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He has us taking a surprise at 24, Texas WR Xavier Worthy
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FWIW Broaddus saying he is hearing that the Cowboys are dialed in on Barton or JPJ with the 1st pick.
Suamataia is definitely in the mix though but numerous teams late in 1 and early 2 are showing lots of interest. He had last minute visits with Packers, Niners and Chiefs, in addition to Pats.
Suamataia is definitely in the mix though but numerous teams late in 1 and early 2 are showing lots of interest. He had last minute visits with Packers, Niners and Chiefs, in addition to Pats.
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Brugler's 7 round mock draft today. I think it's unlocked for everyone.
His picks for us and comments (he only had comments on select players after 1st rd)
1- Tyler Guyton OT Oklahoma
Ideally, the Cowboys would love to keep Tyler Smith at left guard, but it might depend on how this draft plays out. In this scenario, they add the raw but toolsy tackle, who they hope will be the next Tyron Smith.
2- Payton Wilson LB NC State
3- Jaylon Wright RB Tennessee
5- Matt Lee C Miami
If the Cowboys had to play a game tomorrow, the coaches would be comfortable starting Brock Hoffman at center. But they will address the position at some point in the draft. With his anchor and quickness, Lee is terrific value in the late fifth.
6- Xavier Weaver WR Colorado
7a- Chau Smith-Wade CB Washington St
7b- Jevonte Jean-Baptiste Edge Notre Dame
In terms of who he passed on for us, JPG was there in 1 and he took Guyton instead. He took Wilson instead of Edgerrin Cooper (whom he had picked two picks later). He also passed on RB Brooks (ended up as 1st pick of 3rd rd).
His picks for us and comments (he only had comments on select players after 1st rd)
1- Tyler Guyton OT Oklahoma
Ideally, the Cowboys would love to keep Tyler Smith at left guard, but it might depend on how this draft plays out. In this scenario, they add the raw but toolsy tackle, who they hope will be the next Tyron Smith.
2- Payton Wilson LB NC State
3- Jaylon Wright RB Tennessee
5- Matt Lee C Miami
If the Cowboys had to play a game tomorrow, the coaches would be comfortable starting Brock Hoffman at center. But they will address the position at some point in the draft. With his anchor and quickness, Lee is terrific value in the late fifth.
6- Xavier Weaver WR Colorado
7a- Chau Smith-Wade CB Washington St
7b- Jevonte Jean-Baptiste Edge Notre Dame
In terms of who he passed on for us, JPG was there in 1 and he took Guyton instead. He took Wilson instead of Edgerrin Cooper (whom he had picked two picks later). He also passed on RB Brooks (ended up as 1st pick of 3rd rd).
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josh brent is a scout? ok
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The start of Bob McGinn stuff. Part I, WR and TE. In sep posts.
This is the 40th year that Bob McGinn has written his NFL Draft Series. Previously, it appeared in the Green Bay Press-Gazette (1985-’91), the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (1992-’17), BobMcGinn Football (2018-’19), The Athletic (2020-’21) and GoLongTD.com (2022-’24). Until 2014, many personnel people were quoted by name. The series reluctantly adopted an all-anonymous format in 2015 at the request of most scouts.
WIDE RECEIVERS
1. MARVIN HARRISON, Ohio State (6-3, 209, no 40, Round 1): Fourth in the Heisman trophy voting as a third-year junior in 2023. “If he catches it on the run he shows unreal top-end speed,” one scout said. “If he would have (worked) at the combine he wouldn’t have won the 40 but if they had run the 100 he’d be at the top. When he catches those shallow drags you see him outrun angles and people. What you don’t see, if he’s running a curl, a comebacker or a dig and he’s not already in full-speed stride, is the ruggedness, the passion. He has the ability to be a good run-after-catch guy who, to me, was playing his last year of college football protecting himself.” Backed up in 2021 before starring in 2022-’23. “I’m going to say he’s the No. 1 player in the draft,” a second scout said. “His dad (Marvin) was a quickness-change of direction type with very skilled hands. Marvin Jr. is bigger, more of a jump-ball guy. Makes plays in the red zone and out near the sideline. He makes the field about 57, 58 yards wide (rather than 53 1/3) because he can extend for the ball on the sideline. He’s very polished. Some will argue that he’s not even the best receiver, that Nabers is. Over the next 10, 12, 15 years I think he’ll be the top guy.” Finished with 155 receptions for 2,613 yards (16.9) and 31 touchdowns. “I kind of liken him to Larry Fitzgerald,” a third scout said. “You didn’t see a ton of run after the catch with Larry Fitzgerald coming out (in 2004) but he did it in the NFL. Harrison’s going to be a great NFL player just like Larry Fitzgerald was. Calvin (Johnson) is much more gifted.” From Philadelphia.
2. MALIK NABERS, Louisiana State (6-0, 199, 4.44, 1): Third-year junior. “He’s that all-around, well-polished, freakishly athletic individual,” said one scout. “His traits just jump off the tape at you.” His pro day workout included a 42-inch vertical jump and 10-9 broad jump. “I absolutely love watching Malik Nabers,” a second scout said. “He’s not your typical size for an ‘X’ but he has the speed, the separation, routes and hands. Where he separates himself is run after catch. That’s what makes him such an exciting player. CeeDee Lamb is a little bit bigger; Nabers is more sudden and (has) better top-end speed.” A third scout graded him on a par with Justin Jefferson, another LSU product. “He’s powerful, he’s explosive and he can win at every level of route running, which makes him special as a high-floor player,” a fourth scout said. “He can run after the catch. He can run intermediate routes. He can track the deep ball.” Started 30 of 38 games. Finished with 189 catches for 3,003 (15.9) and 21 TDs. “He’s not Harrison,” a fifth scout said. “If you see that just ignore it. He’s more of the D.J. Moore kind of player. Thick running back build. He’s a good player, a really good player. I don’t think he has elite ball skills.” From Youngsville, La. “He is what he is right now,” said a sixth scout. “He’s topped out. Against the Alabama corners his production all came against zone coverage over the middle. When he was manned up he struggled. But he has straight dog in him once he catches the ball.”
3. ROME ODUNZE, Washington (6-3, 220, 4.44, 1): “He’s a better route-running A.J. Brown from Philly,” one scout said. “He’s going to be a good, strong, built-to-last player.” Redshirted in 2020 before making 29 starts from 2021-’23. “I enjoyed watching his progression over the years,” a second scout said. “He’s very polished but he’s (also) a force as a blocker. He plays well without the ball, so to speak, because of splits, assignments, running routes when maybe the ball’s going in another direction. He’s really come on and gotten better and better. He’s going to be a very solid, solid player in the NFL. He’s not as flashy as the first two but he’s got a flair … some pizazz.” His totals for receptions, yards and TD catches increased each year. “He’s a great kid,” said a third scout. “It would not surprise me if Odunze ended up being the best of the class. What’s crazy is he had production and there were three receivers (at Washington) that are getting drafted.” Finished with 214 receptions for 3,272 (15.3) and 24 TDs. “Size, speed, great makeup football and person,” said a fourth scout. “Competitive, tough, all about football. Wants to achieve. Good hands. This guy’s a good football player. He’s faster (than Davante Adams). He only ran 4.56.” Vertical jump of 39, broad jump of 10-4. “He’s good, but I have some issues with his quickness and his ability to separate,” said a fifth scout. “He’s strong, but his lack of explosiveness really bothered me. I think he’ll be a solid pro. Nothing special.” From Las Vegas. “He’s got rare ball skills that you won’t miss on,” a sixth scout said. “But I have a feeling he’s going to end up being like a good No. 2 receiver (as opposed to) a dominant ‘X’ true No. 1.”
4. XAVIER WORTHY, Texas (5-11, 169, 4.23, 1-2): His hand-held average time of 4.23 was one of the fastest recorded at the combine. “Real skinny, real weak but really fast,” one scout said. “Not the toughest guy, and I don’t like his size.” A third-year junior who started all 39 games of his career. “He reminded me of John Ross out of Washington the way he could separate and pull away,” a second scout said. “He also reminded me of Will Fuller. Hands are inconsistent, but there’s no question this guy will come in and immediately provide some explosive plays for an NFL offense. I saw him as a starting slot. Coming out of college, Tyreek Hill wasn’t the guy we all know as one of the best receivers. The difference between Worthy and Tyreek Hill would be, yes, they’re both fast, but Tyreek Hill is able to creatively use his speed where Worthy is just, ‘I’m faster than you. I know it. And I’m just going to run past you.’ There’s still a lot to develop in his route running.” Caught 197 passes for 2,755 (14.0) and 26 TDs. “Love him,” said a third scout. “With short guys that aren’t very heavy, it’s all about their core strength and power. Slight and light, but he’s wiry strong. He is tough and has strength. This is what will allow him to be an outstanding player. He is already an elite punt returner. He has so much route upside. He wasn’t some one-year wonder at the combine. This dude’s been crushing it for three years at Texas. The first two years the quarterback play was atrocious.” His vertical jump was 41, his broad jump was 10-11. “Immediately you have so much hidden production because every single defensive coordinator in the NFL is scared of one thing: a guy getting behind the defense,” the third scout continued. “If Worthy’s on the field you’re backing the f--k up and it’s a Tyreek Hillfest opening up the middle of the field all day long. He’s a true “Z’ that can run by anybody in the NFL. I’d put him behind Waddle coming out but ahead of Marquise Brown.” From Fresno, Calif.
5. BRIAN THOMAS, Louisiana State (6-3, 209, 4.36, 1-2): Third-year junior. “He’s completely different than Nabers,” one scout said. “This guy is long, tall, vertical. He can run now. Reminded me a little of (Plaxico) Burress. That movement. Not a silky-smooth athlete but can change directions and get out of (breaks). Has size, length and strength running routes. He can fly. The question on him is drops.” Started 27 of 38 games in the Tigers’ famous position. “It’s crazy how LSU continues to reload and have dynamic 1-2 punches,” said a second scout. “Whether it’s Odell (Beckham) and Jarvis (Landry) or Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson. I honestly don’t know who’s going to be a better pro. I gave Nabers a higher grade but they’ll both be extremely good receivers for a long time.” Finished with 127 receptions for 1,897 (14.9) and 24 TDs, including an FBS-leading 17 in 2023. “He’s better than (Jaxon) Smith-Njigba but he plays with no urgency,” a third scout said. “I recognize the talent. He’s got way more ability to play on the outside than Smith-Njigba. Brian Thomas has much more ability to be a true No. 1 “X’ but I honestly can’t stand the way he plays. I just do not like his disposition. He’s the classic he’s running and the first-down marker is three yards away from him and he steps out of bounds a yard short. I don’t know if I’d call him (timid) inside but he’s definitely not rugged. If someone has him ranked way higher than me, I get it. But most of the guys in the top-10 (at wideout) are high-level competitors. I would say he is not.” From Walker, La.
6. KEON COLEMAN, Florida State (6-3, 213, 4.59, 1-2): Played basketball in addition to football at Michigan State as a true freshman in 2021 (five games, two points) before deciding to give up basketball after his breakthrough season as a sophomore on the gridiron. Then he transferred to Florida State, leading the team in receiving last season, before declaring for the draft. “Great body control, unbelievable hands, great understanding of defenses, loves the game of football,” said one scout. “Receivers that ran slow include Keenan Allen, Cooper Kupp, Allen Robinson, Davante Adams. He’s got as good if not better body control than those guys do. He just goes up and gets it. This guy’s so talented as an athlete he could have gone to Kansas and played basketball.” His 40 time disappointed some scouts. “I just don’t see anything there,” a second scout said. “Big guy but doesn’t have any quickness, explosion or speed. Doesn’t separate well. One-gear guy. They try to throw those slip screens to him and he doesn’t have much run after the catch. Just a No. 3 type guy.” Finished with 115 receptions for 1,506 (13.1) and 19 TDs. “If you can’t find that true ‘Z’ you can go with a big ‘Z’ that might not be speed-speed but can always be open downfield and win jump balls,” a third scout said. “That’s a Keon Coleman-type player or Tee Higgins.” From Opelousas, La. “Everybody’s backed off Coleman because of the 40 time,” said a fourth scout. “We knew he wasn’t going to run good in the 40. On Labor Day night Keon Coleman might have been the best player on the field against LSU. Then he runs one 40 and he’s gotten just destroyed. He had three touchdowns that night and looked uncoverable. His game is elevated. I’m not going to say he’s going to be Anquan Boldin but it’ll be a similar experience.”
7. ADONAI MITCHELL, Texas (6-2, 207, 4.35, 1-2): Started 12 games for Georgia as a true freshman in 2021 and then missed nine games in ’22 with an ankle injury. “He’s a spectacular talent,” one scout said. “He’s got Garrett Wilsonesque catch radius, athletic ability, body control. But he’s almost uncoachable. Before you even get to the diabetic part, he’s kind of going to do it his way. He’s a little bit of a wild horse. You’ve got to see if you can harness him in. Then, once you do that, he doesn’t address the diabetic stuff in a mature way. He’s very much a boom-or-bust type guy.” Has been diagnosed as Type 1 diabetic. “You’re going to have to assign somebody to be next to him for his first few years because his issues are all about his diabetes and his blood sugar,” said a second scout. “When his blood sugar’s off, he’s rude, he’s abrasive, he doesn’t pay attention in meetings. It’s why you get really, really ****** character reports coming out of Georgia and Texas. But when his stuff is normal, and they get him normal by lunch time, he’s out at practice high energy, best practice player, loves football … He doesn’t run routes traditionally like most receivers would. He plants off the wrong foot all the time. (But) he learns football really well and is literally just scratching the surface. This kid has unlimited potential.” Played one season for the Longhorns. In 35 collegiate games he caught 93 passes for 1,405 (15.1) and 18 TDs. A third scout said diabetes was a major concern. “You’ve got to look out for it and he’s got to take care of himself,” he said. “Every diabetic does. There’s some questions but at the end of the day he’s a good player that hasn’t done anything overly malicious. He’s probably just immature.” His vertical jump was 39 ½; his broad jump of 11-4 led the wide receivers. From Missouri City, Texas.
