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

[Cherry 1,302]

 

The Basics

 

Malik Zaire

Quarterback

Notre Dame

Senior (Eligible to transfer)

Age 21

6'0"

207 pounds

4.67 projected 40-yard dash

 

Positives

 

Very consistent mechanics that are pro-ready. Good scrambler when he has the opportunity to create them organically. Solid pocket awareness. Goes through reads at a pro-level, though nothing overwhelmingly impressive. Not the type to take unnecessary risks, and would rather take a sack or throw the ball away than give up a turnover. Shows command of the pocket and steps up well to make throws under pressure.

 

Negatives

 

Left-handed, which may cause some issues for his coaches. Not a bad arm, but an average one. Not particularly accurate, only puts the ball within the receiver's catch radius. Undersized for a pro quarterback. Doesn't have a legitimate "fastball". No truly defining piece of his game that makes him stand out. Until Kizer's status as a top quarterback is cemented, he will be questioned for having been benched in favor of Kizer.

 

Overview

 

Very well-rounded lefty who could take the wheel as a starter if your franchise guy goes down, or potentially even start on his own if he falls into the right place and has a decent cast of weapons. He's a solid career backup at worst and a mid-level starter at best.

 

Grade

 

4.9 - Potential Starter, Consistent Backup

Projection

 

Zaire could end up staying in college, but the situation around his eligibility is murky at best. If he declares this year, he should be a third rounder, but again, the situation is incredibly unclear. He's eligible to transfer from Notre Dame next year. I really can't project anything for him until we figure out what his plans are.

 

[Cherry 1,302]

 

The Basics

Mason Rudolph

Quarterback

Oklahoma State

Junior

Age 21

6'5"

236 pounds

4.77 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Incredibly durable and pro-ready arm. Can throw bombs non-stop and doesn't tire out. Can get it 70 yards down the field even when he has been airing it out all game. Incredible accuracy on intermediate and deep passes. Place it where only the receiver can get it. Great frame for an NFL quarterback. Great velocity on passes. Stands tall in the pocket and steps up to deliver passes well. Great mechanics.

Negatives

Very raw when it comes to reading defenses. Will often make mistakes when asked to play a short passing game and go through reads. Very QB-friendly system hinders ability to go through his receivers and transition to a pro-style offense. Not a scrambler at all, relies entirely on good protection.

Overview

If he reaches his ceiling, he might be tough to touch. He's neck and neck with Chad Kelly for who could be the best quarterback if they develop to the top of their game. He might honestly have the edge if he can develop his short game and learn a pro-style offense. His physical attributes are off the charts. That said, he could flame out as another strong-armed quarterback who never learns a pro-style offense and proceeds to be a career depth guy who makes a living chucking passes in practice.

Grade

4.7 - Potential Starter, Consistent Backup

Projection

One of the rawest QB prospects in this class, Rudolph is going to get a lot of love from scouts who are looking for a project they can turn into a franchise guy. Due to his physical abilities, I would be shocked if he falls out of the second round. He might be an early third at worst. That said, concerns about his ability to learn a pro-style playbook are going to do serious damage to his draft stock and prevent him from creeping into first round talk with guys like Kaaya.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Brady Gustafson

Quarterback

Montana

Senior

Age 22

6'7"

229 pounds

4.97 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Great pocket presence, stands tall. Goes through reads effectively, though not at an outstanding level. Very safe passer when throwing short to intermediate routes. Doesn't have a cannon by any means, but has an above average arm with the accuracy to get the ball down field safely. Great mechanics for a bigger guy. Good velocity on passes.

Negatives

Incredibly limited outside of the pocket. Might be the best example of a pure pocket passer out of this whole class with the exception of maybe Davis Webb. Very slim frame for a guy that big, which could be an issue taking big hits. Doesn't always place it in the safest spot.

