dbair1967

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Brugler notes for the one's he did work ups on:

Blake Jarwin TE Oklahoma St. Rated a 6th rounder. 6'5, 246

BACKGROUND: Under-recruited out of high school, Jarwin was miscast as a 200-pound offensive lineman as a senior at Tuttle and didn’t receive any FBS-level scholarship offers. He was given a walk-on opportunity at Oklahoma State and redshirted in 2012. After not seeing any action in 2013, Jarwin started a pair of games in 2014 and posted five catches for 107 yards and one score. He earned First Team All-Big 12 honors as a junior with 17 receptions for 200 yards and two touchdowns over three starts in 2015. Jarwin set career-bests as a senior (seven starts) with 19 catches for 309 yards and two touchdowns, earning Second Team All-Big 12 honors. He accepted his invitation to the 2017 East-West Shrine Game and was a late addition to the 2017 Senior Bowl.

STRENGTHS: NFL frame, length and growth potential…quick to enter his routes with adequate speed for the position…brakes and balance in the open field, always working to get uncovered…natural body control to collect himself in/out of his breaks and gives his quarterback a large strike zone…hand strength to focus and snatch…expands his catch radius to make the acrobatic grab…makes it a chore on defenders to finish him on the ground…efficient lateral shuffle and active hands in pass protection…competitive blocker and not shy giving up his body…lives in the weight room and has added 45+ pounds since high school…graduated with a degree in management (May 2016)…former walk-on and innately driven – awarded a scholarship prior to the 2015 season.

WEAKNESSES: Runs tall and rigid in his patterns and struggles to set up defenders…one-gear athlete and was a non-threat after the catch in college…tough runner, but limited after contact and doesn’t break as many tackles as expected…bad habit of lunging as a blocker instead of creating angles, sacrificing his base and ending up on the ground…peppers, but doesn’t sustain…overcompensates for his lack of ideal power, leading to mistakes that NFL defenders will expose…below average ball production and never reached 20-catches in a season in college.
SUMMARY: A part-time starter at Oklahoma State, Jarwin lined up all over the formation as the “Cowboy” back in Mike Gundy’s spread scheme, spending time inline, slot and out wide. A self-made player, he went from walk-on to regular contributor, but his uninspiring production stands out with only 41 career catches, posting four catches or more only once in 37 games played. Although he requires extensive work as a route-runner and blocker, Jarwin is a good-sized athlete with the physical, want-to attitude to be a development “Y” tight end.

Levon Myers, Northern Illinois 6'5 309, rated as priority f/a

SUMMARY: A former two-star recruit, Myers had only one FBS-level offer and committed to NIU a few months before signing day. However, Wisconsin entered the picture late and offered him, but he decided to honor his pledge, sticking with Northern Illinois. He spent the first three seasons in a reserve role before securing the left tackle job as a junior, starting all 26 games of his junior and senior seasons, earning Second Team All-MAC honors both years. Myers is very coordinated in his attack, keeping his hands in a ready position and working hard to stay square to rushers. However, his weak punch won’t slow down NFL rushers and he needs to develop counter measures to handle variety off the edge. He is nimble for his size to ride the edge or protect vs. inside moves, but he will forget his lower body at times and lunge, falling off balance. Myers is an interesting prospect, checking boxes for his size, feet and toughness, and he has a NFL future if he learns consistency.

Jahad Thomas RB Temple 5'10, 190, rated priority f/a

He moved to running back as a sophomore, became a starter as a junior and posted steady production the past two seasons with 37 offensive touchdowns (third-best in FBS since 2015) – also added punt return duties to his résumé as a senior (12.6 average). A quick scatback, Thomas runs with his feet on fire and is much tougher than he looks, but requires space to be effective and lacks a power element to live between the tackles consistently. He gets himself in trouble with east-west runs and can be brought to the ground with minimal contact, not breaking tackles in tight quarters. Overall, Thomas is a jitterbug runner with the receiving skills and upside as a punt returner for the pro level, but his size makes him a longshot for NFL success and requires a specific plan to justify keeping him on the active roster.

Joe Mathis DE Washington 6'2, 266, rated 3rd/4th rd pick. 14th rated edge rusher by Brugler. Rookie camp invite

BACKGROUND: A four-star defensive end recruit out of high school, Joe “JoJo” Mathis was widely considered one of the best recruits in southern California and originally committed to Washington before backing out and reexamining his options once the offers piled up. He narrowed his college choice to Michigan, Nebraska and Washington, re-committing to the Huskies in the end. He came off the bench his first two seasons and combined for 23 tackles and 2.0 sacks. Mathis was part of the defensive line rotation as a junior in 2015, posting 30 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks and two forced fumbles over seven starts. He started the first seven games in 2016 as a senior and was having a career-year before a season-ending injury, finishing with 25 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks. Mathis was invited to the 2017 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, but was unable to participate.

