Cherry's 2017 Draft Scouting Notebook: Inevitably Quitting After 25 Prospects

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Dorian Johnson

Offensive Guard

Pittsburgh

Senior

Age 22

6'5"

300 pounds

5.20 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good hand placement. Great at driving on his blocks in the run game. Can get to the second level to hit his blocks. Has the strength to play at the next level. Good at utilizing leverage in the passing game and getting up underneath the pads.

Negatives

At times comes in at bad angles and allows defenders to get past him. Very sluggish lateral movement. Not a particularly athletic guy, more of a straight-line blocker than anything else.

Overview

Very stocky blocker who has the strength to play pro, but has serious issues with his lateral movement and ability to adjust to unblocked defenders. He's fast enough to get to the second level and hit blocks, but he's not a guy you want to use primarily on the move.

Grade

5.7 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him as a late second rounder with room to fall further. He's just simply not developed enough technically to be worth much more than a middle day two pick. The NFL is quickly shifting away from more straight-line run blockers and more towards guys who can move side-to-side and play agile.

Edited January 10, 2017 by Chernobyl426

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The Basics

Kyle Kalis

Offensive Guard

Michigan

Senior

Age 23

6'4"

305 pounds

5.24 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Great at getting leverage on defenders and locking them up in the pass game. Has the athleticism to get to the second level and hit blocks. Has good lateral movement, and can slide to protect against unblocked defenders. Does a good job at shifting from defender to defender when necessary.

Negatives

Loses positioning at times and doesn't utilize proper angles which allows defenders to get around him too often in the run game. Not a particularly powerful guy, doesn't drive through on his blocks in the run game.

Overview

Very good technician as a pass blocker, but doesn't have top end strength and struggles at times to hit his blocks properly in space. That said, he is athletic enough to be used on the move.

Grade

5.6 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him currently at the beginning of the third round, but he could go either direction. He's too flawed a prospect to be considered really early, but he is very good at what he does and should start immediately at the next level.

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The Basics

Danny Isidora

Offensive Guard

Miami

Senior

6'4"

310 pounds

5.29 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Solid anchor. Can lock up guys with pure strength. Big enough frame to trap guys and keep them pinned in. Tough to move in the pass game.

Negatives

Sluggish feet at times. Struggles to utilize proper leverage when blocking, relies way too much on his physical strength. Not a guy you can pull around the formation and use in space. Typically doesn't do much in the run game. Inconsistent with his technique. Inconsistent hand placement.

Overview

Sluggish blocker who relies way too much on his physical strength to make up for inconsistent technique and lackluster footwork. He doesn't have the ability to play laterally, and can't pull around the formation.

Grade

3.6 - Potential backup

Projection

I have him as a late seventh rounder and a borderline undrafted prospect. Once the board fills out the rest of the way there is a very good chance he isn't on it. He's not a special enough athlete to get by without technique.

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The Basics

Alex Kozan

Offensive Guard

Auburn

Senior

Age 23

6'3"

310 pounds

5.19 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Very solid hand placement. Solid run blocker who has the ability to get into space, even though he's not the most athletic. Does a great job of locking guys up in the passing game, gets under the pads well. Does a very good job of pushing up defenders to jam them from getting forward momentum.

Negatives

Not a particularly strong guy, doesn't typically throw defenders around. Not very fast in space, typically has to have a straight line shot at his defender to take them out of the play.

Overview

Very solid technical blocker who has the ability to be used in the run game, albeit in a somewhat more limited role. He's very average in terms of physical talent, but he has a great mental game and does his job well. He's a good pass blocker who just stuffs guys.

Grade

5.4 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him as a late third rounder at the moment, but he could probably fall into day three. It's rare you see guards go early anyways, especially with guys who aren't flawless from a technical standpoint or incredibly rare from a physical standpoint. He's a solid plug & play option, but he's in the late day two to early day three range.

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The Basics

Cameron Hunt

Offensive Guard

Oregon

Senior

Age 22

6'4"

295 pounds

5.37 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good lateral footwork. Solid strength and size, does a good job of pinning defenders to the side in the run game and opening up holes for his back. Absolutely phenomenal with his hand placement, does a fantastic job of keeping guys in place and piecing them up. Does a solid job at dealing with his assignments, and picking up unblocked defenders when necessary.

Negatives

Tends to play sluggish off the snap. Not a great athlete, tends to be slow with his movement in general. Not a second level blocker, doesn't pick up guys in space well at the second level.

