[Official] Texans 2022 Draft thread

Spoiler

111. Amare Barno, Edge, Virginia Tech (6-5, 246)

Although his pass rush lacks nuance, Barno is shot out of a cannon with his get-off and bendy athleticism, occasionally flashing speed-to-power. In the run game, he has range and moves well in space, but his stack-and-shed skills are immature, and he lacks the lower body strength to anchor down and set a strong edge. Overall, Barno is raw and underpowered, but he is long and twitched-up with rush skills that have yet to be unlocked once/if he learns how to get the most out of his athletic gifts. He is a developmental pass rusher who should play on special teams as an NFL rookie.

112. Tyler Allgeier, RB, BYU (5-11, 224)

A decisive ball carrier, Allgeier shows a lot of the ancillary traits necessary to be productive at the next level and competes with the attitude and determination of a former walk-on (see his chase-down forced fumble on 2021 Arizona State tape). Although he isn’t overly elusive, he runs through arm tackles with his body strength and contact balance (70.9% of his yardage in 2021 came after initial contact). Overall, Allgeier isn’t an explosive runner, but he runs with an instinctive feel and quick feet for a bigger ball carrier and shows the passing game potential to be an every-down NFL back. He reminds me of Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner.

113. Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State (6-6, 313)

Walker has intriguing physical traits with a ready-made frame, quick feet and body flexibility. However, he doesn’t consistently play under control and has a long list of bad habits (over-setting, poor angles, stopping his feet) and will require an influential offensive line coach in the NFL to develop his technique. Overall, Walker has the frame, raw power and body fluidity to be effective, but he too often sacrifices his balance and loses his bearings to stay connected. He has starting talent, but he must become more detail-oriented to be a better-than-replaceable NFL starter.

114. Ed Ingram, OG, LSU (6-3, 307)

Ingram displays patient movements and steady pad level in his pass sets and keeps his eyes and feet on the same page to react with rushers. He has the stun strength to turn 330-pound defenders into folding chairs, but his aggressive blocking demeanor will leave him off-kilter at times. Overall, Ingram needs to clean up his leaning and hand mechanics, but he has the explosive upper body, strong base and competitive temperament to match up with defensive interior linemen at the next level. He is scheme-versatile and looks like a future NFL starter.

115. Darrian Beavers, LB, Cincinnati (6-4, 237)

Beavers is a big, physical defender with NFL-ready discipline and diagnose skills that will endear him to coaches. Although he has versatile experience, the term “Jack of all trades, master of none” comes to mind while watching his hybrid skill set. Overall, Beavers doesn’t have elite anticipation to mask his average body twitch and range, but he moves well for his size with the instincts and tackling skills suited for in-the-box work. He projects best as an inside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme with some value outside as an edge rusher as well.

116. Matt Araiza, P, San Diego State (6-1, 200)

The Ray Guy Award winner last season, Araiza has a booming leg and showed it off as a punter and kicker (field goals, extra points, kickoffs). Last season, he set NCAA records for punting average in a season (51.19), punts of 50-plus yards (39) and punts of 60-plus yards (18). His longest punt this season? An 86-yarder. NFL teams view him as a weapon.

117. Jalyn Armour-Davis, CB, Alabama (6-1, 197)

Armour-Davis does a nice job staying in phase in man coverage because of his reactive athleticism and cover awareness, also showing the grit needed for run support. However, when talking about him to NFL teams, his medicals are the first thing they bring up, which is something that could affect his draft grade. Overall, Armour-Davis is still developing in areas and must prove he can stay on the field, but he has the speed, length and overall feel in coverage to play on an island in the NFL. He has the traits of an eventual NFL starter if injuries aren’t a factor.

118. Danny Gray, WR, SMU (6-0, 186)

A light-footed athlete, Gray can fly before and after the catch, and his targets on tape were evenly distributed to every level of the field. He does a great job with his over-the-shoulder tracking, but his lackluster finishing skills will draw groans from the quarterback and fans. Overall, Gray requires more polish with his routes and drops, but with his field speed and playmaking potential, he is just scratching the surface of his ability. He has skills to develop into a weapon as a team’s WR3.

119. James Cook, RB, Georgia (5-11, 199)

Cook has shifty feet to make controlled cuts against the grain and instinctively navigate holes at the line of scrimmage. Although he will be limited as an inside runner, he has legitimate versatility to flex out wide and run routes as a pass catcher. Overall, Cook doesn’t have the contact balance or build of a full-time ball carrier like his older brother Dalvin, but he can be a dynamic, versatile threat with his pass-catching skills and balanced athleticism to gravitate toward space.

120. Christopher Allen, Edge, Alabama (6-4, 241)

Allen plays with excellent play strength and hand violence to stay detached from blockers in the run game and as a pass rusher. He needs to become better schooled with the art of pass rush, but he displays the natural twitch and upfield attack skills worth developing. Overall, Allen has some tweener traits, and the medicals are a red flag, but he could wind up being a steal as the forgotten prospect in a loaded edge rusher class. He projects as a rotational NFL pass rusher with upside to be more.

121. Akayleb Evans, CB, Missouri (6-2, 197)

A physical, long-armed athlete, Evans has plus speed and transition movement skills to press or play from depth. His eye discipline needs to be better to help mask his lack of short-area twitch and control when attempting to constrict passing windows. Overall, Evans doesn’t have the résumé or reaction quickness of a playmaking corner, but he has an enticing combination of size, length and speed to hold up in man or zone coverage. He projects as a rotational corner in the NFL with starting upside.

122. Tycen Anderson, S, Toledo (6-2, 209)

Anderson is a toolsy prospect with the range and toughness to impact the game from various alignments on the field. Though he has above-average speed, he would benefit from additional urgency and anticipation to be more disruptive. Overall, Anderson has mediocre playmaking instincts vs. the run and the pass, but he is smart, long and athletic with glowing intangibles. He projects as a four-coverage special teamer who can compete for a nickel role on defense.

123. Dameon Pierce, RB, Florida (5-10, 218)

Pierce has a thick lower half and strength through his core and displayed improved reliability in 2021 (no fumbles, no drops, steady blocker). He has ordinary speed and can be inconsistent stringing moves together, but he runs through contact with short-area explosion and treats every run like it’s his last. Overall, Pierce doesn’t have the résumé of a bell-cow back or big-play creator, but he has an NFL build and run style with the instincts and finishing skills to be a better pro than college player. He has plenty of tread left on his tires with NFL starting potential in both gap and zone schemes.

124. Alontae Taylor, CB/S, Tennessee (6-0, 199)

Taylor is an impressive size/speed athlete with the aggressive playing demeanor required for NFL work. However, his discipline and recognition skills remain a work in progress, and he struggles to cleanly sink or flip his hips with his high-cut body type. Overall, Taylor was primarily an outside corner for the Volunteers, but he has versatility across the secondary, and a move to safety might be his best option because of his range and physical demeanor. He will see a heavy dose of special teams in the NFL and might be a team’s best option at gunner.

125. Lecitus Smith, OG/C, Virginia Tech (6-3, 314)

Smith is quick off the ball and rolls his hips into contact to generate power in the run game. In pass protection, he sits in his stance and peppers with his punch, although he will be late to react and recover when not on time. Overall, Smith’s lack of length impedes his sustain skills, but he has the lower body flexibility and fierce hands to frustrate defensive linemen. He might not be a fit for every scheme, but has starting guard potential in a power zone scheme.

 

Spoiler

126. Kyle Philips, WR, UCLA (5-11, 189)

With his shifty feet and throttle control, Philips can give defenders the slip and intuitively create passing windows for his quarterback. However, he has a small catch radius, and his effectiveness drops the further downfield he goes (70% of his 2021 catches came on targets within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage). Overall, Philips is role-specific as an undersized, quicker-than-fast, slot-only target, but he has the ready-made skills to be productive in that role in the NFL. His punt-return ability only boosts his draft grade.

127. Braxton Jones, OT, Southern Utah (6-5, 310)

With his balance and foot quickness, Jones is ascending as a pass protector and is currently a better run blocker, showing the drive strength to create movement at contact. His bad habits (stopping his feet, letting his pads rise, lowering his eyes) could be masked in the Big Sky, but they left him out-leveraged against Arizona State and will be magnified versus NFL competition. Overall, Jones needs improved timing, technique and anchor before he is ready for NFL reps, but his movement skills and length are outstanding foundational traits. Although he’ll require an adjustment period, he has the tools to be a starter down the road.

128. JT Woods, S, Baylor (6-2, 195)

Woods plays with instinctive range to make plays at every level of the field. He does a nice job weaving through traffic, although he will run himself out of position at times, and his slender frame could lead to durability issues. Overall, Woods needs improve his discipline and tackling skills, but he has appealing traits with his plus speed, long arms and nose for the football in the run game and coverage. He might get some looks at cornerback by press-heavy teams.

129. Terrel Bernard, LB, Baylor (6-1, 224)

Bernard is always involved in plays because of his play speed and inside-out range, showing the ability to unlock and accelerate in any direction. He tends to be too reactive at times and doesn’t have the play strength or heavy hands to quickly dispose of blockers at the point of attack. Overall, Bernard is undersized and doesn’t have the anticipation of a playmaker, but he has disciplined eyes and athletic range to cover space, projecting as a fourth linebacker and potential down-the-road NFL starter.

130. Tariq Castro-Fields, CB, Penn State (6-1, 197)

Castro-Fields has an intriguing blend of size and speed, and his tape shows an aggressive player with the necessary toughness for the next level. However, he gives up separation because of his marginal feel in coverage and tight transitions and will attract flags with his unbalanced foundation. Overall, Castro-Fields is a competitive press corner with projectable speed and athleticism, but he struggles to play under control against the pass and the run. He projects as a toolsy backup with the volatile talent to push for a starting job or fall off the depth chart if his consistency doesn’t improve.

131. Zach Tom, OT/C, Wake Forest (6-4, 304)

Tom displays coordinated movement skills and trusted technique as a pass blocker. He uses strong, independent hands, but his average core strength leaves him trailing and falling off blocks. Overall, Tom’s lack of ideal mass and length will lead to him losing block connections, but his body control and intelligence are terrific foundation traits for the center position. He projects as an NFL backup who can become a starter.

132. Malcolm Rodriguez, LB, Oklahoma State (5-11, 232)

Rodriguez is quick to read his keys and make plays, both behind the line of scrimmage and in space (recorded at least six tackles in 40 of his final 50 games played). More concerning than the lack of height is his lack of arm length to punch himself off blocks or make up for imperfect tackling angles. Overall, Rodriguez won’t be for everyone with his poor size and linear tendencies, but he understands football geometry with the diagnose skills and competitive toughness to see the field in the NFL. He will need the right fit, similar in ways to Seattle Seahawks LB Ben Burr-Kirven.

133. Spencer Burford, OT/G, UTSA (6-4, 304)

Burford is a good-sized athlete with the nimble quickness to cover up edge speed and active hands to battle through the whistle. He does a nice job with his pass-set depth but is guilty of over-setting, and he needs to stay on schedule to mask some of his deficiencies, especially in the run game. Overall, Burford must continue to bolster his play strength and hone his technique, especially against the run, but he is an agile-footed blocker with the body twitch and play personality worth developing. He projects as an NFL backup as a rookie, but the skills are there for him to earn a starting tackle job in year two or three.

134. Brian Robinson Jr., RB, Alabama (6-2, 225)

A hungry, downhill runner, Robinson moves like an agile tank with the power to accelerate through contact or the footwork maneuver around it. Although he has only average burst through the hole and out of his cuts, he appeared more decisive as a senior, which helped him force missed tackles and consistently gain yards after contact. Overall, Robinson isn’t a proven big-play threat, but he is a physical ball carrier with the one-cut instincts and third-down upside to carve out a role in an NFL backfield similar to Latavius Murray.

