Media draftniks usually pile on the same prospects with their evals and mocks. I look for some of the contrarian and ex-player/GM/coach evals. Here's a few resources you can look through, but needless to say JJ II moved from an extremely talented GA team to a system that highlighted his talents. From several sources they believe he may have the best pass rushing skills of the top guys, but is also a dawg against the run. I saw him abuse Icky in one clip, now Icky came back to neutralize him, but it showed me his potential to be dominate. https://jetsxfactor.com/2022/04/25/ny-jets-favor-jermaine-johnson-kayvon-thibodeaux/ (Looks like some others are catching on) (Love his attitude!) (Highlights)
Sounding more and more like it’s a very good chance Sauce Gardner is the pick at 3. Unless Caserio goes really outside the box with #13 there’s a very good chance we end up with two of the following players: Evan Neal, Ikem Ekwonu, Kayvon, Sauce Gardner, Derek Stingley, Jermaine Johnson, Jameson Williams, Drake London and Garrett Wilson. That’s a really incredible thing to think about considering the absolute lack of young talent infused into this team over the past few seasons.
Maybe I am wrong on this. I probably am, but doesn't Lovie play a Cover 2 defense. The corners are primarily zone defenders. I'm wondering if Stingley and Sauce are the best choices, at 3 , for zone coverage. I know Lovie said he can't play the kind of defense he wants without better CBs, but are shut down man corners needed in his defense vs. great D Lineman? I was wanting OL at 3, but I think the tackle position will be okay if they draft a mauler or two at guard. But back to the defense question. What is more important to Lovie's D, a great D Line or a shut down MAN corner?
• A handful of teams have raised knee and hip issues to me concerning Alabama OT Evan Neal, with a good number of clubs considering him a notable medical risk. That doesn’t mean Neal won’t have a good, long career. But I could absolutely see where Jacksonville or Houston, or another team, may look at Neal versus NC State OT Ickey Ekwonu, who has a very clean medical, and take the guy who’s a better bet to last. I believe Neal and Ekwonu and Mississippi State’s Charles Cross will, for what it’s worth, all wind up going inside the top six picks, so it’s not like I believe that Neal is going to fall too far because of how his medicals came back. That said, I do think his medicals could wind up pushing him down a couple of picks from where he would have gone otherwise. Which, at the level of the draft, can wind up costing a player a few million bucks. • The medical also figures to affect the off-ball linebacker market. As we mentioned in the MMQB column, Georgia star Nakobe Dean has a laundry list of issues that aren’t disqualifying. However, in totality, they are troubling, given that he’ll enter the league as a smaller player at his position. Utah’s Devin Lloyd has questions in that regard, as well. And that’s left Dean’s teammate Quay Walker as a contender to go first at the position. The questions with Walker are more about his football IQ and how quickly he’ll pick up an NFL defense. Yes, he played in a pro-style scheme at Georgia. But he didn’t become a starter, despite being 6'4" and 241 pounds and running a 40-yard dash in the 4.5s, until his fourth season in Athens. • Corners keep coming up with Houston. On Monday, we mentioned how the Texans have been said to be high on LSU’s Derek Stingley Jr. in NFL circles. You can throw Cincinnati’s Sauce Gardner in that mix, too. Thing is, I’m not sure they’d take either at No. 3, and both will almost certainly be gone at 13. Or … maybe because of that, they would take one at three? (For what it’s worth, Washington’s Trent McDuffie profiles as an excellent fit, too.) • Here’s a player the NFL might be a little higher on than you think—Florida CB Kaiir Elam. The former Gator star ran faster than anyone thought he would in Indy (4.39), and he has good size (he’s a shade under 6'2", 191 pounds). He also crushed meetings with teams, coming off every bit the savvy NFL legacy (his dad is former Jets S Abe Elam, and his cousin is former Ravens first-round pick Matt Elam) that he is. • And among the players that may be a little overhyped—Purdue’s George Karlaftis. Going back to the fall, I can’t remember hearing many, if any, NFL people talking about him like he’d be a first-round pick. And my guess right now is that he won’t be.