Overview

Very good pass blocker who is near immovable. Does a great job at opening up at the LOS in the run game, and is near impossible to get by in the passing game. His biggest issue is he isn't a very mobile guy, and would struggle if he was utilized in a role that required a lot of pulling in the run game.

Grade

5.1 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him as a fourth rounder, but it's tough to put him all the way back there. He has some truly great traits that teams would love to get in play, but his holes are huge. He simply does not have nearly the level of mobility and athletic ability to be worthy of anything but a day three pick.

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The Basics

Sean Harlow

Offensive Guard

Oregon State

Senior

Age 21

6'4"

310 pounds

5.17 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Very solid hand placement and ability to put guys at the end of his range. Solid lateral footwork, and has the ability to slide over and take on unblocked defenders.

Negatives

Not a particularly powerful blocker, tends to get pushed around at times. Very mediocre run blocker, not a guy who drives through on his blocks.

Overview

Good pass blocker who can lock his feet in place and do a solid job at keeping defenders jammed in the middle. There will be concerns about his ability in terms of his strength, but he has enough to make it at the next level, although it may cost him a shot at a starting job.

Grade

4.4 - Potential backup

Projection

I have him as a fifth rounder at the moment, and he could very well fall further as the board fills out. He's not a special athlete by any means, and I'd go as far as to say that he is below average compared to most of his draft counterparts. He isn't terrible on the inside, but he's a bend not break player, not a guy who goes out and beats up on defensive linemen.

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The Basics

Tyrone Crowder

Offensive Guard

Clemson

Junior

Age 22

6'2"

340 pounds

5.43 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Great at shifting from block to block and picking up undefended defenders. Pro caliber strength.

Negatives

Incredibly slow in space, not a guy who should be pulling across the formation or setting up on screens. Lets defenders get by him way too often due to poor footwork. Inconsistent hand placement.

Overview

Sluggish guy who has the ability to hold his own in the pass game, but struggles at an extreme level when asked to go into space and hit blocks in the open field. Not a great technician, and relies way too much on his raw strength.

Grade

3.9 - Potential backup

Projection

I have him as a sixth round talent and there is a good chance he falls further. He's simply not polished enough to start at the next level, and I don't know if I would even trust him as a backup based on what I've seen from his tape. He's too slow to play well as a pro.

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The Basics

Kareem Are

Offensive Guard

Florida State

Senior

Age 23

6'5"

334 pounds

5.38 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Very stout frame allows him to clog space easily. Does a good job at getting underneath the pads and using leverage to beat his opponent.

Negatives

Not a particularly fast guy, can't get to the second level and hit blocks easily. Too often misses easy blocks and allows guys past him due to lackluster footwork and use of angles.

Overview

Inconsistent pass blocker who lacks the speed to get into space and block in the open field. Not a guy you want pulling and trying to plow through guys in the run game. He doesn't drive through his blocks, and is way too quick to allow guys around him.

Grade

3.8 - Potential backup

Projection

I have him at the very end of the sixth round, and he will likely drop into the seventh or go undrafted by the time the final board is up. He is similar to Crowder except he lacks the same strength that Crowder has. He's an unpolished player who thrives on taking up space rather than pushing around defenders and imposing his game.

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The Basics

Richard Levy

Offensive Guard

Connecticut

Senior

Age 24

6'2"

315 pounds

5.27 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good hand placement. Has the lateral movement to pick up unblocked defenders. Solid technician, and uses his footwork well. Versatile, and has the ability to play both guard and tackle. Does a good job as an anchor in the pass game, and rarely allows guys past him.

Negatives

Not a particularly strong blocker. Doesn't drive through on his blocks. Limited as a second level blocker.

Overview

Solid technical blocker who has the ability to play multiple positions. Not a particularly great athlete, but does a good job of utilizing the tools he has.

Grade

4.8 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him in the fourth round right now, and I think he will definitely be taken in the earlier side of day three. He's not a particularly great athlete by any stretch, but his plug & play ability will make a lot of teams fall in love with him. At worst he should be a fifth rounder.

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The Basics

Billy Price

Offensive Guard

Ohio State

Junior

Age 21

6'3"

315 pounds

5.19 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Agile for a bigger guy. Showcases good footwork and has the ability to slide laterally well. Does a good job of using leverage and locking guys up at the line of scrimmage in the passing game. Great hand placement, rarely gets beat.

