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

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Jonathan Allen

3-4 Defensive End

Alabama

Senior

Age 22

6'3"

291 pounds

4.82 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Very good technique, and has the ability to win fights solely on his hands. Very crisp footwork, and has the ability to stunt well. Draws double teams. Has the ability to turn guys to their sides and get past them. Large arsenal of moves. Very mobile for an interior guy. Has the versatility to play all across the line, though best suited for 3-4 DE.

Negatives

Lacks top end strength for the next level. Doesn't take up much space in the run game.

Overview

Incredibly technical and mobile interior lineman. Utilizes good hands and quick feet to get off his blockers and get into the backfield. Lacks the top end strength of most interior defensive linemen, Not a guy who's going to eat blockers or ball-carriers with mass, but tough to stop once he gets a hold of you.

Grade

7.8 - Potential All-Pro, Perennial Pro Bowler

Projection

He should be a lock for the first round. He may not go top five like everyone project early on, but barring serious injury or character concerns rising, he's one of the safest picks of the class at a high level.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Solomon Thomas

3-4 Defensive End

Stanford

Sophomore

Age 21

6'2"

275 pounds

4.84 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Constantly draws double teams. Can get a hold of the ball-carrier off his blocks and wrap up well. Versatile enough to play all over.

Negatives

Undersized for an interior guy, but too limited athletically to play on the outside. Will get pushed around by NFL-caliber linemen due to lack of strength. Lacks the bend you'd like out of a guy who is projected to play at 4-3 DE by many. Way too easy to get between his numbers and stick him up. Not a top tier athlete. Tweener.

Overview

Limited as a total package, but he's a good moving piece as a rotational lineman. Can play across the line, but not at a very high level. Tweener who likely won't fit in any particularly place. Draws double teams at the college level, but it may not translate to the NFL.

Grade

4.0 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

A lot of people are talking him up as a first rounder, but I don't see it at all. I think he's going to fall a little bit in the real draft, but I'd value his talent way lower. I have him currently listed as a sixth rounder, and I expect his actual production to be worth that kind of selection.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Dalvin Tomlinson

3-4 Defensive End

Alabama

Senior

Age 23

6'3"

312 pounds

5.14 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Has the size and strength to anchor the defensive line in the run game. Able to fight off blocks and get his hands on the ball-carrier. Does a great job of controlling gaps.

Negatives

Can get stood up at times and get delayed on his pass rush. Limited as a total athletic package.

Overview

Good base 3-4 defensive end with a lot of strength to anchor on the line in the run game. Powerful tackler, and nearly impossible to get away from. Not a guy who breaks off blockers to get involved in the pass game, but can pivot laterally enough to get his hands active in the run game.

Grade

5.1 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him just slipping into the third day, though I would not be shocked at all if he were to sneak into day two. He's a reliable starter at the next level from day one, and he's a great fit for a team that likes to stuff the run out of a 3-4 set. If he's not in the first three rounds, he'll get taken in the fourth.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Charles Walker

3-4 Defensive End

Oklahoma

Junior

Age 21

6'2"

304 pounds

4.97 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Has the versatility to anchor in the run game regardless of being inside or outside. Has the strength to make it at the next level. Quick feet, and can move through traffic well when he is able to get an opening.

Negatives

Very limited frame. Doesn't get off his blocks in the pass game consistently. Doesn't pull off to grab ball carrier. Limited overall hand technique, relies solely on strength and speed to win battles. Severe injury concerns (concussions).

Overview

Undersized 3-4 DE who has the strength to hold the line at the next level, but not to break off his blocks. Inconsistent hand technique, and struggles to get off of rangy blockers. Quick feet and ability to find openings is worth a draft pick, but the rest of his game is extremely limiting. Tweener with no natural role.

Grade

4.1 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him listed as a sixth rounder right now, and he should fall somewhere in that late day three range. I don't think he has nearly enough polish to make up for the mess that is his technique. He should be a good rotational piece at the next level, but his ceiling is quite limited.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Davon Godchaux

3-4 Defensive End

LSU

Junior

Age 21

6'4"

293 pounds

5.07 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good awareness, will jump off his blocks to get his hands on the ball-carrier. Has the quick hands you'd like out of an interior guy.

Negatives

Tweener. Lacks the bend to be an outside pass-rusher, but undersized for an inside guy. Gets stood up too easily at times by stronger guys. Limited lateral movement.

