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

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Garett Bolles

Offensive Tackle

Utah

Junior

Age 21

6'5"

296 pounds

4.97 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Incredibly athletic. Great ability to get to the second level and hit blocks in the open field. Very active hand placement and footwork, constantly working to get better position and maintain the inside.

Negatives

Not a particularly rangy blocker, has a tendency to struggle with keeping pass-rushers locked up due to short reach. Too often gets beat to the edge by guys with good burst. Lacks strength as a run blocker.

Overview

Very athletic and mobile run blocker who can hit blocks in the open field. Very underpowered guy who does better on the move rather than trying to lock his feet down and anchor the line. He's not a rangy blocker either, and needs to get close to really do well with his hand placement and pass blocking.

Grade

5.0 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him as a fourth rounder with room to slide into the back of day two. He's a very smart and useful piece to move around and use in space, and he's usually strong with his technique. He simply lacks the physical strength and length to bully guys at the next level.

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The Basics

Chad Hansen

Wide Receiver

California

Junior

Age 21

6'1"

195 pounds

4.54 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Ridiculous vertical ability. Can climb the ladder and make plays on almost any defensive back. Great burst once the ball is snapped. Great footwork, very tough to shadow. Solid hands. Gets off press very well. Very solid open-field speed. Able to handle physical coverage well. Great concentration. Good size.

Negatives

Has times where he runs cold and starts dropping passes. Not a burner when he's going over the top.

Overview

One of the most well-rounded receivers to come out in years. The complete package. Good at almost everything. Can run routes well and use footwork to get separation. Can go up high and make plays on jump balls. Red-zone threat. Just does everything well.

Grade

7.9 - Perennial Pro Bowler, Potential All-Pro

Projection

I have him as a top 10 player, and he should be a lock to go in the first round. In a class that has a pick your flavor of big-bodied #1 (Mike Williams), speedy deep threat (John Ross), and by-the-book route-runner (Corey Davis) the Cal product blends it all together in a great mix. He's versatile enough to play in the slot or outside. Hansen can do it all.

Edited January 5, 2017 by Chernobyl426

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The Basics

Conor McDermott

Offensive Tackle

UCLA

Senior

Age 24

6'8"

310 pounds

5.27 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Great size and length. Has the frame to play at the next level.

Negatives

Inconsistent hand placement. Too easy to get around. Gets pushed around a lot. Doesn't use leverage and struggles to keep defenders at the end of his reach. Lacks strength when trying to anchor and dig his feet in. Doesn't drive on his blocks. Makes mistakes with assignments. Struggles to utilize his size properly.

Overview

Big-bodied lineman who can't use his size to his advantage and too often allows pass-rushers into his range and gets worked inside. Lacks the ability to lock down the edge and anchor the line in the pass game. Plays too high and it prevents him from getting proper hand placement.

Grade

3.5 - Potential backup

Projection

I have him undrafted. He's right on the cusp of being draftable due to his potential, but from a technical standpoint he is incredibly raw. Some team that falls in love with the frame will probably bite, but he's so easy to push around.

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The Basics

Casey Tucker

Offensive Tackle

Stanford

Junior

Age 21

6'5"

296 pounds

5.12 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Can get to the second level to hit blocks. Good leverage, gets underneath edge rushers and jams them very well. Rarely loses hand-fighting. Very good anchor.

Negatives

Smaller base, doesn't have the range to pop guys outside and keep pass-rushers from getting close. Not a very powerful blocker.

Overview

Good technical pass blocker who has the versatility to do mostly everything. Not a mauler by any means but holds his own on the edge. Can pull around the formation and hit second level blocks.

Grade

5.5 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him as a third rounder. He's a starting caliber tackle. His physical abilities aren't special at all, but he has the talent from a technique standpoint to do well at the next level. He's likely a day two pick, and at worst he's going early in day three. Teams are going to love the toolbox he brings.

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The Basics

Dion Dawkins

Offensive Tackle

Temple

Senior

Age 22

6'5"

320 pounds

5.27 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Very good frame. Bulky guy who takes up space and is incredibly tough to get through if you aren't going around him. Good hand placement and ability to relocate when necessary. Solid footwork.

Negatives

Doesn't always lock his feet and hold his ground as a pass blocker. Gets turned too easily by edge rushers. Not great at driving forward as a run blocker, doesn't get to the second level well.