Negatives

Doesn't have high end strength. Doesn't drive through on his blocks in the run game.

Overview

Well-rounded technician who does a great job at locking guys up in the passing game. Has NFL caliber strength, but nothing special. Does a great job at using his hand placement and footwork to bully his opposition.

Grade

6.0 - Potential Pro Bowler

Projection

I have him as a second rounder at the moment. There really aren't any particular things that stand out as special about Price, but he's a plug & play option that can be put in day one and hold his own at the next level. If you put talent around him he will look tremendous.

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The Basics

David Bright

Offensive Guard

Stanford

Senior

Age 22

6'5"

301 pounds

5.23 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Prototypical size. Has the versatility to play across the offensive line. Very good combination of power and speed, has the ability to pull around the formation. Can hit blocks in space & at the second level.

Negatives

Too often misplaces his hands and allows defenders to slide past him. Sluggish feet when sliding outside.

Overview

Powerful lineman who has the size and reach to push guys around, but occasionally shows lapses in his hand placement. He's not a great lateral mover, but if you put him on a line and tell him to go hit someone he does a great job.

Grade

5.0 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him as a fourth rounder. He has solid value and is worth being taken in the earlier portion of day three, but his game does have technical holes and he needs some work in refining those holes. Great size and length will have teams falling in love with him, but I don't know if it will push him into the second day.

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The Basics

Greg Pyke

Offensive Guard

Georgia

Senior

Age 23

6'5"

313 pounds

5.27 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Solid reach. Good at pulling around the formation. Solid mobility, and can get to second level blocks. Does a good job at using good lateral movement and sliding to protect openings. Useful as a moving piece in the run game.

Negatives

Too often misses blocks due to poor hand placement, which allows defenders to get around him. Not a particularly strong blocker, doesn't drive through in the run game. Inconsistent at utilizing leverage and holding guys up in the passing game.

Overview

Solid run blocker who lacks the consistency and power to be more than a backup at the next level. That said, he's very polished for a guy on the lower end of the scale, and plays very smart from a mental standpoint. Good addition to any offensive line.

Grade

4.3 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I currently have him on the lower end of the fifth round, but that will likely fall into the sixth or even seventh round as the board continues to fill out. He just doesn't have the makings of a solid starter, and is on the lower end of projects to toss in with the later round guys. He's a solid addition, no doubt, but he doesn't have the building blocks you typically want later.

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The Basics

Benny McGowan

Offensive Guard

Michigan State

Senior

Age 23

6'2"

333 pounds

5.37 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Solid run blocker. Very stout. Takes up space well, and does a good job at locking guys up in the passing game due to his pure size. Has the ability to pull in short spaces.

Negatives

Sluggish run blocker. Not a guy you want to get to the second level or attempt to hit blocks in space. May need to trim down if he wants to make it at the next level due to playing with such heavy footwork.

Overview

Bigger guy who does a good job at taking up space and using his size to hold up well in the passing game, but struggles to block at the next level and has general mobility issues. Doesn't have great lateral movement either. Not a great technician.

Grade

3.7 - Potential backup

Projection

I have him towards the later end of the seventh round, and it's very likely he ends up going undrafted. He isn't a good enough athlete to warrant a higher draft pick, especially with his lack of technique.

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The Basics

Freddie Tagaloa

Offensive Guard

Arizona

Senior

Age 22

6'7"

320 pounds

5.33 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Very mobile, can pull around the formation. Good lateral movement. Solid footwork in the passing game, and plays incredibly agile.

Negatives

Incredibly inconsistent hand placement. Allows defenders around him way too easily. Not a particularly strong blocker. Incredibly bad at hitting guys in space.

Overview

Undersized blocker in terms of weight, and doesn't use leverage or strength properly. Plays way too tall at times, and consistently misses on blocks. Terrible hand placement and upper body control.

Grade

3.4 - Potential backup

Projection

I have him as going undrafted, and that's probably not changing. He simply doesn't have enough traits to be worth drafting. He's not a great athlete, and his technique is poor.

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The Basics

Adam Pankey

Offensive Guard

West Virginia

Senior

Age 23

6'4"

316 pounds

5.33 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good at driving through in his run blocking. Typically has good hand placement in the passing game, does a good job at locking guys up. Solid strength, and does a good job of pushing guys around.

Negatives

Too often misses blocks by overshooting entirely. Doesn't always utilize his footwork properly.