Overview

Undersized interior guy with too little power to succeed as an anchor at the next level. Not a great technical player either, but has the hand quickness to do damage in the passing game. Doesn't take up space, but can reach out off his blocks to get a hold of the ball carrier.

Grade

3.8 - Potential backup

Projection

I have him as a sixth rounder, but he could slip further depending on how the rest of the board falls. He'll likely end up being taken somewhere in day three. The fact he is a tweener more than anything will kill his stock significantly.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Christian Heyward

3-4 Defensive End

San Diego State

Senior

Age 24

6'2"

300 pounds

5.04 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Solid hand technique. Has the strength to anchor in the run game. Has the ability to get off of blocks with hand-fighting and quick feet.

Negatives

Undersized for an inside guy. Can get driven around at times due to inconsistent leverage. Somewhat top-heavy, doesn't have great balance in his lower body.

Overview

Solid overall package with good technique, even though he doesn't always utilize leverage as well as he could. Struggles when stood up due to lacking top-end strength, even though he has the ability to anchor in the run game.

Grade

4.3 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him listed as a fifth rounder, although he is in the back half of the round. He could feasibly drop further, but due to the need for good interior guys and the lack of depth in this class, he shouldn't be much later than a middle of day three pick.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Ralph Green III

3-4 Defensive End

Indiana

Senior

Age 23

6'3"

317 pounds

5.14 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Has solid anchor ability due to good use of leverage. Takes up a lot of space for a smaller guy. Can fight off of blockers well.

Negatives

Undersized for an interior lineman. Lacks lateral movement, will struggle when he gets stuck on a line. Serious off-the-field concerns.

Overview

Undersized anchor who struggles to do much more than take up space and rush the passer down a straight line. Has the talent to be a situational guy, although he doesn't have the overall ability of anything more.

Grade

3.7 - Potential Backup

Projection

I have him as a seventh rounder, but he's likely going to drop into undrafted territory by the end of the board filling out. He's not a particularly talented guy, but he does have a role at the next level.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Darius Hamilton

3-4 Defensive End

Rutgers

Senior

Age 23

6'2"

278 pounds

5.04 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Incredibly twitchy for an interior lineman, can burst quickly through gaps. Has the versatility to play all over the line. Can play on all three downs, both as a run stuffer and pass rusher. Utilizes leverage well. Tough to break away from once he gets his hands on a guy.

Negatives

Questions about size, may not meet the measurable requirements that many teams look for. Can get bullied around due to lack of functional strength at times.

Overview

Twitched up interior pass-rusher who has the ability to play all over the line. Does a great job of using leverage, footwork, and hand technique to get off of his blocks. Lacks the top end strength you'd like for an inside guy, but makes up for it with a balanced game.

Grade

4.7 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him currently as a fourth rounder, but he could slip into the fifth or sixth round in the coming days, although he will likely be an early to middle day three selection. He may start off as a rotational guy due to his size, but when you get him snaps he will produce and create disruption as a pass-rusher.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Paul Boyette Jr.

3-4 Defensive End

Texas

Senior

Age 22

6'3"

317 pounds

5.17 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Takes up space well. One of the bigger interior guys in this class, even though he plays very quick and disruptive. Impossible to get away from when he gets his man wrapped up.

Negatives

Doesn't have great lateral movement, and relies more on his size to anchor. Inconsistent hands, will get locked up way too easily.

Overview

Quick interior guy with the size to back up his play style. Does a good job of using pure athleticism to win, although it won't work nearly as consistently at the next level. Likely a low-end starter or rotational guy at the next level.

Grade

3.9 - Potential Backup

Projection

I have him listed as a sixth rounder, and at worst he could slip into the seventh round. He's definitely a draftable prospect, and he could come in as a low-end starter who takes up space. He may not have the high ceiling of a lot of late round picks, but he should certainly be selected.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Treyvon Hester

3-4 Defensive End

Toledo

Senior

Age 24

6'3"

300 pounds

5.09 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Moves well for a bigger guy. Has the size to clog gaps and take up space. Impossible to get away from once he gets a hold of the ball-carrier. Slaps hands and plays incredibly disruptive.

Negatives

Lacks lateral ability to slide. Gets turned around too easily when looking for leverage. Plays tall too often, and it causes him to get bullied by stronger linemen.