135. Ben Brown, OG/C, Ole Miss (6-5, 312)

Brown has vise grips for hands, and he works hard to stay connected both in pass protection and in the run game. However, his lower body will be late reacting to twitchy defensive linemen, leaving him off-balance in his attempts to recover. Overall, Brown isn’t a top-tier athlete and must play with better technical consistency, but he has the play strength and position flexibility to secure a backup role on the interior in the NFL.

136. Daniel Bellinger, TE, San Diego State (6-5, 253)

Even though he lacks instincts as a route-runner to easily uncover, Bellinger is an above-average athlete for his size with natural body control and hands to cleanly catch the football. As a blocker, he is balanced and strong-minded to execute his assignments, but he lacks people-moving power in the run game. Overall, Bellinger has unimpressive receiving production and doesn’t always play up to his timed speed, but he has natural ball skills and a detailed approach as a blocker. With his toughness and versatility, he projects as a backup Y tight end with upside.

137. Kellen Diesch, OT, Arizona State (6-7, 303)

Diesch is quick out of his stance with above-average body control and balance on the move. He shows precision and timing with his hand technique, but he plays narrow and can be too easily jolted at contact, disrupting his timing and sustain skills. Overall, Diesch plays light and short-armed, which will be tough to overcome versus NFL rushers, but he does a great job of framing his quick feet to stay connected in pass protection. He projects as a potential NFL backup.

138. Matthew Butler, DT, Tennessee (6-4, 297)

Butler shows the lateral movements and smarts to play ahead of blocks and leverage gaps in the run game. If the quarterback holds the ball, Butler will eventually find him, but he didn’t produce many quick wins as a pass rusher on tape, and his low sack total isn’t deceiving. Overall, Butler has functional athleticism and a dependable play style, but the on-field results have been average, and it is a stretch to think that will change vs. NFL competition. He can be a rotational three-technique and fit multiple schemes.

139. Max Mitchell, OT, Louisiana (6-6, 307)

Mitchell moves well and has steadily gotten better with his technique the past three seasons, specifically with his landmarks and hand exchange. Somewhat of a late bloomer physically, he can be jostled at contact, and his lack of base/core strength shows on tape. Overall, Mitchell was a below-average tester and needs to continue developing his strength, but his play quickness is an asset in pass protection and as a zone run blocker. He does a great job reestablishing his hands mid-block. He isn’t ready made for the NFL, but the potential is there for him to grow into a swing tackle role.

140. Neil Farrell Jr., DT, LSU (6-4, 330)

Farrell has dominant flashes when his battery is charged, displaying hand techniques, backfield vision and force at the point of attack to defeat single blockers. He has penetration skills but struggles to quickly redirect or break down in short spaces, which might be helped by weight loss. Overall, Farrell doesn’t always play with balance or control, but he has surprising snap quickness along with his functional play strength that give blockers trouble. At worst, he should be a rotational nose tackle in the NFL with potential to be more.

 

Spoiler

141. Justin Shaffer, OG, Georgia (6-4, 314)

A big-bodied blocker, Shaffer is a physical drive blocker with above-average thickness, play strength and competitiveness to eat up defenders. However, his below- average athleticism puts him in a vulnerable position in pass protection, struggling vs. rushers in the SEC Championship Game and both College Football Playoff games. Overall, Shaffer will be limited because of his lack of quickness and hand placement/control, but he has the inline power to displace defenders and anchor in a phone booth. He needs a power scheme (and a clean bill of health) to see steady playing time in the NFL.

142. Logan Bruss, OG, Wisconsin (6-5, 309)

Bruss, who didn’t allow a sack the past two seasons, stays controlled and centered in his movements. He plays with a workmanlike attitude with his hands, but his upper body strength is average, and he doesn’t have the athletic traits to easily recover when he misfires. Overall, Bruss lacks explosiveness and will likely move inside to protect his edge vs. NFL speed, but he has the body control and striking skills to execute his blocks. He projects as a backup guard in the NFL who can kick out and play tackle in an emergency.

143. Verone McKinley III, Oregon (5-10, 192)

McKinley relies on his foot quickness and football IQ to lead him to the football and force incompletions. His physical play earned him the dirty label from several Pac-12 opponents, but he needs to improve his technique as a tackler to survive in the NFL. Overall, McKinley lacks ideal size/speed based on what the NFL looks for, but he is an instinctive cover man with the ball skills and play timing that should translate to the next level. His game reminds me of former Seattle Seahawks safety Tedric Thompson.

144. Josh Jobe, CB, Alabama (6-0, 182)

Jobe is a strong, aggressive cover man who trusts his technique and stays balanced in his movements. His instincts are solid, but his eye discipline and timing must improve for him to cut down on penalties. Overall, Jobe is inconsistent in zone and lacks ideal suddenness, but he is at his best in man-to-man coverage because of his athletic, competitive play style to be disruptive up and down the field. He has starting potential as a cover-and-clobber NFL corner.

145. Carson Strong, QB, Nevada (6-3, 226)

Strong has the arm talent to make the defense cover every inch of the field, and his velocity helps mask average anticipation with his reads. Aside from questions about his knee durability, his lower body fundamentals aren’t a strength to his game, as he lacks the foot quickness to easily move the pocket and regain his balance as a passer. Overall, Strong has natural passing instincts and can rip throws all over the field when on schedule, but he is a limited play extender with mixed results versus pressure that will limit his NFL ceiling unless addressed. As long as the medicals on his knee come back clean, he falls somewhere in the range of Mason Rudolph as an NFL prospect.

146. Kyren Williams, RB, Notre Dame (5-9, 194)

Williams is highly effective on counters and cutbacks with the plant-and-go quickness to make strong cuts in any direction. He has limited inside power but is a problem-solving runner thanks to his sharp footwork and blend of patience and decisiveness. Overall, Williams is an average athlete and ideally projects as more of a complimentary back in the NFL, but he is an elite competitor with the darting quickness and pass-catching skills to be a third-down weapon. He shows some similarities to New England Patriots RB James White.

147. Bailey Zappe, QB, Western Kentucky (6-1, 215)

With the offense ingrained in him, Zappe was a rhythmic decision-maker in college and knew where to go with the football and how to stay on time. But his average arm strength and inconsistencies when asked to anticipate or make full-field reads will be tough to overcome vs. NFL speed. Overall, there is nothing explosive about his arm or legs, but Zappe has a natural feel for touch and trajectory with the mind/intangibles that will smooth his transition to the NFL. He projects favorably to Case Keenum and should be a longtime NFL backup and possible spot-starter.

148. Justyn Ross, WR, Clemson (6-4, 205)

Ross’ career trajectory took a detour the past two seasons because of concerning injuries (spinal surgery in 2020 and foot surgery in 2021). He isn’t an elite speed or burst player on tape, and his testing numbers confirmed that. But he can vary his route speed to keep defenders on his hip and displays the length, body control and focus to snare outside his frame. Overall, Ross’ draft projection hinges on his medicals, but he is a long, limber athlete with maybe the largest catch radius of any receiver in the draft class. He is a risky prospect and tough projection because there is no guarantee he returns to pre-injury form.

149. Kalia Davis, DT, UCF (6-1, 302)

Davis bursts upfield with his low center of gravity and football GPS to either find cracks at the line of scrimmage or create them. However, he tends to rely on his first step and effort as a rusher rather than a coordinated plan of attack, which also hurts his finishing ability. Overall, Davis’ tape has more flash than consistency (only five games played the past two seasons), but he fires out of his stance with twitch and range to create backfield disruption vs. the run and as a pass rusher. He is a developmental three-technique prospect.

150. Jaylen Watson, CB, Washington State (6-2, 197)

Watson is a good-sized athlete with the speed, strength and swagger that NFL teams covet at the position. However, he struggles to play with the sink or agility to attach himself to quick-footed route runners, leaving him playing catch up if he gets impatient or doesn’t connect with his jam. Overall, Watson has only played 15 games at the FBS level, and it shows at times with his missteps, but his raw assets and instincts are enticing starter traits. He will be appealing to NFL teams that value big press corners.

151. Zamir White, RB, Georgia (6-0, 214)

Nicknamed Zeus, White runs behind his pads and barrels through contact with the body strength and balance to break tackles. Although he isn’t super slippery or creative, he has the vision, patience and agility to pick and slide through the muck at the line of scrimmage. Overall, White was part of a deep backfield at Georgia and is unproven on passing downs, but he has the ideal build, footwork and mentality to be a dynamic one-cut runner. He has NFL starting potential if the medicals aren’t a concern.

152. Jesse Luketa, Edge, Penn State (6-3, 253)

A charged-up athlete, Luketa has an aggressive field demeanor with chase speed and finishing instincts. Although he has some tweener traits and frenetic habits, he usually plays assignment sound to fill/spill and create knock-back at contact. Overall, Luketa doesn’t have a great feel as a pass rusher and lacks consistency in coverage, but he is a good-sized athlete and covers ground with his active pursuit motor. He projects as a regular on special teams coverages and a hybrid rush linebacker in sub.

153. Isaiah Thomas, Edge, Oklahoma (6-5, 266)

Thomas is a stout edge-setter and creates consistent movement at contact when he rushes with momentum, displaying inside/outside versatility. However, he is slow to collect his feet, redirect or break down in space, and the missed plays/tackles pile up on tape. Overall, Thomas has subpar get-off quickness and finishing skills, but he has NFL-level size, length and strength to be a rotational defensive end in a 4-3 base defense, kicking inside in sub packages.

154. Micheal Clemons, Edge, Texas A&M (6-5, 263)

With his frame, length, and athleticism, Clemons is straight out of central casting and at his best using his forward lean and strike power to create leverage points and open his rush opportunities. A late bloomer, he didn’t play defensive end until junior college, and he is still developing his hand use and discovering how to unlock all of his talent. Overall, Clemons has several red flags (age, injury history, off-field decision-making), but he owns NFL physical traits with the functional strength vs. the run and speed-to-power rush skills to handle edge responsibilities. He projects as a rotational NFL end who can play in either even or odd fronts (his flashes are reminiscent of Darrell Taylor at Tennessee).

155. Mike Rose, LB, Iowa State (6-4, 245)

Rose looks the part with his size and energy, and his football character, specifically his smarts and competitive motor, is outstanding. Though his diagnose skills help expand his impact range, he lacks explosive traits as a tackler and in coverage, surrendering separation. Overall, Rose’s average speed and strength will be tougher to mask vs. NFL talent, but he is a smooth mover with the instincts and toughness that NFL teams covet. He projects as a versatile backup (middle or strongside) at the next level who should find a home on special teams.

 

Spoiler

156. Abram Smith, RB, Baylor (6-0, 213)

A patient yet decisive downhill runner, Smith trusts his blocking and shows the nimble footwork to clear creases. His receiving, blocking and ball security are areas that can be improved, but NFL scouts have zero questions about his coachability and intangibles. Overall, Smith won’t be an ideal fit for every scheme, but he is tailor-made for outside/split zone run game with his one-cut quickness and feel for lane development. He not only brings value to the backfield but is well-versed on defense and special teams to potentially offer three-way versatility.

157. Bo Melton, WR, Rutgers (5-11, 189)

With his body control and multiple gears, Melton is skilled at forcing defenders off-balance in coverage, creating opportunities for himself at the stem. There is a level of craftiness to his game with and without the football, but his size, play strength and contested-catch skills all fall in the average category. Overall, Melton’s production and performance were impeded to a degree because of his college offense, but he checks boxes for speed, savvy and competitive toughness, which should translate well to the next level.

158. Tyreke Smith, Edge, Ohio State (6-3, 254)

A physically gifted athlete, Smith has the get-off burst, arc quickness and active hands to challenge blockers. However, his inconsistent contact balance and slow recognition give an early advantage to blockers and disrupt his timing/counters. Overall, Smith has athletic developmental traits to be an NFL pass rusher, but he must improve his pass rush plan and learn how to string moves together to have more of an impact. He projects as a developmental role player with starting potential if he can stay healthy.

