2020 NFL Draft Thread

J.R. · Apr 23, 2020

22. Vikings - WR Justin Jefferson

BACKGROUND: Justin Jefferson, who is the youngest of three boys, is the son of basketball athletes, but he and his brothers gravitated towards football. He grew up playing quarterback, but played primarily safety on the freshman team at Destrehan High School, moving to wide receiver as a sophomore. Jefferson was a latebloomer and started two seasons on varsity, on both sides of the ball. As a senior, he finished with 44 catches for 956 yards and nine touchdowns. Jefferson was also a track standout, competing in the long jump (21’11”), triple jump (43’0.5”) and relays.

A three-star wide receiver recruit out of high school, Jefferson was the No. 308 ranked receiver in the 2017 class and the No. 76 recruit in the state of Louisiana. He went widely underrecruited, partly due to his poor grades, receiving plenty of attention from junior colleges. With his family’s football background at LSU, Ed Orgeron extended an offer and remained interested throughout his pursuit of becoming academically eligible. Unable to sign or graduate on time, Jefferson finished a three week summer English class in June and became the final scholarship member of LSU’s 2017 recruiting class, joining the team a few weeks before the start of camp. His father (John) played point guard at Division-II Nebraska Western and Northeast Louisiana (now Louisiana Monroe). Both of his older brothers played football at LSU: Jordan (2008-11) was a three-year starter at quarterback and Rickey (2013-16) started at safety for the Tigers before a short stint with the New Orleans Saints. Jefferson elected to skip his senior season and enter the 2020 NFL Draft.

STRENGTHS: Crafty footwork and savvy to create separation mid-route…uses hesitation and synchronized stems to snap out of his breaks…squares his body to the ball and attacks with his hands…competitive finisher and breaks tackles due to his body strength and toughness…leverages pursuit after the catch, setting up his cuts and forcing poor angles…fearless over the middle of the field, taking hits and keeping his feet/focus…tracks the deep ball well…mean-spirited blocker and won’t quit until after the whistle…wired right with the motivated, overachiever attitude that will aid his pro transition…impressive production, finishing his junior year second in the FBS in receptions (111) and touchdown catches (18) and third in receiving yards (1,540).

WEAKNESSES: Only average top-speed for the position…more quick than explosive…releases are a work in progress, occasionally taking too many steps to shake free vs. press…strong hands, but will battle focus drops at times (eight drops in 2019)…lean-framed target and lacks ideal bulk…lined up outside as a sophomore, but was almost exclusively inside as a slot receiver as a junior.

SUMMARY: A two-year starter at LSU, Jefferson was the “Y” receiver in offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger’s offense, lining up almost exclusively in the slot as a junior. He proved to be Joe Burrow’s favorite target the last two seasons, setting a single-season school record with 111 receptions in 2019, which is the third-most in a season in SEC history (behind Amari Cooper and Jordan Matthews). A throwback pass catcher, Jefferson attacks defenders at the stem and always works to get open, playing with the gritty mindset to finish in a crowd. Although not a burner, his detailed footwork and understanding of route depth create passing windows and always make him available. Overall, Jefferson doesn’t possess elite suddenness, but he is a seasoned route runner with the physical ball skills and competitive make-up that translates to the NFL, projecting as a quarterback-friendly target ideally suited in the slot.
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rfrocket · Apr 23, 2020

OMG!
I just saw "trade flash........New England has traded their pick" come across the screen and my heart sank!!!

J.R. · Apr 23, 2020

zeeshan2 · Apr 23, 2020

I don’t understand why eagles went reagor over Jefferson

J.R. · Apr 23, 2020

23. Chargers - LB Kenneth Murray

BACKGROUND: Kenneth “Kenny” Murray Jr. grew up in Missouri City, a suburb of Houston, and is the older brother to three adopted siblings with special needs. He was a basketball-first athlete before his aggressive nature pushed him toward football. He was a four-year letterman at Elkins and gradually improved his production each season. As a senior, Murray posted 104 tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks, earning all-state honors.

A three-star linebacker recruit out of high school, Murray was the No. 23 outside linebacker and No. 63 recruit in Texas. He appeared to favor Oklahoma, Texas and Texas A&M, but the Sooners is where he felt the best connection, enrolling early in Norman. His uncle (Lind) was a defensive back at West Virginia in the early ‘80s. Murray moved from outside to middle linebacker prior to his freshman season. He decided to skip his senior season and enter the 2020 NFL Draft.