Overview

Think late-career Peyton Manning who is slightly taller and doesn't have the same ability to control an offense and pick teams apart. He's strictly a pocket passer who can throw decently accurate passes down the field and move the chains consistently. That said, he may not be the answer for a team looking for a franchise QB unless he can go through his targets faster and be more consistent with his deep ball.

Grade

4.4 - Potential Starter, Consistent Backup

Projection

I think a team that really falls in love with his size and perceived potential will be willing to take a shot at him somewhere in round three. That's about where I'd start considering taking him. That said, I wouldn't be shocked if he becomes an early day three pick. The fact he's facing non-FBS competition will do damage to his stock in the eyes of a lot of people.

[Cherry 1,302]

 

The Basics

Davis Webb

Quarterback

Cal

Senior

6'5"

195 pounds

4.86 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Great arm talent. Incredible deep ball when he throws it properly. Could hit 75 yards down the field if he had time to cock back and unleash it. Can go through reads at an average level, nothing special. Very good velocity on his passes.

Negatives

Absolutely atrocious footwork. One of the worst and inconsistent throwing motions I've ever seen. Needs a LOT of help to fix his issues fundamentally. Too often overthrows his receiver on intermediate routes due to issues with throwing motion. Turnover prone. Strictly a project at this point, and a massive one at that.

Overview

Incredibly raw and fundamentally broken project that needs years of proper coaching and fixing to be anything resembling a starting quarterback. Has one of the best arms in all of college football, and could compete in a throwing contest with Jamarcus Russell, but holy hell does he have problems.

Grade

4.0 - Potential Starter, Consistent Backup

Projection

Anyone taking this guy needs to know that this pick is an absolute flyer. You're scratching a lottery ticket and hoping you hit something decent. The odds are Webb will never fix his issues and continue to be a fundamentally broken depth guy who hangs around for several years due to having a cannon. If by some miracle he ends up reaching a decent amount of his potential, he could be a low-end starter. If he reaches all of it, he could be something truly special. Fifth round pick with huge concerns. Buyer beware.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Hardy Nickerson Jr.

3-4 Inside Linebacker

Illinois

Senior

Age 22

6'0"

230 pounds

4.77 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Very quick side-to-side movement between the hashes. Very quick reactions and adjustments in coverage. Very good tackling form. Wraps up the ball-carrier well and drives forward. Doesn't leave assignments once he gets to them. Won't give up big plays due to aggressiveness. Can wade through traffic to make plays on the run game on occasion.

Negatives

Not a strong tackler. Tends to get walled off in run defense. Gets hung up too easy by average hand placement when trying to go forward or snap off a block. Not a particularly great athlete, can't catch some of the faster receivers and backs. Gets pushed around sometimes due to size.

Overview

Very good coverage ILB who has the ability to play all three downs. Not a particularly outstanding athlete, nor a particularly strong LB, but has the mental abilities and the well-rounded game to last multiple years in the NFL. Very quick reaction time and understanding of where to go in coverages. Sticks to assignments well and never roams around. Great at going step-by-step through plays whether it be a running play or passing play.

Grade

4.7 - Potential Starter, Consistent Backup

Projection

He's not a great player, or even a really good player, but he fits well for a modern NFL defense that relies more on space and coverage ability than on stout run defense and big hitters. I would expect him to go somewhere in the middle of day two. I'd say middle of the third round or so, but I wouldn't be shocked if he snuck into the very end of the second round.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Nathan Peterman

Quarterback

Pittsburgh

Senior

Age 22

6'2"

225 pounds

4.93 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Pro-ready when it comes to going through his reads, though he doesn't do it at an elite level. Good short to intermediate accuracy. Good mechanics when he settles down on throws. Very safe short passer. Not a terrible scrambler.

Negatives

Very weak arm. Incredibly undersized. Too often stares down receivers. Too jittery in the pocket at times. Very timid passer who refuses to take shots downfield.

Overview

Very safe low-end backup quarterback who can get 150-175 yards and avoid lots of turnovers at a pro level. Incredibly low ceiling. Not a guy who you will ever build into a starter. Timid short passer who won't stretch the field, but also won't kill your team.

