Category: 2019 Player Profiles

STRENGTHS
Eric is an athletic big man who shows the foot speed and quickness to get out of his stance and be used on sweeps and screens. He has excellent size and strength to handle bull rushes and big nose tackles playing over him. He shows the quick lateral agility to help out guards when blocking as well as the hand fighting talents to stymie that one gap attack lineman, who can get into the back field quickly and disrupt a play. He is smart and shows leadership skills through his play on the field and maturity. Eric is a powerful run blocker using excellent leverage out of his stance. He is a smart pass blocker using good footwork and mature hand techniques that a lot of centers coming out in the draft do not yet have. Eric reminds me a lot of former Jets center Nick Mangold.

CONCERNS
Eric is not perfect but he’s close. He is a better run blocker than he is a pass blocker but not by much. When he is pass blocking and does lose control he needs to learn to turn his hips and move his feet and push his man up the field so his QB can manipulate the pocket. At times he will lose his techniques and start to lunge when he gets beat but to improve all he needs is repetitions and this kid’s work ethic tells me in time, he will correct this issue.

TALENT BOARD ROUND 1.47
When I saw Eric in the Senior Bowl practices what impress me was his ability to be on balance and in control when run blocking or on the move and blocking in space on sweeps and screens. When I put on the film and watched how easily he handled those big Clemson Defensive linemen I knew this kid was one of the best offensive linemen in this draft. He has obvious natural strength and his footwork and overall balance when on the move, is unique for a player his size. Watching him in interviews at the senior bowl, he impressed me with his overall maturity and once again, never seemed to be off balance answering questions as if this was the norm for him and nothing was too big. If your team is looking for a center I don’t think they should look past the kid because no matter what offensive blocking scheme you could think up to use, Eric has the athletic talent, strength and maturity to handle it.

STRENGTHS
Charles is a big, tall, long legged, long arm defensive lineman. He has natural strength and solid foot speed to get into the backfield playing any one of the defensive line positions in any style of defensive front depending on the down and distance. He is stout against the run using his long arms to keep opponents away from his body to free himself up to shed and make tackles. Charles is unique in that he can rush the passer with speed and burst off the line on the outside and has the strength and quickness if used on the inside, in one gap attack defense to disrupt also. Charles has big time upside to his game and if he works hard he could be the best defensive lineman from a very talented group of defensive linemen in this draft.

CONCERNS
I’m not sure how serious Charles has been to improve his overall play. He does an excellent job keeping players off of him but is very slow to shed blocks and make tackles. He can rush the passer with strength and speed but doesn’t always use his natural talents to his advantage when it calls for it. I’m not sure if these issues are because of poor understanding of situational football or if it’s because Charles plays more than one position and just hasn’t been able to settle in with the correct techniques. All I can tell you is that Charles has the natural talent to be better than any other defensive lineman in this draft and if the team that selects him can get him to realize that than I pity the teams that passed on selecting him in this draft, in the future.

TALENT BOARD ROUND 2.08
I Believe it comes down to work ethic and maturity. I’m not sure if Charles realizes how much talent he has. He is a pure Defensive End in a 4/3 because of his burst, power, length and strength off the line. He’s what I call a natural power pass rusher like Julius Peppers or Michael Strahan. When you move him inside or over the center like he was used in college at times, his burst off the line gets nullified because of his height and lack of techniques. Keep him out in space and his height, long arms and legs and natural strength gives him an advantage off the snap of the ball. So, if Charles gains the maturity and work ethic and the team that selects him keeps him at one position, so that he can learn the correct techniques, there is no doubt in my mind that Charles can be the best defensive end out of this very talent defensive linemen draft class. I saw how he improved every day at the Senior Bowl practices and how he dominated in the game. Charles has tremendous upside and I wouldn’t be surprised if he sneaks into the first round but, if he does remember that it might take a little time for him to develop but I believe, it will be worth the wait.

STRENGTHS
Yodny is an overly aggressive, overly athletic offensive lineman. He has excellent quickness out of his stance and the foot speed to go out to the second level and make blocks. Yodny is strong and has those long arms and legs that make it difficult for speed rushers to get around him to make sacks. He has the athletic talent and quickness to play more than one position on your offensive line at tackle or guard. Like I stated before, Yodny might be one of the few true athletic offensive linemen in this draft.