Overview

Big-bodied interior guy who does a good job of filling the lane and snatching up whoever has the ball. Moves pretty light on his feet for a guy with such size. Constant motor, and doesn't stop fighting to move forward. Plays too tall at times, and gets turned around.

Grade

3.7 - Potential Backup

Projection

While I have him listed as a seventh rounder, he could fall down to undrafted territory in the coming months. That said, he should be a priority UDFA is he falls out of the draft, and a team could take him day three and make something serviceable out of him.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Myles Garrett

4-3 Defensive End

Texas A&M

Junior

Age 21

6'4"

268 pounds

4.57 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Phenomenal bend, will go right underneath the pads of unsuspecting tackles. Does a great job of constantly driving through on blocks and finding a way to create pressure regardless of his positioning. Solid tackler. Does his job in the run game, and can deter runners out of his assignment. Can string moves together to find holes. Rarely runs himself out of plays. Has the mobility to play in short coverages.

Negatives

Limited strength when he isn't utilizing leverage. Can get locked up too easily when he gets stood up. Doesn't have great burst off the line, not a snap jumper or a guy who will fly off with pure athleticism. Slender frame will cause questions about where to play him at the next level. Limited when he doesn't stick his hand in the dirt.

Overview

Slender 4-3 defensive end who lacks the ideal frame for the position, but makes up for it with great athletic ability and a smooth bend. Does a good job of utilizing the tools given to him and never stopping with his motor. May not be a mauler in the run game, but he can anchor the line if necessary. Has the overall athletic ability and pass-rushing skills to be a top-flight guy at the next level.

Grade

7.8 - Potential All-Pro, Perennial Pro Bowler

Projection

He's a first rounder, and that's a lock. It's not even worth discussing him as anything but that at this point. If he doesn't go first overall, he will go in the top five.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

DeMarcus Walker

4-3 Defensive End

Florida State

Senior

Age 22

6'2"

273 pounds

4.86 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Incredibly wide base allows him to dominate spacing in the run game. Has the strength you want in a prototypical 4-3 DE. Brings down his opposition as soon as he gets his hands on them. Physical player with a great motor. Very well-rounded. Great disruptive ability. Great understanding of leverage. Has the lower body power and anchoring ability to play inside when necessary. Great athlete in general. Very aware player.

Negatives

Needs his hand in the dirt to be effective. Not a terrific bender. Can overshoot his gaps at times as a run defender.

Overview

Incredibly well-rounded edge defender who has the ability to do it all. Can rush the passer effectively or hold as an anchor in the run game. Very aware and very technical with his style of play. Unique frame that allows him to generate power and spread himself out well makes him a pain to defend.

Grade

7.9 - Potential All-Pro, Perennial Pro Bowler

Projection

He should be a first rounder, and I would not be shocked if he is called within the first 20 picks. He's being slept on a lot right now, although he has all the talent in the world and perfectly fits almost any 4-3 defensive concept a coach can scheme up. He's a great plug & play guy who will get double digit sacks quickly.

[seanbrock 1,684]

Couldn't disagree on Solomon Thomas more. Every time I saw Stanford this year he was far and away their best player and really dominated the LOS. We've seen some of the bigger 4-3 DE's make the switch to the 5tech but we've also seen guys like Justin Tuck have a lot of success being moved around the line in a 4-3. Don't get too wrapped up in a perceived lack of strength or athleticism either because NFL weight rooms and training staffs can do wonders. Good football players find a way to make plays and that's what Thomas does. The fact that he's drawing and beating double teams in college means a lot imo.

[Cherry 1,302]

I don't project anything for beefing guys up in NFL weight rooms or maximizing their frames, so I'm just going based on what I see. I just don't think Thomas has the bend or the speed to play outside as a 5tech. That's a huge projection to jump a guy from playing inside to lining up off the tackle. Thomas is disruptive no doubt, but that's primarily as an interior guy who is used on stunts to get him into favorable positions.

 

I'm just not picking up on the hype train if he's getting used as an edge rusher.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Tarell Basham

4-3 Defensive End

Ohio

Senior

Age 22

6'4"

259 pounds

4.84 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Very solid bend for a thicker defensive end. Has the frame and natural strength to hold the edge as an anchor in the run game. Solid disruptive ability, especially for a bigger guy. Impossible to get away from once he has you wrapped up. Quick hands and quick feet allow him to get burst inside.