8. XAVIER LEGETTE, South Carolina (6-1, 222, 4.39, 2): His hard-running style reminded one scout of Sterling Sharpe, the Gamecocks’ greatest wideout. “He kind of does,” one scout said. “He’s as athletically gifted as any guy his size. He’s probably too big to be a true punt returner. He’s come out of nowhere. He’s had multiple coaches over his career, too, which has probably slowed him down.” Had just 42 receptions from 2019-’22 despite making 20 starts. The light went on in 2023 and he was chosen All-Southeastern Conference second team. “What he did on tape this year probably would have got him in the first round if he had done it more than once,” said a second scout. “You can be unemployed taking risks on one-year wonders. That always concerns me. This year, he looks like DK Metcalf. Is he DK Metcalf? No, but there’s a lot there where someone’s going to take him in the second round.” Led wideouts on the bench press with 24 reps. “He’s got some intelligence issues that might be a concern,” said a third scout. “But he’s big, physical, can run.” Finished with 113 receptions for 1,678 (14.8) and 12 TDs. “He is very powerful in the lower half,” said a fourth scout. “He’s like a better Laviska Shenault. He’s almost like a running back in a way. It took four years to kind of get him up to speed. You can put a tremendous highlight tape on him. The big question will be, ‘OK, how long’s it going to take?’ Is he a one-spot wideout? Probably yes his rookie year. If it took four years in college to get to that level, how long is it going to take in the NFL?” From Mullins, S.C.
9. LADD McCONKEY, Georgia (5-11 ½, 186, 4.43, 2): Redshirted in 2000 before starting 21 of 39 games from 2021-’23. “He’s very good,” one scout said. “He’s an easy evaluation. My only concern is can he stay healthy.” Missed five games last season with back and ankle injuries. “He’s the best route runner of the bunch,” a second scout said. “Precise, determined, tough, instinctive as hell. Really good hands. But he’s little, make no mistake about it.” His short shuttle of 3.97 was the best among wideouts. “Hunter Renfrow-type,” said a third scout. “He’s a slot. Quick, good hands, doesn’t make big plays. Now he’s been hurt — a lot.” Finished with 119 receptions for 1,687 (14.2) and 14 TDs. “I didn’t realize he was as fast as he was,” said a fourth scout. “That kid can flat-*** run. He’s got all the skills. He’ll be a starter in the slot. He’ll be like those New England guys. He’s probably faster. This guy really has speed.” Exceptional student. “I’m a fan,” said a fifth scout. “That guy will be exactly where the (quarterback) tells him to be. Some of these other guys, you don’t know what they’re going to do.” From Chatsworth, Ga.
10. RICKY PEARSALL, Florida (6-1, 191, 4.42, 2): Bailed out of Arizona State in April 2022 after starting 12 of 30 games from 2019-’21. Led the Gators in receiving each of his two seasons. “Some people like him but I really love the guy,” said one scout. “Really good route runner. In a deep class, I could see him getting passed up. I don’t think people put him in the conversation with the real guys. When it’s all said and done he’ll be one of the best receivers in the group.” Ran the fastest 3-cone of any wideout this spring (6.64). “I had him in the third (round),” another scout said. “All of a sudden he runs a 4.41 and I put him in the second. He’s a faster Cooper Kupp. More of a slot type although he played ‘X’ and ‘Z’ there. Good hands.” In five seasons he caught 159 passes for 2,420 (15.2) and 14 TDs. “He might be in the (Luke) McCaffrey-McConkey slot group,” said a third scout. “He ran fast, too, but I didn’t see that on tape.” From Chandler, Ariz.
11. TROY FRANKLIN, Oregon (6-2, 180, 4.45, 2-3): Third-year junior, two-year starter. “He was their big-play guy and has been for a couple years,” said one scout. “The concern is he’s really thin. He can take the top off a defense but he can also get open intermediate. He’s got to add some bulk. He had a few drops this year, which was a bit of a concern. He seems like a No. 3 guy who can play inside and out and then advance from there.” Finished with 160 receptions for 2,483 (15.5) and 25 TDs, including 14 in 2023. “He’s in the speedster-vertical threat category,” a second scout said. “I did like his run after catch on quick hitters. They got him out in space and got the ball in his hands and he just ran away eliminating pursuit angles. That was impressive. He's only going to be a slot, which diminishes his roster value and knocks him down. A lot of teams will take chances on speed.” From East Palo Alto, Calif. “He’s a huge risk,” a third scout said. “His combination of lack of play strength, lack of ability to play through contact, doesn’t track the ball well, doesn’t frame the ball well at all. That’s just not a good combination of weaknesses even though he’s electric fast and will get drafted higher than he probably should. The history tells you he’s going to struggle.”
12. ROMAN WILSON, Michigan (5-10 ½, 186, 4.38, 2-3): Assumed the featured wideout role as a senior in 2023. “One thing you’ve got to consider, they’re such a run-first offense, he probably needs some time in route mechanics,” said one scout. “But, athletically, he can do whatever you want. I would compare him in many ways to Garrett Wilson. He’s that kid of athlete. He can play outside or slot. Good hands, explosive after the catch. Wilson’s bigger than the Boston College guy that went to Baltimore.” That would be Zay Flowers (5-9, 182, 4.38), who caught 77 passes last season as a rookie. “He’ll be a starter, primarily in the slot but he showed he can play outside,” a second scout said. “Good separation ability. Like his hands. He can be a threat down the field. Plays bigger than his size. He went up there and was able to pluck some balls in 50-50 situations. He can be a solid No. 2.” Finished with 107 catches for 1,707 (16.0) and 20 TDs, including 12 in 2023. “He’s the most overrated player I’ve seen,” said a third scout. “Slot only. All zone production. Not a natural catcher. One of the weakest receivers in the draft. Cannot block to save his life. Has no special-teams value. If he goes to a team that has a slot he could easily be on practice squad or being inactive every week because he’s got no other value. If he was at any other school he’d be graded very late in the draft. There’s a reason he was a one-year starter. And who was he trying to beat out? We’ve signed free agents as good as him.” From Honolulu.
13. MALACHI CORLEY, Western Kentucky (5-10 ½, 207, 4.56, 3): According to one scout, he was the best player in the draft with the ball in his hands. According to another, his run after was “as good as anybody in the draft.” Said the first exec: “He has a lot of Deebo Samuel. You can give him the ball like they (the 49ers) do with Deebo. He’s a punisher. He looks for contact. Doesn’t take care of his body. Someone will take a chance on that because that’s what’s being valued in our league right now. He’s got a unique skill set. You would not want to tackle that (bleep).” Lightly recruited out of Orange City, Fla. “He almost plays like a running back,” another scout said. “His speed is good; I wouldn’t say it’s great like some of the other guys. Honestly, you could put him in the backfield if you wanted to mix things up.” Had 101 receptions in 2022, finishing with a school-record 259 for 3,033 (11.7) and 29 TDs. “I can’t deny his stats,” said a third scout. “But he lacked the ability to run the full route tree and separate. I’m a little concerned about his overall long speed. At the break point I thought he was all over the place and didn’t have the short-area burst to create his own separation. Where he shined was on quick hitters against zone coverage. If that’s what you’re looking for he’s your guy.”
14. JA’LYNN POLK, Washington (6-1 ½, 204, 4.45, 3): Caught 28 passes as a true freshman at Texas Tech in 2020 before moving on to Washington from 2021-’23. “Smart, tough, great body control,” one scout said. “Really, really good hands. Good speed, not elite. But he knows how to play the game.” Made clutch catches as the Huskies’ No. 2 threat behind Rome Odunze. “Very physical,” said a second scout. “He’s almost like Jarvis Landry. He’s that competitive. I love the (bleep) out of him.” Caught 143 passes for 2,231 (15.6) and eight TDs. “I like him as a fourth-fifth receiver and special-teams player with low-end starter’s upside maybe in a couple years,” a third scout said. “If he’s on your team he’s active on game day. He can play inside and outside. Outstanding contested catch catcher. He’s a dog and will be good on special teams.” From Lufkin, Texas. “I didn’t see him win a lot on his own,” a fourth scout said. “I saw a lot of the offense schemed up for him. He’s a Day 2 player but there are questions about his route running, his ability to separate and his ability to win against press coverage.”
OTHERS: Tez Walker, North Carolina; Jalen McMillan, Washington; Jacob Cowing, Arizona; Luke McCaffrey, Rice; Bub Means, Pittsburgh; Jamari Thrash, Louisville; Brenden Rice, Southern Cal; Malik Washington, Virginia; Anthony Gould, Oregon State; Jermaine Burton, Alabama; Jordan Whittington, Texas; Ainias Smith, Texas A&M; Javon Baker, Central Florida; Jha’Quan Jackson, Tulane.
This is the 40th year that Bob McGinn has written his NFL Draft Series. Previously, it appeared in the Green Bay Press-Gazette (1985-’91), the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (1992-’17), BobMcGinn Football (2018-’19), The Athletic (2020-’21) and GoLongTD.com (2022-’24). Until 2014, many personnel people were quoted by name. The series reluctantly adopted an all-anonymous format in 2015 at the request of most scouts.
WIDE RECEIVERS
1. MARVIN HARRISON, Ohio State (6-3, 209, no 40, Round 1): Fourth in the Heisman trophy voting as a third-year junior in 2023. “If he catches it on the run he shows unreal top-end speed,” one scout said. “If he would have (worked) at the combine he wouldn’t have won the 40 but if they had run the 100 he’d be at the top. When he catches those shallow drags you see him outrun angles and people. What you don’t see, if he’s running a curl, a comebacker or a dig and he’s not already in full-speed stride, is the ruggedness, the passion. He has the ability to be a good run-after-catch guy who, to me, was playing his last year of college football protecting himself.” Backed up in 2021 before starring in 2022-’23. “I’m going to say he’s the No. 1 player in the draft,” a second scout said. “His dad (Marvin) was a quickness-change of direction type with very skilled hands. Marvin Jr. is bigger, more of a jump-ball guy. Makes plays in the red zone and out near the sideline. He makes the field about 57, 58 yards wide (rather than 53 1/3) because he can extend for the ball on the sideline. He’s very polished. Some will argue that he’s not even the best receiver, that Nabers is. Over the next 10, 12, 15 years I think he’ll be the top guy.” Finished with 155 receptions for 2,613 yards (16.9) and 31 touchdowns. “I kind of liken him to Larry Fitzgerald,” a third scout said. “You didn’t see a ton of run after the catch with Larry Fitzgerald coming out (in 2004) but he did it in the NFL. Harrison’s going to be a great NFL player just like Larry Fitzgerald was. Calvin (Johnson) is much more gifted.” From Philadelphia.
2. MALIK NABERS, Louisiana State (6-0, 199, 4.44, 1): Third-year junior. “He’s that all-around, well-polished, freakishly athletic individual,” said one scout. “His traits just jump off the tape at you.” His pro day workout included a 42-inch vertical jump and 10-9 broad jump. “I absolutely love watching Malik Nabers,” a second scout said. “He’s not your typical size for an ‘X’ but he has the speed, the separation, routes and hands. Where he separates himself is run after catch. That’s what makes him such an exciting player. CeeDee Lamb is a little bit bigger; Nabers is more sudden and (has) better top-end speed.” A third scout graded him on a par with Justin Jefferson, another LSU product. “He’s powerful, he’s explosive and he can win at every level of route running, which makes him special as a high-floor player,” a fourth scout said. “He can run after the catch. He can run intermediate routes. He can track the deep ball.” Started 30 of 38 games. Finished with 189 catches for 3,003 (15.9) and 21 TDs. “He’s not Harrison,” a fifth scout said. “If you see that just ignore it. He’s more of the D.J. Moore kind of player. Thick running back build. He’s a good player, a really good player. I don’t think he has elite ball skills.” From Youngsville, La. “He is what he is right now,” said a sixth scout. “He’s topped out. Against the Alabama corners his production all came against zone coverage over the middle. When he was manned up he struggled. But he has straight dog in him once he catches the ball.”
3. ROME ODUNZE, Washington (6-3, 220, 4.44, 1): “He’s a better route-running A.J. Brown from Philly,” one scout said. “He’s going to be a good, strong, built-to-last player.” Redshirted in 2020 before making 29 starts from 2021-’23. “I enjoyed watching his progression over the years,” a second scout said. “He’s very polished but he’s (also) a force as a blocker. He plays well without the ball, so to speak, because of splits, assignments, running routes when maybe the ball’s going in another direction. He’s really come on and gotten better and better. He’s going to be a very solid, solid player in the NFL. He’s not as flashy as the first two but he’s got a flair … some pizazz.” His totals for receptions, yards and TD catches increased each year. “He’s a great kid,” said a third scout. “It would not surprise me if Odunze ended up being the best of the class. What’s crazy is he had production and there were three receivers (at Washington) that are getting drafted.” Finished with 214 receptions for 3,272 (15.3) and 24 TDs. “Size, speed, great makeup football and person,” said a fourth scout. “Competitive, tough, all about football. Wants to achieve. Good hands. This guy’s a good football player. He’s faster (than Davante Adams). He only ran 4.56.” Vertical jump of 39, broad jump of 10-4. “He’s good, but I have some issues with his quickness and his ability to separate,” said a fifth scout. “He’s strong, but his lack of explosiveness really bothered me. I think he’ll be a solid pro. Nothing special.” From Las Vegas. “He’s got rare ball skills that you won’t miss on,” a sixth scout said. “But I have a feeling he’s going to end up being like a good No. 2 receiver (as opposed to) a dominant ‘X’ true No. 1.”