Grade

3.8 - Potential backup

Projection

Peterman is the exact opposite of Davis Webb, who got a similar grade. He has an incredibly low potential for growth, and has very few physical tools that you want at the next level. That said, his ability to go through reads and run a safe and short offense that can get down the field for a couple of touchdowns a game will make him valuable as a spot starter. He should be a fifth round pick, whether it be high or low. That's the peak of where he should be taken. He could slip all the way down to the seventh if teams aren't as hot on him.

Edited November 23, 2016 by Chernobyl426

[Cherry 1,302]

 

The Basics

Matt Johns

Quarterback

Virginia

Senior

Age 23

6'5"

205 pounds

5.07 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Very good frame and stature. Stands tall in the pocket despite pressure. Good short passing game.

Negatives

Doesn't always go through reads. Too often locks onto one receiver and throws it regardless of coverage. Not a powerful arm. Passes float way too often. Forces passes that he doesn't have the arm to force.

Overview

Looks like a potential backup, and has the traits to fit as an emergency spot starter, but isn't a high end project. Doesn't have the arm or decision-making skills to become something that resembles a starting QB.

Grade

3.2 - Potential backup

Projection

The size and short passing game are going to do a lot for teams that want a potential backup, so I wouldn't be shocked if a team bites on him in the late fifth or early sixth round. That said, the talent in this class could push him to be a seventh rounder or even undrafted.

Edited November 23, 2016 by Chernobyl426

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Skyler Howard

Quarterback

West Virginia

Senior

Age 22

6'0"

207 pounds

4.79 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Very powerful arm capable of putting serious velocity on passes downfield. Has the athleticism to scramble and pick up a few yards. Beautiful deep ball when he has time. Consistently accurate. Great understanding of where to place it for the receiver in tight coverages.

Negatives

Undersized and somewhat inconsistent in the pocket. Doesn't always go through reads properly.

Overview

Very high-end backup with the potential to grow into a starter if put in the right situation. Now a particularly great frame, but a very balanced style of play along with a pro-level arm. Would do well to sit behind a franchise QB and learn for a couple years.

Grade

4.4 - Potential starter, consistent backup

Projection

Coming into the process, I was relatively low on Howard. He seemed like a big-armed QB who didn't have the traits you look for in a pro quarterback. After the second round of film, I feel pretty comfortable in moving him up my board. He has an absolute cannon for an arm and has accuracy that would work at the pro level. I have him firmly projected as a third or fourth rounder at this point.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Patrick Towles

Quarterback

Boston College

Senior

6'5"

253 pounds

4.82 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good frame and velocity on passes. Size to take hits. Goes through his reads, but does it rather slow compared to pro quarterbacks.

Negatives

Very slow release, tends to wind-up before going down the field. Not a clean spiral. Very inaccurate with ball placement. Throws downwards rather than forwards on a lot of short passes .

Overview

High upside project who has a lot of work to do on mechanics and decision-making. Has frame of a franchise QB and certainly looks the part, but needs to clean up game tremendously. Good arm, but lacks the mechanics to throw a consistent and accurate pass. Also has issues with decision-making and going through reads at an NFL speed.

Grade

3.7 - Potential backup

Projection

Very likely an early sixth rounder who is groomed into being a long-term backup QB. I could see him falling to the seventh round, but his frame leaves a lot to like, and I wouldn't be shocked if a team took a shot on him in the later portion of the draft.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Cooper Rush

Quarterback

Central Michigan

Senior

Age 22

6'3"

227 pounds

4.86 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good short passer. NFL size. Stands tall and deliver passes despite pressure from pass rushers. Has good mechanics when he has time to set up. Nice tight spiral that is very catchable.

Negatives

Struggles with reads. Too often stares down receivers. Played in a very QB-friendly system, one which limits his growth. Very average arm. Throws off back foot way too much.