Overview

Very solid run blocker who does a great job at pushing guys around and creating openings for his running back. Not always the most technical blocker, but typically does a good job with his hand placement.

Grade

4.5 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him in the middle of the fifth rounder, and while I'm not entirely sold on him as a starter at the next level, I do think he will be a solid addition to any roster. He's likely a guy who makes the game-day roster who can fill in if there are any injuries to the line.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Dan Skipper

Offensive Guard

Arkansas

Senior

Age 22

6'9"

319 pounds

5.43 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Incredible range and arm length. Does a good job of utilizing his natural advantages and taking up space in both the passing and running game. Can pin guys and turn them outwards.

Negatives

Plays incredible tall, which rarely allows him to have leverage. Incredibly slow when trying to slide in the passing game. Not a second level blocker. Inconsistent footwork.

Overview

Awkward player who struggles to be consistent with his technique, largely due to his size. Not a guy who will win based on leverage or technique, but primarily on strength and size. He may need to pack on even more weight if he wants to play at guard, because he is currently pretty lean.

Grade

3.8 - Potential backup

Projection

I have him as the very end of the sixth round, but he probably drops to the seventh or UDFA once the board fills out entirely. His height is going to damage his stock due to the fact he won't be getting leverage, and is more useful as a space filler who can turn guys to the side. Lot of physical tools to work with, but good luck utilizing that reach when a guy starts on the inside against you.

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The Basics

Nico Siragusa

Offensive Guard

San Diego State

Senior

Age 22

6'4"

330 pounds

5.37 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Does a great job of chipping guys in the run game and getting to his next block immediately. Solid hand-fighting ability. Does a great job at locking guys up in the passing game by getting them locked in his range, and containing them inside. Very good mover in tight spaces.

Negatives

Not a particularly special athlete, and doesn't showcase top tier strength. Has tendency to miss guys in space too often.

Overview

Very solid technical blocker who does a great job at moving guys in the run game. He wins with great leverage and hand placement rather than pure strength. Scrappy inside blocker in the passing game as well, and can shut guys down by containing them inside his range.

Grade

6.3 - Potential Pro Bowler

Projection

I have him firmly as a second rounder. He isn't the complete package that you would take in the first round, but he has a good combination of traits worth taking in the early side of day two. At worst he drops to the third.

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The Basics

Devon Desper
Offensive Guard

Mississippi State

Senior

Age 22

6'3"

305 pounds

5.21 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good awareness when picking up unblocked defenders. Solid lateral movement and good footwork as a pass blocker.

Negatives

Not a particularly strong or athletic player, doesn't do much at the second level. Doesn't drive through guys in the running game. Mediocre with his hand placement.

Overview

Incredibly average total package at the position. Does a decent job when he is schemed up to help in double teams lock guys up in the passing game, but just doesn't showcase any special traits that would warrant him being drafted higher in the draft.

Grade

3.8 - Potential backup

Projection

I have him as a late sixth, which will likely turn into a seventh rounder or a UDFA as the board continues to fill out. He doesn't have any glaring holes in his game, but he doesn't have any true strengths that would make him worth projecting as anything more than a backup at the next level.

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The Basics

Victor Salako

Offensive Guard

Oklahoma State

Senior

Age 23

6'5"

335 pounds

5.45 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Has the size of an NFL guard. Very good top strength. Tremendous potential and power when he utilizes proper technique and plays low.

Negatives

Incredibly sluggish footwork. Does a terrible job of using his reach to keep guys outside and unable to make moves off his body. Very stiff & awkward blocker. Doesn't utilize leverage, and typically struggles to get push from his lower body.

Overview

Solid project on the inside that struggles too much from a technical standpoint to be worth taking high. He doesn't turn his size and power into a plus, rather just standing tall and getting pushed around by smaller guys.

Grade

3.8 - Potential backup

Projection

I have him as a seventh rounder, but it's most likely he falls down to being an undrafted player by the time the board is entire filled out. He simply lacks the mental game to be worth taking in the draft, and even with his upside he's likely not developing into a starter.

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The Basics

Ryan Leahy

Offensive Guard

Cincinnati

Senior

Age 23

6'5"

292 pounds

5.17 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good lateral footwork, and has the ability to pick up on free defenders by sliding. Does a good job of utilizing leverage and holding firm in the passing game.