4. XAVIER WORTHY, Texas (5-11, 169, 4.23, 1-2): His hand-held average time of 4.23 was one of the fastest recorded at the combine. “Real skinny, real weak but really fast,” one scout said. “Not the toughest guy, and I don’t like his size.” A third-year junior who started all 39 games of his career. “He reminded me of John Ross out of Washington the way he could separate and pull away,” a second scout said. “He also reminded me of Will Fuller. Hands are inconsistent, but there’s no question this guy will come in and immediately provide some explosive plays for an NFL offense. I saw him as a starting slot. Coming out of college, Tyreek Hill wasn’t the guy we all know as one of the best receivers. The difference between Worthy and Tyreek Hill would be, yes, they’re both fast, but Tyreek Hill is able to creatively use his speed where Worthy is just, ‘I’m faster than you. I know it. And I’m just going to run past you.’ There’s still a lot to develop in his route running.” Caught 197 passes for 2,755 (14.0) and 26 TDs. “Love him,” said a third scout. “With short guys that aren’t very heavy, it’s all about their core strength and power. Slight and light, but he’s wiry strong. He is tough and has strength. This is what will allow him to be an outstanding player. He is already an elite punt returner. He has so much route upside. He wasn’t some one-year wonder at the combine. This dude’s been crushing it for three years at Texas. The first two years the quarterback play was atrocious.” His vertical jump was 41, his broad jump was 10-11. “Immediately you have so much hidden production because every single defensive coordinator in the NFL is scared of one thing: a guy getting behind the defense,” the third scout continued. “If Worthy’s on the field you’re backing the f--k up and it’s a Tyreek Hillfest opening up the middle of the field all day long. He’s a true “Z’ that can run by anybody in the NFL. I’d put him behind Waddle coming out but ahead of Marquise Brown.” From Fresno, Calif.
5. BRIAN THOMAS, Louisiana State (6-3, 209, 4.36, 1-2): Third-year junior. “He’s completely different than Nabers,” one scout said. “This guy is long, tall, vertical. He can run now. Reminded me a little of (Plaxico) Burress. That movement. Not a silky-smooth athlete but can change directions and get out of (breaks). Has size, length and strength running routes. He can fly. The question on him is drops.” Started 27 of 38 games in the Tigers’ famous position. “It’s crazy how LSU continues to reload and have dynamic 1-2 punches,” said a second scout. “Whether it’s Odell (Beckham) and Jarvis (Landry) or Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson. I honestly don’t know who’s going to be a better pro. I gave Nabers a higher grade but they’ll both be extremely good receivers for a long time.” Finished with 127 receptions for 1,897 (14.9) and 24 TDs, including an FBS-leading 17 in 2023. “He’s better than (Jaxon) Smith-Njigba but he plays with no urgency,” a third scout said. “I recognize the talent. He’s got way more ability to play on the outside than Smith-Njigba. Brian Thomas has much more ability to be a true No. 1 “X’ but I honestly can’t stand the way he plays. I just do not like his disposition. He’s the classic he’s running and the first-down marker is three yards away from him and he steps out of bounds a yard short. I don’t know if I’d call him (timid) inside but he’s definitely not rugged. If someone has him ranked way higher than me, I get it. But most of the guys in the top-10 (at wideout) are high-level competitors. I would say he is not.” From Walker, La.
6. KEON COLEMAN, Florida State (6-3, 213, 4.59, 1-2): Played basketball in addition to football at Michigan State as a true freshman in 2021 (five games, two points) before deciding to give up basketball after his breakthrough season as a sophomore on the gridiron. Then he transferred to Florida State, leading the team in receiving last season, before declaring for the draft. “Great body control, unbelievable hands, great understanding of defenses, loves the game of football,” said one scout. “Receivers that ran slow include Keenan Allen, Cooper Kupp, Allen Robinson, Davante Adams. He’s got as good if not better body control than those guys do. He just goes up and gets it. This guy’s so talented as an athlete he could have gone to Kansas and played basketball.” His 40 time disappointed some scouts. “I just don’t see anything there,” a second scout said. “Big guy but doesn’t have any quickness, explosion or speed. Doesn’t separate well. One-gear guy. They try to throw those slip screens to him and he doesn’t have much run after the catch. Just a No. 3 type guy.” Finished with 115 receptions for 1,506 (13.1) and 19 TDs. “If you can’t find that true ‘Z’ you can go with a big ‘Z’ that might not be speed-speed but can always be open downfield and win jump balls,” a third scout said. “That’s a Keon Coleman-type player or Tee Higgins.” From Opelousas, La. “Everybody’s backed off Coleman because of the 40 time,” said a fourth scout. “We knew he wasn’t going to run good in the 40. On Labor Day night Keon Coleman might have been the best player on the field against LSU. Then he runs one 40 and he’s gotten just destroyed. He had three touchdowns that night and looked uncoverable. His game is elevated. I’m not going to say he’s going to be Anquan Boldin but it’ll be a similar experience.”
7. ADONAI MITCHELL, Texas (6-2, 207, 4.35, 1-2): Started 12 games for Georgia as a true freshman in 2021 and then missed nine games in ’22 with an ankle injury. “He’s a spectacular talent,” one scout said. “He’s got Garrett Wilsonesque catch radius, athletic ability, body control. But he’s almost uncoachable. Before you even get to the diabetic part, he’s kind of going to do it his way. He’s a little bit of a wild horse. You’ve got to see if you can harness him in. Then, once you do that, he doesn’t address the diabetic stuff in a mature way. He’s very much a boom-or-bust type guy.” Has been diagnosed as Type 1 diabetic. “You’re going to have to assign somebody to be next to him for his first few years because his issues are all about his diabetes and his blood sugar,” said a second scout. “When his blood sugar’s off, he’s rude, he’s abrasive, he doesn’t pay attention in meetings. It’s why you get really, really ****** character reports coming out of Georgia and Texas. But when his stuff is normal, and they get him normal by lunch time, he’s out at practice high energy, best practice player, loves football … He doesn’t run routes traditionally like most receivers would. He plants off the wrong foot all the time. (But) he learns football really well and is literally just scratching the surface. This kid has unlimited potential.” Played one season for the Longhorns. In 35 collegiate games he caught 93 passes for 1,405 (15.1) and 18 TDs. A third scout said diabetes was a major concern. “You’ve got to look out for it and he’s got to take care of himself,” he said. “Every diabetic does. There’s some questions but at the end of the day he’s a good player that hasn’t done anything overly malicious. He’s probably just immature.” His vertical jump was 39 ½; his broad jump of 11-4 led the wide receivers. From Missouri City, Texas.
8. XAVIER LEGETTE, South Carolina (6-1, 222, 4.39, 2): His hard-running style reminded one scout of Sterling Sharpe, the Gamecocks’ greatest wideout. “He kind of does,” one scout said. “He’s as athletically gifted as any guy his size. He’s probably too big to be a true punt returner. He’s come out of nowhere. He’s had multiple coaches over his career, too, which has probably slowed him down.” Had just 42 receptions from 2019-’22 despite making 20 starts. The light went on in 2023 and he was chosen All-Southeastern Conference second team. “What he did on tape this year probably would have got him in the first round if he had done it more than once,” said a second scout. “You can be unemployed taking risks on one-year wonders. That always concerns me. This year, he looks like DK Metcalf. Is he DK Metcalf? No, but there’s a lot there where someone’s going to take him in the second round.” Led wideouts on the bench press with 24 reps. “He’s got some intelligence issues that might be a concern,” said a third scout. “But he’s big, physical, can run.” Finished with 113 receptions for 1,678 (14.8) and 12 TDs. “He is very powerful in the lower half,” said a fourth scout. “He’s like a better Laviska Shenault. He’s almost like a running back in a way. It took four years to kind of get him up to speed. You can put a tremendous highlight tape on him. The big question will be, ‘OK, how long’s it going to take?’ Is he a one-spot wideout? Probably yes his rookie year. If it took four years in college to get to that level, how long is it going to take in the NFL?” From Mullins, S.C.
9. LADD McCONKEY, Georgia (5-11 ½, 186, 4.43, 2): Redshirted in 2000 before starting 21 of 39 games from 2021-’23. “He’s very good,” one scout said. “He’s an easy evaluation. My only concern is can he stay healthy.” Missed five games last season with back and ankle injuries. “He’s the best route runner of the bunch,” a second scout said. “Precise, determined, tough, instinctive as hell. Really good hands. But he’s little, make no mistake about it.” His short shuttle of 3.97 was the best among wideouts. “Hunter Renfrow-type,” said a third scout. “He’s a slot. Quick, good hands, doesn’t make big plays. Now he’s been hurt — a lot.” Finished with 119 receptions for 1,687 (14.2) and 14 TDs. “I didn’t realize he was as fast as he was,” said a fourth scout. “That kid can flat-*** run. He’s got all the skills. He’ll be a starter in the slot. He’ll be like those New England guys. He’s probably faster. This guy really has speed.” Exceptional student. “I’m a fan,” said a fifth scout. “That guy will be exactly where the (quarterback) tells him to be. Some of these other guys, you don’t know what they’re going to do.” From Chatsworth, Ga.
10. RICKY PEARSALL, Florida (6-1, 191, 4.42, 2): Bailed out of Arizona State in April 2022 after starting 12 of 30 games from 2019-’21. Led the Gators in receiving each of his two seasons. “Some people like him but I really love the guy,” said one scout. “Really good route runner. In a deep class, I could see him getting passed up. I don’t think people put him in the conversation with the real guys. When it’s all said and done he’ll be one of the best receivers in the group.” Ran the fastest 3-cone of any wideout this spring (6.64). “I had him in the third (round),” another scout said. “All of a sudden he runs a 4.41 and I put him in the second. He’s a faster Cooper Kupp. More of a slot type although he played ‘X’ and ‘Z’ there. Good hands.” In five seasons he caught 159 passes for 2,420 (15.2) and 14 TDs. “He might be in the (Luke) McCaffrey-McConkey slot group,” said a third scout. “He ran fast, too, but I didn’t see that on tape.” From Chandler, Ariz.
11. TROY FRANKLIN, Oregon (6-2, 180, 4.45, 2-3): Third-year junior, two-year starter. “He was their big-play guy and has been for a couple years,” said one scout. “The concern is he’s really thin. He can take the top off a defense but he can also get open intermediate. He’s got to add some bulk. He had a few drops this year, which was a bit of a concern. He seems like a No. 3 guy who can play inside and out and then advance from there.” Finished with 160 receptions for 2,483 (15.5) and 25 TDs, including 14 in 2023. “He’s in the speedster-vertical threat category,” a second scout said. “I did like his run after catch on quick hitters. They got him out in space and got the ball in his hands and he just ran away eliminating pursuit angles. That was impressive. He's only going to be a slot, which diminishes his roster value and knocks him down. A lot of teams will take chances on speed.” From East Palo Alto, Calif. “He’s a huge risk,” a third scout said. “His combination of lack of play strength, lack of ability to play through contact, doesn’t track the ball well, doesn’t frame the ball well at all. That’s just not a good combination of weaknesses even though he’s electric fast and will get drafted higher than he probably should. The history tells you he’s going to struggle.”
12. ROMAN WILSON, Michigan (5-10 ½, 186, 4.38, 2-3): Assumed the featured wideout role as a senior in 2023. “One thing you’ve got to consider, they’re such a run-first offense, he probably needs some time in route mechanics,” said one scout. “But, athletically, he can do whatever you want. I would compare him in many ways to Garrett Wilson. He’s that kid of athlete. He can play outside or slot. Good hands, explosive after the catch. Wilson’s bigger than the Boston College guy that went to Baltimore.” That would be Zay Flowers (5-9, 182, 4.38), who caught 77 passes last season as a rookie. “He’ll be a starter, primarily in the slot but he showed he can play outside,” a second scout said. “Good separation ability. Like his hands. He can be a threat down the field. Plays bigger than his size. He went up there and was able to pluck some balls in 50-50 situations. He can be a solid No. 2.” Finished with 107 catches for 1,707 (16.0) and 20 TDs, including 12 in 2023. “He’s the most overrated player I’ve seen,” said a third scout. “Slot only. All zone production. Not a natural catcher. One of the weakest receivers in the draft. Cannot block to save his life. Has no special-teams value. If he goes to a team that has a slot he could easily be on practice squad or being inactive every week because he’s got no other value. If he was at any other school he’d be graded very late in the draft. There’s a reason he was a one-year starter. And who was he trying to beat out? We’ve signed free agents as good as him.” From Honolulu.
13. MALACHI CORLEY, Western Kentucky (5-10 ½, 207, 4.56, 3): According to one scout, he was the best player in the draft with the ball in his hands. According to another, his run after was “as good as anybody in the draft.” Said the first exec: “He has a lot of Deebo Samuel. You can give him the ball like they (the 49ers) do with Deebo. He’s a punisher. He looks for contact. Doesn’t take care of his body. Someone will take a chance on that because that’s what’s being valued in our league right now. He’s got a unique skill set. You would not want to tackle that (bleep).” Lightly recruited out of Orange City, Fla. “He almost plays like a running back,” another scout said. “His speed is good; I wouldn’t say it’s great like some of the other guys. Honestly, you could put him in the backfield if you wanted to mix things up.” Had 101 receptions in 2022, finishing with a school-record 259 for 3,033 (11.7) and 29 TDs. “I can’t deny his stats,” said a third scout. “But he lacked the ability to run the full route tree and separate. I’m a little concerned about his overall long speed. At the break point I thought he was all over the place and didn’t have the short-area burst to create his own separation. Where he shined was on quick hitters against zone coverage. If that’s what you’re looking for he’s your guy.”