Overview

Low ceiling QB with a solid frame and an average arm, but nothing really special. Looks like a career backup more than anything, but has flashes in his game where he picks up his accuracy and plays like a starter. There are still concerns about his ability to go through reads quickly and avoid mistakes though.

Grade

3.6 - Potential Backup

Projection

Due to his size and potential as a backup, I wouldn't be surprised to see a team take a shot at him in the middle of the fifth round, but it's far more likely he goes somewhere around the sixth round. He's likely never going to become a starter, so it's not worth the pick in most situations to take a potential backup with a fifth rounder over a project who could develop into a starter.

[Cherry 1,302]

 

The Basics

 

Taysom Hill

Quarterback

BYU

Senior

Age 26

6'2"

220 pounds

4.59 projected 40-yard dash

 

Positives

 

Good anticipation. Can get through reads at a pro level. Very quick scrambler. Incredible ball placement on shorter routes. Very good pocket presence. Stays calm under fire and will take a hit to get a pass off. Sprinter speed running down the field, will outrun linebackers.

 

Negatives

 

Awkward mechanics. Tends to low-arm passes and it forces them downwards rather than forwards. Sometimes misses lurking underneath coverages. Concerns about health and age. Has had multiple season-ending injuries & will be 27 by the time his rookie season rolls around.

 

Overview

 

Good short-to-intermediate passer with a lot to like as an athlete. Not the greatest mechanics, but places the ball accurately on a consistent basis, and understands when to take risks. Very safe player. Not an incredibly high ceiling, but has a very high floor.

 

Grade

 

4.7 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

 

Projection

 

Due to age and injury concerns, I would expect teams to start considering him around the fourth round, but he's still a middle of the pack quarterback who could potentially start and is more likely to ride the bench behind a better arm talent. He's a good bet to go by at least the sixth round, but that fourth to sixth range is the sweet spot for Hill.

[Cherry 1,302]

 

The Basics

 

Jeremy McNichols

Running back

Boise State

Junior

Age 20

5'9"

215 pounds

4.55 projected 40-yard dash

 

Positives

 

Very good pop to his runs. Incredible balance runner, can stay standing regardless of what hits him. Very good agility inside the tackles. Human pinball. Very tough to tackle and bring down due to shifty style & constant change of direction. Not a huge runner, but plays like it. Not afraid of contact. Solid receiving back.

 

Negatives

 

Doesn't have the speed to get going in open space. Questionable motor, takes plays off in the running and passing game. Tends to get bulldozed while pass blocking.

 

Overview

 

Very strong runner who feeds off contact and inside runs. Not a huge guy, but runs with fire. Great balance. Subpar pass blocker. Good receiver out of the backfield. Easy to smack when he's standing straight up, but when he lowers his shoulder and pushes he is tough to stop.

 

Grade

 

5.5 - Consistent NFL starter

 

Projection

 

I wouldn't be shocked if he snuck into the back end of the first due to the incredible mix of balance and power he has, but McNichols has some glaring issues with his game. His pass blocking is shoddy and he doesn't have the speed in open space to break off long runs. That along with taking plays off will likely propel him into the middle of the second round, and at worst he could fall to the third.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Sefo Liufau

Quarterback

Colorado

Senior

Age 22

6'4"

216 pounds

4.76 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Great mechanics. Incredibly accurate passer. Has enough power to pull off the deep ball. Very good frame, stands tall in the pocket and delivers passes regardless of pressure. Very safe passer.

Negatives

Mediocre scrambler. Not always aware in the pocket, tends to get feet glued down rather than move into better spaces. Not a guy who goes through a lot of reads, just locks in on one target. Runs if his first target isn't open.

Overview

Solid mechanics and frame, but he's seriously underdeveloped as a quarterback on a mental level. Too often prefers to just take off running rather than continue to look for other targets. Good accuracy, but it's coming on short timing routes that are the first option to throw to.

