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

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Josh Carraway

4-3 Defensive End

TCU

Senior

Age 23

6'3"

241 pounds

4.68 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Solid athlete, and has the ability to bend around the corner. Very good lateral movement, and can jump to fill gaps quickly. Can guess the snap well, and when he does he accelerates. Shows flashes of extreme talent.

Negatives

Lacks the size to play in the run game with his hand in the dirt off the tackle. Doesn't have the speed you'd like for a smaller guy when asked to rush from a 2-point stance. Too often hesitant to get after the ball, and will get into a standoff with linemen rather than just going for it.

Overview

Situational pass-rusher who does a great job of generating pressure on the reps he gets. Smaller frame will keep him out on rushing downs, but if given the opportunity to just get after the passer off the edge he should get a decent amount of sacks at the next level.

Grade

4.9 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him as a fourth rounder right now, and he'll likely stay in the early day three area on my board. I think he has the talent as a pass-rusher to be drafted as a specialist who gets after the passer. He's not going to be a game-breaker or an all-world talent, but he could grab 8-10 sacks a season if given a good opportunity.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Dawuane Smoot

4-3 Defensive End

Illinois

Senior

Age 22

6'3"

255 pounds

4.83 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Size and strength to play with his hand in the dirt. Does a good job of utilizing constant hand-fighting and pressure to win fights. Can hold his own in the run game, and takes up space well. Incredibly disruptive, and has a motor that never stops churning.

Negatives

Lacks bend around the edge. Takes easy to stop angles, and will get on a center line with his blocker rather than keep on a swivel. Limited pass-rusher in general.

Overview

Not a guy who will grab more than half a dozen sacks in a season, but should be a solid starter at the next level. Very driven motor and great hand technique. Has the size and strength to hold his own in the run game, and play on all three downs.

Grade

5.8 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him listed as an early third rounder, and he's likely not going to move out of my day two range. He's a day one starter, and even though he won't blow you away with the box score he will be a consistent three-down lineman who gets involved on each play.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Josh Posley

4-3 Defensive End

Ball State

Senior

Age 23

6'1"

252 pounds

4.82 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Constant motor, and always driving after the ball-carrier. Does a good job of using constant hand-fighting and shifting his frame to get better positioning. Layers his moves incredibly well, and will always find a way to generate pressure.

Negatives

Doesn't have the versatility to play anywhere other than as an edge rusher with his hand in the dirt. Not a particularly powerful player, and can get pushed around at times.

Overview

Very technically sound pass-rusher who does a great job of finding ways to constantly get pressure. One of the most polished prospects to come out of the draft in a while, and can start immediately.

Grade

6.1 - Potential Pro Bowler

Projection

I have him as a second rounder, but he could slip into the third round. He's a very polished prospect at this point, and teams are going to be shocked at how well he does in his layering of moves. I wouldn't be shocked if a team takes him where I think he should fall, even though he's not a big name player at this point in the draft.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Aviante Collins

Offensive Tackle

TCU

Senior

Age 22

6'6"

295 pounds

4.81 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Incredible mobility and athleticism. Quietly strong in pass protection, will knock guys off their center line. Has the ability to move in space when headed downfield. Uses leverage and range well, and will stick guys out at the end of his arms.

Negatives

Limited strength when asked to take on bigger guys, will get pushed around if he doesn't have his feet placed properly.

Overview

Solid overall player who does a good job of utilizing his range and footwork to put defenders away from even getting opportunity on the player. Not a bully in the slightest, and may struggle in the run game at times.

Grade

4.5 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him in the fifth round, and I think he should go somewhere in the middle of the third day. His athleticism and range is certainly enough to get him drafted.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Garrett Sickels

4-3 Defensive End

Penn State

Junior

Age 22

6'3"

261 pounds

4.79 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Great snap anticipation. Focused on getting into the backfield, and sniffs out the ball-carrier. Sifts through traffic well in both the run and pass game, and can find his way into the backfield. Strong upper-body and will easily drag guys to the ground.

