey Sermon (RB, Ohio State)
He’s never quite been able to show any long term consistency at Oklahoma or Ohio State. He’s high-cut but he is explosive (35 inch vertical) and agile (4.27).
Larry Rountree (RB, Missouri)
There’s nothing overly spectacular that stands out but he’s well sized, explosive enough and he can contribute in the passing game.
Jermar Jefferson (RB, Oregon State)
I like him. He gets up to speed quickly and he has some suddenness which enables him to attack gaps or get outside. Can run through contact. There’s something there. Might not have the size to carry the load as RB1 but could be part of a tandem.
Kylin Hill (RB, Mississippi State)
He works through contact well, he’s a good size and he can play a role. I don’t necessarily see a lead-back but he could work nicely as a #2.
Chris Evans (RB, Michigan)
It’s not that long ago that Evans was seen as a hot prospect. Michigan fans will tell you his college career was a big disappointment. However, he’s explosive (36 inch vertical) and agile (4.18 short shuttle) and someone will roll the dice on his potential.
In the coming days you’re going to get a lot of audio content. I have interviews with Benjamin St. Juste, Cade Johnson and Darius Stills recorded. I also have an interview set up with Tommy Togiai.
On Wednesday I will also be recording a podcast with Corbin Smith, discussing our separate off-season plans for the Seahawks.
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