Grade

3.3 - Potential Backup

Projection

The size and mechanics are a huge plus, but Liufau will need a lot of help in learning how to properly go through reads and develop his game to fit a pro-style offense. He's a late sixth or early seventh rounder. I would be shocked if a team took him earlier than the back of the fifth.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Patrick Mahomes II

Quarterback

Texas Tech

Junior

Age 21

6'3"

229 pounds

4.84 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Great size. Has decent speed for a bigger QB. Pro level arm. Great velocity on passes.

Negatives

Inconsistent mechanics. Sidearms passes too much. Doesn't go through reads at a consistent pace. Accuracy isn't good enough for the pro level, tends to throw it at the receivers feet or at the very edge of their range. Misses coverages and gets passes jumped. Too often throws without setting feet.

Overview

High upside project player. All the physical intangibles you look for in a franchise quarterback, but has serious flaws in his game. Needs a lot of help with the mental side of his game, along with cleaning up his throwing motion. Accuracy is a huge concern, especially considering the tendency to throw on the run.

Grade

3.2 - Potential Backup

Projection

There is a lot of hype around Mahomes right now, but I would be shocked if he continues to be talked about so highly considering all of the issues with his game. I would probably not risk him until the seventh round, but a team that really believes in him as a project might take a shot on him as a fifth or sixth rounder. That's most likely where he will land, assuming he declares.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Leonard Fournette

Running back

LSU

Junior

Age 21

6'1"

236 pounds

4.45 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Brutal runner. Absolutely demolishes tacklers who aren't putting everything into it and going low. Insane stiff arm. Great balance for a bigger guy. Strength that's rare for a running back. Untouchable by arm tackles. Legs always churning no matter what. Sprinter speed when rolling down the field.

Negatives

Questionable health/playstyle, seeks out contact when unnecessary, which could damage long term health. Average pass blocker.

Overview

Grown man amongst boys. Pure violence as a runner. Demolishes anyone in his path if they aren't going low. Incredible open field speed, even though he doesn't have the agility to cut a lot. One of the best pure runners in decades. Creates four yards for every yard given to him.

Grade

8.8 - Perennial All-Pro

Projection

Due to the demand for other positions, Fournette could very well slip out of the top three picks. That said, he shouldn't go farther than the top five, and if he does he won't go much longer than that. You put him behind an average line and he's hitting 1300-1500 yards a year until his body gives out on him. You put him behind a great line and he could push to be the greatest back ever.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Royce Freeman

Running back

Oregon

Junior

Age 20

5'11"

229 pounds

4.49 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Great vision. Finds open lanes and cuts back incredibly efficiently. Good size allows him to break through arm tackles. Powerful north to south runner. Good pass-protector. Good ball security, keeps it high and tight. Solid receiving back.

Negatives

Not a particularly fast runner. Slows down when changing direction. Doesn't have the power to push the line unless he can build up speed.

Overview

Heavy-footed power back who has needs to build up speed to generate a lot of power. Great vision and understanding of space allows him to make up for average athleticism. Very old school downhill runner. Solid pass blocker and receiving back. Potential to get 25-30 carries a game and bust 100 yards consistently.

Grade

6.3 - Potential Pro Bowler

Projection

I initially had Freeman graded as a middle of the pack first rounder, but after more film he has dropped to an early second round grade. Due to the amount of good running backs in this class along with the lack of importance at the position, I would not be shocked to see Freeman fall into the very end of round two. He could maybe even slip all the way to the beginning of round three if teams aren't interested in a slower back.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Shock Linwood

Running back

Baylor

Senior

Age 23

5'9"

201 pounds

4.48 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Great open space ability. Incredible balance. Powerful enough to push through arm-tackles. One of the best accelerators in the class. Can go from zero to a hundred by the time he gets to the linebackers. Solid receiver. One of the few backs who maintains speed despite changes in direction. Shifty in open space.

Negatives

Average pass blocker. Concerns about attitude and chemistry with coaches at Baylor.