159. Kalon Barnes, CB, Baylor (6-0, 183)

Barnes has quick-footed mirroring skills and the wheels to quickly accelerate to top speed make it tough for him to lose foot races on the outside. However, he tries to out-athlete receivers, and his freelancing style won’t cut it against NFL-level route runners who can exploit his missteps and attack his leverage. Overall, Barnes is speed-reliant and needs to improve his technique and feel down the field, but his special athletic traits give him a fighting chance at an NFL career, especially if he learns to play inside corner.

160. Thayer Munford, OG, Ohio State (6-6, 328)

A wide-bodied player, Munford keeps his feet beneath him and works hard to stay between the ball and defenders. However, he is a heavy-legged waist-bender with inconsistent hand placement in the run game and as a pass blocker. Overall, Munford wins with size and length and has played a lot of football, but he struggles to stay balanced, and his inconsistencies create opportunities for pass rushers. His experience at tackle and guard boost his chances of making the NFL as a backup.

161. Isaiah Likely, TE, Coastal Carolina (6-5, 245)

Likely is a quarterback’s best friend with his ability to snap out of his breaks, make himself available mid-route, and consistently pluck balls outside his frame. He is more of an oversized wideout than traditional tight end, but he plays with toughness and shows dangerous YAC skills (responsible for 14 receptions of 20-plus yards in 2021, including a 99-yard touchdown catch and run). Overall, Likely needs to be more physical and efficient as a blocker, but he has playmaking potential thanks to his loose athleticism before and after the catch and the body coordination to make remarkable adjustments on the football. He projects as an “F” tight end with NFL starting potential.

162. James Mitchell, TE, Virginia Tech (6-4, 249)

Mitchell is a basketball athlete on grass with the scheme versatility to attack defenses in different ways. As a blocker, he doesn’t have the power to control the point of attack, but he can work himself into position, ride the bull and get the job done, especially as a zone blocker. Overall, Mitchell needs to stay healthy and cultivate elements of his game, but he is a three-level pass-catching threat with outstanding body control and hand strength. He has NFL starting potential as an H-back and would be drafted higher if not for his knee injury.

163. Eyioma Uwazurike, DL, Iowa State (6-6, 316)

Uwazurike, who started every game the past three seasons, took sizeable jumps each year, playing his best as a senior because of his active hands and ability to find the football. However, his base strength can be inconsistent at engagement, and he is more likely to bull rush with wild hands than use coordinated counters. Overall, Uwazurike needs to play with more consistent pad level and contact balance to secure run fits, but his blend of length and athleticism allow him to be disruptive from different alignments. He fits even and odd fronts and might be best as a five-technique.

164. Kevin Austin Jr., WR, Notre Dame (6-2, 200)

A well-built athlete, Austin was a chain-moving machine when he was on the field, with 81.5% of his career catches resulting in a first down or touchdown. He is a physical route runner and gives his quarterback a good-sized catch radius, but he will need to pay closer attention to the details of the position to take the next step in his development. Overall, Austin is stamped with a buyer-beware label from scouts because of his injuries and past mistakes, but he is a talented pass catcher with outstanding testing athleticism who has yet to play his best football. At a certain point in the draft, his upside will be worth the risk.

165. Dare Rosenthal, OT, Kentucky (6-7, 290)

Although his aimless hands will let him down, Rosenthal is able to adjust his feet and hips as a positional blocker, which allows him to latch and lose slowly. His inconsistent discipline and balance in both his pass sets and as a run blocker are correctable, but it won’t be easy. Overall, Rosenthal’s maturity questions (on and off the field) will be scrutinized by NFL teams, but he has the athletic potential and length that NFL teams covet in a developmental blocker.

166. Percy Butler, S, Louisiana (6-0, 194)

Butler flies and flows all over the field with his open-field speed, flashing the initial burst and closing burst to go from A to B in a hurry. However, he doesn’t have the ideal body composition for an NFL safety and needs to improve his breakdown skills as a tackler. Overall, Butler needs to play with more control and create more on-ball opportunities for himself, but his linear speed and ascending instincts are attractive traits for a developmental safety. His special teams value alone should get him drafted.

167. Martin Emerson, CB, Mississippi State (6-2, 201)

Emerson is a good-sized athlete with the length, toughness and coverage awareness that will translate well to the next level. Though he can jam and be disruptive from press, he lacks ideal pedal fluidity and change of direction in man coverage, struggling to make up the lost steps when overaggressive. Overall, Emerson lacks quick-twitch athleticism and functional play strength, but he shows a natural feel for spacing and disruption in zone coverage. He has NFL starting potential, ideally suited in a Cover-2 or Cover-3 scheme.

168. Tyrion Davis-Price, RB, LSU (6-0, 211)

Davis-Price is a stout runner to grind out short yardage, but he can also mash the gas when he has an open lane. Although he still has work to do as a pass catcher, he was a closer on the 2021 tape, getting better as the game progressed (3.9 yards per carry in the first half, 5.6 yards per carry in the second half). Overall, Davis-Price isn’t who you turn to if you want creativity or elusiveness, but he is a physical, downhill back who can break tackles late into games and hold his own in pass protection. He can be part of an NFL rotation well beyond his rookie contract if he stays committed.

169. CorDale Flott, CB, LSU (6-1, 175)

Flott is a lean-framed corner with the foot speed, movement and mentality of a classic man-to-man corner. Despite limited busted coverage reps on film, he lacks ideal burst and acceleration out of his transitions and would benefit from more plays on the football (never had more than four pass breakups in a season in college). Overall, Flott has slick hips to turn and run on command with inside-outside versatility, but he trusts his athleticism more than his technique with below-average size and questionable playmaking instincts.

 

Spoiler

170. Rachaad White, RB, Arizona State (6-0, 214)

White out-leverages pursuit with his lateral agility and decision-making on the move, which allows him to create chunk plays despite his average top-end speed. Though he needs to improve in pass protection, he is a dependable pass-catcher with tracking skills and body control. Overall, White will leave some production on the field, but his explosive, darting run style allows him to collect his feet and find yardage that wasn’t blocked for him. He projects as a backup capable of steady NFL playing time.

171. Erik Ezukanma, WR, Texas Tech (6-2, 209)

Ezukanma is a big, athletic target with smooth change of direction for a player his size, making late adjustments to the football. Though he is comfortable in contested situations, that is because he struggles to create a ton of separation. Overall, Ezukanma is a predictable route runner with only average speed, but he is a natural ball-tracker with toughness and talent down the field. He projects as a WR4/WR5 who could see opportunities and move up the depth chart in the right situation.

172. Dohnovan West, OG/C, Arizona State (6-3, 296)

Despite bouncing between the three interior line positions during his three seasons in Tempe, West played at a high level thanks to his quickness, control (penalties were rare on film) and ability to balance being both patient and aggressive. He has a sharp, forceful punch but only average strength and will have trouble sustaining blocks vs. long-limbed NFL defenders. Overall, West will have trouble leveraging or neutralizing point-of-attack power in the NFL, but he displays efficient movement skills and handwork as a pass blocker and in the run game. Similar in ways to Isaac Seumalo, he has low-end starting potential as a center with guard versatility.

173. Otito Ogbonnia, DT, UCLA (6-4, 324)

Ogbonnia flashes explosive strike skills to walk back and bench press blockers off his frame, but his lateral movements and rush moves are non-threatening. In the run game, he needs to strengthen his anchor and improve his pad level to be more consistent leveraging gaps and making plays. Overall, Ogbonnia moves heavy, and he is still raw as a two-gapper and pass rusher, but his package of traits (size, length, heavy hands) are a nice starter kit for a developmental nose tackle.

174. Pierre Strong Jr., RB, South Dakota State (5-11, 207)

Strong averaged an impressive 7.2 yards per carry during his career, mostly vs. FCS competition, but had no trouble running all over Colorado State on his 2021 tape (his only FBS opponent the past two seasons). He has home run ability when he finds the runway (30 runs of 15-plus yards) and creates conflict for second-level defenders with his ability to shake, rattle and roll. Overall, Strong doesn’t have ideal build or contact balance, which might limit his pro ceiling, but he runs with speed, tempo and controlled feet to follow his blocks to daylight, especially on outside zone. He has potential as a third-down or committee back in the right situation.

175. Eric Johnson, DT, Missouri State (6-4, 299)

Johnson creates a vertical surge with his first step quickness and length, although he needs to use consistent sink for his bull rush to move blockers. His stiffness will show once engaged, but he shows promising handwork to gain leverage on blockers and peak into the backfield. Overall, Johnson needs to develop more consistent pad level and run recognition for the next level, but he flashes phone booth explosiveness, functional hand use and play range. He should appeal to multiple schemes and is ideally suited as a five-technique or quick-penetrating three-technique.

176. Tyquan Thornton, WR, Baylor (6-2, 181)

Thornton has legit vertical speed (he had a full-ride scholarship to run track at LSU out of high school) to get overtop coverage and win down the field (seven receptions of 40-plus yards in 2021). He made key improvements as a senior in terms of finishing grabs through contact, but he can be taken out of commission early when press corners connect (smallest hands and skinniest wrists in the draft). Overall, Thornton will have a tougher time masking his lack of build or play strength vs. NFL competition, but his speed plays at any level, and his mid-air adjustment skills could be what keep him on an NFL roster.

177. Jake Ferguson, TE, Wisconsin (6-5, 250)

Ferguson has natural tracking skills and works well with bodies around him, registering only one drop on 61 targets in 2021. However, he is a one-speed runner and doesn’t have burst out of his breaks or a pull-away gear to scare defenses as a pass catcher. He has the mentality needed for blocking duties, but his average play strength and technique will be more pronounced in the NFL. Overall, Ferguson doesn’t have much style, but he has substance because of his above-average ball skills and competitiveness as a blocker. He has the upside to be an NFL team’s No. 2 tight end.

178. Tyler Badie, RB, Missouri (5-8, 197)

Badie has quick feet and bursts to top speed in an instant to attack the crease and clear holes. A tough, competitive runner, he doesn’t have an ideal frame for NFL work, but he has high-end receiving skills (first in school history to reach 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving) and stayed durable in 2021 with the second-most offensive touches (322) in college football. Overall, Badie is undersized with average run strength, but he is a twitchy, juiced-up ball carrier with the balance, field vision and pass-catching traits to be an asset in an NFL backfield. He projects as a multidimensional weapon in the Tarik Cohen mold.

179. Chigoziem Okonkwo, TE, Maryland (6-3, 238)

Okonkwo unsurprisingly ran the fastest 40-yard dash among tight ends at the combine, which matches his impressive linear speed on the field. As a blocker, he has range and works his feet into position, but he struggles to sustain or control the point-of-attack. Overall, Okonkwo doesn’t need to be an elite blocker, but he needs to improve in areas to get to respectable, which will complement his athletic pass-catching potential. He projects as an H-back and special-teamer with room to grow.

180. Thomas Booker, DT, Stanford (6-3, 301)

Booker has the initial quickness to threaten gaps, and he is at his best when he springs into blockers with low pads to create movement. However, he spends too much time hand-fighting when his initial momentum doesn’t work, lacking the point-of-attack technique or counters to detach. Overall, Booker is a unique prospect with his intelligence, physical traits and mature makeup, but he needs to get an early advantage or he struggles to be a factor. He has the tools to be a rotational three-technique with some teams curious about a transition to the offensive line.

181. Makai Polk, WR, Mississippi State (6-3, 195)

Polk is at his best at the catch point, where he shows off his smooth body control and focus to locate and isolate the football. He continually works to get uncovered, but doubters will see a one-year wonder who thrived more because of scheme than NFL-level receiving traits. Overall, Polk doesn’t have the deep speed or route running prowess to concern NFL cornerbacks, but he has the length and ball-tracking skills that will translate to any level of football. Although not a ready-made NFL player, he has some tools that can be developed.