I agree and if Hutchison was there they’d take him but it’s likely the best two DL go 1 and 2. Casserio said no one is interested in moving up to 3. So you either reach at 3 for the next best DL (Thibodeaux seems to have a lot of concerns, and Jermaine Johnson or Jordan Davis are mocked outside the top 10 mostly.) Or you take the BPA which would be Sauce.
It's very odd that he has received criticism for his pre draft interviews. He seems like a really bright, down to earth, hungry dude. I would love to see him slide on down to 13.
agreed seems very bright … that athleticism with being very smart could easily be a generational talent
If Neal isn't the pick at 3 I hope Johnson is the pick. But i wont be disappointed if Sauce is the pick. If Icky is the pick I will hope I'm wrong about him.
If Travon Walker goes number 1, which is VERY very possible, I wonder what it would cost to move up one spot to pick up Hutchinson. Jacksonville is all over the place. I fully expect them to do something crazy.
https://theathletic.com/3266002/2022/04/27/nfl-draft-derek-stingley-kyle-hamilton/ Stingley impressing LSU cornerback Derek Stingley has a lot of fans in the NFL. “I would say his freshman film is as good as any corner who has come out over the last three years,” an executive said. “I think there’s a lot to be said for how good it really was, even though it was three years ago. He has all the other tools to go with his play. His freshman year was his high-water mark, for sure. There were circumstances with injuries and playing time, so he hasn’t played a lot of football over the past two years.” Stingley was dynamite for the 2019 national champions but only played 10 games over the past two seasons due to injuries, including a foot ailment in 2021. One executive pointed out Stingley’s medical evaluation was clean, so the injury shouldn’t be a concern. Stingley wasn’t nearly as impressive last season, but LSU was down as a whole, which could have contributed to his performance. He seems to have a strong chance to go in the top 10, and it’s possible Stingley could be the first corner off the board. “I love Stingley,” one coach said. Positional debate Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton is a potential top-10 pick, and that possibility led to a common debate: Are safeties worth such a high investment? One general manager broke it down in simple terms. “If you think he’s an impact player for your football team, regardless of the position, and you feel comfortable taking the player, you take him,” the GM said. “If you pass on the player to go in another direction, you’ve either got to position yourself to get back into the first round or you’re going to lose him. If you think he’s good for your football team, will make a huge impact, checks all your boxes, is the best player on your board, you take him. If he helps you win football games, three years down the road, if he’s productive and helping your football team, are you going to be ticked off that you took this position, whether it’s safety, tight end, guard, whatever, who cares where you took him?” Quick hitters Let’s finish it off with a flurry of quick evaluations. “Travon Walker is a really, really talented edge player with a really, really high ceiling.” “(Walker is a) really good player, exceptional athleticism, long, powerful, tough, played for a great program, a national champion and outstanding prospect.” On Oregon edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux: “Explosiveness, his ability to win one-on-one pass-rush situations, has a really savvy sense to him as a rusher. It’s not just athleticism. It’s knowing how to rush, knowing his opponent. I think he can beat anybody one-on-one. He’s not a one-trick pony. He’s got multiple things in his toolbox as a rusher.” “The Iowa center (Tyler Linderbaum) is a generational center. He’s one of the best ones who has come out in a long time.” “I really like (Georgia linebacker) Nakobe Dean. The height is an issue, but I really like the guy as a player. I like how he blitzes. I like how he covers. He’s smart. He runs the defense. He plays with a high-ass motor, and he’s a great kid. He’s really, really fun.” “I like Nakobe Dean a lot. I think he’ll be a really good player.”
I don't think Detroit would entertain moving out of 2 with the chance to draft Hutchinson. He is a local kid who played and starred at Michigan and by all accounts is the type of guy Campbell wants to set the tone on the defense. Detroit also needs a future QB but they have the 32nd and 34th picks in the draft and can use those to make any sort of move in the last 3rd of the 1st round to grab their guy should they still be there.