STRENGTHS: Elite play speed for the position…sideline-to-sideline range to mirror and shut down perimeter plays…mean-spirited tackler, using his length to lasso and run his feet at contact…short-area suddenness to thwart blocking angles…explosive blitzer, bursting off the edge with the body control to dip and flatten to the quarterback…menacing competitor with a touch of insanity to him…covers a lot of ground vs. the pass…the only time he isn’t in the film room is when he is in the weight room…the son of a preacher and disciplined by nature (Murray: “I feel like I’m a natural born leader”)…two-time team captain, becoming just the second defensive sophomore (along with Gerald McCoy) to earn captain honors…durable and started all 42 games the last three seasons…great tackle production, averaging 9.2 tacklers per game the last two seasons.

WEAKNESSES: Late to diagnose between the tackles with the bad habit of taking the cheese…requires space to track and attack instead of sifting through moving bodies…strike zone needs tightening…more of a high hug tackler than spear striker, frequently grabbing around the neck…immature take-on player and struggles to disengage from climbing blockers…more dynamic upfield player than cover man at this point in his development.

SUMMARY: A three-year starter at Oklahoma, Murray lined up as the Mike linebacker in defensive coordinator Alex Grinch’s hybrid 3-3-5 base scheme. Nicknamed “K9,” he reached triple-digit tackles each of the last two seasons and rarely left the field, playing 90.5% of defensive snaps the last three years (made all the defensive calls each of his three seasons in Norman). Although he doesn’t consistently anticipate the action and must tweak his tackling approach, Murray’s instant speed is the equalizer, flowing fast and attacking alleys. He is overflowing with adrenaline and displays the competitive spirit that will win over a coaching staff. Overall, Murray can be late to sort and zero in on the ball carrier, but his outstanding play speed and relentless energy are difference-making traits, projecting as a three-down, run-and-hit outside linebacker in the NFL.
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Two Sandwiches · Apr 23, 2020

Texans gonna trade up for Gross Matos?

rfrocket · Apr 23, 2020

Very fair trade (NE SD) 765pts-760.
I've heard some say that there aren't 32 1st round graded players in this draft.
NE must figure the ones they want are all gone and can get just as good value at 37.
Makes 13 picks for them this draft.
BB at least has a lot of ammo to start the post-Brady era.

Nook · Apr 23, 2020

Can’t wait to see who the Texans take at #26. Some good players there.

Oh never mind.

zeeshan2 · Apr 23, 2020

J.R. said: ↑

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Damn that is steep

Nook · Apr 23, 2020

zeeshan2 said: ↑

I don’t understand why eagles went reagor over Jefferson
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Reagor is going to be a far better player.

J.R. · Apr 23, 2020

Just took a C (Erik McCoy) last year in the 2nd round

24. Saints - C Cesar Ruiz

BACKGROUND: Cesar Ruiz (roo-EEZ) Jr. was born and raised in Camden, New Jersey, an area known for its high crime rate, just across the river from Philadelphia. His father (Cesar Sr.) passed away in a roadside accident (December 2007) when he helped someone change a flat tire. At only eight years old, Ruiz understandably struggled to cope with the tragedy, which led him to football as his outlet. He attended Camden High School for two years, moving from offensive tackle to center as a sophomore and blossoming into a highly recruited player. To escape the violence in Camden, Ruiz transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. for his final two prep seasons. As the starting center, he led the program to back-to-back undefeated seasons in 2015 (snapping the ball to Shea Patterson) and 2016, earning Under Armour All-American honors as a senior.

A four-star offensive center recruit, Ruiz was ranked as the consensus No. 1 center in the 2017 recruiting cycle and the No. 8 recruit in the state of Florida (Alabama’s Alex Leatherwood was the only offensive lineman from Florida ranked ahead of him). He narrowed his college choice to Auburn, Florida, Michigan and North Carolina, committing to the Wolverines. He joined several former New Jersey players on the roster, including former Camden teammates Ron Johnson and Brad Hawkins. Ruiz elected to skip his senior season and enter the 2020 NFL Draft.

STRENGTHS: Thick, compact build in his upper and lower halves…keeps his hands relaxed and his knees bent at contact…re-leverages his hands to anchor vs. power…efficient mobility…fluid out of his stance as a puller with the body control to swing his hips through the hole…stretches front side to hook on outside zone runs…makes split-second reads to adjust on the fly…combos well from line of scrimmage to linebacker…well-timed from point of attack to second level…described as “enthusiastic” and the “ideal teammate,” according to staffers behind the scenes at Michigan…experienced at center and guard…durable and finished his college career with 31 straight starts.