CONCERNS
Being athletic as an offensive lineman is a gift…and a curse. It’s a gift because at the college level you can dominate against less athletic opponents. At the next level it’s a curse because you don’t develop and TRUST the techniques you will need to use against opponents who are just as athletic as you are. Yodny, lacks those techniques that he needs to use at the next level in pass protection especially, and he will struggle until he learns, improves and TRUST those techniques.

TALENT BOARD ROUND 2.25
Sometimes, Yodny is so quick out of his stance when run blocking, it makes him miss his block and lunge and be off balance. When he is pass blocking, his aggressiveness to attack and athleticism makes his opponent react to him instead of Yodny being patient and reacting to his opponent. A pass blocker is supposed to defend not attack. Yodny is in attack mode all the time because of his quickness and he will struggle at either tackle position if he doesn’t learn to move on the snap, wait for his opponent to make his move and then react to that move with aggressiveness and techniques. Yodny might have to be moved into one of the guard positions were his quickness, out of his stance and aggressiveness, will be more of an asset instead of a detriment. Of course, with those long arms and legs he might struggle with the footwork he will need to learn with teammates on either side of him. That is why sometimes being a tall, long legged, athletic and aggressive offensive lineman can be a gift…and a curse. If Yodny is willing to learn and trust his techniques more than his athletic talent than he could become an excellent offensive tackle on either side of the offensive line but… it will take some time for him to gain that TRUST in those techniques. Most overly athletic offensive lineman struggle until they do.

STRENGTHS
Deandre is the type of player who plays bigger than his size. He has very wide shoulders that gives him unusual arm span and length that is deceiving when he will be measured. He is strong and is a physical type of corner back and in side the red zone he will fight for the ball. Deandre has good overall athleticism to mirror his opponent in single coverage. He shows the speed and quickness and change direction skills to be used in the slot and become a solid cornerback for the team that selects him.

CONCERNS
Deandre’s size will be a concern for most teams but I think his big shoulders giving him a larger arm span for his size is enough to make teams think twice about his size being an issue. He is not quick to support the run mentally and that bothers me more than a lack of size. He settles for others to make tackles but when he is forced he can tackle.

TALENT BOARD ROUND 2.08
Although Deandre looks like he can play in the slot teams will not be convinced until after he is selected and plays in the slot and proves it. He is tough enough but his lack of willingness to take on tackles before others is an issue on film that could be magnified at the next level. His numbers at the combine could sneak him into the later part of the first round but right now, you draft with the information you have and the information for me is that Deandre will be a solid cornerback but is limited to playing one position in your defensive backfield because of his size and lack of willingness to be the first player in, to support the run. There is nothing stopping Deandre from becoming a much better player that I have projected him to be, all he has to do is be more of a leader than a follower in his play on the field. He has the talent and I think he has the arm span to make up for his lack of size. As soon as he becomes more of a team player this kid could be one of the steals of this draft. It’s all up to him.

STRENGTHS
Devin has good overall speed and burst to the play when attacking the line of scrimmage. He has made a name for himself being used as a blitzing middle linebacker on plays called for him because of this straight line burst and speed that he possesses. When Devin is left free to roam with four big bodies in front of him he can be very effective. When left free to roam Devin can take good angles on running plays and get into the back field and make tackles for losses. Devin flashes when used to stop the run and attacking the line of scrimmage and seems to have confidence in his skills to be used in single coverage on passing downs.

CONCERNS
Right now, Devin lacks the ability to get off blocks consistently and make tackles. He is also a bit sloppy tackling in open space when they run right at him. When he is attacking he is fine but when they attack him he struggles to identify who’s going to block him, were the play is going and struggles to wrap up because he is on his heels. Also, Devin doesn’t really have any one on one pass rushing skills and when blitzing and is blocked, struggles to get off those blocks or make double moves. He needs a clean path into the backfield to be effective.