Overview

Well-built pass blocking tackle who does a good job at getting his hands in place. His size makes him a very appealing option even though he isn't a rangy tackle and can't do as much when trying to block guys in space.

Grade

4.8 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him as a late fourth rounder that might fall even further into day three. He just simply isn't the dual-threat blocker that you want at the next level, and quicker guys are likely going to take advantage of him. There is an appeal to seeing if he can cut weight and get faster. If so, there may be teams calling in day two.

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The Basics

Julie'n Davenport

Offensive Tackle

Bucknell

Senior

Age 21

6'6"

315 pounds

5.28 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Very good footwork. Uses leverage well and gets his hands under the pads and locks up pass-rushers. Has the ability to get to the second level. Very good build, rangy guy who can keep defenders at a distance.

Negatives

Gets turned too easily when he tries to block in space. Played a very low level of competition, which allowed him to mostly bully opposition.

Overview

He's pretty solid for a guy who isn't an FBS prospect. He's a decently technical guy as well, and has a nice well-rounded style of play. The biggest issue with his game is going to go back to being a prospect who played easy competition. He dominated his competition. At the next level he's likely a bend don't break type of tackle.

Grade

5.0 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him as a fourth rounder at the moment. He isn't the strongest blocker out there, and he's not a particularly special guy in any one area of his game. The lack of competition is going to drop his stock a little bit though, so teams are going to place a little bit more emphasis on what he does at the Senior Bowl.

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The Basics

Jerod Evans

Quarterback

Virginia Tech

Junior

Age 22

6'2"

238 pounds

4.74 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Very smart scrambler. Goes through his reads well and with the speed of an NFL caliber quarterback. Great ball placement. Elusive when on the move. Has great timing on his passes. Amazing touch on his passes, and makes them incredibly easy to catch.

Negatives

Inconsistent mechanics. Too often doesn't pivot his hips and change his angle to face the receiver properly, which results in his upper body and lower body being on two different angles. That causes inaccurate passes at times. Turns away from passes at times and won't follow through on his passes.

Overview

Great arm talent with the potential to come in and dominate in the right offense. He has great scrambling ability and can go through his reads like a pro quarterback. His mechanics aren't the prettiest, and he has a tendency way too often to line his lower body up poorly.

Grade

6.0 - Potential Pro Bowler

Projection

I have him in the middle of the second round right now. He's one of the better quarterbacks in this class and has so much to work with in terms of his tools. He could very well get into the first round if a team falls in love with him. He's a flawed and overall less effective version of Kizer.

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The Basics

Evan Goodman

Offensive Tackle

Arizona State

Senior

Age 23

6'3"

310 pounds

5.22 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Has the ability to pull and get to the second level. Good hand placement as a pass blocker. Very strong blocker, can anchor very well.

Negatives

Too often seems lost when he's in space. Not a great athlete by any means. Doesn't have the range to keep edge-rushers stuck outside. Sluggish footwork.

Overview

Stocky pass-blocker who struggles to keep up with faster pass rushers. Inconsistent from a technical standpoint but has the build and power of an NFL lineman.

Grade

4.3 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him at the very start of the sixth round at the moment. He's a very average total package but his game doesn't have any huge holes in it that would lead to him falling down the board. He's just a guy. Worth a draft pick, but never going to amount to much beyond being a low end starter.

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The Basics

Marlon Mack

Running back

South Florida

Junior

Age 21

5'11"

205 pounds

4.54 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Very good cutter. Good vision, and usually finds his way into space.

Negatives

Lacks the speed and acceleration to make big plays down the field. Typically goes down easily on contact. Inconsistent hands, below average pass catcher.

Overview

Mediocre overall package. He lacks the physical talent to play well at the next level, and doesn't make up for it with smarts. He's not a particularly good pass blocker, and his ability to catch passes out of the backfield is mediocre at best. All he really has in his favor is ability to cut quickly and repeatedly.

Grade

2.0 - Potential depth player

Projection

He should go undrafted. He just simply isn't good enough to be worth drafting, especially in a class so loaded.

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The Basics

Zach Banner

Offensive Guard

USC

Senior

Age 23

6'8"

360 pounds

5.46 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Incredibly bulky and powerful inside guy. Great reach. Near impossible to move with pure strength. Good hand placement allows him to keep defenders at range and unable to do damage with hand-fighting.