14. JA’LYNN POLK, Washington (6-1 ½, 204, 4.45, 3): Caught 28 passes as a true freshman at Texas Tech in 2020 before moving on to Washington from 2021-’23. “Smart, tough, great body control,” one scout said. “Really, really good hands. Good speed, not elite. But he knows how to play the game.” Made clutch catches as the Huskies’ No. 2 threat behind Rome Odunze. “Very physical,” said a second scout. “He’s almost like Jarvis Landry. He’s that competitive. I love the (bleep) out of him.” Caught 143 passes for 2,231 (15.6) and eight TDs. “I like him as a fourth-fifth receiver and special-teams player with low-end starter’s upside maybe in a couple years,” a third scout said. “If he’s on your team he’s active on game day. He can play inside and outside. Outstanding contested catch catcher. He’s a dog and will be good on special teams.” From Lufkin, Texas. “I didn’t see him win a lot on his own,” a fourth scout said. “I saw a lot of the offense schemed up for him. He’s a Day 2 player but there are questions about his route running, his ability to separate and his ability to win against press coverage.”
OTHERS: Tez Walker, North Carolina; Jalen McMillan, Washington; Jacob Cowing, Arizona; Luke McCaffrey, Rice; Bub Means, Pittsburgh; Jamari Thrash, Louisville; Brenden Rice, Southern Cal; Malik Washington, Virginia; Anthony Gould, Oregon State; Jermaine Burton, Alabama; Jordan Whittington, Texas; Ainias Smith, Texas A&M; Javon Baker, Central Florida; Jha’Quan Jackson, Tulane.
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Bob McGinn TE's:
TIGHT ENDS
1. BROCK BOWERS, Georgia (6-3, 241, no 40, 1): Third-year junior. “Thing that’s interesting about him is this is not a Rob Gronkowski (6-6, 260, 4.67), Travis Kelce (6-5, 257, 4.63) body,” said one scout. “This is almost like a fullback body. If you draft him and play him just as a pure tight end, you’ll be disappointed. He’s not going to go hammer those 260-pound defensive end and outside backers in the run game. And it’s not like he’s going to go out-jump some of these defensive backs for the ball. He really didn’t make a ton of plays like that. Most of his plays are run after catch. He’s excellent with the ball in his hand. That whole offense ran through Bowers. Outside, inside, motion, slot, backfield. They schemed him up and they’d get the ball to him quickly in the flat. He’d turn up, break the tackle and go for 18 more yards. (Fit) will be a real key to his success.” A second scout equated Bowers’ work after the catch to Harrison’s. “If he catches it on the run, he’s a mother------,” he said. “If the dude from Iowa (Sam LaPorta) can do what he did this year there’s no reason Brock can’t do that or even more. Now is that worth a top-10 pick? He might end up falling because he’s not a three-down player. You’ve got to limit his reps and use him as a true ‘U.’ Keep him on the back side to come across in motion and whack guys. He’s not a point-of-attack player. He’s not as athletic as (Kyle) Pitts getting in and out of breaks. He doesn’t have that basketball uniqueness. But he’s got length (32 ¾-inch arms) and rare ball skills.” Finished with 175 catches for 2,538 (14.5) and 26 TDs. “He’s just a quiet guy,” a third scout said. “Keeps to himself. Does the right thing. Always on time.” From Napa, Calif.
2. JA’TAVION SANDERS, Texas (6-4, 250, 4.70, 2-3): Third-year junior, two-year starter. “He’s my No. 1 guy,” one scout said. “Somewhat undersized but has a really good frame. Good athlete, knows how to play. Good route runner, has really good hands. As a blocker, he will get on you. He’s better on the edges and in space. Still a bit raw so he has upside.” Highly recruited out of Denton, Texas. “Better receiver than blocker,” said a second scout. “I think he’s a guy that has just scratched his potential. First part of the year he wasn’t that much of a factor in that offense but as the year progressed he became more of a factor. I was really shocked he wouldn’t come back because they have a chance to win the national championship (in 2024).” Ran a disappointing 40 and then, at pro day, posted lows among the top 10 tight ends in the vertical jump (30), the broad jump (9-6) and the bench press (eight reps). “Overrated,” a third scout said. “He’s a horse**** blocker and has no special-teams value. Now he’s OK as a receiver.” Finished with 99 receptions for 1,295 (13.1) and seven TDs.
3. BEN SINNOTT, Kansas State (6-4, 250, 4.63, 2-3): Outgrowing hockey after more than 10 years of playing, he turned his focus to football and eventually walked on at Kansas State as an undersized fullback. “This guy is like (George) Kittle, not Bowers,” one scout said. “His combine numbers were outstanding. He’s a really good athlete. They line him up all over. He can run routes. He’s quick, he’s fast, he gets his head to the ball quick and he’s strong catching it. He’s a tough dude after the catch. They gotta gang-tackle the guy to get him down. As a blocker, he’s aggressive. He had a play against Texas where he came in and dug that (Byron) Murphy guy out and smashed him. There was just rare blocking stuff. He didn’t do it every play but he had flashes.” Led tight ends in the vertical jump (40), the broad jump (10-6) and the 3-cone (6.82). “He’ll end up being like the guy at San Francisco,” a second scout said referring to Kyle Juszczyk. “A complete tight end. He’d be excellent at fullback because he’s a terrific space blocker. Like his mentality.” Caught 82 passes for 1,138 (13.9) and 10 TDs. “He’s a good college player,” a third scout said. “I struggle with his lack of explosiveness. He ran a 4.65 and tested really well but I didn’t see an explosive player. He’s not necessarily a great blocker and I didn’t see the route mismatch guy. He has really good hands. He does have some run after the catch. He’s not a dynamic twitch, speed-to-separate type. At our level I don’t think he’ll be a consistent winner against man (coverage). He’s not going to stretch the field vertically.” From Waterloo, Iowa.
4. THEO JOHNSON, Penn State (6-6, 261, 4.62, 3-4): Helped himself at the combine with a solid 40, a 39 ½-inch vertical jump and a position-best short shuttle of 4.19. “I’d rather take a shot on him than Sanders,” one scout said. “He’s on the upside. He’s got assertiveness with his blocking but he’s not consistent with his blocking. He can make hard, adjusting catches but he can’t run after the catch. He doesn’t make people miss in space.” Started 29 of 45 games over four years, finishing with 77 receptions for 938 (12.2) and 12 TDs. “He’s a little bit intriguing,” said another scout. “He’s a big guy. He’s fast. He’ll give you effort as a blocker. He’s much improved in that area. He’s got ball skills. He’s a really clunky mover, a really unnatural route runner. He’s Canadian, so he’s raw. I thought he might go back to school. If somebody really wants one they might take him in the third but I don’t think he’s worth that.” From Windsor, Ontario.
5. JARED WILEY, Texas Christian (6-6, 249, 4.67, 3-4): A high-school quarterback, he spent three seasons as a tight end at Texas before becoming a Horned Frog for his final two years. “He’s the underwear model cover,” said one scout. “6-6, 255, athletic. Really good ball skills. He’s not a conventional ‘Y’ in terms of dominating you with power but his blocking did improve significantly from 2022 to 2023. Travis Kelce is not knocking anybody’s head off as a blocker. You’re being athletic, you’re getting in the way, and that’s a lot like this guy. He was a quarterback in high school so he clearly understands the game. Somebody’s going to get a bargain with him.” Finished with 90 catches for 1,013 (11.3) and 15 TDs, including an FBS-leading eight last season. “He’s a project,” a second scout said. “Big, tall, thin guy. Looks weak, plays weak. He can run but he doesn’t move and run routes very well. He has to be an in-line route runner and build up speed. Doesn’t have great hands for that body type and style. His blocking? Forget it. His body’s not built for it. He did run really fast.” From Temple, Texas.
6. CADE STOVER, Ohio State (6-4, 249, 4.70, 4-5): A fifth-year senior, he played linebacker in 2019-’20 before moving to tight end in ’21. “All ball, no bull**** type of guy,” one scout said. “If I had to pick one to ride or die with that’d be the guy.” Two-time team captain and two-year starter. “He comes to mind as just a pure ‘Y’ type in terms of his blocking,” another scout said. Finished with 82 catches for 1,058 (12.9) and 10 TDs. “Stover is probably the (best) blocker,” said a third scout. “He’s a former linebacker and he kind of plays with that edge, that mentality. Plays with leverage. He’s not a gifted athlete or anything. He’s just gritty.” From Mansfield, Ohio.
OTHERS: Erick All, Iowa; Tip Reiman, Illinois; Tanner McLachlan, Arizona; A.J. Barner, Michigan; Johnny Wilson, Florida State; Devin Culp, Washington; Brevyn Spann-Ford, Minnesota; Jack Westover, Washington; Jaheim Bell, Florida State; Dallin Holker, Colorado State.
UNSUNG HERO
Erick All, TE, Iowa: His career was rolling after his third season (2021) at Michigan, his first as a starter, when he caught 38 passes. His career in Ann Arbor ended early in the ’22 season when he needed spinal surgery. Having entered the transfer portal and becoming the Hawkeyes’ starter in ’23, All (6-4 ½, 253) was becoming the go-to target for a dreadful offense when he suffered a torn ACL in Game 7. “He’s intriguing but he’s injured,” one scout said. “I think he’s a sleeper. Athleticism and skill set-wise, he’s more intriguing to me than Ben Sinnott.”
SCOUTS’ NIGHTMARE
Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama: A 39-game starter, he led the SEC in yards per reception (20.5) last year as a legitimate deep threat. As a talent, Burton (6-0, 202, 4.42) should be a Day 2 selection. Instead, he’s off at least two teams’ boards for various character-related issues and could face an agonizing drop in the draft.
TIGHT ENDS
1. BROCK BOWERS, Georgia (6-3, 241, no 40, 1): Third-year junior. “Thing that’s interesting about him is this is not a Rob Gronkowski (6-6, 260, 4.67), Travis Kelce (6-5, 257, 4.63) body,” said one scout. “This is almost like a fullback body. If you draft him and play him just as a pure tight end, you’ll be disappointed. He’s not going to go hammer those 260-pound defensive end and outside backers in the run game. And it’s not like he’s going to go out-jump some of these defensive backs for the ball. He really didn’t make a ton of plays like that. Most of his plays are run after catch. He’s excellent with the ball in his hand. That whole offense ran through Bowers. Outside, inside, motion, slot, backfield. They schemed him up and they’d get the ball to him quickly in the flat. He’d turn up, break the tackle and go for 18 more yards. (Fit) will be a real key to his success.” A second scout equated Bowers’ work after the catch to Harrison’s. “If he catches it on the run, he’s a mother------,” he said. “If the dude from Iowa (Sam LaPorta) can do what he did this year there’s no reason Brock can’t do that or even more. Now is that worth a top-10 pick? He might end up falling because he’s not a three-down player. You’ve got to limit his reps and use him as a true ‘U.’ Keep him on the back side to come across in motion and whack guys. He’s not a point-of-attack player. He’s not as athletic as (Kyle) Pitts getting in and out of breaks. He doesn’t have that basketball uniqueness. But he’s got length (32 ¾-inch arms) and rare ball skills.” Finished with 175 catches for 2,538 (14.5) and 26 TDs. “He’s just a quiet guy,” a third scout said. “Keeps to himself. Does the right thing. Always on time.” From Napa, Calif.
2. JA’TAVION SANDERS, Texas (6-4, 250, 4.70, 2-3): Third-year junior, two-year starter. “He’s my No. 1 guy,” one scout said. “Somewhat undersized but has a really good frame. Good athlete, knows how to play. Good route runner, has really good hands. As a blocker, he will get on you. He’s better on the edges and in space. Still a bit raw so he has upside.” Highly recruited out of Denton, Texas. “Better receiver than blocker,” said a second scout. “I think he’s a guy that has just scratched his potential. First part of the year he wasn’t that much of a factor in that offense but as the year progressed he became more of a factor. I was really shocked he wouldn’t come back because they have a chance to win the national championship (in 2024).” Ran a disappointing 40 and then, at pro day, posted lows among the top 10 tight ends in the vertical jump (30), the broad jump (9-6) and the bench press (eight reps). “Overrated,” a third scout said. “He’s a horse**** blocker and has no special-teams value. Now he’s OK as a receiver.” Finished with 99 receptions for 1,295 (13.1) and seven TDs.
3. BEN SINNOTT, Kansas State (6-4, 250, 4.63, 2-3): Outgrowing hockey after more than 10 years of playing, he turned his focus to football and eventually walked on at Kansas State as an undersized fullback. “This guy is like (George) Kittle, not Bowers,” one scout said. “His combine numbers were outstanding. He’s a really good athlete. They line him up all over. He can run routes. He’s quick, he’s fast, he gets his head to the ball quick and he’s strong catching it. He’s a tough dude after the catch. They gotta gang-tackle the guy to get him down. As a blocker, he’s aggressive. He had a play against Texas where he came in and dug that (Byron) Murphy guy out and smashed him. There was just rare blocking stuff. He didn’t do it every play but he had flashes.” Led tight ends in the vertical jump (40), the broad jump (10-6) and the 3-cone (6.82). “He’ll end up being like the guy at San Francisco,” a second scout said referring to Kyle Juszczyk. “A complete tight end. He’d be excellent at fullback because he’s a terrific space blocker. Like his mentality.” Caught 82 passes for 1,138 (13.9) and 10 TDs. “He’s a good college player,” a third scout said. “I struggle with his lack of explosiveness. He ran a 4.65 and tested really well but I didn’t see an explosive player. He’s not necessarily a great blocker and I didn’t see the route mismatch guy. He has really good hands. He does have some run after the catch. He’s not a dynamic twitch, speed-to-separate type. At our level I don’t think he’ll be a consistent winner against man (coverage). He’s not going to stretch the field vertically.” From Waterloo, Iowa.