WEAKNESSES: Not a technically-sound player from snap-to-snap…inconsistent pad level and caught lunging, which leads to balance issues…on the ground more than necessary…mobile, but not a rangy or explosive mover…flat steps cause his feet to get a little heavy…late to redirect vs. inside moves…responsible for six penalties in 2019 and needs to improve his discipline…killer instinct seems to come and go in the run game.

SUMMARY: A three-year starter at Michigan, Ruiz was the starting center in offensive coordinator Josh Gattis’ spread, pro style scheme, starting every game there the last two seasons. The coaches speak highly of his confidence and understanding of protections, which earned him playing time as a true freshman (Harbaugh: “Players gravitate to him and coaches like him”). While not explosive, Ruiz plays with efficient movement patterns and outstanding body control, sitting in his stance with the awareness to make quick adjustments. He moves his feet well to gain proper angles, load his hands and drive his feet, but sacrifices his balance at times. Overall, Ruiz’s technique tends to break down when rushed, but he is very steady in pass protection and continues to grow as a run blocker, displaying all the ingredients to be a longtime NFL starting center.
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J.R. · Apr 23, 2020

zeeshan2 · Apr 23, 2020

49ers wanted to originally move back lol

tinman · Apr 23, 2020

zeeshan2 said: ↑

I don’t understand why eagles went reagor over Jefferson
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Returns punts

Nook · Apr 23, 2020

Colby Parkinson may go earlier than some think. He has all the tools.

J.R. · Apr 23, 2020

25. 49ers - WR Brandon Aiyuk

BACKGROUND: Brandon Aiyuk (EYE-yook) started playing football in the fourth grade and that was his focus through middle and high school, not playing any other sports. He played mostly running back growing up before switching to cornerback at McQueen with receiver being his secondary position. Aiyuk received interest from UNLV and several other Mountain West programs, but they backed off due to his grades. The academic issues forced him to the juco route, playing two seasons at Sierra College and combining for 2,499 all-purpose yards and 21 touchdowns. He played both cornerback and receiver his first year before focusing on offense and special teams in year two, earning California juco All-American honors as an all-purpose athlete.

A three-star juco recruit, Aiyuk was rated as the No. 11 juco receiver in the 2018 class, receiving mostly Mountain West Conference offers (Colorado State and Nevada). A few days before signing day, he received an offer from Arizona State — his first Power-5 offer. Aiyuk received a late push from Alabama and a few other schools who lost out on other recruits, but he stayed loyal to Herm Edwards and the Sun Devils. He chose to sit out Arizona State’s bowl game, but did accept his invitation to the 2020 Senior Bowl, although he was unable to play due to an abdominal injury.

STRENGTHS: Explosive athlete…YAC monster, quickly accelerating through the catch, hitting top speed and eliminating pursuit angles…loose-jointed with the cutting skills to stick his foot in the ground and make defenders miss…tracks the deep ball well, running and settling underneath the football…defenders must respect his vertical speed, allowing him to poach free underneath yards…catches the ball cleanly at all three levels…long arms and pliable body movements, allowing him to adjust away from his momentum to snare throws…improved tempo on hesitation patterns, making defenders uncomfortable…return man experience, averaging 11.7 yards on punt returns (25/293/1) and 26.2 yards on kick returns (30/785/0) at ASU.

WEAKNESSES: Slender body type with ordinary height…lowers his pads into contact, but not a powerful runner and won’t carry defenders…room to improve his efficiency out of his breaks, tipping his path to defenders…tardy hands in his releases, giving press corners an easy target…occasionally late finding the football…needs to show better awareness for the first down marker…usually steady ball skills, but will occasionally get his hands turned the wrong way…not going to out-muscle defenders in tight coverage…underwhelming perimeter blocker…doesn’t have a large sample size of college production…originally misdiagnosed with a hip injury (December 2019) that was actually an abdominal issue, sidelining him for the Senior Bowl.

SUMMARY: A one-year starter at Arizona State, Aiyuk was the “X” receiver in former offensive coordinator Rob Likens’ scheme, lining up both inside and outside the formation. He spent most of the 2018 season learning the offense and benefiting from the tutelage of N’Keal Harry, taking over as the Sun Devils’ top passing target and return man in 2019. Aiyuk is a “runway” athlete — if given any type of runway, he has the explosive gears and top-end speed to be a big-play threat, stretching simple slants into impact plays (averaged 11.1 yards after the catch in 2019). While he has a remarkable wingspan, his average play strength and continued maturation as a route runner are two areas where he needs to improve. Overall, the definition of a playmaker is a player who turns small plays into big plays and that is exactly what Aiyuk can do with his dynamic athleticism, projecting similar to Emmanuel Sanders (his skill set, role and impact) at the NFL level.
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zeeshan2 · Apr 23, 2020

J.R. · Apr 23, 2020

J.R. · Apr 23, 2020

Wow. Aaron ain't gonna be happy.