Negatives

Incredibly slow footwork. Way too big to get leverage on guys. Gets turned around way too easy, and lets guys get past him.

Overview

Sluggish pass blocker who struggles to lock down blocks due to lack of leverage and inability to hold angles. His size and strength are going to be great as an anchor for the line.

Grade

4.5 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him as a fifth rounder. The size and stability are a huge plus, but he just isn't athletic enough to do damage at the second level and can't be moving piece for the line. He could fit well with a team that loves to pass the ball a lot and will allow him to just plant his feet and play his style.

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The Basics

Andreas Knappe

Offensive Tackle

Connecticut

Senior

Age 25

6'8"

319 pounds

5.33 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Great second level blocker. Drives through on his run blocking. Good at sliding in protection. Good hand placement and ability to fight for positioning. Good footwork. Great at transitioning in his assignment to deal with stunts.

Negatives

Not a great athlete. Limited strength.

Overview

Very well-rounded offensive tackle who does a great job at using technique and hustle to beat his opposition. Rarely loses in 1-on-1 situations. Good as both a run blocker and pass blocker.

Grade

6.7 - Potential Pro Bowler

Projection

I have him going late in the first round or early in the second. At worst I think he's a day two prospect. He's absolutely phenomenal with his footwork and hands, but he just can't push around the better athletes in the game. He has baseline strength, but nothing grand.

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The Basics

Storm Norton

Offensive Tackle

Toledo

Senior

Age 22

6'8"

306 pounds

5.18 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good footwork and hand placement. Good at getting leverage and sticking guys up by the pads. Can get to second level and hit blocks.

Negatives

Limited base. Not a rangy guy, struggles to keep defenders at a distance and on the outside. Loses to guys with the ability to bend around the edge due to inability to reach out and pop defenders.

Overview

Very short-range tackle who has the technique to play at the next level, but not the athleticism. He has great footwork but not the power to push guys around.

Grade

4.3 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him at the end of the fifth round. He's a great technician and does a great job of using what he has available to him, but he simply lacks the consistency and strength to be a good starter.

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The Basics

Ryan Melton

Offensive Tackle
Texas State

Senior

Age 22

6'5"

325 pounds

5.34 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good hand placement and arm strength. Capable of anchoring in the pass game. Versatility to play all over the line.

Negatives

Not a particularly strong blocker. Doesn't always keep his feet properly aligned, which results in edge-rushers getting around him. Very average athlete as a whole.

Overview

Middle of the pack tackle who doesn't have the overall game to succeed at the next level. He understands switching assignments and blocking all over the line.

Grade

4.3 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him at the end of the fifth rounder. His ability to play all over the line is going to draw teams to him, but he has no truly great qualities about his game that are going to send him up boards.

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The Basics

Jon Heck

Offensive Tackle

North Carolina

Senior

Age 22

6'6"

300 pounds

5.21 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good length and can stick defenders out at the end of his reach. Very good size and ability to lock his feet.

Negatives

Way too slow of an athlete, doesn't adjust quickly to situations put in front of him. Incredibly poor footwork and can't keep up with faster pass-rushers. Bad hand placement, can't effectively keep guys off of him and allows them to make moves off of his body. Loses angles too easily and allows defenders to simply slide around him. Can't pull in the running game.

Overview

Good size and frame but very mediocre in the rest of his game. He lacks so much that you want in a guy who is worth drafting. From a technical standpoint he is incredibly disappointing.

Grade

2.1 - Potential depth player

Projection

I have him as undrafted, and he should go undrafted. He just simply doesn't have any of the technique needed to play at the next level, and in terms of reaction he seems like he's playing at half speed compared to the rest of team.

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The Basics

Avery Gennesy

Offensive Tackle

Texas A&M

Senior

Age 23

6'5"

315 pounds

5.08 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good at hand-fighting, great placement. Good footwork. Transitions assignments smoothly. NFL caliber strength, has the power to be a people mover. Has the athleticism to move around well. Good at popping guys at range and keeping them at a distance.

Negatives

At times misses his assignment in the run game and allows defenders through that should not get through. Doesn't always maintain good top strength and relies too much on his legs when anchoring down.

Overview

Complete package. Very good at almost every part of the game, and shows consistency every snap. Great technician who also has the athletic ability to beat guys up at the next level.