4. THEO JOHNSON, Penn State (6-6, 261, 4.62, 3-4): Helped himself at the combine with a solid 40, a 39 ½-inch vertical jump and a position-best short shuttle of 4.19. “I’d rather take a shot on him than Sanders,” one scout said. “He’s on the upside. He’s got assertiveness with his blocking but he’s not consistent with his blocking. He can make hard, adjusting catches but he can’t run after the catch. He doesn’t make people miss in space.” Started 29 of 45 games over four years, finishing with 77 receptions for 938 (12.2) and 12 TDs. “He’s a little bit intriguing,” said another scout. “He’s a big guy. He’s fast. He’ll give you effort as a blocker. He’s much improved in that area. He’s got ball skills. He’s a really clunky mover, a really unnatural route runner. He’s Canadian, so he’s raw. I thought he might go back to school. If somebody really wants one they might take him in the third but I don’t think he’s worth that.” From Windsor, Ontario.
5. JARED WILEY, Texas Christian (6-6, 249, 4.67, 3-4): A high-school quarterback, he spent three seasons as a tight end at Texas before becoming a Horned Frog for his final two years. “He’s the underwear model cover,” said one scout. “6-6, 255, athletic. Really good ball skills. He’s not a conventional ‘Y’ in terms of dominating you with power but his blocking did improve significantly from 2022 to 2023. Travis Kelce is not knocking anybody’s head off as a blocker. You’re being athletic, you’re getting in the way, and that’s a lot like this guy. He was a quarterback in high school so he clearly understands the game. Somebody’s going to get a bargain with him.” Finished with 90 catches for 1,013 (11.3) and 15 TDs, including an FBS-leading eight last season. “He’s a project,” a second scout said. “Big, tall, thin guy. Looks weak, plays weak. He can run but he doesn’t move and run routes very well. He has to be an in-line route runner and build up speed. Doesn’t have great hands for that body type and style. His blocking? Forget it. His body’s not built for it. He did run really fast.” From Temple, Texas.
6. CADE STOVER, Ohio State (6-4, 249, 4.70, 4-5): A fifth-year senior, he played linebacker in 2019-’20 before moving to tight end in ’21. “All ball, no bull**** type of guy,” one scout said. “If I had to pick one to ride or die with that’d be the guy.” Two-time team captain and two-year starter. “He comes to mind as just a pure ‘Y’ type in terms of his blocking,” another scout said. Finished with 82 catches for 1,058 (12.9) and 10 TDs. “Stover is probably the (best) blocker,” said a third scout. “He’s a former linebacker and he kind of plays with that edge, that mentality. Plays with leverage. He’s not a gifted athlete or anything. He’s just gritty.” From Mansfield, Ohio.
OTHERS: Erick All, Iowa; Tip Reiman, Illinois; Tanner McLachlan, Arizona; A.J. Barner, Michigan; Johnny Wilson, Florida State; Devin Culp, Washington; Brevyn Spann-Ford, Minnesota; Jack Westover, Washington; Jaheim Bell, Florida State; Dallin Holker, Colorado State.
UNSUNG HERO
Erick All, TE, Iowa: His career was rolling after his third season (2021) at Michigan, his first as a starter, when he caught 38 passes. His career in Ann Arbor ended early in the ’22 season when he needed spinal surgery. Having entered the transfer portal and becoming the Hawkeyes’ starter in ’23, All (6-4 ½, 253) was becoming the go-to target for a dreadful offense when he suffered a torn ACL in Game 7. “He’s intriguing but he’s injured,” one scout said. “I think he’s a sleeper. Athleticism and skill set-wise, he’s more intriguing to me than Ben Sinnott.”
SCOUTS’ NIGHTMARE
Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama: A 39-game starter, he led the SEC in yards per reception (20.5) last year as a legitimate deep threat. As a talent, Burton (6-0, 202, 4.42) should be a Day 2 selection. Instead, he’s off at least two teams’ boards for various character-related issues and could face an agonizing drop in the draft.
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Part II today, OL's. Tackles here:
welve players received mention in a poll of those 16 personnel men asking to name their six best offensive linemen regardless of position. Six points were awarded for a first-place vote, five for second and so on.
Joe Alt led with nine first-place votes and 87 points. Following, in order, were JC Latham (58, two), Troy Fautanu (47), Taliese Fuaga (45, two), Olu Fashanu (44, three), Jackson Powers-Johnson (18), Amarius Mims (17), Tyler Guyton (eight), Graham Barton (seven), Jordan Morgan (three), Blake Fisher (one) and Christian Haynes (one).
“Depth-wise, it’s pretty good for the first couple rounds,” a seasoned scout said in reference to the tackles. “Classically speaking, compared to Walter Jones and Jonathan Ogden and Tony Boselli, no, but we’re in a different era of the game. This is the best of what college football has to offer.”
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TACKLES
1. JOE ALT, Notre Dame (6-8 ½, 321, 5.07, 1): His father, Jon, was 6-7, 270 out of Iowa when Kansas City drafted him No. 21 as a left tackle in 1984. His 13-year career with the Chiefs included two Pro Bowls. “He’s just like his dad,” a veteran scout said. “Natural left tackle, just smooth like his dad was. I imagine he worked with his dad because his pass technique is just exceptional and he has great pass level as a run blocker.” Played some tight end as a true freshman in 2021 before moving to LT and starting the final 33 games of his career. “He bends like a 6-4 guy,” another scout said. “He’s got immediate leverage on the outside rusher. He has real long arms (34 1/4 inches) and uses them to punch and push the speed rusher wider. He can pick up stunts and pass the rusher off to the inside. Really good quickness out of his stance. This guy bends his knees. You can’t get any better than this.” Worked out exceptionally well. Recorded the best short shuttle (4.51) and 3-cone (7.31) of the tackles. “He’s a nice player, don’t get me wrong,” a third scout said. “But I’ve seen a lot of tackles over the years I think were as good if not better than him. But if you look over the last number of years (there are) not many (great) ones.” Hands were 10 inches. Said a fourth scout: “I just don’t like anybody that tall. But he’s got ridiculous makeup, ridiculous pedigree. He’s steady and sturdy. Knows how to play. There’s going to be times where he's going to get his *** rocked back because he’s 6-8. He’s probably the most consistent guy in the draft. He’s better than (Mike) McGlinchy, and he’s wired way better than McGlinchy. He’s got mental stamina, which is huge for the position. He’ll be maybe a Pro Bowl-level tackle but I don’t think he’ll be an All-Pro guy because he’s just going to have some innate issues the way he’s built.” From North Oaks, Minn.
2. JC LATHAM, Alabama (6-5 ½, 343, no 40, 1): Mississippi-born, he played two years of high-school ball in suburban Milwaukee before finishing with two years at IMG Academy (Fla.) “Sort of well-traveled,” one scout said. “He’s still very young (turned 21 in February). He’s got a big upside in what he can be over the next two, three years. He’s such a huge, powerful person. He’s only played right tackle but I think he could play some left tackle. He could be a guard.” Third-year junior, two-year starter at RT. “Has a physical skill set to be a Pro Bowl guard or Pro Bowl tackle,” a second scout said. “Has lateral agility, exceptional power and size to move people in the run game. Needs to be more consistent as a tackle in the passing game. With bumpers inside as a guard he should shut anybody down. He’s more destructive as a run blocker than (Taliese) Fuaga, but not as consistent.” Josaiah Stewart (6-1, 245), Michigan’s lean edge rusher, went right through Latham to foil a two-point conversion run to end the game and hand the Crimson Tide a CFP semifinal defeat. “Here’s a 340-pound dude that’s athletic as can be and built like a damn house and the little guy, No. 5 (Stewart), runs him over,” a third scout said. “That’s the kind of guy he is. I’ve never seen a guy just stand and watch plays as much as this guy. I wasn’t crazy about the guy from there a couple years ago, Evan Neal, and he turned out to be a disappointment. He’s kind of cut from the same cloth. They tease you a little bit but ultimately you wonder, ‘Does this guy like football? Does he really want to be out there?’ He flashes some Pro Bowl stuff and then some stuff you really don’t want him on your team.” Arms were 35 1/8, hands were 11. “He’s got more ability than Paris (Johnson) but Paris was much more instinctive and aware, which is a huge, huge deal,” said a fourth scout. “What worries me a little bit is if you play him inside because when he struggles it’s (against) games and second-level defenders. There seems to be a lot of confusion there. With Latham, when it’s me and you the end, he doesn’t lose. All his (problems) come on twists, games, stunts, movement.” From Oak Creek, Wis.
3. TALIESE FUAGA, Oregon State (6-5 ½, 326, 5.16, 1): Fourth-year junior, two-year starter. “I don’t know if he’ll be great but he’ll be good,” said one scout. “He really jumped up this year, probably more than anybody I saw. He was a backup until (2022) and this year he really improved his game. He’s physical, he’s strong. He’ll be a solid starting right tackle in the league and play for a long time.” Redshirted in 2020, backed up in ’21 and started at RT for two years. “Smart, aggressive, tough, more than enough athleticism,” said a second scout. “Willing to finish. Hard to get around. Very, very passionate about the game, which you appreciate.” Arms were 33 1/8, hands were 10 1/8. “He is the true, prototypical right tackle,” said a third scout. “Like in the old school. Better run blocker. Maybe a little stiffer and not as athletic as a pass protector. But he’s tough. He’s got range. Played well with his hands. I don’t think there’s much bust potential with him at all.” From Tacoma, Wash. “I kept trying to like him,” a fourth scout said. “He’s a solid right tackle only. Not really light on his feet. Kind of gets in the way. You need feet to control and sustain. If he’s got to adjust to sustain I don’t really see that.”
4. OLU FASHANU, Penn State (6-6, 312, 5.10, 1): Redshirted in 2020, backed up Rasheed Walker in 2021 and started at LT in 2022-’23. “He reminds me a ton of Germain Ifedi,” one scout said. “It’s more robotic mechanically than it is athletic. Which isn’t fatal because he’s so big, so long. When I watched him go against good pass rushers, especially the Ohio State game, there was a little more concern. I thought he was more bottom half of the first round than the top half.” His hands were a position-low 8 ½. “What’s happening in every (draft) room is if you like the tape and the person you’ll dig up everything you can for why it’ll be OK,” the scout said. “If you want to lower him on your board and you’re not sure about him and there’s other guys you have more conviction on it’s going to be, ‘OK, name me a tackle with less than 9-inch hands?’ No one’s going to be able to do it and they’ll move on to another guy.” His arms were 34 inches, which ranked seventh among the top 10 tackles. “My big concern is durability,” a second scout said. “He’s been hurt every year. He’s been hurt through the (spring). Great kid. He’s competitive. He wants to do well. He’s probably not the elite left tackle athlete initially I thought I was looking at. In a perfect world, he’s probably more of a right tackle because he is very strong. He’s stout. If he gets his hands on you, you ain’t moving. His anchor pass pro is really good.” From Waldorf, Md. “He’s got similarities to Ikem Ekwonu coming out of NC State (in 2022),” said a third scout. “I just don’t think that translates well against elite pass rushers. I thought Ekwonu was going to be a bust but he’s turned into a serviceable guy (for the Panthers).”
5. AMARIUS MIMS, Georgia (6-7 ½, 344, 5.08, 1): Classic boom or bust. “You might have a first team All-Pro in three years or the tackle from Georgia (Isaiah Wilson, No. 29 overall pick, 2020) that Tennessee took that never stepped on the field,” one scout said. “Four years from now, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if he’s the best of the whole group. His talent is stupid. Talent-wise, he’s the second best behind Latham. But I don’t know the depth of the makeup.” From tiny Cochran, Ga. “He’s a little bit squirrely but somebody’s taking a shot on the guy,” a second scout said. “He may be the biggest bust. He’s so f--king talented but there are so many (questions). He’s only started how many games? That ain’t very many. That scares the f--k out of me.” Played nine games as a true freshman backup in 2021 and promptly entered the transfer portal. Removed his name after 10 days, started two games at RT in ’22 and then six in ’23 before suffering an season-ending ankle injury. “Here’s the enigma of the draft for me,” a third scout said. “How much trust can you have in him? Mekhi (Becton) definitely had more experience and was definitely more polished and had more power and finish. He was playing left tackle in college. I would have Mekhi higher than him.” Arms were 36 1/8, hands a position-largest 11 1/4. “Mims is absurd, the talent that he has,” said a fourth scout. “But you’re kind of throwing the dice. Really neat kid. Nice, friendly, well-spoken, intelligent. You could really hit on this guy.”
6. TYLER GUYTON, Oklahoma (6-7 ½, 330, 5.21, 1-2): Fourth-year junior. “If you watch the Florida State game he actually dominated (Jared) Verse,” one scout said. “He kicked his ***. Absolutely dominated him. But he only steps up for big games. He went down to the Senior Bowl and stepped up. Thing is, once he gets comfortable, once he gets complacent, he’s gonna shut it down a little bit it looks like. In the National Football League you have to step up to the challenge every week. He may be the biggest bust. He’s an athletic freak but he’s just a mental midget.” After two backup seasons at TCU, he made 14 of his 15 starts for the Sooners at RT. “Thing that pisses you off about him is he’s so dang inconsistent with his hand placement,” a second scout said. “He gets beat by guys he has no business losing to. In the run game, his temperament and finish are very inconsistent. He can do it. He just has to set his mind to it. But when he does he can get push and movement off the line of scrimmage. He can pull and get to the second level. It’s just a matter of (improving) character-wise to reach the next level.” Arms were 34 1/8, hands were 10 ¼. His vertical jump of 34 ½ inches led the top 20 tackles. “He’s talented but there’s some unknowns based on what you see on film,” a third scout said. “His technique just isn’t very good. Definitely a finesse style, but he can be a starting left tackle. Not a bad kid. You could really hit on him if you’re comfortable with the makeup.” From Manor, Texas.