26. Packers - QB Jordan Love

BACKGROUND: Jordan Love grew up in Bakersfield and was a two-sport athlete at Liberty High School, playing basketball and football. At only 5-foot-6 and 145 pounds as a 13-year old freshman, he mainly played wide receiver and safety to start his prep career. Inspired by his late father to play quarterback, Love grew into the position and started as a junior and senior as the varsity quarterback. As a junior, he passed for 1,930 yards and 18 touchdowns, adding five rushing scores. Love had his best season as a senior in 2015, completing 51% of his throws for 2,148 yards and 24 touchdowns. He added 806 rushing yards and eight ground touchdowns. Love led Liberty High School to its first-ever Central Section Division-I Championship in 2015, posting a career-high three touchdowns and 296 passing yards in the
title game.

A three-star quarterback recruit out of high school, Love didn’t attend many recruiting camps and was barely a blip on the recruiting radar after his junior season. One of the few passing clinics he attended was at Utah State the summer before his senior year, receiving a scholarship offer from the coaches. Love received interest from other Mountain West schools like Boise State, but Utah State was the only FBS program who offered him a full ride. His father (Orbin), who was a member of the Bakersfield Police Force for 27 years, was a big influence for Jordan, but he battled mental health issues and committed suicide (July 2013) when Jordan was only 14 years old. His mother (Anna) is also in law enforcement as an officer with the California Highway Patrol. Love graduated with his degree in exercise science (December 2019). He elected to skip his senior season and enter the 2020 NFL Draft. With his degree, he was eligible for the 2020 Senior Bowl, accepting his invitation.

STRENGTHS: Loose passer with special arm talent…effortless load and release delivery (it looks like he is throwing a Nerf football)…efficient feet and fluid lower body to climb, slide and move the pocket…comfortable drifting and throwing on the move (left or right)…displays natural touch as a downfield passer…needs to show it more, but will make throws before receivers are out of their breaks…utilizes his athletic traits in the option game, showing admirable toughness as a ball carrier…humble, even-keeled demeanor…team captain in 2019 and his coaches call him a “grinder” as a worker…weighed only 180 pounds when he enrolled at Utah State and has worked hard to develop his body…huge hands…productive stint as the starting quarterback and leaves as the first player in school history to surpass 9,000 yards of total offense – also finished second in career completions (689), passing yards (8,600) and passing touchdowns (60).

WEAKNESSES: Stubborn decision-maker, locking onto preferred targets and disrupting the timing of the play…needs to improve his keys pre- and post-snap to make the proper reads…defenders track his eyes…internal clock lacks maturity, allowing the pocket to close on him…inconsistent base mechanics, often fading away from throws…bad habit of throwing low on out-breaking routes…did a nice job filling out his frame, but doesn’t have ideal body armor…needs to do a better job protecting himself as a runner…rise in interceptions and drop in touchdowns in 2019 are a red flag…off-field decision-making deserves scrutiny after he was cited for possession of mar1juana (December 2019) only a week after he declared for the 2020 NFL Draft.

SUMMARY: A three-year starter at Utah State, Love lined up at quarterback in former offensive coordinator Mike Sanford’s up-tempo, shotgun offense, finishing his career as the second-winningest quarterback in school history with a 21-11 record (.656). He set school-records in 2018, including passing yards (3,567) and touchdown passes (32), under the tutelage of head coach Matt Wells and offensive coordinator David Yost (both now at Texas Tech). But with a new coaching staff and only one other returning starter on offense in 2019, he took a step back in his development, producing very inconsistent results. From a physical standpoint, Love will create Patrick Mahomes-like flashes with his loose passing skills and impressive arm talent. However, he doesn’t have a great feel for tempo within the relationship of his progressions and the defense, requiring time to mature mentally. Overall, Love is still very raw as a passer and his inconsistent decision-making is a concern, but he has immense, high-ceiling talent that is ready to be cultivated, projecting as a high-risk, high-reward NFL prospect.
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zeeshan2 · Apr 23, 2020

WOAH PACKERS

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