Negatives

Lacks the speed you'd like for an edge rusher. Has a tendency to overrun the play at times.

Overview

Very well-rounded 4-3 defensive end who does a great job at holding his own in both the run game and the pass game. Good athlete for the position from a flexibility standpoint, but lacks top end speed. Very strong frame.

Grade

6.9 - Potential Pro Bowler

Projection

He should be a first rounder, but he could end up dropping into the second round on my board. He should be a day two pick in the actual draft, and if he falls beyond that he's a tremendous steal for whoever gets him.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Pita Taumoepenu

4-3 Defensive End

Utah

Senior

Age 22

6'1"

242 pounds

4.68 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Great bend. Flies off the snap and gets into the backfield faster than anyone else. Has tricks up his sleeve, can utilize a lot of different moves to get into the open. Good tackler, difficult to get away from as a ball-carrier solely due to his speed.

Negatives

Insanely small frame. Lacks the run defending ability to be much more than a pass-rushing specialist. Should be taken off the field in non-passing situations.

Overview

Limited overall prospect who does a great job at one thing. He's an excellent pass-rusher, but he's not going to be much more than that at the next level. He's most effective with his hand in the dirt, so he should be used off the tackle on rare occasions to generate pressure. I'd still invest a day two pick on him if I needed pass-rushers because he has the situational role to dominate, but he's not an every-down guy.

Grade

5.8 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him listed as a third rounder, but he could slide into day three. The limitations on his game are obvious, but he has a clear role at the next level and could excel if put into the right situation. Expect a team that needs a twitchy edge rusher to jump on him once we get to around to the third or fourth.

[seanbrock 1,684]

I don't project anything for beefing guys up in NFL weight rooms or maximizing their frames, so I'm just going based on what I see. I just don't think Thomas has the bend or the speed to play outside as a 5tech. That's a huge projection to jump a guy from playing inside to lining up off the tackle. Thomas is disruptive no doubt, but that's primarily as an interior guy who is used on stunts to get him into favorable positions.

 

I'm just not picking up on the hype train if he's getting used as an edge rusher.

Remember Chris Borland a few years back coming out of the draft? Small, not very athletic, but one hell of a football player. I feel like at the end of the day with certain players that shines through. I believe Thomas will be one of those players.

[Cherry 1,302]

Remember Chris Borland a few years back coming out of the draft? Small, not very athletic, but one hell of a football player. I feel like at the end of the day with certain players that shines through. I believe Thomas will be one of those players.

 

Size isn't the issue. At his current size, and as a 3-4 DE, I have him graded as a rotational guy based on the skill level he displayed. If someone wants to take a guy with no bend and put him on the outside and ask him to rush off the tackle or even standing up? I just don't see it man. The traits he has do not translate anywhere but 3-4 DE IMO.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Charles Harris

3-4 Outside Linebacker

Missouri

Junior

Age 21

6'3"

255 pounds

4.74 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Has solid bend when he has the space to work off the tackle, rather than immediately push inside. Has the strength to bring down guys as soon as he gets his hands on him. Great at anticipating the snap. Flies off the edge.

Negatives

Lacks top-end burst with his hand in the dirt. Not a particularly strong guy in the run game, will get pushed around at times by bigger tackles. Doesn't have the ability to play out in coverage.

Overview

Good outside pass-rusher who struggles when asked to put his hand in the dirt rather than rush from a standing position. Limited as an overall prospect, but has the talent to do damage as a situational guy. Great build and ability to bend.

Grade

5.2 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

Due to his limited role at the next level as a full-time starter, I do think he will end up being taken in the back of day two or in the beginning of day three. If a team really falls in love with his ability to play that specialist role, he should go in the second day.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Isaac Rochell

4-3 Defensive End

Notre Dame

Senior

Age 22

6'3"

282 pounds

4.86 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Prototypical size for an edge guy. Has the strength to anchor the line in the run game. Versatile enough to play both inside and outside. Very aware, constantly gets his hands up in the pass game.

Negatives

Not a great bender. Limited when asked to change direction. Inconsistent with his pad level, and loses his strength when driving blockers because of it.

Overview

Solid edge defender who does a good job of anchoring the line in the run game, but doesn;t have the bend to be a guy constantly generating pressure and getting sacks at the next level. Has serious strength for an outside guy, and does a good job of playing to the stronger portions of his game.