Grade

7.7 - Perennial Pro Bowler, Potential All-Pro

Projection

I have him going in the first round. He's a rare example of an offensive tackle who lacks any major holes in his game. Teams are going to love the talent he brings both as a mauler in the run game and as a firm pass blocker.

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The Basics

Steven Moore

Offensive Tackle

California

Senior

Age 23

6'5"

305 pounds

5.18 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good hand placement. Does a good job of keeping defenders at range. Good frame and reach.

Negatives

Too often allows defenders to get too far on him, and doesn't have the footwork to stop them from turning the corner and getting to the quarterback. Not effective enough in the run game, and doesn't have the athleticism to go block at the second level.

Overview

Relatively good technique, especially for a bigger guy. Struggles to maintain containment on edge rushers and gives up positioning too often due to lackluster footwork.

Grade

4.6 - Potential NFL starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him as a fifth rounder. He isn't a good run blocker and will struggle to do damage on the move. He's a stationary pass blocker, and will likely be a spot starter or backup at the next level. There is just not enough to like to be worth more than a day three pick.

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The Basics

Will Holden

Offensive Tackle

Vanderbilt

Senior

Age 23

6'7"

313 pounds

5.27 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good at using his leverage to hold up defenders and keep them in place. Solid run blocker, has the ability to hit blocks in space.

Negatives

Inconsistent hand placement at times, loses his angles. Not a powerful blocker, doesn't drive through in his run blocks.

Overview

He's a solid run blocker who has the ability to hold his own in the pass game. He's not the greatest with consistently keeping guys locked up, but typically doesn't allow blatant misses that result in sacks or QB hits. He's very scrappy.

Grade

4.5 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him as a fifth rounder. He's a good blend of technique and physical skill. He's not consistent enough with his technique to be a good starter at the next level, but he's very much worth being drafted in day three as a great depth player.

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The Basics

Darrell Brown

Offensive Tackle

Louisiana Tech

Senior

Age 23

6'3"

305 pounds

5.21 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good hand placement and ability to adjust on the fly. Good footwork, able to slide well and reposition his feet. Versatile enough to play all over the line.

Negatives

Not a rangy guy, struggles to keep defenders at a distance. Sluggish on the move, doesn't consistently slide well to keep up with defenders moving around the edge. Too often gets his feet tangled with the way he moves.

Overview

Solid player with good reactions, but not the athletic ability or natural strength at the next level. Allows guys to get around him on the outside way too easily due to limited range as a blocker.

Grade

4.3 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him at the later end of the fifth round, but he will probably fall a little bit further than that. He is a good depth pick, but he's never going to be an impressive starter. He's consistently average, and teams are going to be content to spend a later round pick on a guy who they can have on their gameday roster as a backup who can play all over the line.

Edited January 8, 2017 by Chernobyl426

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Kofi Amichia

Offensive Tackle

South Florida

Senior

Age 23

6'3"

296 pounds

5.14 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good athleticism, can block at the second level. Good at utilizing leverage and getting his hands up under the pads.

Negatives

Inconsistent footwork. Too often allows guy to slide around him. Not a powerful blocker.

Overview

Good mobile blocker who can be used pulling across the formation and hitting guys in space. Great at finding who to block when he gets to the second level. Not a strong player by any means, can be beat by pure strength. Inconsistent footwork allows faster defenders to get around him too easily.

Grade

4.7 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him near the beginning of the fifth round. He's right on the cut-off line for being a starting caliber tackle straight out of the draft rather than a project. He could be used immediately if necessary, and has the hand placement to succeed at the next level.

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The Basics

Robert Leff

Offensive Tackle

Auburn

Senior

Age 23

6'6"

299 pounds

5.14 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good length and reach to keep guys on the outside. Has the athleticism to get to the second level and get to guys in space.

Negatives

Too often loses positioning, and allows defenders to slide around him and make a play when they should be contained. Very poor hand placement and footwork. Incredibly inconsistent.

Overview

Good athlete who simply doesn't have the technique to succeed at the next level. He has good reach but isn't even a powerful blocker.

Grade

3.3 - Potential backup

Projection

I have him as going undrafted. He simply does not have the hand placement or footwork to make it as a starter at the next level. He has the size and speed to make it as a depth player, and could even become a backup. He just won't ever be anything beyond that.