182. Velus Jones Jr., WR, Tennessee (6-0, 204)

Jones has terrific top-end speed, with the vision, balance and compete skills to create with the ball in his hands as a returner or catch-and-go threat (80.7% of his receptions in 2021 came within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage). Though he flashes burst in his lower body, he doesn’t have the tempo or setup skills in his patterns to consistently create separation vs. sticky corners. Overall, Jones has a limited route tree and is still developing his rhythm as a receiver, but he has a smooth accelerator with solid ball skills. He offers value as a return man, special teamer and back-end-of-the-roster receiver (similar to Pharoh Cooper).

183. Andrew Stueber, OT/G, Michigan (6-7, 325)

Stueber is assignment sound in pass protection with the hands and response time to combat what rushers throw at him. He is a functional run blocker and creates movement on down blocks, but he has some stiffness in his lower body and must improve his pad level to create movement. Overall, Stueber has NFL size, length and smarts, but he doesn’t have the athleticism to hold up at tackle and needs to improve his balance and sustain skills to earn a living at guard. He has the potential to be a dependable backup who can step in and hold his own if asked to pinch-hit as a starting guard.

184. Yusuf Corker, S, Kentucky (6-0, 203)

Corker is highly instinctive and competitive vs. both the pass and the run, firing downhill as a tackler or tracking the eyes of the quarterback to throws. However, he needs to tighten up his pursuit angles and be more a finisher because he doesn’t have the redirect twitch to easily recover. Overall, Corker has some straight-line tendencies and needs to cut down on the missed tackles, but he plays fast, tough and confident and is ready for NFL life. His special teams ability should keep him alive on an NFL roster while he competes for defensive snaps.

185. Micah McFadden, LB, Indiana (6-1, 240)

McFadden is a physical, tough-minded player with outstanding blitzing skills. However, he struggles to play ahead of blocks, and his lack of overall range limits his NFL upside. Overall, McFadden is well-strapped together and one of the better downhill linebackers in this draft class, but his athletic and coverage limitations take excitement away from his pro evaluation. His ability on special teams can help him lock down a backup job.

 

Spoiler

186. Cobie Durant, CB, South Carolina State (5-10, 180)

Durant is a scrappy player with the springy athleticism and speed to pattern match in man or drive on throws in zone. He faces a steep learning curve vs. NFL talent and gave up a touchdown on the 2021 Clemson tape, but he also recorded four passes defended and two interceptions in that game. Overall, Durant needs to improve his anticipation and can be outmuscled by size at the catch point, but he has the mirroring athleticism and innate ball skills that are NFL-worthy. He creates flashbacks of Buster Skrine as a prospect and owns the talent to carve out a similar NFL career.

187. Jordan Stout, P, Penn State (6-3, 209)

Stout averaged 46.5 yards per punt last season, including 25 punts of at least 50 yards. He also handled kickoff duties and deep field goal triesfor the Nittany Lions, setting the school record with a 57-yard make as a sophomore. He has five career field goals of at least 50 yards.

188. Damarion Williams, CB, Houston (5-10, 182)

According to his teammates and coaches, Williams was the most competitive player on the Cougars’ team, and the tape evidence backs that up, closing out early release separation and playing through the hands of receivers downfield. He needs to improve his eye discipline because it will be tougher to make up lost steps vs. NFL talent. Overall, Williams doesn’t have high-level size or speed, but his feisty play personality, lower body twitch and nose for the ball are translatable traits. He projects best as a nickel cornerback in the NFL.

189. Jake Camarda, P, Georgia (6-1, 193)

Georgia is going to have more than a dozen players drafted from its national title team, including the punter. Camarda finished his career as the Bulldogs’ career leader in punting average (45.78), averaging 46.7 yards per punt as a senior. He also handled the kickoff duties.

190. Dane Belton, S, Iowa (6-1, 205)

Belton plays with heady reaction skills, and his eyes lead him to the catch point where he can make plays on the ball naturally. However, he lacks sudden twitch in his movements and lacks consistency down the field. Overall, Belton doesn’t play as explosively as his testing numbers might suggest, but he floats naturally with the instincts and ball skills for underneath zones. He projects best as a down nickel safety in the NFL, although he needs to develop his strength and be more consistent vs. the run to see steady playing time.

191. David Anenih, Edge, Houston (6-2, 245)

Anenih is a bendy rusher with the arc speed to capture the corner, but he is still crafting his counters when he doesn’t win with his first step. Though he sets a firm edge and plays relentless in pursuit, he can be washed in the run game and lacks point-of-attack technique. Overall, Anenih has tweener traits and is still unpolished for an older prospect, but his get-off quickness, versatile athleticism and length are draftable ingredients. He isn’t scheme-dependent but projects best as a rush linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.

192. Jeremiah Gemmel, LB, North Carolina (6-1, 226)

Whether in the box or playing as an overhang defender, Gemmel has excellent play recognition vs. the run to stay ahead of blocks and let loose. He gets himself in trouble when blockers establish leverage and needs to become more of a playmaker in coverage. Overall, Gemmel doesn’t have any elite qualities, but he is an instinctive, high-intangibles defender with the play range and toughness required for NFL work. He projects best as a weakside or nickel linebacker.

193. Chasen Hines, OG, LSU (6-3, 327)

Hines is a naturally wide blocker with the mobility to pull and trap and the brute force to create movement at contact. He has initial quickness to play from out in front, but his mirroring skills (both his hands and feet) must improve vs. NFL competition. Overall, Hines has sloppy tendencies and must maintain his conditioning for peak performance, but his explosive movements and length are traits worth drafting and developing. He projects best in a power scheme in the NFL because of his frame and pulling skills.

194. Snoop Conner, RB, Ole Miss (5-10, 222)

Conner was at his best near the goal line, with 19 of his 26 career rushing touchdowns coming from five yards or less, including 14 one-yard runs. Although he doesn’t run with the creativity to be a home run hitter (only two carries of 25-plus yards in 2021), he will hit plenty of singles and doubles (led Ole Miss running backs with 22 runs of 10-plus yards in 2021). Overall, Conner needs to improve his run tempo and third-down skills to see regular NFL work, but he has the vision, balance and toughness to be more than just a goal-line back. Like in college, his ideal NFL fit will be part of a committee.

195. Aaron Hansford, LB, Texas A&M (6-2, 239)

Hansford has the athletic traits to drop and cover large areas of space thanks to his agile feet and smooth redirect skills. He is still working through the mental aspects of the position to stay ahead of the play, but his improvements as a blitzer and cover man are encouraging. Overall, Hansford needs to hone his play recognition and finishing skills, but he is a rangy run-and-hit athlete who showed steady development on defense. He projects as a backup outside linebacker with starting upside and the traits for special teams.

196. Chase Lucas, CB, Arizona State (5-11, 180)

Lucas stays square and balanced in his movements to seamlessly transition or drive with different types of route runners. However, he makes too many questionable decisions, biting on route fakes and taking himself out of position. Overall, Lucas has his share of discipline lapses on tape, but he is a twitchy athlete with the body control in coverage to leverage passing windows and make plays on the ball. His inside-outside versatility will help him make an NFL roster.

197. Chris Paul, OG, Tulsa (6-4, 323)

Paul uses his physical hands and length to create spacing in the run game and is quick to react in his pass sets. However, he doesn’t have ideal movement skills in space to handle wide speed, and his hands turn soft at contact when protecting the edge. Overall, Paul doesn’t have great core strength or recovery skills, but he has the size, balance and hand exchange to give defenders all they can handle. He offers position versatility (clearly most comfortable at right guard), projecting as a backup who can grow into a valuable sixth lineman role.

198. Cade Mays, OT/G, Tennessee (6-5, 311)

Mays is one of the few linemen in this draft with functional playing experience at all five offensive line positions, which speaks to his competitive toughness and smarts. He is quick out of his stance to cut off speed, but he struggles to recover and has a low margin for error if he doesn’t properly frame up rushers. Overall, Mays can get tied up as a pass blocker because of his tall pads and mediocre body control, but he is physical in the run game with NFL-level play strength. He projects best inside at guard in the NFL, likely as a backup while he competes for a starting spot.

199. Bryce Watts, CB, Massachusetts (6-0, 187)

Watts has outstanding play speed with the lower-body twitch and pattern-reading skills to play tight coverage or drive on plays at the line of scrimmage. However, he needs to play with more control in his transitions, which should lead to improved ball production. Overall, Watts needs to improve his coverage discipline and play strength for the next level, but he has the athletic traits and reaction skills to develop into reliable contributor in an NFL secondary. His testing numbers and experience on special teams will only help his chances.

200. Brandon Smith, LB, Penn State (6-4, 250)

Smith is physically impressive with his size and explosive movements, but the mental side and details of the position are still a work in progress for him. He must learn better anticipation to stay ahead of plays and develop his handwork to leverage gaps, stack-and-shed blockers and get home as a blitzer. Overall, Smith is a long-framed, toolsy athlete with NFL starting potential, but the tape shows an uneven, unrefined player who must improve his processing and finishing skills before he earns a significant role at the next level. His best long-term position might be as an edge rusher.

 

Spoiler

201. Jack Coan, QB, Notre Dame (6-3, 218)

Coan is a resilient competitor and efficient passer with a natural feel for where to attack the defense. Although he isn’t a consistent play-extender when flushed, he has impressive movements within the pocket to buy valuable extra fractions of a second. Overall, Coan has some athletic limitations, but he does a great job finding rhythm in the passing game and delivers with timing and placement. He has the on-field talent and football character to be a capable NFL backup.

202. Hassan Haskins, RB, Michigan (6-2, 228)

Haskins’ best trait is his ability to consistently finish forward (only six negative rushing yards in 2021) and break tackles with power, flexibility and body control. He can drop his hips for a bigger back, but he doesn’t have the speed or elusive qualities to out-leverage pro defenses. Overall, Haskins’ NFL role might be limited because of his lack of dynamic athleticism, but he runs with outstanding contact balance and hard-charging instincts and gets the job done as a blocker. He projects as a complimentary power back with special teams value.

203. Charleston Rambo, WR, Miami (Fla.) (6-1, 184)

With his plant and burst, Rambo has terrific separation quickness and doesn’t lose speed out of his cuts. His lean features aren’t ideal vs. physical defensive backs, but he played with improved confidence and finishing skills as a senior. Overall, Rambo can be out-matched in contested situations, but his blend of speed, body control and tracking skills translate well to the NFL level. His game reminds me a lot of former Dallas Cowboy (new Miami Dolphin) Cedrick Wilson.

204. D’Marco Jackson, LB, Appalachian State (6-1, 233)

Jackson is quick to read run-pass and unleashes his explosive speed to pinch gaps or cover ground, making tackles all over the field. Although his instant reactor is a positive trait, he could use a more disciplined play style to deftly stay detached and create plays in space. Overall, Jackson is a mediocre take-on player and shows hints of tightness in his movements, but his downhill speed and alpha attitude are proven ingredients to be a core special teamer and backup in the NFL.

205. Cole Turner, TE, Nevada (6-7, 249)

Turner is a natural hands-catcher who can win in contested situations and frequently leaves his feet to comfortably make diving grabs. He can work the seam but struggles to separate consistently, and he lacks the play strength to sustain blocks or generate movement in the run game. Overall, Turner is limited as a blocker but skilled as a pass-catcher because of his ball skills and body control to easily expand his catch radius. He can be a poor man’s Mike Gesicki in the NFL, although his one-dimensional skill set will limit his landing spots.

206. Juanyeh Thomas, S, Georgia Tech (6-1, 212)

Thomas is a decisive player with the pursuit angles and aggressive demeanor desired at the position. Though smooth and controlled as an athlete, there is suddenness missing with his reactionary movements. Overall, Thomas is inconsistent in man coverage with too many throws in his direction that result in completions, but he is an instinctive down safety with projectable traits. Although he must improve in areas to be trusted on defense, his special teams should keep him on an NFL active roster.