Negatives

Not a guy who does much in the run game. Doesn't drive through guys in the run game, even when he has the opportunity to pull around and gain momentum. Lackluster overall play strength. Not very mobile.

Overview

Solid zone blocker who struggles to deal with guys in space. Way too often misses when looking to get to guys in space, and allows defenders past him easily when he isn't set. Has the ability to hold guys in place when he is asked to stay flat and use leverage.

Grade

3.3 - Potential backup

Projection

I have him going undrafted, and I think it would be very tough to make a case he does get drafted. He's just simply not impressive at anything. Lacks the amazing technique required for a bad athlete to succeed as a late rounder.

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The Basics

Chase Roullier

Offensive Guard

Wyoming

Senior

Age 23

6'4"

319 pounds

5.26 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Solid mobility. Has the ability to get to guys in space and hit his blocks. Very solid strength, and has the ability to anchor in the passing game. Does a great job of reaching out and keeping defenders trapped on the inside of his body.

Negatives

Too often allows defenders to get past him due to poor hand placement. Not a people mover, and struggles to drive through guys in the run game.

Overview

Very mobile guard who has the ability to get into space and do damage in the running game. Has the natural strength to hold his own at the next level. Uses leverage very well, and plays with consistency.

Grade

5.8 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him listed as a second rounder, but he could drop to the third. He's a very well-rounded guy who will be able to come in and immediately start, but he's not without his holes. There's nothing overwhelming with his athletic ability, and he isn't good enough with his technique to be a day one selection.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Shane Callahan

Offensive Guard

Colorado

Senior

Age 23

6'5"

300 pounds

5.29 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Does a great job of using hand placement and leverage to drive through guys in the running game, and utilizes his power well as a blocker. Understands his assignment, and has the ability to transition his blocks when necessary.

Negatives

Not a fast footwork guy, tends to struggle when he's asked to move in space. Limited as a total package.

Overview

Solid phone booth run blocker who does a good job at moving guys around in small spaces. Not a great pass blocker, but has the awareness to hold his own in it.

Grade

4.2 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him as a sixth rounder. I don't think he's going to be polished enough as a total package, or athletic enough in general to be a great starter at the next level. He's essentially hitting his ceiling already, which is as a high-end backup, or a low-end starter.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Caleb Peterson

Offensive Guard

North Carolina

Senior

Age 23

6'5"

300 pounds

5.23 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Has NFL size, and plays very stout.

Negatives

Too often allows defenders around him due to poor hand placement. Not a very mobile guy, doesn't pull around the formation as effectively as you'd like. Struggles to consistently get push going due to taking bad angles. Way too often runs past the defender.

Overview

Incredibly inconsistent blocker who way too frequently allows guys to get around him. Way too sluggish and uncoordinated. Has an NFL frame, but that's pretty much it. Not worth taking at the next level.

Grade

1.3 - Potential practice squad player

Projection

He should go undrafted, and I'd bet he does.

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The Basics

Johnny Caspers

Offensive Guard

Stanford

Senior

Age 22

6'3"

296 pounds

5.29 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Does a good job of utilizing leverage to get underneath the pads.

Negatives

Lacks top tier strength, and can get pushed around by bigger guys. Too often misunderstands his assignment, and blatantly misses what he is supposed to pick up. Inconsistent hand placement allows defenders to get around him way too often. Terrible when it comes to taking angles in the run game. Goes to the ground way too easily.

Overview

Unpolished blocker who lacks the physical talent to play at the next level. Simply does not have any traits that make him worth even stashing on the practice squad.

Grade

0.5 - Shouldn't make a roster

Projection

He should go undrafted, and I'm not sure he should make a 90-man roster.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

ArDarius Stewart

Wide Receiver

Alabama

Junior

Age 21

6'0"

204 pounds

4.55 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Physical player. Has the strength to break through arm tackles in space. Willing blocker. Solid hands. Has the gas to get going in space, and get away from pursuing defenders.

Negatives

Sometimes loses his spacial awareness and makes mistakes as a blocker.

Overview

Solid well-rounded prospect who has the overall package to play well at the next level. Not many holes in his game, but never really got to showcase his skill set due to the way Alabama utilized him.

Grade

5.9 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him as a second rounder right now, but he could go either way. His lack of touches at Alabama is going to hurt him because it's tougher to get a good feel on his game with so few opportunities as a receiver. That said, he checks all the boxes and I would be shocked to see him get out of day two.

Edited January 16, 2017 by Chernobyl426