Overview

No massive holes in his game. Great in space, and if he gets a hole he's gone. Speed converted into power when he lowers the shoulder. Shakes off would-be tacklers by constantly changing center of balance. Can take off with passes out of the backfield as well. Potential to be a returner.

Grade

7.3 - Perennial Pro Bowler, Potential All-Pro

Projection

Due to concerns about character, I wouldn't be shocked to see him fall into the top of the second, but if Linwood looks the same in his 2016 tape as he does in his 2015 tape, he's nearly a lock for the first round. He's a rare combination of speed and balance. I'd expect him to go somewhere between #11-25 overall. He's not getting as much attention as he should right now.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Curtis Samuel

Running back

Ohio State

Junior

Age 20

5'11"

201 pounds

4.48 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Sprinter speed in open space. Great acceleration and ability to change direction. Has top tier balance. Versatile, could be used as both a running back or a wide receiver. Good hands, rarely drops passes. Good vision in space.

Negatives

Plays relatively small. Can get taken down incredibly easy. Too small to be used as a pass blocking running back. Not a workhorse back or inside runner.

Overview

Swiss army knife who could be used in a lot of roles. Potential returning ability. Can be put in the slot and do damage as a receiver. Incredibly jittery player, makes players miss rather than pushing through them. Very quick acceleration in and out of cuts. Smooth route-runner. Not an inside runner, or a guy who should get more than 15-20 touches a game.

Grade

6.5 - Potential Pro Bowler

Projection

While I have him graded as a late first rounder, I would not be shocked to see Samuel fall into the latter half of round two. He's incredibly versatile, but not a guy you want to run into the ground. He's listed much bigger than I believe he is, and he would get beaten up pretty bad being used as a primary running back. He could fit as a full-time wide receiver though. I think someone will take a shot on him in the second solely on the versatility and potential he has. He's a home-run threat every time he touches it.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Dalvin Cook

Running back

Florida State

Junior

Age 21

6'0"

214 pounds

4.46 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Very good outside speed. Solid pass blocker. Accelerates well when he's in space. Very quick feet and cutting abilities. Finds space well when heading outside.

Negatives

Not a guy who breaks arm tackles. Runs very small for his size. Not a great pass catcher. Not a workhorse back. Very limited as an inside runner.

Overview

Very dangerous change of pace back who can be electric in space. Sprinter speed downfield. Not a great receiving back. Solid pass blocker. Not an inside runner, but can do a lot of damage when sweeping outside. Questions about ability to break tackles.

Grade

5.2 - Consistent NFL Starter

Projection

He reminds me a lot of Melvin Gordon coming out of college. He's a very fast outside runner but he's so limited inside that it scares me to give him that high of a grade. I see a lot of people giving him a first round grade, but I don't think pro teams are gonna buy that. I'd expect a middle or late second round pick, but he could slip all the way to the third. He's special in space, but he'll get mauled a lot by NFL linemen.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Donnel Pumphrey

Running back

San Diego State

Senior

Age 21

5'9"

170 pounds

4.43 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Sprinter speed down the field. One of the best pure cutting abilities in years. Often quick enough to get into space despite average line play. Very slippery around the edge, tough to get a hand on. Can change direction almost instantly.

Negatives

Very small runner. Tends to get taken down by first man to get to him on inside runs. Not an arm tackle breaker. Not a pass blocker. Questions about if his body would hold up.

Overview

Change of pace back who should get 15-20 touches a game and be used solely as a home-run threat. Send him outside around the edge or get him in space off a pass. He's one of the fastest and agile runners in years, but his body just wouldn't be able to handle a full workload.

Grade

5.7 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

Most of the buzz around Pumphrey I've seen has him as a day 3 pick, but I don't buy that. He's way too dangerous in space and on the outside to be a day 3 pick. Personally, I'd take him in the second round, but I think a team will take the bait around the third round.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Joe Mixon

Running back

Oklahoma

Sophomore

Age 20

6'1"

227 pounds

4.50 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good frame. Powerful enough to push through arm tackles. Pro caliber speed in space. Can take passes out of backfield. Nasty stiff arm. Very sturdy when he gets hit in open space. Solid blocker.