https://theathletic.com/3273718/202...l-pros-and-cons-of-top-ots-in-2022-nfl-draft/ Spoiler More so than most positions, the Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections at offensive tackle largely consist of first-round picks. That’s not surprising considering how difficult it is to find humans who weigh more than 300 pounds and have the athleticism, dexterity and mental acumen to play such a difficult position. Those who offer even the smallest flashes of those traits shoot up draft boards. The 2022 NFL Draft features three tackle prospects who have separated themselves as early Round 1 selections: Mississippi State’s Charles Cross, North Carolina State’s Ikem Ekwonu and Alabama’s Evan Neal. These three have traits that make them tantalizing prospects, as well as blemishes that give pause before crowning any as the clear top player. According to The Athletic’s consensus big board, Cross is the draft analysis community’s third-ranked tackle, as some question his run blocking ability coming out of a pass-heavy Air Raid system. But he’s my favorite prospect in this group. I’ll explain why in a breakdown of all three below, but let’s first look at their measurables to see how each player passes the test for what teams want at left tackle, which is the best-case landing spot for all three. Tale of the Tape Category | Cross | Ekwonu | Neal Height/Weight | 6'4 3/4" / 307 | 6'4" / 310 | 6'7 1/2" / 337 Hand/Arm | 10 3/4" / 34 1/2" | 10 1/4" / 34" | 10 1/8" / 34" 40 Yard | 4.95 | 4.93 | N/A Shuttle/3 Cone | 4.61 / 7.88 | 4.73 / 7.82 | N/A Broad/Vertical | 9'4" / 26" | 9'0" / 29" | N/A Neal elected not to test, but Cross and Ekwonu tested quite well. They each finished above the 94th percentile in the 40-yard dash. Cross’ short shuttle also placed in the 75th percentile among offensive linemen, his broad jump in the 91st. All three prospects pass the 34-inch arm threshold, and though Ekwonu is on the shorter side for offensive tackles at merely 6-foot-4, he still has the same arm length as the 6-7 Neal. Those numbers should help teams feel easy about Cross and Ekwonu as NFL-level athletes. It of course would have been interesting (and beneficial for this exercise) if Neal tested, too. But in a draft lacking consensus at every position, I don’t think any team is fazed by one more mystery box thrown into the equation. With film evaluation, we can help piece together things like how Neal’s athleticism holds up and how Cross is in the run game, plus other strengths and weaknesses each of these prospects brings to the table entering the NFL. Charles Cross, No. 67, Mississippi State Strengths: Pass protection, athleticism Cross’ polish as a pass protector is the first thing that stands out, and not just because he has plenty of reps to show it off in Mike Leach’s traditional Air Raid offense. What’s impressive is how Cross operates in Leach’s offense, consistently playing under control with quick eyes and calm feet and hands. Not only is he a very good athlete who plays with proper footwork, but his awareness lets him maximize his quickness and length. Take this example versus an Alabama blitz and pass rush game. Cross’ alarm bells start going off when No. 47 starts to twist with the blitzing No. 8. Cross is able to adjust in a timely manner, bend and get his hands into a good position to nullify the blitzer. Despite declaring for the draft as just a redshirt sophomore, Cross plays with advanced footwork and hand placement. He uses his length and flashes hints of polish during this other play versus Alabama, in which Cross resets his hand placement after the defender swipes his initial set. Using his very good length really helps Cross get into good positions as a pass protector. He already shows an understanding for having a plan already, and it helps paint an optimistic picture for his ability to contribute early at the next level. And for one last example of the type of athlete Cross is: Compare his first step and base on the left side to his fellow Mississippi State teammates. Weakness: Inexperience in run game, bulk Leach’s offense giveth for pass game repetitions but taketh for run game repetitions. Cross shows aptitude when asked to block in the run game, but it remains a question mark until proven otherwise because of his Air Raid experience. And though Cross has length, he doesn’t have the preferred weight. He also lacks ideal play strength. He doesn’t have the pure frame or mass like the other top tackles, exhibited in the fact he has the longest arms of the three but shortest wingspan. Cross instead wins with technique and quickness, showing good eyes and tight hands, but he can end up being more of a shielder than mover. Overall, I am high on Cross and think he has the upside to be a Pro Bowl-level left tackle. His advanced play with his hands and footwork, along with some very good traits as an athlete, make him an intriguing prospect at the top of the draft — and (SPOILER) the one who I think has the best chance at sticking on the left side.