Negatives

Limited athlete overall. Stiff throughout his motions. Doesn't have the bend you'd like for an edge rusher, and is best used when pulling inside on stunts.

Overview

Solid overall prospect who lacks great athletic ability, but makes up for it with good strength and style of play. Can hold the edge in the run game and rush the passer. Three-down guy at the next level, and his value is higher because of that.

Grade

4.6 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

He should get drafted for sure, although I have him at the very end of the fourth round. He will slip into the fifth round, and maybe even further depending on how the board fills out. He could be a late round selection that slides into a starting role after a couple years.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Daeshon Hall

4-3 Defensive End

Texas A&M

Senior

Age 21

6'5"

266 pounds

4.76 40-yard dash

Positives

Prototypical size for the position. Constantly draws attention, and does a good job of being involved despite double teams. Solid anchor in the run game. Strings moves together well, and will rip off two or three moves in one rep.

Negatives

Not a bendy guy, and struggles to turn the edge at times. Not always constant with his pursuit, will get off track at times. Not a physical freak of nature, and could struggle with keeping up with more athletic lineman.

Overview

Your average NFL caliber defensive end in a 4-3 scheme. He's physical enough to hold the edge, but athletic enough overall to rush the passer. He's not a particularly special talent, but he could stick around in the league until he's in his 30s.

Grade

4.6 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him listed as a fifth rounder due to a lack of upside, but he is going to be a quality rotation guy at worst, and if you get his best side you could slot him in as a starter at the next level. Solid day three guy who will make contributions.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Ken Ekanem

4-3 Defensive End

Virginia Tech

Senior

Age 22

6'3"

257 pounds

4.88 40-yard dash

Positives

Solid length and ability to take up space. Has the frame that could be built upon, and could bulk up to a higher playing weight. Does a good job of sticking to his assignment.

Negatives

Lacks the size and strength to be consistently effectively at setting the edge in the run game. Lacks versatility to his game, and is only really effective off the edge with his hand in the dirt. Doesn't string moves together, and will struggle at times to get through to the ball-carrier.

Overview

Lacks the technique and overall talent to be a starter at the next level, although he could develop into a solid rotational edge guy. Has the size and length to be a very solid addition to a depth chart.

Grade

3.7 - Potential Backup

Projection

I have him as a seventh rounder, although he will likely move into the undrafted territory of my board as the board continues to fill up. He simply lacks the overall game to be worth a draft pick.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Joe Mathis

3-4 Outside Linebacker

Washington

Senior

Age 22

6'2"

266 pounds

4.86 40-yard dash

Positives

Incredibly strong overall. Impossible to get away from, and slams the ball-carrier to the ground. Has the size and power to be a constant factor in the run game. Constant in pursuit, and will run down guys from behind if they hesitate going down the field. Finds a way to get involved on the play.

Negatives

Limited overall build, and lacks the bend you'd like for a guy to come off the edge in the pass game. Too bulky, and plays incredibly stiff. Doesn't have the versatility to play with his hand in the dirt, and does most of his work as an edge setter in the run game out of a two-point stance. Doesn't navigate traffic well.

Overview

Stiff stand-up edge guy who has the build to play with his hand in the dirt, but none of the actual tools that are needed. Not versatile enough to play out of a 3-point stance, and struggles when asked to do more than set the edge. Solid depth guy.

Grade

3.3 - Potential Backup

Projection

I have him as an undrafted caliber prospect, and while he will likely get enough love to be taken in day three, I don't think he has the current game to translate to much more than a depth guy at the NFL level.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Kylie Fitts

4-3 Defensive End

Utah

Senior

Age 22

6'4"

265 pounds

4.84 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Shows great bend at times when turning the corner on the tackle. Can rush from both a 2-point and 3-point stance. Versatile overall package, and can be utilized in a variety of ways. Constantly able to get pressure in the pass game, and has a great motor when it comes to chasing down the quarterback.