207. Vederian Lowe, OT, Illinois (6-5, 314)

Lowe is a mature, developed player with the footwork to adjust to targets in space and allow his long arms to work for him. His pad level can get away from him, and he needs to be a more consistent leverage blocker. Overall, Lowe is an average athlete and tends to be over-reliant on his upper half, but he stays under control to square up defenders as a pass blocker or drive them in the run game. He is prepared to compete for an NFL backup job as a rookie.

208. Connor Heyward, FB/TE, Michigan State (5-11, 233)

Heyward makes athletic plays on the football because of his body control and focus, and drops were scarce on his film. He does a great job playing through contact but lacks ideal length and will struggle to sustain as a blocker. Overall, Heyward needs to adapt a more disciplined approach to his blocking and route-running, but he is a balanced, instinctive athlete with high-level ball skills. His versatility and toughness give him a chance to stick in a hybrid H-back role.

209. Cade York, K, LSU (6-1, 206)

Over the past two seasons, York converted 84.6% of his field goal attempts, including several high-tension kicks in the SEC. He also has outstanding distance with his leg, connecting on 78.9% (15-for-19) of his career field goal attempts beyond 50 yards.

210. Delarrin Turner-Yell, S, Oklahoma (5-10, 197)

Turner-Yell trusts his preparation and eye discipline, which allows him to play fast and be in the right position to make plays vs. the run and in coverage as a split safety. His toughness is a strength to his game, but his physical nature works against his durability, which is a potential problem in the NFL. Overall, Turner-Yell is undersized and will have his struggles in man coverage, but he is a decisive downhill alley runner with the range and intangibles that will appeal to NFL defensive coordinators. He will need to get better on special teams to help his long-term roster chances.

211. John FitzPatrick, TE, Georgia (6-7, 262)

FitzPatrick blocks with a balanced, square base and the frame, play strength and toughness to be an asset in the run game. With only 32 career targets and two multi-catch games (none in 2021) in his college career, his evaluation as a pass catcher feels incomplete and unproven. Overall, FitzPatrick doesn’t have the tape or résumé of a playmaking receiver, but his inline blocking and intangibles make him a draftable prospect. He can find a niche as a productive Y tight end in the NFL.

212. Cordell Volson, OT/G, North Dakota State (6-6, 315)

Volson is at his best as a run blocker thanks to his strike power and ability to hit his landmarks and out-angle defenders. In pass protection, he works hard to sustain and anchor, but he opens prematurely and finds himself too upright and off-balanced. Overall, Volson is a nondescript athlete, and his technique often breaks down vs. inside/outside speed, but he is smart, tough and finds ways to lose slowly once engaged. A permanent move to guard will help his chances of landing on an NFL roster.

213. Jerome Ford, RB, Cincinnati (5-11, 210)

Ford has the lateral footwork and body strength to keep plays alive, flashing the open-field juice to gash defenses (averaged 6.1 yards per carry in his career). However, his vision and patience lack consistency, and he needs to improve his ball security and blocking to maintain the trust of his coaches. Overall, Ford has room to improve his eyes and timing at the line of scrimmage to be more of a creator, but he has an effective blend of size, strength and speed with upside catching the football. He can provide a punch to an NFL team’s depth chart.

214. Mario Goodrich, CB, Clemson (6-0, 176)

Goodrich has a physical appetite in coverage to make receivers uncomfortable and rake at the football when targeted. He enjoys mixing it up with receivers, but his pedestrian play strength might look a tad different against NFL receivers. Overall, Goodrich has only average speed, twitch and recovery skills, but he is an aggressive player with plus tackling skills, making him a natural fit for a Cover-2 or zone-based coverage.

215. Kyron Johnson, LB, Kansas (6-0, 231)

Whether he’s rushing the passer or playing in space, Johnson is explosive in his movements with a quick first step and the acceleration to close in a blink. Though he isn’t shy playing physical, he doesn’t have ideal size, length or power for steady trench work and can be inconsistent as an off-ball player. Overall, Johnson is undersized with concerns about his best position in the NFL, but you can’t coach his high-level speed and competitive fire. His impact on special teams can keep him on an active roster while his coaches figure out his best defensive fit.

 

Spoiler

216. Keaontay Ingram, RB, USC (6-0, 221)

Ingram is a patient zone runner with spurts of burst and an instinctive understanding of when to keep it play-side or when to cut it. He runs with the compact power to shred arm tackles, but he needs to use that play strength and awareness to be more reliable as a blocker. Overall, Ingram needs to play with consistent decision-making and be more of a physical finisher, but he runs with terrific balance and cut quickness for his size. He has a decent chance of making an NFL roster if he brings his best version to training camp.

217. Jayden Peevy, DT, Texas A&M (6-5, 308)

Peevy flashes power in his upper body and won’t just sit on blocks, helping him track down plays in the run game. His active play style and long arms are strengths to his game, but he needs to better control the point of attack and consistently stay ahead of plays. Overall, Peevy isn’t disciplined or fundamentally sound in his approach, but his blend of size, length and quickness don’t walk through the door every day. He is scheme versatile and has the raw talent to make an NFL roster or practice squad.

218. Vincent Gray, CB, Michigan (6-2, 192)

With his height and length, Gray looks the part to match up on the outside and also flashes the burst to close when working downhill. He doesn’t have ideal speed for the position and will lose a half-step in his transition, forcing him to play catch-up. Overall, Gray is physical and patient in press and has zone instincts to sort through everything in front of him, but he plays a step behind too often and doesn’t create ball production opportunities for himself. He can fill a backup role as he continues to develop or possibly move to safety.

219. Romeo Doubs, WR, Nevada (6-2, 201)

Doubs lived with QB Carson Strong and TE Cole Turner since his freshman year, and that chemistry was clear on the football field with his ability to make plays at all three levels. Though he has the footwork to separate out of his breaks, he must improve his tempo and setup on non-linear routes. Overall, Doubs doesn’t consistently play bigger than he is, but he has the speed to stack cornerbacks vertically or be a catch-and-go creator. He projects as a potential fourth receiver on an NFL depth chart with punt return value.

220. Zachary Carter, DL, Florida (6-4, 282)

Carter is at his best with a runway, where he can rush head-up with physical hands to generate power, extending into blockers and putting them on skates. He has quick read-and-react ability in the run game, but powerful blockers can out-leverage him, leaving him late to shed. Overall, Carter is limited in the ways he wins as a pass rusher because of his stiffness and undeveloped counters, but he is a high-effort, quick-footed athlete who is well-versed with various defensive techniques. He projects as a rotational base end in the NFL.

221. Gerrit Prince, TE, UAB (6-5, 241)

Prince runs nifty routes and shows natural ball skills to snatch, secure and create (averaged a touchdown every 3.6 receptions in 2021). He works hard to gain positioning as a blocker, but a power element is missing as he attempts to sustain or drive. Overall, Prince is undersized and will be limited as a blocker in the NFL, but he can work all three levels as a pass catcher and is one of the better YAC threats in this tight end class. He can be part of an NFL rotation as an F tight end and reminds me of Troy Fumagalli when he was coming out of Wisconsin in the 2018 draft class.

222. Smoke Monday, S, Auburn (6-2, 207)

Monday is an urgent player with quality run fits and aggressive angles to make impact plays as a run defender. However, he will get run over by NFL backs unless he improves his striking technique, and his lack of discipline and anticipation in coverage makes it tough to trust him. Overall, Monday is a long, athletic player with the competitive spirit that won’t go unnoticed by NFL coaches, but neither will his inconsistencies and the questions about his best defensive position. At worst, he will be in the mix for an NFL roster spot thanks to his core special teams ability.

Auburn S Smoke Monday (Marvin Gentry / USA Today)
223. Grant Calcaterra, TE, SMU (6-4, 241)

A fluid but finesse pass catcher, Calcaterra moves well in his routes with the body control to make athletic adjustments on the football. However, he doesn’t create a ton of separation (before or after the catch) and although willing as a blocker, he lacks the play strength to consistently win the point of attack. Overall, Calcaterra’s history of concussions is a troubling part of his evaluation, but he has athletic pass-catching skills to snatch with his hand-eye coordination. He projects as a rotational F tight end in the NFL.

224. Jeffrey Gunter, Edge, Coastal Carolina (6-4, 258)

Gunter bursts off the snap and flashes disruptive traits thanks to his closing speed and football radar. However, he relies more on aggression and effort than a strategic rush plan and lacks the fluidity to easily patch moves together. Overall, Gunter is tightly wound as a pass rusher, and his inconsistent power could limit his pro ceiling, but he has projectable linear athleticism with the competitive energy that is easy to appreciate. He projects as a subpackage rusher with the potential to be more with continued development.

225. Dai’Jean Dixon, WR, Nicholls State (6-3, 205)

Dixon is an imposing target with the catch radius to match, frequently reeling in throws well outside his frame. He will rush his routes at times, but he shows an understanding of pacing and footwork at the stem to create his own separation. Overall, Dixon will face a learning curve vs. the more physical and sudden corners in the NFL, but he has three-level potential with his smooth acceleration, length and ball skills.

226. Ty Chandler, RB, North Carolina (5-11, 204)

Despite inconsistent vision and play strength, Chandler attacks holes with burst and tempo and then hits another gear to weave through the defense. He is experienced running routes and producing as a pass catcher, and his blocking should continue to get better. Overall, Chandler isn’t the most creative runner between the tackles, but he is a multi-dimensional back with above-average speed and solid contact balance. His versatility will be valued by NFL teams who ask a lot of their backs.

227. Alec Lindstrom, C, Boston College (6-3, 296)

Lindstrom is most comfortable in pass protection where he can use his balanced movements and reset to shield the pocket. In the run game, he does a nice job on the move to reach/scoop defenders and strain through contact, but he doesn’t have the play strength to create vertical displacement. Overall, Lindstrom is an average athlete and lacks ideal power or leg drive, but he is a cerebral blocker with the pedigree and processing skills to execute his assignments. He projects as a potential NFL backup.

228. Baylon Spector, LB, Clemson (6-1, 233)

Spector is a balanced athlete who is comfortable in space and breaks down well on the move to square up ball carriers. Though tough and decisive, he needs to be more patient with his key-and-react and will struggle to consistently shed blocks near the line of scrimmage. Overall, Spector has some safety-linebacker tweener traits, which hurts his potential NFL ceiling, but he is instinctive and athletic, which can keep him earning an NFL paycheck as a backup and special teamer.

229. Isaac Taylor-Stuart, CB, USC (6-2, 201)

Growing up in martial arts, Taylor-Stuart is a second-degree black belt and shows outstanding speed to turn, run and stay on the same play vertically or outrace receivers to the break point. However, too often he is late to recognize that break point or find the football, leaving him out of position and an easy mark for quarterbacks. Overall, Taylor-Stuart is a toolsy prospect with his blend of length and speed, but wild technique and very little semblance of playmaking instincts leave him disconnected from receivers in coverage. He is a low-risk, average-reward project.

230. Ryan Van Demark, OT, Connecticut (6-7, 307)

Van Demark doesn’t labor in his pass slides and uses tight, independent hands to answer pass-rush moves and reset on the move. Though he achieves proper depth in his pass sets, his lower-body bend needs work to better anchor as a pass blocker or roll into contact in the run game. Overall, Van Demark must continue to develop his core strength and pad level concerns, but he has the quickness, handwork and intelligence to earn an NFL roster spot as a swing tackle.

 

Spoiler

231. Ja’Tyre Carter, OT/G, Southern (6-3, 311)

Carter relies on his grip strength to strain and steer his man, maintaining footwork and leverage to be a finisher. He needs to clean up some movement pattern flaws and improve his recovery skills in pass protection, but his quickness and punch are assets. Overall, Carter might have a tough time matching up against outside speed in the NFL, but he uses his core strength and length to execute as both a pass and run blocker. He is a candidate to move inside to guard in the NFL, similar in ways to Dakota Dozier when he was coming out of Furman.