Spoiler Ikem Ekwonu, No. 79, North Carolina State Strengths: Athleticism, explosiveness, run blocking Ekwonu’s main calling card is how dynamic he is in the run game. He is a very good athlete who can consistently reach defensive linemen on the backside of run plays and is comfortable pulling and operating in space. Here is an example of Ekwonu on the backside of a zone run play. His job is to cut off the defensive lineman aligned as a 3 technique (outside shoulder of the offensive guard). This task requires a good deal of athleticism from offensive tackles, as they have to gain depth and stay balanced while also having the strength to drive the defender. Ekwonu does just that. Notice how Ekwonu manages to get his head across the defender, gaining leverage and hindering the defender’s chance to make a play on the run. The hole opens for the running back to cut up the field thanks to Ekwonu sealing the backside and finishing strong downfield. Ekwonu is not only a fluid mover but also a powerful player. Much like a weightlifter doing a power clean, he is able to sink and move defenders off of their spot, gaining and regaining leverage like a sumo wrestler and lifting defenders off the ground. He is not afraid to leave a mark with his blocking and wants to set the tone each and every play. His overall aggression and competitiveness is palpable. Watching him track defenders on the second level is a treat. Weakness: Overall technique As powerful and athletic as Ekwonu is, he is still a work in progress as far as technique and polish go — especially as a pass protector. He will at times overset outwards toward the pass rusher and lose leverage and/or leave himself vulnerable to inside moves. His killer instinct can also lead to plays in which he ends up off-balance after lunging at defenders. Below are two plays versus projected first-round pick Jermaine Johnson from Florida State. Both times, Ekwonu ends up with his head down and his entire body out of position. On this pass set, Ekwonu oversets a tad too wide … … and ends up lunging with his head out over the front of his feet, leaving him off-balance versus Johnson’s spin move. Johnson takes advantage on his way to the quarterback. And in the run game, Ekwonu will at times pay the price for being too eager to deliver a blow to the defender. But he improved in this facet as the 2021 season went along. Overall, Ekwonu’s inconsistent technique is the main reason for criticism. The glass-half-full analysis is that he has the athleticism to overcome the not-so-perfect footwork and hand placement, and that working on hands is a far easier fix than not having the foot speed or bend to win as a blocker in the first place. If the light bulb never ends up turning on for Ekwonu at left tackle in the NFL, he could still be a potentially dynamic offensive guard or right tackle. His deficiencies wouldn’t be as costly at either spot.
He had a bit of a controversial interview with Joel Klatt a few months back. Admitted he turned down Bama after Saban told him he’d play when only he’s ready to play. Also said branding, in part, was more important than winning national championships. Very honest response and probably sounds worse than he intended. But when everything is dissected like they do nowadays…
Spoiler Evan Neal, No. 73, Alabama Strengths: Size, positional versatility Neal comes with the Alabama pedigree and an incredible frame. Though he chose to not do any of the athletic testing leading up to the draft, Neal carries his weight well, which is weird to say about a guy who tips the scales around 350 pounds at times. Neal plays in a calm manner and uses his large frame to his advantage in the run game, moving defenders into a different realm. And as a pass protector, Neal dares defenders to try to loop around him or bull rush into his large frame. Neal has enough athleticism and get-off to handle one-on-ones with talented pass rushers, including Georgia’s Travon Walker, the possible No. 1 pick. With the heavy hands to strike, Neal stops Walker dead in his tracks. Neal played several positions during his career at Alabama, with extended starting experience at left guard and right tackle on very successful teams. Being able to slot in at several spots along the line of scrimmage — with actual experience in high-pressure situations, as opposed to just theoretical fit — adds a few points to whatever your assessment of Neal is. Weaknesses: Sustain, top-end athleticism, upside Though I think Neal moves quite well for his size, I hesitate to say he is anything more than a firmly good athlete. Not very good. Not great. Not excellent. Just good. He plays under control, but he will too often end up on the ground or chasing his defender at the end of plays, an indicator of balance and foot quickness — or lack thereof. A bit too often, Neal’s lack of high-end quickness shows up against speed rushers who are able to cross him over. He also ends up looking top-heavy at the end of run plays. Neal more than deserves a shot to stick at left tackle in the NFL, but I think right tackle ends up being his final landing spot. His all-around game allows him to stay on the outside with adequate athleticism to hold up against most pass rushers.