Negatives

Doesn't have great burst, and will struggle to run down guys at times. Lacks top-end strength, and will get pushed around by bigger linemen, especially when he isn't dipping to rush the passer. Doesn't search through traffic well, and relies on utilizing the edge to get an opportunity.

Overview

Bendy edge rusher who can come in a variety of ways, but lacks the overall game to be more than a situational edge-rusher. Gets pushed around quite a bit by bigger lineman, particularly in the run game.

Grade

4.4 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him listed as a sixth rounder, and he's likely going to stay in that range on my board. He's a very gifted pass-rusher, but that's about all he has to his game. As a guy who you really only want out there on passing downs, he isn't nearly effective enough to warrant a pick earlier than day three.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Sam McCaskill

4-3 Defensive End

Boise State

Senior

Age 22

6'3"

259 pounds

4.96 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Great frame, and has prototypical size for an edge guy with his hand in the dirt. Can string moves together, and will find his way into action as long as he is stunted inside.

Negatives

Lacks lateral movement skills you'd like in the run game, and will get locked onto his blocks too easily. Doesn't have the same play strength that his size would indicate, and can get washed out of the play by stronger linemen. Doesn't have great pursuit skills, and will struggle to catch the ball-carrier when he's in a straight-forward chase.

Overview

Limited athlete who looks the part, but doesn't play like it. Likely a depth player at the next level who can come in to replace an injured starter or in deep rotations. Simply not complete enough to be more than a depth guy, though.

Grade

3.7 - Potential Backup

Projection

I have him as undrafted, though he could certainly attract some interest as a late round selection. He's simply not a good enough overall package to be worth a draft pick, and the potential for growth is not that high.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Jeremiah Ledbetter

4-3 Defensive End

Arkansas

Senior

Age 23

6'3"

280 pounds

4.84 40-yard dash

Positives

Very disruptive for an interior guy. Drives using his lower body, and pushes up through contact. Has phenomenal strength for his size, and uses it to push guys around. Holds his own in the run game, and will anchor the line if needed. Has the versatility and athleticism to play all over the line. Jumps off blocks well, and can sift through traffic.

Negatives

Doesn't have a huge frame for an inside guy, and could stand to bulk up. Doesn't have great lateral movement. Lacks great pursuit skills, and typically operates as a one-direction rusher.

Overview

Great technical interior lineman, who utilizes a combination of natural power and leverage to win match-ups. Will constantly find his way to the ball, and get involved on the play when he on the same side of the field.

Grade

4.9 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him as an early day three selection right now, and he should probably stay in the round four or five range as the process comes to a close. He isn't a very high ceiling guy, but has the tools to play day one.

[Cherry 1,302]

 

The Basics

Taco Charlton

4-3 Defensive End

Michigan

Senior

Age 22

6'6"

277 pounds

4.92 40-yard dash

Positives

Prototypical size for an edge player. Plays with great strength, and drags down the ball-carrier when he gets a handle on him. Can string moves together well. Has solid lateral movement, and can jump off of blocks. Has the versatility to play both as an edge in the run game, or as an interior lineman.

Negatives

Lacks top-end burst, and doesn't do a good job of getting into the backfield. Too slow in general, and will get outrun by guys in the backfield. Doesn't utilize proper angles to get out in front on running plays.

Overview

Great upside from a physical standpoint, even though he doesn't have top-end athleticism overall. Very strong, with a moldable frame to boot. Quality run-stuffer who knows how to navigate through traffic. Limited as a pass-rusher due to lack of pursuit and general speed.