TALENT BOARD ROUND 1.92
The talent is there but just because a player flashes and makes some tackles and sacks on plays designed for him, does not mean he is a complete linebacker. In his defense Devin has been used as the primary pass rusher up the middle so it hard to get film on him being used in other situations. Devin’s combine and work outs will dictate where he will go in this draft. I think Devin is an impact player in a certain type of defenses because he doesn’t seem to take on blocks and shed very well when he is being blocked on the second level. Linebackers are like that…they can be cut by one team and then become player of the year with the very next team. Like I said his combine numbers will answer a lot of questions and don’t be surprise if some rate him higher than others. Teams that use a 4/3, 2 gap defenses might rate him higher than those that use a 3/4. Although Devin is rated in the top ten of this draft as of this writing, I think that might be a little high for a linebacker whose impact depends on the style of defense he will be used in. Than Again, I’ve been wrong before… just maybe not this time. Usually players with Devin’s skill set get selected in the second round but if Devin’s workouts are exceptional he could easily be selected in the first. Right now, for me personally, I see him as a 2nd round selection with 1st round talent.

STRENGTHS
The best pure, true linebacker in this draft is Devin Bush. He is a “quick twitch” athlete with excellent instincts along with excellent speed to play in any style of defense. You can use him inside or outside, as a run stuffer or in single coverage situations. Devin plays bigger than his size and has the strength and leverage to blow bigger offensive lineman up in the hole allowing others to make tackles for losses. He is a form tackler with excellent skills to shed blocks and make the tackle before the 1st down maker. He’s a coach on the field and shows leadership skills in his ability to direct players when his instincts suggest the defense needs to be adjusted just before the snap of the ball. He has the speed and change of direction skills that most safeties at the next level do not have. Devin is a playmaker and you don’t find those very often playing defense at the middle linebacker position in the draft. He has the ability to impact like Sean Lee has for the Cowboys.

CONCERNS
Devin’s size will deter some teams from selecting Devin early in this draft. All I can say is, if your team needs a leader on the field who can make plays defensively than passing on selecting Devin because of his size is a big mistake.

TALENT BOARD ROUND 1.44
In evaluating Devin we get into this “check the boxes” BS, I hear every year to “eliminate” players who don’t fit the standards someone has decided are needed to play in the NFL. That’s right, checking boxes only succeeds in “eliminating” players and not evaluating players. I mean really, a player is not tall enough so we eliminate him no mater how well he plays on the film? Or we knock him down a round or two because he is not tall enough. Let me tell you, Devin hits all the other boxes big time and if being fast, strong, smart, quick, instinctive, coach on the field, leadership skills, is not enough to overlook one freaking box for height…all I can say to those teams is, I guess I’ll see you drafting in the top ten next year also. So, go right ahead, keep checking those boxes and “eliminating” players who lack the height or are little short on speed. Eliminate the ones who know HOW to play the game so that those playoff teams late in the rounds can keep selecting them and be in the playoffs every year like the Patriots are. I bet they don’t pass on selecting Devin because he might be vertically challenged. I bet they don’t check any dam boxes either. I bet the just watch the film like I do.

STRENGTHS
Byron is a quality comer back who can play in any style of defense. He shows on film decent hands to make the interception and does an excellent job working with his teammates in the defensive back field. Byron has a high football IQ and this along with the fact that he is quick to support the run and make tackles that limit run after the catch yardage, makes him one of the better defensive backs in this draft. He can play inside in the slot or, outside against those dangerous wide receivers. He is tough mentally and will fight for the ball in the air. Because of his high football IQ, he reads offenses and routes very well and will anticipate plays both in the run game and passing game. Byron might be one of the smartest corners I have seen in a long time coming out from the college level and one of the most complete also.

CONCERNS
Bryon has to get a lot stronger to be able to be used in bump and run coverages and not get moved around by those big brutish receivers when they run their routes at the next level. He also has to get stronger tackling although he does a good job at the college level for a sixteen-game schedule he will need to bulk up without losing any of his speed and gain more strength in his hands. On film it’s hard to tell if Byron has the pure speed to handle in single coverage those pesky speed receivers at the next level because of his high football IQ and anticipation skills, that will be answered at the combine but let me say this… if he lacks a little of that needed speed I wouldn’t worry about it. He more than makes up for it in his ability to anticipated.

TALENT BOARD ROUND 1.72
Byron is one of the best cornerbacks in this draft at limiting run after the catch yardage. In my book that is big because, all corners can get beat but, those that tackle right a way and limit run after the catch yardage stop third down plays into turning into first downs and that is one of the keys to having a dominating defense. If Byron can get a little stronger and gain more strength in his hands he could also be moved to one of the safety positions and adding that to his existing resume of being able to play in the slot or outside makes Byron a valuable player to have in any team’s defensive backfield. His size right now might deter some teams from rating him high in this draft but those that see his film will not worry about that because Byron is a quality football player and good teams always select quality football players.