232. Zakoby McClain, LB, Auburn (5-11, 228)

McClain moves with bounce in his feet to scrape laterally and hunt the football in the box. He finds ways to unwind from blocks but too often he overcommits himself working downhill, and working off NFL blockers will be a new challenge for him. Overall, McClain’s lack of size, discipline and coverage range might be tough to overcome in the NFL, but he competes with the play speed and competitive grit that give him a fighting chance, especially on special teams.

233. Haskell Garrett, DT, Ohio State (6-2, 300)

Although he is short-armed and his rush arsenal lacks variety, Garrett is quick out of the blocks to penetrate with initial burst and consistent effort. However, he is more of a hugger than striker at the point of attack, and his inconsistent power will make it tough for him to anchor or defend the run vs. NFL talent. Overall, Garrett flashes the upfield quickness and flexibility to threaten gaps, but he needs to get stronger and expand his pass rush options to have more of an impact on the game. He has NFL rotational value as a three-technique tackle.

234. Zachary Thomas, OG, San Diego State (6-5, 308)

Thomas is quick out of his stance as both a run and pass blocker and plays with the stubborn strength to displace defenders when in proper position. Despite having the length for outside work, he is better suited inside at guard because of his lack of lateral range and tendency to lose his balance. Overall, Thomas is a nimble mover with drive blocking skills, but he is a non-explosive player who lacks the recovery skills to salvage the play after a misstep. He is a potential reserve in a zone-based scheme.

235. Esezi Otomewo, DL, Minnesota (6-5, 282)

When he uses proper leverage and timing, Otomewo can stack and shed blocks to make tackles in his gap. However, offenses are not afraid to run at him because his hands, leverage points and recognition skills are wild, giving the advantage to blockers. Overall, Otomewo has disjointed rush moves and must maximize his power with more consistent biomechanics, but he is a toolsy five-technique prospect who has yet to reach his football ceiling.

236. EJ Perry, QB, Brown (6-2, 211)

A confident and athletic prospect, Perry was only the second player in school history to receive an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine. Behind a suspect offensive line in college, he was conditioned to play hero ball and developed several bad habits (mental and physical), both within structure and when improvising. Overall, Perry has the mobility and competitive nature that help compensate for his shortcomings, but average arm strength and inconsistent post-snap decision-making will be tough to mask versus NFL defenses. His intangibles and athleticism could earn him a backup role or at worst land him on a practice squad.

237. Jack Sanborn, LB, Wisconsin (6-2, 234)

Sanborn is a physical run-filler and effective blitzer with the downhill instincts and square pads to make plays between the tackles. Though he sets the tempo with his contact-driven mentality, he needs to improve his stack-and-shed efficiency to stay on the field in the pros. Overall, Sanborn is a crafty downhill force player, but he lacks explosive range and might be relegated to early downs because of his average athleticism in coverage. He has the diagnose skills and competitive toughness to carve out a backup role in the NFL.

238. Trestan Ebner, RB, Baylor (5-11, 206)

Ebner is comfortable running routes from the backfield or slot with the coordinated ball skills to adjust and finish grabs. He has above-average speed with balance and a compact build, although his creativity and decision-making at the line of scrimmage are not strengths to his game. Overall, Ebner probably doesn’t make an NFL roster as a running back alone, but his pass-catching versatility and special teams experience will give him an advantage in an NFL camp.

239. Gregory Junior, CB, Ouachita Baptist (6-0, 203)

Junior has terrific mirror-and-match skills from press with the size and athleticism to stay connected to route runners, although he could improve his ownership of the catch point downfield. He didn’t face top competition in college, but he didn’t look out of place at Senior Bowl practices, and the helmet decal was the only reason you knew he was from Division II. Overall, Junior needs to improve his anticipation and locating skills to make more plays on the football, but he has outstanding balance in his transitions with the toughness to play inside or outside while also playing on special teams.

240. Dontario Drummond, WR, Ole Miss (6-1, 215)

Drummond is a thick, muscular target with the snatch-and-secure skills to stab the ball with a man on his hip. Though not a true burner or proven deep threat, he flashes explosive traits before and after the catch. Overall, Drummond has ordinary length, speed and route running prowess, but he is a balanced athlete with the hand strength and toughness to carve out a role for himself in the NFL.

241. Dawson Deaton, OG/C, Texas Tech (6-6, 306)

In the run game, Deaton tends to rely more on athleticism than power and will need to play with improved leverage and balance through contact to hold up versus NFL defensive linemen. As a pass blocker, he moves well laterally and keeps his head on a swivel (pressures allowed were hard to find on his 2021 tape). Overall, Deaton isn’t a drive blocker, and he battles anchor issues, but he is a solid blocker in the run game and in pass protection thanks to his movements, smarts and patience. He can be an NFL backup center in the right situation.

242. Dallis Flowers, CB, Pittsburg State (6-1, 196)

Flowers competes with fast footwork and quick acceleration to match and chase out of his transitions. However, there is room for him to improve his anticipation and pattern recognition. Overall, Flowers needs to play more controlled, especially against the jump in competition waiting for him in the NFL, but he has an outstanding mix of height, length and speed, and he has been productive at every level of football thus far. He is an older man-to-man corner prospect with kick return value.

243. Jalen Nailor, WR, Michigan State (5-11, 186)

As an athlete, Nailor is explosive with the natural balance and acceleration to create after the catch or make an impact as a returner. However, he lacks tempo and instincts as a route runner, and NFL quarterbacks will quickly lose trust in him unless he becomes more dependable. Overall, Nailor has the fluid athleticism that creates conflict for defenses, but he is more gadget weapon than polished receiver right now, and you have to be creative in the ways you get him touches. His lack of durability complicates his draft projection.

244. Obinna Eze, OT, TCU (6-7, 321)

Eze has a basketball background and boasts the long arms to dominate opponents both as a pass blocker and run blocker, especially when he locks out and keeps his punch on schedule. However, his feet are often late matching his hand movements, and he has a tough time reacting to moving targets. Overall, Eze has rare length and adequate movement skills to escort defenders around the arc, but he struggles with elusive rushers, and his feet quickly get unsettled in space. Though his timing and technique are a mess, he is worthy of a draft pick as a developmental swing tackle.

245. Markquese Bell, S, Florida A&M (6-2, 212)

Although he lacks ideal fluidity for coverage work, Bell has long-striding acceleration to cover a lot of green grass. He showed off his range and toughness vs. the run on the 2021 South Florida tape (15 tackles) but his overaggressive tendencies and inconsistent balance as a finisher (four missed tackles) also were visible. Overall, Bell needs to sharpen his discipline vs. the run and instincts vs. the pass, but he has the physical tools (physicality, length, speed) that will earn him extensive looks in an NFL camp. He has the potential to stick on an NFL roster as a rotational safety and special teamer.

 

Spoiler

246. Zaquandre White, RB, South Carolina (6-0, 215)

A fun player to watch, White is highly spontaneous and combustible thanks to his springy lower body and ability to force missed tackles. However, his vision is sporadic, and he quickly abandons play design because of his inability to anticipate block/lane development, treating each run like an all-or-nothing situation. Overall, White has an erratic run style because of his lack of patience and tempo, but he is a bouncy athlete with contact strength and elusive cutting skills. He can carve out a complimentary NFL role with improved discipline as a runner, receiver and blocker.

247. Austin Allen, TE, Nebraska (6-8, 253)

With his height, catch radius and strong hands, Allen was a consistent chain-mover on tape, and his athletic profile suggests upside as a route-runner. He uses sound angles to get into position as a blocker, although his taller stature and narrow base hinder his sustain and finish skills. Overall, Allen doesn’t have dynamic route skills to easily uncover, but he is a contested catch monster with the traits that suggest there is more meat on that bone. He has intriguing development potential on Day 3.

248. Chris Steele, CB, USC (6-0, 187)

Steele is a good-sized athlete with functional footwork and field vision, along with the competitive juices needed to crowd NFL receivers. However, there is a slight delay in his reaction quickness against crafty, non-linear route runners, and he isn’t yet the sum of his parts. Overall, Steele has enticing ingredients with his size, speed and awareness, but too often there is a breakdown in the spatial relationships in coverage, leading to uneven tape. He is a traits-based prospect with untapped ability.

249. Braylon Sanders, WR, Ole Miss (6-0, 194)

Sanders can win off the line to stack corners vertically and track the football. He has above-average body control to attack erratic throws, but he wasn’t a consistent go-up-and-get-it receiver on tape. Overall, Sanders needs to add more nuance to his route running, especially as an underneath target, but NFL teams are interested in his vertical skills and athletic upside. He has the potential to settle in as a WR4/WR5 as an NFL rookie.

250. Noah Elliss, DT, Idaho (6-4, 346)

Elliss is a big-bodied lineman with the play strength and force to stack the line vs. the run or push blockers backward as a pass rusher. Much of his game is based on his physical ability, and he must develop his fundamentals and play recognition to become a regular contributor in the NFL. Overall, Elliss is a work in progress with his technique and timing, but he has disruptive power and movement skills when his battery is charged. He projects as a rotational nose tackle in the NFL with clear upside.

251. D’Vonte Price, RB, FIU (6-1, 210)

Price is a good-sized athlete with acceleration and balance through the hole and a natural feel for block development. He has functional receiving traits and the frame to be effective as a blocker but needs refinement in both areas to be a reliable any-down player. Overall, Price is an upright back who lacks suddenness, but he is athletic for his size with the footwork and vision to navigate the line of scrimmage. His upside in the passing game and on special teams can keep him on an NFL roster as a backup.

252. Damone Clark, LB, LSU (6-3, 239)

Clark, who was awarded the No. 18 LSU jersey for his personal and football character, is quick to key and diagnose, and he plays with above average chase speed and finishing skills as a tackler. He flashes the ability to stack and shed blockers, but he isn’t an explosive take-on player and needs to better navigate roadblocks. Overall, Clark is a good-sized athlete and consistently stays ahead of schedule thanks to his play speed and ball-hunting skills, but he needs to expand his tunnel vision vs. the run and pass to be a complete NFL player. A projected Day 2 draft pick based on talent, he is expected to miss his rookie season in the NFL due to recent spinal surgery, which will be an anchor on his draft projection.

253. Tre Turner, WR, Virginia Tech (6-1, 184)

Turner was a basketball-focused athlete much of his life, and that shows on the field with his ability to frame his grabs and finish through contact. Though he uses tempo as a route runner, he will need to improve his attention to detail to overcome his lack of ideal physical traits. Overall, Turner’s lackluster play strength and separating skills are disappointing, but his above-average acceleration and ball skills will give him a fighting chance to earn an NFL roster spot, especially if he improves on special teams.

254. Leon O’Neal, S, Texas A&M (6-1, 204)

O’Neal went to the Jalen Ramsey school of trash talk (while also backing it up), and head coach Jimbo Fisher calls his energy “infectious.” He needs to play with better anticipation and suddenness to all areas of his game, especially in man coverage where it is too easy for route-runners to cross his face. Overall, O’Neal is a good-sized athlete and plays with NFL confidence, but the missed tackles are bothersome, and he lacks the coverage fluidity to hold up in space vs. receivers. His special teams experience will help him compete for a roster spot.

255. Armani Rogers, TE, Ohio (6-5, 233)

A lifelong dual-threat quarterback, Rogers started the transition to tight end during the pre-draft process, showing promise in receiving and blocking drills during East-West Shrine Bowl practices. The details are still new for him, but he shows promise as a pass catcher and is willing as a blocker. Overall, Rogers will obviously require time to become more acclimated at his new position, but teams are intrigued by his size, athleticism and upside as a pass catcher. He is a practice squad candidate as he develops into a hybrid tight end.