7. JORDAN MORGAN, Arizona (6-5, 311, 5.07, 2): Played five seasons for the Wildcats. “He’s a foot athlete,” one scout said. “He moves his feet well, moves around well. He isn’t real physical. Excellent pass blocker, adequate run blocker. Natural left tackle. Not as strong or nasty as the other top guys. Alex Gibbs would love him. He gets to the second level and downfield. What he is, he’s a technician with nice feet. Remember that guy from Pittsburgh (Brian O’Neill) who was drafted by the Vikings? He had no strength all. That’s who this guy is. He has the feet.” Started 37 games at LT. “He’ll be a steady starter,” a second scout said. “Good athlete.” Has the shortest arms (32 7/8) of the top 15 tackles. “People will start him off at tackle but maybe ship him inside ultimately,” a third scout said. “In today’s football, he probably is (a guard).” From Marana, Ariz. Blew out an ACL in November 2022. “I was hoping to see a jump in his play this year but didn’t see that as much,” said a fourth scout. “He’ll be a starter possibly. I see him early as a swing tackle. He’s athletic. He’s just got to put it all together. You’d like him to be more physical.”
8. BLAKE FISHER, Notre Dame (6-5 ½, 314, 5.22, 2): Joe Alt became the Irish starting LT after Fisher suffered a season-ending meniscus injury in the first game of his true freshman season (2021). “He settled in at right (tackle) with Joe Alt being there,” said one scout. “I felt he needed another year in terms of strength development and overall physical maturity. Go back and show you can play left tackle, but he came out. He’s closer to being a starter than (Kingsley) Suamataia.” Started 25 games at RT the past two years. “Quick feet in pass set,” another scout said. “Just average strength and sustain in the run game. More raw. Probably comes in as a swing tackle who is putting it together. He’ll be a starter at the end of the day.” His 9-6 broad jump paced the top 20 tackles. “He’s got something to him,” a third scout said. “He’s quick. He’s got some jolt. He’s got some thick girth stoutness to him. Not the best foot movement athlete as far as sustaining things. Little bit top-heavy too much. But he uses his hands really well. In pass pro he sets quick and punches guys. You got the Orlando Brown’s of the world and Trent Brown and those guys playing left tackle. Could he be that? I wouldn’t throw him out there but, sure, I’ve seen worse.” Arms were 34 3/8, hands were 10. “He’s got the least play strength of the top guys, particularly in his lower body,” said a fourth scout. “That said, he’s light on his feet, flexible. You put him at guard, he’s got elite pass pro skills. He’s more raw but his physical upside is at least more than Fuaga’s. Talent-wise, he should be a left tackle and Alt should be the right tackle. That tells you they trust Alt a lot more.” From Avon, Ind.
9. KINGSLEY SUAMATAIA, Brigham Young (6-4 ½, 322, 5.02, 2-3): Entered the transfer portal during the 2021 season at Oregon after getting in one game. At BYU, he started at RT in 2022 and at LT in ’23. “He’s at the top of my intriguing-guy list,” said one scout. “He’s gigantic and he plays on his feet. Got really good technique. Not a super nimble athletic guy but it’s hard to get around him. His feet are good enough. He’s got length. Unlike some others, he knows how to play. He’s just not an elite athlete.” His 31 reps on the bench press led the position. “He’s got a lot of good stuff to him but it’s the inconsistency of his determination and toughness that get him in trouble,” a second scout said. “He doesn’t know how to finish. He is not (a bad kid).” Lions tackle Penei Sewell is his cousin. “He is pretty talented but he has major makeup issues and really high bust potential because of that,” a third scout said. “He’s almost like one of these modern-day quarterbacks in a negative connotation. He’s really high maintenance.” Arms were 34 ¼, hands were 10 5/8. From Orem, Utah.
10. ROGER ROSENGARTEN, Washington (6-5 ½, 310, 4.92, 2-3): Started at RT for two seasons. “There was talk he’d go back and move to left because (Troy) Fautanu was gone,” said one scout. “He decided to come out. He’ll be a good, solid starter. He might be a year away. He can still fill out his frame and get stronger. Good athlete, tested well. He has really quick feet.” Arms were 33 ½, hands were 9 5/8. “He’s got want, will, intestinal fortitude,” said a second scout. “He needs to get stronger. He is like a backup guy at best right now.” Just 20 reps on the bench. “His arms aren’t the common line of 34 (inches) for tackles but technique-wise, there’s some things he can do with his punch in pass pro that would help him. He has the feet to mirror, and that’s a good starting point. You see his ability to anchor against some power. Against more talented rushers like (Laiatu) Latu he just needs to clean up his hand use.” From Highlands Ranch, Colo.
11. PATRICK PAUL, Houston (6-7 ½, 332, 5.18, 2-3): Longest arms at the position (36 ¼). “He’s an interesting guy because of his length,” said one scout. “He’s a left tackle-right tackle. He’s got just a unique, interesting way of playing. His hand placement is not great but he gets the job done. There’s some upside there from a physical tools standpoint. Second-third round type.” Lightly recruited out of Houston, Paul stayed home for college. He won the LT job in his second season (2020) but an ankle injury cost him the final six games. Started 39 games at LT from 2021-’23. “When is the last time the University of Houston had an offensive tackle?” said a second scout. “You’ve got to go back to the New England guy, Sebastian Vollmer, and that’s a long time ago (2009-’16).” Hands were just 9 3/8. “Fool’s gold,” a third scout said. “I just don’t see it. I don’t see the combative spirit.”
12. KIRAN AMEGADJIE, Yale (6-5 ½, 324, no 40, 3): Suffered a season-ending quad injury during a practice in October. On April 3, he took part in position drills but wasn’t able to test. “He was starting to come around and then he had the injury,” one scout said. “So you didn’t get to see the finished product. He’s a developmental guy. He’s at least a half a season away. I’m not going to say a year away because by December these guys that come in the league are on the field because of the injuries. You’d like to think he would have dominated more than he did. He played well those four games before he got hurt (but) it wasn’t like he was just dominating the Ivy League.” His 24 starts from 2021-’23 included 14 at LT and 10 at RG. “He was one of my favorite players,” said a second scout. “Kind of like a sleeper going into the year and then he got hurt. He’s still not 100% but he had a good workout. He’s athletic, he’s long. Even with the injury, after the top 50 picks or so, there just aren’t very many talented tackles hanging around. He'll stick out in the third round.” Arms were 36 1/8, hands were 9 5/8. “His upside is tremendous,” a third scout said. “Great kid, smart. He could probably play every position on the line with the exception of center.” From Hinsdale, Ill.
OTHERS: Caedan Wallace, Penn State; Walter Rouse, Oklahoma; Javon Foster, Missouri; Christian Jones, Texas; Sataoa Laumea, Utah; Ethan Driskell, Marshall; Nate Thomas, Louisiana; Jeremy Flax, Kentucky; Garret Greenfield, South Dakota State; Frank Crum, Wyoming; Anim Dankwah, Howard; Andrew Coker, Texas Christian; Josiah Ezirim, Eastern Kentucky.
welve players received mention in a poll of those 16 personnel men asking to name their six best offensive linemen regardless of position. Six points were awarded for a first-place vote, five for second and so on.
Joe Alt led with nine first-place votes and 87 points. Following, in order, were JC Latham (58, two), Troy Fautanu (47), Taliese Fuaga (45, two), Olu Fashanu (44, three), Jackson Powers-Johnson (18), Amarius Mims (17), Tyler Guyton (eight), Graham Barton (seven), Jordan Morgan (three), Blake Fisher (one) and Christian Haynes (one).
“Depth-wise, it’s pretty good for the first couple rounds,” a seasoned scout said in reference to the tackles. “Classically speaking, compared to Walter Jones and Jonathan Ogden and Tony Boselli, no, but we’re in a different era of the game. This is the best of what college football has to offer.”
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TACKLES
1. JOE ALT, Notre Dame (6-8 ½, 321, 5.07, 1): His father, Jon, was 6-7, 270 out of Iowa when Kansas City drafted him No. 21 as a left tackle in 1984. His 13-year career with the Chiefs included two Pro Bowls. “He’s just like his dad,” a veteran scout said. “Natural left tackle, just smooth like his dad was. I imagine he worked with his dad because his pass technique is just exceptional and he has great pass level as a run blocker.” Played some tight end as a true freshman in 2021 before moving to LT and starting the final 33 games of his career. “He bends like a 6-4 guy,” another scout said. “He’s got immediate leverage on the outside rusher. He has real long arms (34 1/4 inches) and uses them to punch and push the speed rusher wider. He can pick up stunts and pass the rusher off to the inside. Really good quickness out of his stance. This guy bends his knees. You can’t get any better than this.” Worked out exceptionally well. Recorded the best short shuttle (4.51) and 3-cone (7.31) of the tackles. “He’s a nice player, don’t get me wrong,” a third scout said. “But I’ve seen a lot of tackles over the years I think were as good if not better than him. But if you look over the last number of years (there are) not many (great) ones.” Hands were 10 inches. Said a fourth scout: “I just don’t like anybody that tall. But he’s got ridiculous makeup, ridiculous pedigree. He’s steady and sturdy. Knows how to play. There’s going to be times where he's going to get his *** rocked back because he’s 6-8. He’s probably the most consistent guy in the draft. He’s better than (Mike) McGlinchy, and he’s wired way better than McGlinchy. He’s got mental stamina, which is huge for the position. He’ll be maybe a Pro Bowl-level tackle but I don’t think he’ll be an All-Pro guy because he’s just going to have some innate issues the way he’s built.” From North Oaks, Minn.
2. JC LATHAM, Alabama (6-5 ½, 343, no 40, 1): Mississippi-born, he played two years of high-school ball in suburban Milwaukee before finishing with two years at IMG Academy (Fla.) “Sort of well-traveled,” one scout said. “He’s still very young (turned 21 in February). He’s got a big upside in what he can be over the next two, three years. He’s such a huge, powerful person. He’s only played right tackle but I think he could play some left tackle. He could be a guard.” Third-year junior, two-year starter at RT. “Has a physical skill set to be a Pro Bowl guard or Pro Bowl tackle,” a second scout said. “Has lateral agility, exceptional power and size to move people in the run game. Needs to be more consistent as a tackle in the passing game. With bumpers inside as a guard he should shut anybody down. He’s more destructive as a run blocker than (Taliese) Fuaga, but not as consistent.” Josaiah Stewart (6-1, 245), Michigan’s lean edge rusher, went right through Latham to foil a two-point conversion run to end the game and hand the Crimson Tide a CFP semifinal defeat. “Here’s a 340-pound dude that’s athletic as can be and built like a damn house and the little guy, No. 5 (Stewart), runs him over,” a third scout said. “That’s the kind of guy he is. I’ve never seen a guy just stand and watch plays as much as this guy. I wasn’t crazy about the guy from there a couple years ago, Evan Neal, and he turned out to be a disappointment. He’s kind of cut from the same cloth. They tease you a little bit but ultimately you wonder, ‘Does this guy like football? Does he really want to be out there?’ He flashes some Pro Bowl stuff and then some stuff you really don’t want him on your team.” Arms were 35 1/8, hands were 11. “He’s got more ability than Paris (Johnson) but Paris was much more instinctive and aware, which is a huge, huge deal,” said a fourth scout. “What worries me a little bit is if you play him inside because when he struggles it’s (against) games and second-level defenders. There seems to be a lot of confusion there. With Latham, when it’s me and you the end, he doesn’t lose. All his (problems) come on twists, games, stunts, movement.” From Oak Creek, Wis.
3. TALIESE FUAGA, Oregon State (6-5 ½, 326, 5.16, 1): Fourth-year junior, two-year starter. “I don’t know if he’ll be great but he’ll be good,” said one scout. “He really jumped up this year, probably more than anybody I saw. He was a backup until (2022) and this year he really improved his game. He’s physical, he’s strong. He’ll be a solid starting right tackle in the league and play for a long time.” Redshirted in 2020, backed up in ’21 and started at RT for two years. “Smart, aggressive, tough, more than enough athleticism,” said a second scout. “Willing to finish. Hard to get around. Very, very passionate about the game, which you appreciate.” Arms were 33 1/8, hands were 10 1/8. “He is the true, prototypical right tackle,” said a third scout. “Like in the old school. Better run blocker. Maybe a little stiffer and not as athletic as a pass protector. But he’s tough. He’s got range. Played well with his hands. I don’t think there’s much bust potential with him at all.” From Tacoma, Wash. “I kept trying to like him,” a fourth scout said. “He’s a solid right tackle only. Not really light on his feet. Kind of gets in the way. You need feet to control and sustain. If he’s got to adjust to sustain I don’t really see that.”