Negatives

Tends to get picky when looking for holes. Too patient at times, will sit behind blockers and get swarmed. Side to side runner, not a downhill runner. Runs too high at times, and doesn't use leverage consistently.

Overview

Very well-rounded workhorse back who can pick up 3-4 yards a carry as long as the line is opening holes. Not a guy who creates on his own, but has the complete game and open field abilities you want in a day two running back. Could get 30 touches a game and do fine.

Grade

5.5 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

Due to off the field concerns and Mixon's style of relying on the O-line to create openings, I would be shocked if he goes in the first round. I think he could sneak into the very end of the second round, but the beginning of the third is far more likely. Some team will like the flashes of talent when he has space and be willing to spend the third.

[Bay 2,003]

nvm, I spelled his name wrong in a search

Edited November 29, 2016 by Bay

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Jamaal Williams

Running back

BYU

Senior

Age 23

6'0"

201 pounds

4.62 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Knowledgeable pass blocker. Very good balance in his runs. Physical runner, and hits the hole hard. Very angry when hitting defenders. Drives through on potential tacklers. Good vision.

Negatives

Not big enough to break through arm tackles on size alone. Not a very fast runner. Not a great receiving back. Not an athletic player.

Overview

Well-rounded workhorse back with no truly defining characteristics. Physical and angry runner who has good vision, but not a special athlete at all. Decent pass blocker.

Grade

5.3 - Consistent NFL Starter

Projection

I personally would be comfortable to take Williams in the second round, but I think the lack of physical attributes will scare off a lot of teams. I would probably bet on him as a third rounder. It'd be hard to see such a smart runner fall to day three of the draft.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

James Conner

Running back

Pittsburgh

Junior

Age 21

6'2"

229 pounds

4.67 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Very powerful runner. Solid blocker. Very good vision. Drives through tacklers and continues to push despite resistance. Very quick feet for a bigger guy, and can maneuver will in tight spaces.

Negatives

Not a very fast player in open space. Potential health concerns with past issues. Not a great receiving back.

Overview

Very heavy runner who can push through in between the tackles. Runs with great footwork and leverage, and hits defenders hard in tight spaces. Not an athletic back, but a consistent player who can pick up 3-4 a carry on a consistent basis.

Grade

5.0 - Consistent NFL Starter

Projection

Sitting at the very bottom of my chart as a potential NFL starter, Conner has a third round grade, and that's about where I would expect him to go. Put him behind an average line and he will average 4 a carry and get 25-30 carries a game without his body breaking down too much on him. He's a round three or round four pick.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Khalfani Muhammad

Running back

California

Senior

Age 22

5'8"

175 pounds

4.37 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Amazing open-field speed, one of the fastest sprinters in years at RB. Has great agility. Very good receiving back with solid hands. Accelerates incredibly fast. Good cutting ability, can weave in between blockers well. Runs fast enough to get through most arm tackles.

Negatives

Very easy to bring down if you get him wrapped up. Not a great blocker. Incredibly undersized as a pro prospect. May not be able to hold up getting more than 15-20 touches per game. Concerns about ability to hold onto the football.

Overview

Incredibly fast change of pace back with great receiving abilities and speed that is rare for a pro running back. Questions about his durability will no doubt arise, but he takes hits well for a little guy and has the agility to dodge most straight-on collisions.

Grade

4.9 - Potential Starter, Consistent Backup

Projection

I would personally feel comfortable spending a third rounder on Muhammad, but I think the size is going to be a big concern for teams. He could sneak in as a day two pick, but I think it's much more likely a team takes him in a Darren Sproles-type role in the early picks of day three. He has special teams potential and rare speed/agility.