Grade

5.0 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him as a fourth rounder right now, and he's likely going to be end up being a middle of the day three pick. He doesn't jump off tape at all, but has the traits to be an average starter at the next level.

[seanbrock 1,684]

 

Size isn't the issue. At his current size, and as a 3-4 DE, I have him graded as a rotational guy based on the skill level he displayed. If someone wants to take a guy with no bend and put him on the outside and ask him to rush off the tackle or even standing up? I just don't see it man. The traits he has do not translate anywhere but 3-4 DE IMO.

No I was saying Chris Borland was considered small and unathletic. Thomas is really just considered by many to be unathletic. Every once in a while guys who aren't supreme athletes come around and are great anyway just because the game is in them.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Chris Wormley

4-3 Defensive End

Michigan

Senior

Age 23

6'5"

297 pounds

4.92 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Smart run defender, will throw off blockers to get involved. Size and versatility could allow him to play both the edge and the interior. Very strong when he gets going, can drive blockers back when he utilizes leverage. Great awareness, understands when to make moves and where to go with his positioning.

Negatives

Too top-heavy, will stand up on his rushes and get locked up too easily. Lacks the burst or bend you'd like from an edge guy. Way too careless with his hand placement. Way more likely to get involved due to coverage, rather than natural disruptive ability.

Overview

Incredibly large edge guy who has the versatility and strength to play across the defensive line. Limited as an overall athlete due to lack of bend or burst, but has a solid game overall. Very high floor for a defensive lineman.

Grade

4.7 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him in the fourth round, but he will likely fall into the fifth round or even the sixth as the board continues to fill out. He's a solid rotational guy, but he's never going to be a guy that stands out on tape or pushes guys around at the next level. He has the versatility to play inside, and the size, but not to an outstanding extent.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Deatrich Wise Jr.

4-3 Defensive End

Arkansas

Senior

Age 22

6'5"

275 pounds

4.84 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Very wide stance allows for better leverage. Solid bend and burst. Utilizes positioning well, and can fight through traffic to get involved in the passing game. Has the strength to bring down the ball-carrier when gets a hold of them.

Negatives

Will get pushed around easily if he doesn't use leverage properly. Lacks the strength to play anything inside the tackle. Lacks a wide arsenal of moves. Doesn't have great lateral movement.

Overview

Limited strength for an edge rusher, but he has solid bend around the edge. Relies on being used as a situational pass-rusher who just gets after the quarterback rather than being an overall package.

Grade

4.4 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him in the fifth round, and he could slip into the sixth as the board fills up. He's a solid pass-rushing specialist, but that's about it. He shouldn't be a consistent starter at the next level, and should instead fill a role as a rotational guy who gets in on passing downs.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Lewis Neal

4-3 Defensive End

LSU

Senior

Age 21

6'0"

274 pounds

4.82 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Versatile enough to play inside. Very strong tackler.. Can shed blocks easily to get involved in the play. Solid frame for an edge guy, and has the strength to anchor in the run game.

Negatives

Limited bend, and overall a stiff player. Best when asked to just head down-field rather than make moves.

Overview

Solid overall package who has the technical ability and play strength to be a solid starter at the next level. Not a freak athlete by any means, but can do well in both facets of the game.

Grade

5.4 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him as a third rounder, but he could slip into day three as the board continues to fill up. He's a solid starter, but nothing extraordinary. If you grab him you know you're getting a limited 4-3 DE with good play strength and technique.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Tanoh Kpassagnon

4-3 Defensive End

Villanova

Senior

Age 22

6'7"

280 pounds

4.89 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Phenomenal frame. Has great speed for a bigger guy, and his range is phenomenal. Wide stance helps him generate more area coverage in the run game. Has bursts where he showcases his athleticism, and will dominate his competition.

Negatives

Lacks the strength you'd like from the edge, and may need to bulk up and push inside to succeed at the next level. Doesn't have great bend at the hips, although he is flexible when meeting contact. Very poor understanding of leverage.

Overview

Lanky athlete who has the range you love to have off the edge, although he is very unrefined from a technical standpoint. Has the frame that you can add weight to and shift inside, even though he isn't particularly strong at this point in time.

Grade

3.9 - Potential Backup

Projection

I have him in the sixth, and I do think he should be a day three selection in the latter half. He's very limited right now, and most of the hype is just based on potential alone. He's a developmental prospect, and that's it.