4. OLU FASHANU, Penn State (6-6, 312, 5.10, 1): Redshirted in 2020, backed up Rasheed Walker in 2021 and started at LT in 2022-’23. “He reminds me a ton of Germain Ifedi,” one scout said. “It’s more robotic mechanically than it is athletic. Which isn’t fatal because he’s so big, so long. When I watched him go against good pass rushers, especially the Ohio State game, there was a little more concern. I thought he was more bottom half of the first round than the top half.” His hands were a position-low 8 ½. “What’s happening in every (draft) room is if you like the tape and the person you’ll dig up everything you can for why it’ll be OK,” the scout said. “If you want to lower him on your board and you’re not sure about him and there’s other guys you have more conviction on it’s going to be, ‘OK, name me a tackle with less than 9-inch hands?’ No one’s going to be able to do it and they’ll move on to another guy.” His arms were 34 inches, which ranked seventh among the top 10 tackles. “My big concern is durability,” a second scout said. “He’s been hurt every year. He’s been hurt through the (spring). Great kid. He’s competitive. He wants to do well. He’s probably not the elite left tackle athlete initially I thought I was looking at. In a perfect world, he’s probably more of a right tackle because he is very strong. He’s stout. If he gets his hands on you, you ain’t moving. His anchor pass pro is really good.” From Waldorf, Md. “He’s got similarities to Ikem Ekwonu coming out of NC State (in 2022),” said a third scout. “I just don’t think that translates well against elite pass rushers. I thought Ekwonu was going to be a bust but he’s turned into a serviceable guy (for the Panthers).”
5. AMARIUS MIMS, Georgia (6-7 ½, 344, 5.08, 1): Classic boom or bust. “You might have a first team All-Pro in three years or the tackle from Georgia (Isaiah Wilson, No. 29 overall pick, 2020) that Tennessee took that never stepped on the field,” one scout said. “Four years from now, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if he’s the best of the whole group. His talent is stupid. Talent-wise, he’s the second best behind Latham. But I don’t know the depth of the makeup.” From tiny Cochran, Ga. “He’s a little bit squirrely but somebody’s taking a shot on the guy,” a second scout said. “He may be the biggest bust. He’s so f--king talented but there are so many (questions). He’s only started how many games? That ain’t very many. That scares the f--k out of me.” Played nine games as a true freshman backup in 2021 and promptly entered the transfer portal. Removed his name after 10 days, started two games at RT in ’22 and then six in ’23 before suffering an season-ending ankle injury. “Here’s the enigma of the draft for me,” a third scout said. “How much trust can you have in him? Mekhi (Becton) definitely had more experience and was definitely more polished and had more power and finish. He was playing left tackle in college. I would have Mekhi higher than him.” Arms were 36 1/8, hands a position-largest 11 1/4. “Mims is absurd, the talent that he has,” said a fourth scout. “But you’re kind of throwing the dice. Really neat kid. Nice, friendly, well-spoken, intelligent. You could really hit on this guy.”
6. TYLER GUYTON, Oklahoma (6-7 ½, 330, 5.21, 1-2): Fourth-year junior. “If you watch the Florida State game he actually dominated (Jared) Verse,” one scout said. “He kicked his ***. Absolutely dominated him. But he only steps up for big games. He went down to the Senior Bowl and stepped up. Thing is, once he gets comfortable, once he gets complacent, he’s gonna shut it down a little bit it looks like. In the National Football League you have to step up to the challenge every week. He may be the biggest bust. He’s an athletic freak but he’s just a mental midget.” After two backup seasons at TCU, he made 14 of his 15 starts for the Sooners at RT. “Thing that pisses you off about him is he’s so dang inconsistent with his hand placement,” a second scout said. “He gets beat by guys he has no business losing to. In the run game, his temperament and finish are very inconsistent. He can do it. He just has to set his mind to it. But when he does he can get push and movement off the line of scrimmage. He can pull and get to the second level. It’s just a matter of (improving) character-wise to reach the next level.” Arms were 34 1/8, hands were 10 ¼. His vertical jump of 34 ½ inches led the top 20 tackles. “He’s talented but there’s some unknowns based on what you see on film,” a third scout said. “His technique just isn’t very good. Definitely a finesse style, but he can be a starting left tackle. Not a bad kid. You could really hit on him if you’re comfortable with the makeup.” From Manor, Texas.
7. JORDAN MORGAN, Arizona (6-5, 311, 5.07, 2): Played five seasons for the Wildcats. “He’s a foot athlete,” one scout said. “He moves his feet well, moves around well. He isn’t real physical. Excellent pass blocker, adequate run blocker. Natural left tackle. Not as strong or nasty as the other top guys. Alex Gibbs would love him. He gets to the second level and downfield. What he is, he’s a technician with nice feet. Remember that guy from Pittsburgh (Brian O’Neill) who was drafted by the Vikings? He had no strength all. That’s who this guy is. He has the feet.” Started 37 games at LT. “He’ll be a steady starter,” a second scout said. “Good athlete.” Has the shortest arms (32 7/8) of the top 15 tackles. “People will start him off at tackle but maybe ship him inside ultimately,” a third scout said. “In today’s football, he probably is (a guard).” From Marana, Ariz. Blew out an ACL in November 2022. “I was hoping to see a jump in his play this year but didn’t see that as much,” said a fourth scout. “He’ll be a starter possibly. I see him early as a swing tackle. He’s athletic. He’s just got to put it all together. You’d like him to be more physical.”
8. BLAKE FISHER, Notre Dame (6-5 ½, 314, 5.22, 2): Joe Alt became the Irish starting LT after Fisher suffered a season-ending meniscus injury in the first game of his true freshman season (2021). “He settled in at right (tackle) with Joe Alt being there,” said one scout. “I felt he needed another year in terms of strength development and overall physical maturity. Go back and show you can play left tackle, but he came out. He’s closer to being a starter than (Kingsley) Suamataia.” Started 25 games at RT the past two years. “Quick feet in pass set,” another scout said. “Just average strength and sustain in the run game. More raw. Probably comes in as a swing tackle who is putting it together. He’ll be a starter at the end of the day.” His 9-6 broad jump paced the top 20 tackles. “He’s got something to him,” a third scout said. “He’s quick. He’s got some jolt. He’s got some thick girth stoutness to him. Not the best foot movement athlete as far as sustaining things. Little bit top-heavy too much. But he uses his hands really well. In pass pro he sets quick and punches guys. You got the Orlando Brown’s of the world and Trent Brown and those guys playing left tackle. Could he be that? I wouldn’t throw him out there but, sure, I’ve seen worse.” Arms were 34 3/8, hands were 10. “He’s got the least play strength of the top guys, particularly in his lower body,” said a fourth scout. “That said, he’s light on his feet, flexible. You put him at guard, he’s got elite pass pro skills. He’s more raw but his physical upside is at least more than Fuaga’s. Talent-wise, he should be a left tackle and Alt should be the right tackle. That tells you they trust Alt a lot more.” From Avon, Ind.
9. KINGSLEY SUAMATAIA, Brigham Young (6-4 ½, 322, 5.02, 2-3): Entered the transfer portal during the 2021 season at Oregon after getting in one game. At BYU, he started at RT in 2022 and at LT in ’23. “He’s at the top of my intriguing-guy list,” said one scout. “He’s gigantic and he plays on his feet. Got really good technique. Not a super nimble athletic guy but it’s hard to get around him. His feet are good enough. He’s got length. Unlike some others, he knows how to play. He’s just not an elite athlete.” His 31 reps on the bench press led the position. “He’s got a lot of good stuff to him but it’s the inconsistency of his determination and toughness that get him in trouble,” a second scout said. “He doesn’t know how to finish. He is not (a bad kid).” Lions tackle Penei Sewell is his cousin. “He is pretty talented but he has major makeup issues and really high bust potential because of that,” a third scout said. “He’s almost like one of these modern-day quarterbacks in a negative connotation. He’s really high maintenance.” Arms were 34 ¼, hands were 10 5/8. From Orem, Utah.
10. ROGER ROSENGARTEN, Washington (6-5 ½, 310, 4.92, 2-3): Started at RT for two seasons. “There was talk he’d go back and move to left because (Troy) Fautanu was gone,” said one scout. “He decided to come out. He’ll be a good, solid starter. He might be a year away. He can still fill out his frame and get stronger. Good athlete, tested well. He has really quick feet.” Arms were 33 ½, hands were 9 5/8. “He’s got want, will, intestinal fortitude,” said a second scout. “He needs to get stronger. He is like a backup guy at best right now.” Just 20 reps on the bench. “His arms aren’t the common line of 34 (inches) for tackles but technique-wise, there’s some things he can do with his punch in pass pro that would help him. He has the feet to mirror, and that’s a good starting point. You see his ability to anchor against some power. Against more talented rushers like (Laiatu) Latu he just needs to clean up his hand use.” From Highlands Ranch, Colo.
11. PATRICK PAUL, Houston (6-7 ½, 332, 5.18, 2-3): Longest arms at the position (36 ¼). “He’s an interesting guy because of his length,” said one scout. “He’s a left tackle-right tackle. He’s got just a unique, interesting way of playing. His hand placement is not great but he gets the job done. There’s some upside there from a physical tools standpoint. Second-third round type.” Lightly recruited out of Houston, Paul stayed home for college. He won the LT job in his second season (2020) but an ankle injury cost him the final six games. Started 39 games at LT from 2021-’23. “When is the last time the University of Houston had an offensive tackle?” said a second scout. “You’ve got to go back to the New England guy, Sebastian Vollmer, and that’s a long time ago (2009-’16).” Hands were just 9 3/8. “Fool’s gold,” a third scout said. “I just don’t see it. I don’t see the combative spirit.”
12. KIRAN AMEGADJIE, Yale (6-5 ½, 324, no 40, 3): Suffered a season-ending quad injury during a practice in October. On April 3, he took part in position drills but wasn’t able to test. “He was starting to come around and then he had the injury,” one scout said. “So you didn’t get to see the finished product. He’s a developmental guy. He’s at least a half a season away. I’m not going to say a year away because by December these guys that come in the league are on the field because of the injuries. You’d like to think he would have dominated more than he did. He played well those four games before he got hurt (but) it wasn’t like he was just dominating the Ivy League.” His 24 starts from 2021-’23 included 14 at LT and 10 at RG. “He was one of my favorite players,” said a second scout. “Kind of like a sleeper going into the year and then he got hurt. He’s still not 100% but he had a good workout. He’s athletic, he’s long. Even with the injury, after the top 50 picks or so, there just aren’t very many talented tackles hanging around. He'll stick out in the third round.” Arms were 36 1/8, hands were 9 5/8. “His upside is tremendous,” a third scout said. “Great kid, smart. He could probably play every position on the line with the exception of center.” From Hinsdale, Ill.
OTHERS: Caedan Wallace, Penn State; Walter Rouse, Oklahoma; Javon Foster, Missouri; Christian Jones, Texas; Sataoa Laumea, Utah; Ethan Driskell, Marshall; Nate Thomas, Louisiana; Jeremy Flax, Kentucky; Garret Greenfield, South Dakota State; Frank Crum, Wyoming; Anim Dankwah, Howard; Andrew Coker, Texas Christian; Josiah Ezirim, Eastern Kentucky.
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OG and C:
GUARDS
1. TROY FAUTANU, Washington (6-3 ½, 320, 5.04, 1): Fifth-year senior. “He may be the best pure athlete of the whole group,” one scout said. “I think he’ll end up being a guard because he’s so quick and mobile. He doesn’t have the height or arm length you want for left tackle but he can play left tackle. I thought he was a dominant player. Only negative I had is he’ll be 24 (in October). I think he’s going to be a great guard.” Redshirted in 2019 and started merely three of 13 games in 2020-’21. Starting LT the past two years. “I don’t doubt that he can’t play tackle but he'll be a really good guard,” a second scout said. “Athletic, quick, competitive. Really good kid. He can be inconsistent with his technique at times. He can lunge at times. But there’s no glaring holes.” Arms were 34 ½, hands wee 9 ½. “Not an ounce of fat on him,” a third scout said. “I really, really like the athlete. I could see him playing left tackle because his pass pro is unreal. Plus, he’s got some prick in him. (Taliese) Fuaga played hard; he’s just not as mean as this guy. The combination of mean and athletic usually doesn’t happen. Usually you’re asking for one or the other. Of the top guys, he has the best feet.” From Henderson, Nev.
2. GRAHAM BARTON, Duke (6-5 ½, 311, 5.03, 1-2): It’s possible scouts went back and watched more 2020 tape of Barton than any other prospect. That’s because he started five games there as a true freshman before starting 34 games at LT from 2021-’23. “He did a lot of center work at pro day and it looked like he’d been doing it the entire season,” said one scout. “He’s going to be a really, really good player for a long time. His rocket is ascending. Exceptional makeup. Super smart, very self-aware.” With arm length of 32 7/8, playing tackle in the NFL probably is out of the picture. Some teams project him to center whereas others have him at guard. “I don’t know why you’d want to put a guy that’s 6-5 at center,” a second scout said. “He can play guard because he can pull and trap and get to the second level. But at center, the guy’s 6-5, I don’t think he'd have a chance. Those (short) nose tackles will always have leverage on him. I just wish he was more physical. As the season progressed he started getting pushed around.” A third scout compared him to the Titans’ Peter Skoronski, who was the 11th pick in 2023. “Skoronski had a little more power but I thought Graham’s movement and overall agility was better,” he said. “He’s longer than Cody Whitehair when he had to make the move from left tackle to interior player for the Bears. I think he’s better than Cody Whitehair. Duke is not one of those schools that comes to mind if you going to run Power-O all day long but Barton shows some finish.” From Brentwood, Tenn.
3. CHRISTIAN HAYNES, Connecticut (6-2 ½, 320, 5.06, 2-3): Played hard consistently for bad teams from 2018-’19 and, post-Covid, from 2021-’23. “Probably my favorite player in the draft,” one scout said. “Against Tennessee (Nov. 4) he was fighting every damn play. I’ve never seen a guy fight more people that he did in that game. That was just impressive. You just don’t see people just block and play to the whistle and after the whistle like this guy anymore. He’s just an old-school, tough, nasty guy. He is explosive. He can jolt guys at the line of scrimmage. He can really run and pull and adjust. In pass pro he can slide, change directions. He holds a little bit too much but that’s just his over-exuberance. I just love his attitude. You take him, you’ve got a starter and a really good player.” Started 49 games, all at RG. “My biggest issue with him is the way he looks,” another scout said. “He looks like an old man body-wise. He’s not a pretty picture. He just does not have good genetics. But, he’s a good football player. He’s got a little bit of stiffness. He’s a good win-with but for added value you’re projecting him as a center, which he’s only ever done in practice. I think he can do it.” Arms were 33 ½, hands were 9. From Bowie, Md.