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The Basics

Dan Feeney

Offensive Guard

Indiana

Senior

Age 22

6'4"

305 pounds

5.09 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Fast enough to pull across the formation and set up blocks in the running game. Great at bulldozing guys in the run game, and uses leverage mixed with great strength to get through opposition. Good hand placement and keeps guys at arm length. Good footwork. Rarely loses one-on-one battles due to understanding of getting underneath guys.

Negatives

Not a versatile guy, likely won't be able to play outside.

Overview

Very balanced and essentially complete package that will likely dominate the league for years. One of the safer picks of the class, and one of the most polished inside blockers to come out of the last few draft classes. Great technique combined with above average power allow him to simply maul anyone in his way.

Grade

7.8 - Perennial Pro Bowler, Potential All-Pro

Projection

I have him as a first rounder, and there is no way he should make it into day two. He's an absolutely phenomenal player. He's arguably the most polished offensive lineman in this class, and can dominate inside from day one. Great power. Great technique. Great at almost every aspect of his game.

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The Basics

Quenton Nelson

Offensive Guard

Notre Dame

Sophomore

Age 21

6'5"

325 pounds

5.23 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Uses leverage well. Does a good job of driving through blocks in the run game. Solid anchor when he has the opportunity to lock onto one defender and dig in his heels. Very powerful blocker.

Negatives

Misses blocks at times, won't always use proper hand placement and positioning. Allows defenders to get around him way too easily. Seems lost at times with his assignment.

Overview

Powerful run blocker who seems to miss with his hand placement and allows guys past him way too easily. He can come in as an immediate force in the run game, but he won't be nearly refined enough in the passing game to hold his own at a high level.

Grade

5.5 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him as a third rounder, but he could slip into day three depending on how much demand there is for a guard who relies solely on his run blocking. He's a great piece to add that you can start right away, but he's not going to be great.

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The Basics

Cam Robinson

Offensive Guard

Alabama

Junior

Age 21

6'6"

310 pounds

5.28 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

One of the strongest linemen in years. Absolute bulldozer in the run game. Uses leverage well and runs through his blocks. Solid second level blocker when he's put up the middle and asked to eliminate linebackers.

Negatives

Way too often loses his positioning and allows guys around him. Not a lateral player, needs to have his target set and just go at it. Struggles to hold the edge.

Overview

Great run blocker who can lose his man at times in the pass game. Typically runs through almost anyone in his way when he gets a straight shot at them.

Grade

7.0 - Perennial Pro Bowler, Potential All-Pro

Projection

I have him as a first rounder. With his off-the-field issues I think he will be in slight danger of falling, but the odds are a team will fall in love with him as a run blocker and draft him somewhere in the middle of day one. I don't think he's anything special at OT, but at OG he would be great.

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The Basics

Damien Mama

Offensive Guard

USC

Junior

Age 21

6'3"

325 pounds

5.47 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Great run blocker. Plows through defenders and drives his blocks. Good lateral ability, and can pick up on stunts well. Does a good job of getting to the second level and finding his man. Very good anchor in the pass game when he's allowed to set his feet down and lock up defenders.

Negatives

Very sluggish footwork. At times overshoots his blocks and allows defenders past him.

Overview

Very well-rounded blocker who does a great job in the run game. Absolute mauler who can do a little bit of everything. Not always that most athletic guy though, and struggles with his footwork at times.

Grade

6.3 - Potential Pro Bowler

Projection

I have him as a second rounder right now. He's had some weight concerns in the past that might scare some teams, but I don't think it's going to drop him much. He's built ready to start from opening day and take on veteran NFL linemen.

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The Basics

Dustin Stanton

Offensive Guard

Oregon State

Senior

Age 22

6'6"

305 pounds

5.21 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Good athlete. Very good second level blocker, and can hit guys in space. Great at transitioning his blocks to deal with free defenders. Plays with solid awareness and understanding of where to block.

Negatives

Not a powerful blocker, doesn't anchor as well in the passing game, and allows guys to get around him too often.

Overview

Very mobile blocker with the ability to dominate in the run game. He doesn't have great strength, and can get pushed around at times in the passing game, but he's very much a great option to take in the second or third round to utilize as a guy you can move around and use to pull across the formation.

Grade

6.1 - Potential Pro Bowler

Projection

I have him as a second rounder because of his talent in the running game, and I think a lot of teams are going to fall in love with the idea of utilizing him an offense that focuses on rushing the ball. He can be molded into a lot of different schemes as well.