256. Ja’Quan McMillian, CB, East Carolina (5-10, 181)

McMillian uses quick, controlled steps to stay in phase and finishes with the innate ability to ball search and disrupt the catch point. Highly aggressive against the pass and the run, he tends to freelance at times and abandons his technique in his pursuit of making plays, which will be exposed by high-end route runners in the NFL. Overall, McMillian is undersized and has only average speed, but he is an aggressive competitor with terrific instincts, eye use and ball skills. He projects best in the nickel.

257. Marquan McCall, DT, Kentucky (6-3, 342)

McCall is very specific with his skill set and role as a space-eating nose who can take up room in the middle and occupy blockers. He doesn’t offer any pass rush value and must have his snap count monitored to sustain his energy for quality play as a run defender. Overall, McCall doesn’t offer scheme or positional flexibility and must adapt and maintain a more professional approach behind the scenes, but his massive frame and natural power could earn him a roster spot as a backup nose tackle. The medical reports will be important to his draft grade with teams.

258. Gabe Brkic, K, Oklahoma (6-2, 197)

Brkic put his name on the NFL map as a sophomore when he was perfect on extra points and field goals. As a senior, he converted 76.9% of his field goal attempts, including five beyond 50 yards.

259. Nick Zakelj, OT/G, Fordham (6-6, 316)

Zakelj grabbed the attention of NFL teams after his dominant performance vs. Nebraska in the 2021 season opener, although the rest of his senior year tape was very up and down. Though he plays with quickness, he struggles to ride the bull and stay connected because of his leaning and inability to keep blocks centered post-contact. Overall, Zakelj moves well and competes with excellent awareness and finish, but he must become more consistent fundamentally to match up vs. NFL competition. He is a college tackle who will move inside to guard in the NFL.

260. Quentin Lake, S, UCLA (6-1, 201)

Aside from his impressive bloodlines, Lake is a high football IQ defender with the field vision and balanced athleticism to make plays vs. the run and in coverage. Though he processes well, his trigger can be delayed from the top of his pedal, and he lacks ideal fluidity and explosiveness for an NFL safety. Overall, Lake is an average-twitch athlete who will struggle in recovery situations, but he limits mental mistakes and displays the play anticipation to sense what is about to happen. His growth on special teams will be important to him making an NFL roster.

261. Jason Poe, OG/C, Mercer (6-1, 300)

An alum of Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List, Poe is a loose, explosive mover with remarkable range for a 300-pounder. Though his college highlights are exciting, his below-average length and impatient, disjointed play style will make it tough for him to find regular work in the NFL. Overall, Poe is more of an undersized and frenetic battering ram than controlled blocker, but he is twitched up with the pulling athleticism and raw strength that will be enticing for certain schemes. Some scouts believe his best NFL position could be at center or even fullback.

262. Cal Adomitis, LS, Pittsburgh (6-2, 235)

Two long snappers were drafted in the sixth round last season, but scouts say Adomitis is an even better prospect. The Pittsburgh native handled both long and short snapping in college and played in every game the past five seasons (64 consecutive contests).

 

Spoiler

263. Tyree Johnson, Edge, Texas A&M (6-3, 248)

Johnson has explosive upfield quickness and flexibility to win at the top of his rush and flatten to the quarterback. However, his rush stalls quickly vs. power, and he doesn’t make enough plays vs. the run, spending too much time attached to blockers. Overall, the NFL rarely sees pass rushers overcome below-average length and play strength, but his athletic rush skills will give him a chance to survive roster cuts. He projects as a subpackage pass rusher.

264. Josh Johnson, WR, Tulsa (5-11, 183)

With his play speed, Johnson is able to close cushion and mix his gears, creating natural separation from coverage. However, he registered more drops than touchdown catches each season at Tulsa and needs to be more reliable at the catch point to stick. Overall, Johnson doesn’t have the physical traits or ball skills that will strike fear in the hearts of defenses, but he is a promising route runner and can get open for his quarterback. He is a potential back-end-of-the-roster possession target.

265. Tariq Carpenter, S, Georgia Tech (6-3, 230)

Although he might be caught between linebacker and safety, Carpenter has the size, speed and explosive traits that can be molded (Carpenter: “Teams see me like a big pile of Play-Doh.”). He is at his best in the box with his flow-and-chase skills, but you want to see his read-react to be more sudden and seamless. Overall, Carpenter is a hybrid defender who might struggle to find a permanent home on defense, but his ability to be a four-phase special teamer gives him a fighting chance to make an NFL roster.

266. Jerrion Ealy, RB, Ole Miss (5-8, 189)

Although he is more quick than explosive, Ealy has athletic feet and a competitive run style to give defenders the slip and create extra yards for himself. However, I expected better tempo and more chunk plays for a player of his talent (only five runs of 30-plus yards in his final 300 carries in college). Overall, Ealy has his limitations, which makes him more of a hybrid back, but his athletic versatility as a rusher, receiver and returner can be an asset in the right situation. He projects best in a Nyheim Hines-type of role.

267. Jack Jones, CB, Arizona State (5-11, 177)

Although his guessing will get him in trouble, Jones is proven catch-point disruptor because of his sticky cover skills and ability to innately find the football (38 passes defended in his final 39 games in college). Everyone knows he is undersized except for him, but he will struggle to win body position against NFL size and accuracy. Overall, his lack of size and discipline (on and off the field) create doubt about his next level future, but his short-area agility, ball instincts and compete skills are NFL-worthy traits.

268. Darrell Baker Jr., CB, Georgia Southern (6-1, 190)

Baker checks boxes with his height, length, speed and explosiveness, but his coverage anticipation and consistency in run support are subpar. He has a bad habit of losing his balance when peeking into the backfield, and he struggled vs. some of the better opponents on the schedule (two touchdowns allowed on the 2021 Arkansas tape). Overall, Baker is experienced in various coverages with top-tier athletic traits, but he lacks poise downfield. The key for him to carve out an NFL career will be his mental development. He projects best as a press-man corner and special teamer.

269. Tanner Conner, WR, Idaho State (6-3, 226)

With his track background, getting from A to B as fast as possible is ingrained in him, but he needs to learn that not every route is a race, and controlled tempo and rhythm are important factors in his route construction. Overall, Conner will require time to develop a more detailed approach to his routes, but he is a unique height/weight/speed athlete capable of unlocking additional football skills now that he can dedicate himself to one sport. He is a practice-squad candidate as either a wide receiver or F tight end.

270. Matt Waletzko, OT, North Dakota (6-8, 312)

Waletzko moves well at the snap and in space with physical, quick-to-counter hands. However, he finds himself overextended too often, and there is a massive gap between the power and skill of rushers he faced in the Missouri Valley Conference and what he will see in the NFL. Overall, Waletzko has length that cannot be coached along with functional foot/body quickness, but he must continue developing his strength and stature before he is ready for live NFL reps. He has legitimate NFL upside but will require patience.

271. Carson Wells, Edge, Colorado State (6-3, 241)

Wells needs to develop his counter game, but when his upper body timing is connected to his first-step quickness, he can put blockers in vulnerable positions. Although his motor runs hot vs. the run, his anchor is inconsistent, and his coverage duties should be limited vs. NFL speed. Overall, Wells is a productive force player off the edge with his initial quickness and understanding of how to weaponize his hands, but his tweener skills lower his next-level ceiling. He projects best as a situational pass rusher or rotational “Sam” linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.

272. Bubba Bolden, S, Miami (Fla.) (6-2, 209)

Bolden has smooth movement skills in coverage to read, unlock and go, flashing the confidence and secondary burst to close on passing lanes. It is easy to appreciate his aggressive mentality, but there are too many feast-or-famine plays on his tape (missed tackles, taking himself out of position, etc.). Overall, Bolden is a lithe athlete with range and instincts, but his inconsistency is a major issue, stemming from his undisciplined play style. He has draftable talent on day three, but durability concerns could leave him undrafted.

273. Dustin Crum, QB, Kent State (6-1, 210)

The son of a high school coach, Crum has dual-threat skills and joined Josh Cribbs as the only players in school history to surpass 9,000 yards of total offense. He doesn’t have the arm talent to scare defenses in the intermediate-to-deep part of the field and will need to be protected by scheme at the next level. Overall, Crum is an instinctive competitor and shrewd decision-maker, but his mediocre ball placement and average physical tools will be amplified vs. NFL speed. A Connor Shaw-type of prospect, he will likely start on an NFL practice squad and try to work his way up from there.

274. Zonovan Knight, RB, NC State (5-11, 209)

Knight has decent play speed and hates to be tackled — he was undoubtedly the tag champion in his neighborhood growing up. Though he runs with a tough, slashing style, his inconsistent patience and pad level can slow down his tempo. Overall, Knight needs to continue developing the ancillary areas of the position (ball security, blocking, receiving), but he combines vision with quick reactions to cut away from defenders and create chunk plays. He projects as a rotational back in the NFL with kick return value.

275. Ty Fryfogle, WR, Indiana (6-1, 204)

Fryfogle has squeaky clean route transitions, and he wins more with details than sudden movements. Though his ability to high-point is a strength to his game, he battled focus issues as a super senior (his touchdown-to-drop ratio went from 7-2 in 2020 to 1-8 in 2021). Overall, Fryfogle is a route technician who makes himself available early and late, but his physical traits are average by NFL standards, and he isn’t a consistent separator on tape. He will need to add special teams duties if he hopes to stick on an NFL depth chart.

276. Chris Hinton, DT, Michigan (6-4, 305)

Hinton uses his length to extend, lock out and control the point of attack. However, he is heavy-legged and needs to be more forceful with his shed/toss to fire off blocks and create disruption. Overall, Hinton is stout at contact with the base strength to hold his ground, but his lack of range and explosive traits significantly limit his next level impact. He projects as an early-down NFL backup.

277. Derion Kendrick, CB, Georgia (6-0, 194)

Kendrick is a physical, athletic cover man with the background of a wide receiver but the toughness of a defender. Though his natural traits are appealing, he is not a technically sound player, and his route awareness is not on an NFL level. Overall, Kendrick’s suspect discipline (both on and off the field) will be an anchor on his draft grade, but he is a fluid athlete with the speed and ball skills to match up with NFL receivers. He has the ability to outplay his draft position.

 

Spoiler

278. D.J. Davidson, DT, Arizona State (6-3, 327)

When he stays low off the ball, Davidson has the base strength and lateral quickness to out-leverage blockers and accurately respond vs. run. Despite his age, he offers upside as he continues to develop his hand use and counters. Overall, Davidson will never be known for his pass rush prowess, but he has a stout anchor and nose for the ball as a steady-flowing run defender. He will appeal to multiple schemes as a rotational nose.

279. Mike Tafua, Edge, Utah (6-3, 249)

Tafua, who will turn 26 as an NFL rookie, is the Energizer bunny as a pass rusher with his quickness and efficient rush plan to create backfield disruption. He is a strong edge-setter and plays with discipline vs. the run, but he will struggle to quickly shed once engaged. Overall, Tafua falls short of what NFL teams ideally want on the edge in terms of length and explosiveness, but he wins with developed rush moves and relentless energy to challenge blockers. He projects as a potential NFL backup, ideally suited as a wide-nine defender.

280. Isaih Pacheco, RB, Rutgers (5-10, 216)

Pacheco pounds his typewriter feet with quickness and violence as he picks through the congestion and looks for a speed track to show off his wheels. Though his urgent run style is a plus, it also works against him as he battles inconsistent tempo at the line of scrimmage. Overall, Pacheco is a fast, energetic runner with the toughness and pass-blocking upside to stick in the NFL, but he needs to add patience and pace to his run diet and play with better control to have a chance at a pro career.