Grade

4.6 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him as a fifth rounder, and he should continue to hover around that range. He doesn't have the current game to be worth anything but a day three pick, but could become a solid starter if given time or put into a favorable scheme.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Noble Nwachukwu

4-3 Defensive End

West Virginia

Senior

Age 22

6'1"

268 pounds

4.83 40-yard dash

Positives

Good size for an edge guy, and has the frame to hold up in the run game. Very good base when rushing the passer, and draws double-teams consistently. Utilizes leverage well, and drives through on his man with his legs rather than his arms.

Negatives

Gets lost in traffic at times, and will struggle to navigate through the run game. Doesn't have great bend, and relies more on power than technique. Seems sluggish when asked to move laterally. Doesn't have the speed to pursue the ball-carrier once he locks on. Questionable motor.

Overview

Great build and natural strength, but a lack of athleticism will drop him down boards. He doesn't have a technical side, and relies solely on good leveraging and power to win in both the run game and the pass game. He doesn't generate much natural pressure either, especially because he has to win inside rather than outside.

Grade

3.9 - Potential Backup

Projection

I have him in the seventh round, although he could fall into undrafted territory. He has solid upside due to his power and style of play, but it's not enough to warrant investing big into him. He's going to be a depth player when he starts off, and he may eventually become a rotational guy, but he's never gonna reach world-beater status.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Terence Waugh

4-3 Defensive End

Kent State

Senior

Age 22

6'1"

262 pounds

4.82 40-yard dash

Positives

Can sift through traffic in the run game. Does a good job of fighting to get off of blocks, and using good hand placement to win battles. Showcases solid bend, and can push the corner on tackles. Draws double teams. Strong enough in the lower body to anchor. No glaring holes in his run game.

Negatives

Incredibly slow when asked to get off his center line. Doesn't have the pursuit skills you'd like when getting into the backfield, and will constantly lose one-on-one situations against the ball-carrier.

Overview

Solid overall package with severe physical limitations when asked to change direction and make rangy moves. He's not a twitchy guy, and will struggle to make plays at the next level if he isn't a step ahead already. Potentially a low end starter or quality rotational guy at the next level.

Grade

4.3 - Potential starter, Consistent backup

Projection

I have him as a sixth rounder, and I doubt he falls out of it even as the board fills up. He's a very quality guy to have on your team, even though he's never going to be a world-beater. Low-ceiling, high-floor. Worth a day three pick if you need depth on your line.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Hunter Dimick

4-3 Defensive End

Utah

Senior

Age 23

6'3"

274 pounds

4.87 projected 40-yard dash

Positives

Excellent at timing the snap, and does a good job of bursting past the tackle. Has solid bend around the edge, and will use a wide frame to spread out linemen, and then turn them to the side. Aware in all aspects of his game, and will unlatch from blockers to get involved in the play.

Negatives

Lacks a powerful frame, and can get run off at times by powerful blockers. Limited arsenal of moves, and will struggle to chain moves together. Not overly athletic, and could struggle to bulk up to fit an NFL level of play. Can't anchor well.

Overview

Low-ceiling edge rusher who doesn't impress in many aspects of his game outside of being an aware rotational player. He has the burst and game smarts to be a solid depth guy, but doesn't have any of the tools you'd expect physically from a high-end prospect.

Grade

3.6 - Potential Backup

Projection

I have him in undrafted territory, and I'd be shocked if he got drafted in general. His production is favorable, but he doesn't have the overall game to be taken in the draft. Priority UDFA who could sneak onto the roster.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Jordan Willis

4-3 Defensive End

Kansas State

Senior

Age 21

6'4"

255 pounds

4.53 40-yard dash

Positives

Freak athlete, and tested through the roof. Has the speed and strength you like for the edge, and plays like a 280 pound end despite his true size. Very wide base helps him keep containment. Solid bend around the edge, and can turn the hips of tackles. Great at shooting off the snap. Smart decision-maker.

Negatives

Limited lateral movement, and will struggle when he is asked to change direction. Not a guy who chains moves, or has a particularly deep toolbox in general. Odd stance for an edge guy, typically lines up in a four point stance, and relies on it a lot to generate that burst.