STRENGTHS
TJ is a very athletic receiver who catches the ball with ease, anyplace on the field. He works well out of the slot and against zone coverages and is quick off the line. He looks to have good speed and quickness to run routes but is more of a matchup player whose big body makes it hard for defensive backs to match up with, especial on deep routes. TJ has Zack Ertz like, pass catching talents and athleticism and because of this skill and talent could be used in multiple positions in any offensive system.

CONCERNS
TJ has done most of the grunt work at the tight end position for his college team so his route running needs some work but I have no doubt with his work ethic that this will improve quickly at the next level.

TALENT BOARD ROUND 1.86
T. J. looks smaller when line up on the end of the offensive line than his listed 6’5” 250 lbs but I guess the combine will settle that for me and others. He does all the grunt work, blocking as a TE but if I’m right he will become more of an H-Back at the next level and used more in passing game because this kid can catch a golf ball in a tornado. He is smart and my guess has a lot more speed and quickness than most will see on film. This kid can go down the field with quickness and reminds me a little bit, of a bigger version of Patriots Julian Edelman. Same type of toughness to take the punishment over the middle to move the chains when everyone in the stadium knows the ball is going to him. I can see teams not using T. J. much as an in-line blocker the way his college team used him because of his athletic talents and the ability to catch a golf ball in a wind storm that could move your house. I predict that T. J. will become more of an impact player at the next level than he was for his college team if he is used more in the passing game. Don’t waste this type of talent blocking, not that blocking isn’t important because it certainly is, and his blocking shows his work ethic and that work ethic combine with his talents, will make this kid an impact player for the team that selects him.

STRENGTHS
DK is a unique type of receiver with excellent hands and the athletic skill set to adjust to the ball in the air and make remarkable catches. He is big and tall and strong and has the deep speed and size to be a matchup nightmare for any size defensive back. He has those strong hands that allow him to snatch the ball out of the air like a Komodo Dragon snaps his tongue out at an unsuspecting small animal who foolishly thinks they are out of the dragons radius of death. DK has a large catch radius also, and unsuspecting defensive backs who tend to think otherwise, get surprise by one of his athletic one-handed catches just like that small animal is surprised when caught. He is strong off the line of scrimmage and defeats single coverages with his strength, body size and remarkable catch radius. There is a big upside to his game and that has to attract most teams to selecting him early in this draft.

CONCERNS
DK has a history of “concerning” medical injuries over the years. The two most concerning are his recent neck injury and early in his career a foot injury. I’m not doctor but these types of injuries can be chronic and some teams may take DK off their boards no matter what a doctor says. Also, DK doesn’t show on film the route running skills needed to be successful at the next level against all types of defenses and I don’t see much film on him blocking either but in his defense, I do see an excellent work ethic coming back from his injuries quickly and that tells me that DK has the desire to improve. DK is the “Mister Universe” of this draft class and teams will wonder if he has lost some flexibility and also wonder what he is putting into his body.

TALENT BOARD ROUND 1.86
DK combine workouts and testing will answer a lot of questions for teams interested in selecting him early in this draft. I have raised concerns in this profile over medical issues and I’m sure teams have the same concerns but don’t mistakes my concerns for anything more than conjecture on my part. I’m sure DK will come out of the combine with answers and a clean bill of health. He has tremendous upside to his game and, his athletic talents to catch the ball reminds me of former Steelers Lynn Swan. What’s really impressive is when he is up against single coverage and the ball is in the air, he never gives up on catching the ball no matter how much it seems like the ball thrown, might be uncatchable. That’s the part that reminds me of Lynn Swan… that ability to catch what seems to be an uncatchable ball. DK is bigger than Lynn was but both have that innate ability to see a ball and concentrate on that ball when others could not envision catching it. As I stated before DK is not near a finished project and has a lot to learn to become more than just an impact player. Nevertheless, if he never turns into a “complete franchise” type receiver his potential to impact is too great to pass up for that all important 5th year option.