281. Kaleb Eleby, QB, Western Michigan (6-1, 208)

Eleby has sound accuracy and decision-making when he is able to stay in rhythm, giving his targets a chance to make plays. Though he doesn’t lack confidence, he is an average-twitch passer, and his tape shows a player who could have greatly benefited from another season or two at the college level. Overall, Eleby put plenty of splash plays on tape that are encouraging, but his snap-to-snap consistency and lack of high-end traits are concerning for his next-level jump. He has the talent to survive in the NFL, even if it means a year or two on the practice squad to start.

282. Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M (6-4, 255)

Wydermyer shows steady body control in his routes and at the catch point, but his plodding feet will stand out vs. NFL talent. He has a projectable frame but needs to be more physical and technically focused as a blocker. Overall, Wydermyer has the catch radius to be a capable target and potential red zone weapon, but he doesn’t have top-tier athleticism and must mature as a blocker.

283. Nephi Sewell, LB, Utah (6-0, 226)

With his high football IQ and situational awareness, Sewell is quick to trigger downhill and leverage gaps, finishing at the ball carrier with his explosive tackling skills. However, he can get bounced or engulfed near the line of scrimmage, and his lack of inches shows in coverage. Overall, Sewell’s tweener traits and short arms will remove him from consideration for NFL teams with firm length thresholds, but his play anticipation, quickness and intangibles are NFL-quality and can earn him a role in subpackages.

284. Marcus McKethan, OG, North Carolina (6-7, 340)

McKethan is a wide, burly blocker with bear claw hands and the strength at contact to be a people-mover in the run game, but he will fall off blocks and lose connection because of below-average contact balance. He jars rushers at contact when he properly times his initial punch, but he is heavy in his shuffle, and his recovery quickness will be challenged by NFL athletes. Overall, McKethan looks straight out of central casting with his frame, length and power, but the key to him locking down an NFL roster spot will be developing his reactive athleticism.

285. Jaivon Heiligh, WR, Coastal Carolina (6-1, 202)

Heiligh is a natural hands-catcher with a high football IQ and excellent timing in his route movements to find soft zones or create leverage vs. man coverage. However, his athletic testing was below average, confirming concerns on tape. Overall, Heiligh is a pedestrian athlete by NFL standards with questionable physicality to make a living on the outside, but he is a route technician with strong hands and a feel for always making himself available for his quarterback. He is a potential slot option.

286. Jashaun Corbin, RB, Florida State (5-11, 202)

Corbin uses his peripheral vision to settle his feet and set up his cuts, both at the line of scrimmage and at the second level. However, he is more quick and timely than dynamic or explosive. Overall, Corbin doesn’t have ideal burst or contact balance by NFL standards, but he offers patience, vision and pass-catching versatility to potentially round out an NFL backfield.

287. Kennedy Brooks, RB, Oklahoma (5-11, 209)

Brooks has a controlled, short-stepping run style with the balance to pick his way through traffic at the line of scrimmage. His lack of violence as a finisher is bothersome, and his inconsistencies as a pass catcher and blocker need to be addressed. Overall, Brooks lacks explosive traits and speed, but he has a great feel for tempo and patience with the subtle moves to stay out of the defender’s crosshairs. His best chance to stick in the NFL will with a zone-heavy run team.

288. Sterling Weatherford, LB/S, Miami (Ohio) (6-4, 224)

With his coordinated footwork and smooth hips, Weatherford has the frame and athleticism to match up vs. tight ends or break down and make plays vs. the run. Though he is a physical hitter and his tackling improved each season, he will struggle to adjust to open-field moves, and his finishing strength must improve. Overall, Weatherford has average explosiveness with some coverage limitations that must be managed, but he is a smooth athlete with outstanding size and eye discipline. Along with special teams, his best NFL projection might be in a hybrid role as subpackage box safety or weakside linebacker.

289. James Houston, Edge, Jackson State (6-0, 244)

Houston has a twitchy get-off with the balanced athleticism and low pads to open the door around the edge. His hands are physical and persistent, and with his length he can reach blockers before they reach him. He has a knack for forcing fumbles (10 in his career), but he is tightly bound, which leads to missed plays in space. Overall, Houston needs to mature his rush plan, but his length, heavy hands and explosive pursuit of the quarterback are traits worth betting on.

290. DaRon Bland, CB, Fresno State (6-0, 197)

Bland smothers receivers on the outside and plays with the speed and physicality that pop on the screen. His twitch is slightly delayed at the top of routes, although his eye use and route recognition showed encouraging improvements in 2021 as he adjusted to the FBS. Overall, Bland has only average hips and will lose his feel for the route at times, but his length, speed and toughness are desirable traits for NFL teams to develop.

291. Sincere McCormick, RB, UTSA (5-9, 205)

McCormick has excellent footwork to make lateral cuts and hit the accelerator to scamper away from pursuit. He has adequate vision at the line of scrimmage but needs to develop his patience because he doesn’t have the run strength to consistently power through front-seven defenders in the NFL. Overall, McCormick is undersized (as a runner and blocker) with inconsistent run tempo, but he stays low to the ground with balance and quick feet to pick away at the defense. He can round out an NFL team’s running back depth chart, although his limitations as a blocker and special teamer will be working against him.

 

Spoiler

292. Sam Webb, CB, Missouri Western State (6-1, 202)

Webb has above-average size and length for the position and competes with toughness and edge. He flashes explosiveness in his lower body and routinely attached himself to the hip of Division II receivers. His speed is adequate, but his make-up acceleration and recovery skills leave plenty to be desired after a mistake. Overall, Webb needs to mature his eye discipline and route recognition to earn his way in the NFL, but his explosive testing numbers and special teams background will help.

293. DaMarcus Fields, CB, Texas Tech (6-0, 193)

Fields has bounce in his feet and the processing ability to work from either press or off. He will have his share of judgment errors and false steps and he turned only four of his 49 passes defended into turnovers (seven touchdowns allowed, zero interceptions since 2020). Overall, Fields is an aggressive and proven disruptor at the catch point, but his balance concerns and lack of explosive twitch might hinder him at the next level.

294. Luiji Vilain, Edge, Wake Forest (6-4, 255)

Vilain has excellent upfield burst, with flexibility and bend at the top of his rush. He looks the part with long arms and large hands to fight his way through the shoulder of blockers, but he must develop his pass-rush plan and counters to keep his rush alive. He tends to be a half-second late tracking the ball in the run game. Overall, Vilain doesn’t have the established résumé of a draftable player, but his physical traits are NFL worthy, and scouts believe there is untapped talent there.

295. Curtis Brooks, DL, Cincinnati (6-5, 294)

Lining up as both the nose and three-technique in Luke Fickell’s hybrid front, Brooks has first-step burst and physical hands for quick penetration, although he must become more efficient with his counters. He can be moved by run blockers when his pads rise, especially by double teams, but his lateral quickness allows him to leverage gaps. Overall, Brooks has only one season of full-time starting production and needs to develop his consistency in the run game, but his active rush skills have the attention of NFL teams.

296. Max Borghi, RB, Washington State (5-9, 210)

Borghi runs with a good mix of quickness and patience and routinely gets what is blocked for him. However, he doesn’t force many tackles and is more likely to run away from contact that run through it. Overall, Borghi’s role will be limited in the NFL because of his average size, run strength and agility, but he is an instinctive runner and natural hands-catcher. He is a poor man’s Danny Woodhead who can make an NFL roster as a change-of-pace option.

297. Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa, DL, Notre Dame (6-2, 270)

Tagovailoa-Amosa is a high-motor player with the active hands and quickness at the snap to challenge blockers. However, he has a tweener body type, and NFL teams question if he has a true position fit at the next level. Overall, Tagovailoa-Amosa creates opportunities for himself with his energy and balance through contact, but he isn’t enough of a playmaker rushing the passer or stopping the run. He will have a chance to secure an NFL backup role as a base end.

298. Jaylen Warren, RB, Oklahoma State (5-8, 204)

Warren has outstanding initial footwork and vision to put himself in position to find the vulnerable areas at the line of scrimmage. He runs with competitive violence, although he will struggle to keep his momentum through early congestion. Overall, Warren’s broken tackles will be harder to come by vs. NFL pursuit, but he impulsively reads his blocks and uses foot quickness to dart his way to greener pastures. He will compete for a complimentary role in an NFL backfield.

299. Kevin Harris, RB, South Carolina (5-10, 221)

Harris is a strong, balanced runner who keeps his pads square to the line of scrimmage. His vision and ball security (one career fumble) are strengths to his game, but his burst is inconsistent, and his poor change-of-direction skills hinder his ability to sink or cut away from trouble. His inconsistent tendencies on passing downs must improve. Overall, Harris has a physical appetite and hammers what is blocked for him, but his monotone speed and bland creativity lower his next-level ceiling.

300. Jake Hummel, LB, Iowa State (6-2, 225)

Hummel floats well in space with terrific diagnose skills and a feel for angles to find the quickest route to the play. He battles his tail off at contact, but he can be overwhelmed by blockers and has room to tidy up his tackling. His active feet and alert eyes will lead him to the football in coverage. Overall, Hummel doesn’t always play up to his testing numbers, but he processes well with NFL-worthy athleticism and toughness to be a core special teamer.

 

Sorry, now back to your regularly scheduled programming.

 

Hey @J.R., do you have access to Barnwell's crazy trade mock draft?

https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2022/...swaps-kyler-murray-dk-metcalf-jimmy-garoppolo

 

Your a machine!!!

 

It’s free? (…is me for anyways and I don’t have ESPN+)

3. Houston Texans

Texans get: 1-16, 1-19, 2-49
Saints get: 1-3, 4-107

When the Saints made their deal with the Eagles to get an additional first-round pick in this draft, the easy assumption was to believe that they were gathering ammunition to go after a quarterback. It's possible that the Lions or Texans could take one, but the most likely landing spot for the first passer off the board is the Panthers at No. 6. The Saints might only need to move up to No. 5 to land a passer, but if the Texans play their cards right and scare New Orleans into thinking another team might be willing to trade up to No. 3, the Saints might have no choice but to move up there.

The Texans could use one of the defensive linemen or cornerbacks at the top of this class, but after trading away so much draft capital during the Bill O'Brien era, they need to amass extra selections. They've been linked to Ikem Ekwonu, but with Laremy Tunsil on the roster for two more seasons, it would be curious to draft a college left tackle and move him to the right side.

13. Houston Texans (via CLE)

Texans get: 1-7, 4-112
Giants get: 1-13, 3-68, 3-80

The Texans have to decide how they want to build their core after moving on from Deshaun Watson. One way to do that would be to try to surround second-year quarterback Davis Mills with stellar talent. In this scenario, general manager Nick Caserio could draft one of the top two tackles to play on the right side at No. 3, then move up to grab a wide receiver -- likely either Garrett Wilson (Ohio State) or Drake London (USC) -- at No. 7. Even if Mills doesn't live up to expectations in 2022, the next quarterback who takes over would be happy to see a line with Ikem Ekwonu and Laremy Tunsil and a receiving corps built around Wilson (or London) and Brandin Cooks.

The Giants would end up with seven of the first 81 picks in this draft, allowing general manager Joe Schoen to put his stamp on the organization immediately. The Bills (his former organization) found useful players such as Gabriel Davis, Spencer Brown and Taron Johnson in the middle rounds after general manager Brandon Beane arrived in 2017. The Giants will hope that Schoen can find similarly talented prospects to supplement the roster after turning to free agency for those roles in previous years.

31. Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals get: 2-37, 4-107
Texans get: 1-31

The Bengals generally hold on to their picks or make small moves down in the draft, so I'll endorse the latter here. The Texans would be moving up to grab a wide receiver ahead of the Lions, who pick at No. 32 and then again at No. 34.

The AFC champs brought (most) everyone back on defense and upgraded their offensive line, but even after adding multiple starters, they could stand to use an early pick on line depth. Cincinnati will be able to do that at No. 37 and grab an extra fourth-rounder for its patience.

 

Best name in the draft: Charleston Rambo or Smoke Monday?