Overview

Unique talent that lacks upper-end the lateral game to be an anchor, but has the bend and flexibility of one of the better edge guys in the class. He's not a pressure freak in the passing game, and won't ever blow the stat sheet up, but he's a solid starting caliber guy, despite the quirks to his game.

Grade

5.0 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him listed as a fourth rounder, and he should be going in that early day three area rather than in day two. He doesn't have the technique to be worth an early selection. The upside is tremendous, and a team could develop him into a hell of an athletic end.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Ejuan Price

3-4 Outside Linebacker

Pittsburgh

Senior

Age 24

5'11"

241 pounds

4.84 40-yard dash

Positives

Rare twitch. Incredibly at shooting off the line and getting into the backfield. Rare bend around the edge, and incredibly flexible frame. Closes distance instantly. Constant motor. Has the strength to take the ball-carrier down when he gets him wrapped up. Always changing his center of balance to throw off blockers until he commits on a direction, tough to predict. Drives with leverage, and will run through guys if they don't sit down on blocks. Strings moves together well, and will always look for a second move if his first fails.

Negatives

Size will be a concern at the next level. Struggles against double-teams, and doesn't have the strength or size to win those battles. Too often started out of a 3-point stance at Pitt, which may not allow great translation in terms of burst.

Overview

Incredibly technical player with insanely twitchy style and a great pass-rushing game. You may not want him out there on goal-line situations, but he is strong enough to hold his own in the run game. If you find a way to get him on the edge, he will find a way to win. Not a guy who blows up measurables, but a rare player.

Grade

9.2 - Hall of Fame caliber player

Projection

He should go in the first round. The injuries and measurables will drop him in the real draft, but he is a first round talent, and I would put my chips behind him as a top 5 player in this class. He's rare. Very very rare.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Takkarist McKinley

3-4 Outside Linebacker

UCLA

Senior

Age 21

6'2"

250 pounds

4.59 40-yard dash

Positives

Has the versatility to rush both out of a 2-point stance and a 3-point stance. Very strong for his size, and can anchor in the run game when necessary. Constant motor, always pursuing the play. Drives with power in his legs, and won't get knocked off his line by stationary blockers. Great speed when asked to go downhill, and will fly into the play. Very good first step.

Negatives

Limited change of direction, and will round off at times when turning for the ball-carrier. Doesn't chain moves together well, and plays relatively one-dimensional as a pass-rusher. He either looks for a gap and shoots through it or tries to use his bend to slide around the edge.

Overview

Great athlete who lacks the technical side of his game to be a truly dominant player at the next level. McKinley has the burst and bend around the edge to be an effective pass-rusher from a 2-point stance in particular, but he needs to refine his technique and build an arsenal of moves. He has the frame and motor to succeed.

Grade

5.7 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him listed as a third rounder. He has the talent of a day two selection, although he doesn't have the refinement to leap into the first round discussion. He's a solid prospect with a high ceiling, but a 4-6 sack base coming into the league.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Carl Lawson

3-4 Outside Linebacker

Auburn

Junior

Age 21

6'2"

260 pounds

4.67 40-yard dash

Positives

Very quick burst off the edge. Bendy, and can turn the corner on tackles. Understands containment in the run game, but will overshoot when rushing the edge in the passing game. Plays strong, and has a very strong upper body. Has the strength to play both with his hand in the dirt and from a standing position.

Negatives

Doesn't always dip when he gets the edge, and will turn his base to face the tackle rather than slide around the edge. Doesn't have good lateral movement, and will struggle to jump off of blocks at times.

Overview

Powerful edge-rusher who does a good job of generating pressure through power and decent bend. Limited in terms of technique, as he isn't entirely refined with his leveraging and arsenal of moves. That said, he has the framework to be a very solid player at the next level.