STRENGTHS
Jachai is a quick twitch, athlete with explosive speed off the edge to attack the line of scrimmage and cause havoc on any down and distance. His burst off the line on passing downs is unique and natural and this along with his change of direction skills makes him a third and long, down nightmare for offensive lineman to deal with. Jachai is stout against the run and is very quick to string out sweeps and disrupt screens run to his side. He can play on either side and has the athleticism to be moved around your front seven to keep him freed up to attack the line of scrimmage from different positions. Jachai has the potential to be an impact defensive play and the type that is a playmaker for your defense. He can force your offense coordinator and QB into making mistakes all game long.

CONCERNS
Jachai needs to get stronger in his lower body to be able to turn the corner on his pass rush with more strength. He also needs to be more consistent against the run. When he attacks, he shocks the lineman with his strength and explosion but at times he lets the play come to him and because he lacks lower body strength he gets caught up and can’t get off the block and make a play. Jachai has to gain a higher football IQ and strength along with better pass rushing techniques but I see an excellent work ethic in his play on the field and that makes me think it’s just matter of time for him to improve in every aspect of his game.

TALENT BOARD ROUND 1.44
Jachai has only played on the edge for one year so its very impressive what he has accomplished in the one year. He is doing everything on athletic talent and that means theirs’s big-time upside to this kid’s game once he learns better techniques and gets stronger. I saw him one time come out of a three-point stance and all I can tell you is, the explosion coming off the line of scrimmage made the hair on the back of my neck stand up and shout. When he stands up he thinks too much but coming off the line in a down position all he did was get into the back field turn the corner and drop the QB before he could complete a three-step drop. Think about that for a minute, the right tackle never got out of his stance and the QB took the snap, took three steps and Jachai had him on the ground. I still get chills thinking about it. Jachai has a ton of untapped talent to rush the passer and become a dominate player similar to the Patriots Donta Hightower who is used all over the defensive front seven. He is not as big as Donta but he has the same talent and a little quicker explosion. It might take a little time but that’s his potential. Jachai has the type of talent that offensive coordinators and QB’s will have to account for him on every down and distance.

STRENGTHS
Jeffery has the size, strength and explosion to be a top ten Defensive Lineman pick in this draft. He can play multiple positions in different defensive fronts and be disruptive at all of them. He changes the line of scrimmage in his favor on every play. He has tremendous quickness off the line to sack the quarterback and has the strength and leverage to push the pocket also. Jeff shows quick feet and an excellent burst and could easily play DE in a 3/4 or 4/3 and still get to the quarterback on passing downs. He does an excellent job taking on double teams and shows the talent to defeat them and still get to the quarterback on passing downs or track down running backs behind the line of scrimmage. Jeffery does an excellent job playing over the center on passing downs because of his quickness and explosion off the line of scrimmage on the snap of the ball. Jeffery should be a top ten pick in this draft but remember it takes more that talent to play in the NFL.

CONCERNS
Jeffery has some off-field issues that teams will have to address and except, if they want to select Jeffery at any point in the 1st round. He also just recently has a medical issue (Knee injury) training for the combine. This will take time for him to heal and make teams wonder when Jeffery can get on the field for the first year of his contract.

TALENT BOARD ROUND 2.02
Remember this when it comes to the NFL. No matter what teams may say in public, talent trumps all issues and solves all issues and Jeffrey has that type of talent that will solve ALL of his issues. There will be teams that will have a high grade on Jeffrey in spite of his domestic violence issues and knee issues. They will scream and yell about a talented player’s lack of height but if they can check all the athletic boxes for the prototype NFL player at any position, there are some teams that will disregard any off-field issues or medical issues. Jeffrey has the prototypical talent and size to impact at the next level so its just a matter of what round he falls into but believe this, he will be drafted and if he is not drafted he will be signed as a rookie free agent. For me personally, the domestic violence issue was in 2016 and the issue is well documented and seems to be in his past. The knee well, knees and ACL’s are the norm in the NFL so I don’t see that being much of a problem either. I think if he is sitting there in the second round I might take a flyer on him depending on the severity of the knee. Others might take him off their boards but I would keep him on, that’s if he keeps his nose clean all the way to the draft. I think selecting 1st round top ten talent in the second round would be something I could live with but remember there is a lot of Defensive Line talent in this draft so Jeffrey could get lost and passing on him to select someone else with no off-field problems or medical issues seems to be the smarter move this year. Nevertheless, don’t be surprised if he sneaks into the latter part of the 1st round for a playoff team or super bowl team for sure.