STRENGTHS: Flexible body control around the edge…flashes violence in his hands to attack the breastplate and force blockers off balance…transitions his initial quickness to bullying power when he stays low off the snap…very active and relies on his hand use to break down the rhythm of blockers…has a spin move and keeps his hips and feet in sync…balanced center of gravity and looks comfortable on his feet…improved backfield vision vs. the run and rarely takes himself out of position…uses his body to leverage the edge, making the tackle or filtering the run back inside…carries good weight and muscle for his frame…married (Savitri) with a newborn son (Jon IV), which significantly contributed to his maturation…experienced at various positions, lining up as a stand-up rusher, traditional defensive end and strongside linebacker.

WEAKNESSES: Lacks prototypical size measurements…pass rush plan lacks seasoning, relying more on effort than efficiency…bends well, but appears rigid when asked to put on the brakes and redirect his momentum…needs a better answer when his first move is conquered…discipline tends to waver, including several late hits…inconsistent break down skills as a tackler…commitment to the weight room has been questioned in the past…immature past and enjoyed reading his own press clippings – publicly voiced his displeasure with the UW coaching change and left the team for a period, leading to a two-game suspension in 2014…only 13 career starts and doesn’t have ideal on-field experience and production…medical evaluation will be paramount after missing the second half of his senior season due to a torn ligament in his right toe (Oct. 2016), which required surgery and didn’t heal as quickly as expected – missed most of the pre-draft process. SUMMARY: A two-year starter at Washington, Mathis’ Huskies career didn’t go quite as planned, but his senior season showed his promise as a pass rusher with 5.0 sacks through six games before his season-ending foot injury – lined up as the starting “BUCK” rusher in 2016, following in the footsteps of Travis Feeney, Hau’oli Kikaha and others. He was rarely challenged on the football field growing up and faced a wakeup call at Washington that helped reverse his entitlement and maturity issues – his young family is also a strong contributing factor. He is a flexible edge rusher with the heavy hands and tough, competitive on-field attitude to put pressure on the pocket, but he lacks twitch and needs to improve his efficiency and discipline in all facets. Overall, Mathis has raw pass rush skills that can be developed, making him worthy of an early day three pick if the medicals and character check out.

Cooper Rush QB W Michigan 6'3, 228. Priority f/a, 15th rated QB

SUMMARY: A four-year starter, Rush received only one scholarship offer (Central Michigan) out of high school and finished his career No. 2 in MAC history with 12,894 passing yards, falling just 12 yards shy of the No. 1 spot. After setting career-bests as a junior, his production took a step back as a senior with 59.8% completions and a career-high 16 interceptions. Rush, who graduated with a degree in actuarial science (May 2016), processes action quickly with a high football aptitude and the preparation to identify coverages and tendencies. He checks boxes with his size and toughness, but his arm strength is below average with a bad habit of delivering off-balance. Overall, Rush is experienced in a pro-style, under-center offense and displays the leadership traits that will fit in a NFL locker room, but his mechanical movements and underwhelming arm talent limits his NFL ceiling – intangibles and intelligence might be enough to earn a roster spot as a No. 3.

Lewis Neal DE LSU 6-0 261 Rated Priority f/a

SUMMARY: A former three-star recruit, Neal initially committed to Ohio State before flipping to LSU once the Tigers offered him. He spent his first two seasons in Baton Rouge as a reserve, totaling 10 tackles. Neal started all 24 games the past two seasons, leading the team in sacks as a junior before seeing his production slip as a senior. He sports a compact, filled-out frame and although he lacks ideal length, he understands how to use his reach to deliver a jarring punch and keep blockers from his body. Neal has coordinated lower body athleticism, but lacks initial burst and arc speed to consistently threaten the pocket from the edge. Although he takes disciplined angles vs. the run, he needs to improve his break down skills in space. His maturity and intelligence will impress during interviews – bought and operates a barber shop and owns a financial investment firm. Overall, Neal wins more with hustle than difference-making skills, which might be enough once in a training camp.

Michael Coe C North Dakota 6-1 309 Rated priority f/a

SUMMARY: A no-star offensive tackle recruit out of high school, Coe enrolled at Division-II Western New Mexico where he started at left tackle his first two seasons before moving to left guard in 2014 as a junior, earning Second Team All-RMAC honors. After sitting out the 2015 season due to injury, he moved on to FCS-level North Dakota (to play for his former coach) as a graduate transfer. Coe split his 12 starts between left tackle, right tackle and center, filling in wherever was needed. He is thickly built with the length and core strength to hold his ground vs. power. Coe unlocks his hips and adjust his lower body to mirror in space, but has the bad habit of lunging and losing his balance in space. He also gets himself in trouble when his base narrows and pads rise, lacking the hand strength or placement to reset and recover. Overall, Coe consistently got the job done vs. FCS competition and offers the positional versatility that could possibly get him drafted in the later rounds.

Joe Jones OLB Northwestern. Notable that he ran 4.50 at 6'0, 231
 
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IIRC he was having a pretty big season for Washington last year and got hurt late. Might be a kid to keep an eye on.

CMD probably has some scoop on him.
7.5 TFL, 5 sacks in 6 games.