Grade

6.0 - Potential Pro Bowler

Projection

I have him as an early third rounder, although he could shift either way as the board fills out. He's right on the line of being a second round prospect. He doesn't have the refinement to be worth a first round selection, but all the physical tools are there to be a good pass-rusher.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Ryan Anderson

3-4 Outside Linebacker

Alabama

Senior

Age 22

6'2"

253 pounds

4.78 40-yard dash

Positives

Athletic enough to hold up in coverage, and routinely drops back into it. Solid upper body bend, and can turn underneath the outside edge of a tackle. Solid form tackler, and does a good job of wrapping up and driving on the ball-carrier. Has the versatility to play both with his hand in the dirt, and from a standing start.

Negatives

Not a particularly strong player, and will get pushed around at times if he loses the leverage battle. Takes poor pursuit angles, and has a tendency to run himself out of the play at times.

Overview

Solid athlete in general with a good frame to the pro game, and solid bend for not being a top-end athlete. Has the versatility to play regardless of the situation. Chess piece that can be used all over the board, even though he's not outstanding in any one aspect of his game.

Grade

6.4 - Potential Bro Bowler

Projection

I have him listed as a second rounder, and I don't think he should drop past that. He's a great overall package for a second round selection, and would be an immediate starter at the NFL level. His floor is going to be a rotational guy and a special teams stud. His ceiling is a very solid pro bowler.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Darius Hamilton

3-4 Outside Linebacker

South Carolina

Senior

Age 22

6'5"

248 pounds

4.77 40-yard dash

Positives

Has the burst to get around the edge as a pass-rusher. Has the versatility to play both from a 2-point stance and 3-point stance. Has the ability to string moves together, and the motor doesn't stop if he gets locked up on his first move. Wraps up well, tough to get away from when he gets a hold of the ball-carrier.

Negatives

Doesn't have the size or strength to hold up in the run game, and doesn't anchor well in the run game. Not a freak bender, and will struggle at times to stay upright when turning the corner. Relies too much on his upper-body, and will lose coordination between his upper and lower half.

Overview

Solid edge-rusher who can work out out of a variety of stances and succeed. Lacks the technical refinement to be a high-end starter, but has the motor and awareness to get sacks. Limited as a run-stopper, and may be best used as a situational pass-rusher who comes out on running situations.

Grade

5.4 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him near the bottom of the third round, although he could slide into day three if the board shifts enough. He's a solid starter, but nothing truly special. The motor and hands are going to excite a lot of teams, but he simply lacks the skill in the run game to be valued as more than a 6-8 sack per season guy who puts pressure on the QB.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

T.J. Watt

3-4 Outside Linebacker

Wisconsin

Junior

Age 22

6'4"

252 pounds

4.69 40-yard dash

Positives

Does a good job of navigating traffic to get involved in the run game. Very high-end motor, and never stops going on the play. When he is asked to get after the quarterback he showcases good bend, and has the ability to get underneath the outside of the tackle. He doesn't play with bad angles in pursuit when rushing the passer, and instead just turns to get after the quarterback.

Negatives

Doesn't play as effectively with his hand in the dirt. Awkward hand placement, and typically lines himself up with blockers rather than trying to get off the center line. Will get tossed around at times due to an inconsistent balance between upper and lower body. Lacks the ability to anchor in the run game.

Overview

Tremendous upside, although he lacks the strength to dominate the run game. He doesn't utilize leverage properly, and will get tossed around at times due to getting off balance. However, when he puts all the pieces together and uses his bend and motor to get after the quarterback he's incredibly difficult to stop.