Never played more than 9 games in any of his 4 college seasons. I'm not getting my hopes up for this one.
 

theoneandonly

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Jahad Thomas has a good shot at the Dunbar roll. Very productive but not a great SPARQ guy. Mathis very intriguing IMO.
 

Scot

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711c9d103eac812d228211f9763a68b5.jpg


They gave every other pick an A or a B
 
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Scot

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Here is a list of UDFA we just signed

Topping the list is QB Cooper Rush (not listed in this screenshot)


ed87afb55090f055d856e2059a07ce7c.jpg
 

dbair1967

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Apparently we also added Wayne St OL Nate Theaker. Was regarded as a draftable guy by a few of the draftnik people.
 

dbair1967

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Appleby has got good size and arm talent. Needs further refinement but decent developmental guy.
 

dbair1967

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Draft Prep: Florida’s Austin Appleby says ‘I know that I’m an NFL quarterback’

Ryan Young
SEC Country staff

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Near the end of Florida’s Pro Day on Tuesday, most eyes turned to quarterback Austin Appleby as he fired off pass after pass in front of a collection of NFL scouts and coaches gathered at the Gators’ indoor practice facility.

This was his one opportunity to sway opinions in the lead-up to the NFL Draft and the subsequent round of undrafted free agent signings.

Appleby, who started seven games for the Gators last season as a graduate transfer from Purdue, felt snubbed that he wasn’t invited to either the Senior Bowl or the NFL Scouting Combine. So Pro Day was his chance to make an impression.

“I think I put my best foot forward,” he said afterward. “I’ve been training for the last three months to get my body in shape to come out here and take my one opportunity, not having a combine, not having a Senior Bowl. I was a little upset about that, I think I deserved that, but at the end of the day you don’t count your reps, you make your reps count. I knew what today was for me.”

RELATED: Former Gators QB Austin Appleby praises young Florida QBs’ progress

Appleby found his opportunity at Florida while twice taking over for injured starter Luke Del Rio, and he went on to complete 60.8 percent of his passes for 1,447 yards, 10 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.

He finished strong in the Gators’ Outback Bowl win over Iowa, shaking off a couple of flukey early interceptions to end up with 222 passing yards and 2 touchdowns in one of his better performances.

His approval rating among the fanbase wasn’t any better than Del Rio’s as the offense mostly struggled all year, with the blame spread between the quarterbacks, offensive line and play-calling. Appleby had some moments, though, with a big first half at Tennessee (albeit followed by a rough second half) and with that 98-yard touchdown connection with Tyrie Cleveland in a momentous win at LSU.

His biggest game of the season, against Alabama for the SEC Championship, reflected his full spectrum of both playmaking ability and inconsistency. He passed for 261 yards and 2 touchdowns against a Crimson Tide defense that hadn’t allowed an offensive touchdown in more than a month. He was also part of 3 interceptions that took the Gators out of the game, though to be fair, one of those picks came on a miscommunication with a receiver and another on a poor effort by another receiver on a 50/50 ball down the sideline.

With a prototypical 6-foot-4 build and a strong arm, Appleby believes he’ll get an opportunity with an NFL team. More to the point, he says he has no doubt he can play at that level.

“I know that there’s going to be a franchise that’s going to be very fortunate to pick me. So whoever that is, we’ll figure it out. I know that I’m an NFL quarterback,” he said.

Appleby explained he had an aggressive passing script Tuesday because he knew he had to stand out and leave an impression — not just play it safe. He says he completed 60-of-60 passes on that script in practice leading up to the showcase while estimating that “3 or 4” passes went incomplete during the actual Pro Day session.

Now comes the waiting game as he hopes at least one scout or coach who watched him throw will pick up the phone and set up a meeting or express interest.

As for it all coming down to Pro Day, Appleby is still disappointed he didn’t get more opportunity in the pre-draft buildup to showcase himself, but he says he’s not dwelling on that.

“I was prepared and ready for the call (about the combine), same with the Senior Bowl stuff. Yeah, I’m a little bit disappointed because I know what I can do, and I want to go against the best of the best. That’s why I came to Florida,” he said. “… With that said, this is the opportunity, make the most of the opportunity. Hopefully these guys were happy with what they saw and they’re going to take another look at the film and we’ll see what happens.”
 

theoneandonly

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Dallas Cowboys
Grade: C+

This was a strange class from the Cowboys, who kicked things off by addressing their need for an edge defender, but going with more of a run-defending edge-setter in Michigan’s Taco Charlton. Then came a double-dip in the secondary with Colorado’s versatile Chidobe Awuzie and Michigan’s undersized Jourdan Lewis.

The Cowboys’ next three picks were great values: North Carolina slot receiver/return man Ryan Switzer, Louisiana Tech safety Xavier Woods and Florida State corner Marquez White. Taking three corners but no linebackers, no tight end in a deep class, and no true pass-rushing specialist on the edge is what weighs down this grade.

NFL draft grades: Full analysis of every team’s 2017 class | The Draft Wire | Page 6

So much for the lovefest. Most of the other grades I saw were A's and B's.
 

Doomsday

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"Great value picks" sounds too much like Ginger's "moral victories."
 
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