Grade

5.8 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him listed as an early third rounder, and he's likely going to stay in that third round area on my board. He's likely a starter from day one, even though he doesn't have the dominance in his game to be considered a top flight prospect. If he improves his balance and ability to anchor in the run game, he should be a very quality player.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Trey Hendrickson

3-4 Outside Linebacker

Florida Atlantic

Senior

Age 22

6'4"

266 pounds

4.65 40-yard dash

Positives

Very solid bend, and does a good job of twisting underneath the tackle to get involved in the play. Has the size you'd like to play on the edge. Good at navigating traffic, and finds his way to the ball-carrier. Does a good job of chaining moves together, and doesn't let the motor die after being stopped on his initial burst. Flies to the ball when he gets a straight shot. Versatile enough to play with his hand in the dirt. Uses leverage well, and has the ability to anchor in the run game when necessary.

Negatives

Odd stance when asked to play with his hand in the dirt. Slow off the snap at times. Limited when asked to change direction, and struggles to move into coverage. Doesn't wrap up well, and has times where he misses easy plays due to bad form.

Overview

Solid prospect who dominated competition despite odd technique. He's best when asked to turn the corner and get after the quarterback, but has the ability to hold his own in the run game. Should be a day one starter at the next level, regardless of whether you utilize him as a 4-3 DE or as a 3-4 OLB.

Grade

6.1 - Potential Pro Bowler

Projection

I have him at the bottom of the second, although he could end up slipping down to the third. He's certainly a day two prospect, and has the overall game to be a guy who gets 6-8 sacks immediately. He's good enough to hold his own in the run, and when asked to just chase the quarterback is tough to slow down.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Devonte Fields

3-4 Outside Linebacker

Louisville

Senior

Age 23

6'2"

236 pounds

4.72 40-yard dash

Positives

Has the athletic profile to go down into the flat, and can cover short routes when needed. Very shifty frame in general, and will throw off linemen when he changes his balance. Very decisive with his moves when he gets into a rhythm.

Negatives

Lacks the size and fight to hold up in the run game, especially when asked to put his hand in the dirt. Incredibly slim frame allows him to get knocked off balance very easily. Inconsistent focus, and will come off the snap late at times. Doesn't have a great motor, and will often slack off if he doesn't see an opening to rush the passer.

Overview

There are a lot of concerns with his motor, and rightfully so. He's incredibly inconsistent with his pressure, and will slack off at times when trying to get after the quarterback. He doesn't have the size or strength you like for an edge guy either, so he's primarily going to be used as a situational pass-rusher. When he's on his game, he can do damage, but he's rarely on his game.

Grade

3.0 - Potential Backup

Projection

He should go undrafted. His game is incredibly limited enough by essentially being a pass-rushing specialist, so the lack of motor and the inconsistencies in his game are going to damage to his draft stock quite a bit.

[Cherry 1,302]

The Basics

Al-Quadin Muhammad

3-4 Outside Linebacker

Miami

Junior

Age 22

6'3"

253 pounds

4.88 40-yard dash

Positives

Has the versatility to come from both a 2-point and 3-point stance. Constantly changing angles to throw off the lineman, and does a good job of finding a way to pivot the lineman out of a dominant position. While not the fastest, has the ability to move out into coverage if he is on the short side of the field. Has the strength to push through contact, and drive top-heavy tackles back into the pocket.

Negatives

Doesn't play with good lower body leverage, and will lose in the run game if he faces guys who get under the pads and drive. Lacks the athleticism you want for an outside linebacker, and will struggle when asked to pursue the ball-carrier. Very odd stance, and will struggle to shoot off the line and bend because of it. Was removed from the Miami team in 2016 for reported NCAA violations.

Overview

Solid pass-rusher who can play from both inside and out, and has the strength to sit on the edge in the run game. Effective at using the angles he faces to throw tackles off their game and get them pedaling backwards, and has the power to push them off their line. Doesn't utilize bend as much as you'd like, and won't be splitting around the pocket.

Grade

5.2 - Consistent NFL starter

Projection

I have him listed as an early fourth rounder, and I think he could be a starter immediately at the next level. He has a very manipulative style of pass-rushing, and it's incredibly effective. He's never going to wow you as an athlete, but his overall game is complete enough to be a day three pick.