4. COOPER BEEBE, Kansas State (6-3, 322, 5.00, 2-3): Fifth-year senior, four-year starter. “Just a huge upper-body brawler,” one scout said. “Slow feet, limited athlete. No bend. Top-heavy dude. Smart, technique-sound tough guy but very limited as an athlete.” Started games at three positions: 26 at LG, 13 at LT and nine at RT. “Old-time offensive lineman mentality,” a second scout said. “Mauler. Nasty. Not as athletic as some of the others. He can short set in pass pro but if you ask him to play in space he’s got some problems. He’s a guard. I liked him much more last year (2022). Not as quick or mobile (in 2023).” Arms were just 31 1/2, hands were 9 ¼. “Short arms, like 30 some percent body fat,” said a second scout. “Not a really impressive athlete. He is a tough guy, I’m not going to take that away from him. He can move a defender in the run game. He’s similar to Will Hernandez. Hernandez didn’t look bad, though. He was just short.” From Kansas City, Kan.
5. BRANDON COLEMAN, Texas Christian (6-4 ½, 316, 4.99, 2-3): Will be 24 in October. Six-year collegian with two years of junior college and four years at TCU, including three as a starter. “Born here, moved to Germany, grew up over there playing basketball,” said one scout. “Came back. Has played guard and tackle. He’s got sort of tackle dimensions but he’s tight laterally so most people forecast him as a guard. He’s a big body, and he can cover people up. Still somewhat new to the game.” His starts included 22 at LT and 12 at LG. His breakdown in 2023 was seven at LT, four at LG. “He reminded me of the Matthew Bergeron kid who played left tackle in college and had a good (rookie) season for the Falcons kicking inside to guard,” a second scout said. “He’s one of the top five or six interior offensive linemen. There’s a little up and down with his finish. He gets a little top-heavy. I think moving inside would (help).” Arms were 34 5/8, hands were a position-best 10 ¾. Added a third scout: “I have some reservations but he's a third-round guard. He lacks consistency of play because they’ve moved him around. He’s a JUCO kid. That kind of set him back. He just needs to be locked into one position.” From Denton, Texas.
6. LAYDEN ROBINSON, Texas A&M (6-3 ½, 302, 5.14, 3): Redshirted in 2019, backed up in 2020 and started 33 games at RG from 2021-’23. “Really like him,” said one scout. “He’s a good athlete. He’s powerful. He’s got a good body type. He’s strong. He can develop into being a good player.” Arms were 34 5/8, hands were 10. “Sort of stiff, not very smart,” said a second scout. “Kind of plays muscleball. He’s right below Beebe and Haynes.” It’s probably doubtful that he can play center or tackle, thus limiting his versatility and value. “He’s way better than Coleman,” said a third scout. “Everybody’s gonna say he’s dumb, right? But this motherf’er went to the Senior Bowl and kicked all those guys’ *****. Is he powerful. He’s a starter.” From Manvel, Texas.
7. ISAIAH ADAMS, Illinois (6-4, 321, 5.07, 3): Grew up outside of Toronto. Spent two years at Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, starting in his second season. Then spent two years at a junior college in Kansas (Garden City CC) before two seasons at Illinois. “Probably starts his career as a sixth or seventh lineman but he could ascend to be a starter,” said one scout. “His better tape was at guard. Good length and strength. Average athlete, but he plays tough and looks to finish. He can handle center because he’s smart and just his effort. Better in the run game than the pass. He got exposed on the outside at tackle. I think you could take him in the third round but you’d feel really good about him in the fourth.” For the Illini, he started 14 games at LG, 10 at RT and one at LT. Arms were 33 7/8, hands were 9. “Guys are falling in love with him,” a second scout said. “They like his size. He played guard in ’22. Not bad. Showed toughness, could steer guys, could control ‘em. Still, athletically, he doesn’t have enough that you want. Fourth round.” From Ajax, Ontario.
8. MATT GONCALVES, Pittsburgh (6-6, 317, 5.21, 3-4): Late bloomer. “He’s a super late guest to the party,” one scout said. “Exactly what you want out of an offensive lineman.” Redshirted in 2019 before starting eight of 22 games in 2020-’21. Bounced from RT to LT as a starter in 2022 before having his final season cut short after three games with a foot injury that required surgery. “He barely played this year and wasn’t supposed to come out,” the scout said. “He’s probably a guard but he could also start at right tackle. He’s smart and has enough athletic ability to play center of if you wanted to fiddle around with him.” Starting history included 13 games at RT and 11 at LT. Arms were 33 ¼, hands were 9. “He’s solid – he’s not flashy,” another scout said. “He has more of a guard body type but he can do both. He’ll probably be a developmental swing guy early and I think he’ll end up starting.” From Manorville, N.Y.
OTHERS: Christian Mahogany, Boston College; Mason McCormick, South Dakota State; Zak Zinter, Michigan; Nick Gargiulo, South Carolina; Ladarius Henderson, Michigan; Keaton Bills, Utah; Delmar Glaze, Maryland; Trevor Keegan, Michigan; KT Leveston, Kansas State; Javion Cohen, Miami; Jarrett Kingston, Southern Cal; Karsen Barnhart, Michigan; C.J. Hanson, Holy Cross; Brady Latham, Arkansas; Gottlieb Ayedze, Maryland; Trente Jones, Michigan.
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CENTERS
1. JACKSON POWERS-JOHNSON, Oregon (6-3 ½, 326, no 40, 1-2): Two offensive linemen in this draft refused to run the 40 both at the combine and their pro days: JC Latham and Powers-Johnson. “We didn’t really like the makeup,” said one scout. “Arrogant. Not your typical offensive lineman mentality.” Made two starts on offense as a true freshman and just one in 2022 before becoming a starter and capturing the Rimington Award as the nation’s leading center in 2023. “He’s ready made,” a second scout said. “Throw him in there and he’ll go to the Pro Bowl. He’ll kick people’s ***. Powers has played guard, center and tackle but he looks like a natural center.” Arms were 32 ¼, hands were 9 7/8. “He’s going to get overdrafted,” a third scout said. “This is all based on five reps at the Senior Bowl. He looked good in the one on one’s and people got all excited. I don’t think he’s going to cut it at the end of the day. This kid is a little bit of a head case. Guy rolls up on him, he goes on the ground. They cart him off and 10 minutes later he’s back on the field. He’s the boy that cries wolf. I didn’t think he fit the wide zone for teams that are running that scheme. He’s a big mauler up top. How many times did he snap, move, get into the guy, finish the block in a good, clean bounce? Not many. It’s all really rough around the edges.” A fourth scout called him “quirky,” adding, “So when teams interviewed him it kind of depends how he came off. Not a bad kid or anything, just kind of a different kid.” From Draper, Utah. “Everybody tries to kill him because of certain things but he plays football the way it’s supposed to be played: tough,” a fifth scout said. “He’s a prick. So what? Can’t you be a prick? Who cares? He’s playing for your team. Everybody tries to kill him on his makeup. His makeup isn’t that bad.” Just turned 21 in January. “That combination of strength, movement, grit and toughness, there’s zero chance you miss on that guy,” a sixth scout said. “Is he a little out of control, a little spazzy at times? He only played center one year. Is he really a center between the ears, which is a huge part of it? Can he run the huddles, identify the mike? Can he correct mistakes and tell the guards what to do? I don’t know, but a center like that is gold to me.”
2. ZACH FRAZIER, West Virginia (6-2 ½, 315, 5.25, 2-3): Four-time state heavyweight wrestling champion in West Virginia. “You can see that in his game,” one scout said. “He’s not a super explosive guy as much as he just gets into players and uses his hands and his leverage to work them left to right. He’s going to be a value pick. He’s in that Ben Jones, David Andrews, Tyler Biadasz world.” Started at LG in 2020 and at center for the last three years. “He’s definitely Creed Humphrey,” a second scout said. “He was a high-school wrestler, too. Creed wasn’t an elite athlete. He’s just really efficient and his balance was awesome. That’s what this guy does. Just gets the job done. He’s a good enough athlete. Just gets in the way and blocks people. That’s what Creed does. (Tyler) Linderbaum was more athletic and more dynamic.” Arms were 32 1/4, hands were a position-leading 10 7/8. “He doesn’t do anything for me,” said a third scout. “He’s short-armed and not a big guy. He’s a center only. He was just a very average guard. He was a good player but I struggle translating it to the next level.” From Fairmont, W.Va.
3. DOMINICK PUNI, Kansas (6-5, 317, 5.40, 3): Spent 2018-’21 at Division II Central Missouri, starting 22 games at both tackles in the three seasons that the Mules played. “He’s a four-positional player,” said one scout. “He is a right tackle. He’s not a left tackle. He can play guard and tackle at a backup level and may grow into a starting center. Maybe center is his best position. I like his temperament.” At Kansas, he started 13 games at LG in 2022 and 12 games at LT in ’23. “He’s a smooth, smooth athlete,” a second scout said. “Much better pass blocker than run blocker. He kind of plays like Division II: ‘Am I good enough?’ I said he’s got talent, let’s go! He’ll flash movement, change of direction and adjust in pass pro. You’re, like, ‘All right, this guy can be really good.’ He’s just got to get it out of him. I’d try him at left tackle. When he’s on with his movement and natural athletic ability, he does some really nice things at left tackle.” Arms were 33 3/8, hands were 10 1/8. “You love his size and his length and his strength,” a third scout said. “Has some real foot speed limitations. More of a gap scheme guy. Wouldn’t be a great fit for outside zone scheme.” From St. Charles, Mo.
4. SEDRICK VAN PRAN-GRANGER, Georgia (6-4, 301, 5.19, 4): Started 44 straight games as a two-time national champion and two-time captain. “He played a long time; you can’t overlook those guys,” one scout said. “Smart as **** and he’s a great kid. He could be a starter.” Didn’t run well and his arms measured 31 3/8, the shortest of the top 12 centers. “Loved his wiring and makeup, his size, his strength,” a second scout said. “Foot speed and overall athletic ability have some limitations. He’s a little tight in the hips and gets off balance at times. His arm length caused a little bit of (concern) just being matched up in pass pro. I think he’s gonna start in Year 1. His makeup is true starter. He’s a leader. He’s exactly what you want in a profile for the position.” Hands were 9 ½. “His time shocked me,” said a fourth scout. “I thought he’d be at least a 5-flat guy. He’s not a real physical player but, boy, is he quick and can get to the second level and block downfield. He needs to get stronger and be more physical.” From New Orleans.
5. TANOR BORTOLINI, Wisconsin (6-4, 300, 5.00, 4): Made a name for himself at the combine with a blazing 40 and position-leading times in the short shuttle (4.28) and 3-cone (7.16). “Really good athlete,” one scout said. “Not real physical. Just very, very smooth. His strength is just OK. He can hold up. He’s got some anchor. But he’s really good as a zone-type blocker. Real good technician.” Started at center as a senior but generally had been a starting guard in 2021-’22. “Tested well, athleticism to spare,” a second scout said. “He lacks length to sustain. Plays tough. He’s physical. The length, to me, is the issue. I see him as a center-only but he’s played other spots. His (shotgun) snaps weren’t always consistent. I could see him going in the third round. I wouldn’t go higher than the fifth.” Arms were 31 ½, hands were 10. “I’m not sure he isn’t better than Powers-Johnson,” a third scout said. “But he’s got 31 ½ arms. He’s probably a center only, but he can be a pretty good center.” From Kewaunee, Wis.
OTHERS: Hunter Nourzad, Penn State; Beaux Limmer, Arkansas; Dylan McMahon, North Carolina State; Jacob Monk, Duke; Kingsley Eguakun, Florida; Drake Nugent, Michigan; Jalen Sundell, North Dakota State; Matt Lee, Miami; Charles Turner, Louisiana State.
UNSUNG HERO
Javion Cohen, G, Miami: After the 2021 season, his first of two as the starting LG for Alabama, he spent a month at a wellness recovery center to work on his mental health. In 2023, he proposed to his wife and welcomed a daughter. Cohen (6-4 ½, 322, 5.34) has 37 Power 5 starts and 34-inch arms.
SCOUTS’ NIGHTMARE
Caedan Wallace, T, Penn State: Other than five games missed in late 2022 because of an ankle injury, he was a four-year starter at RT. Wallace (6-5, 314, 5.24) has 34-inch arms and the talent of an NFL starter. “He’s really light on his feet and knows how to pass protect,” one scout said. “He’s just not a physical player. It’s just a matter now if he decides he wants to be a starter.”
QUOTE TO NOTE
NFL executive in personnel: “I think the guard position is extremely disrespected. Why do we think an interior pass-rushing D-tackle is top-10 worthy in every draft yet we don’t say that about a guard? Think about that. A guard is stopping the D-tackle. Look at the Hall of Fame guards. You’ll be shocked by the correlation of playoff-Super Bowl success and the top guards ever to play the game. It’s not a coincidence.”
GUARDS
1. TROY FAUTANU, Washington (6-3 ½, 320, 5.04, 1): Fifth-year senior. “He may be the best pure athlete of the whole group,” one scout said. “I think he’ll end up being a guard because he’s so quick and mobile. He doesn’t have the height or arm length you want for left tackle but he can play left tackle. I thought he was a dominant player. Only negative I had is he’ll be 24 (in October). I think he’s going to be a great guard.” Redshirted in 2019 and started merely three of 13 games in 2020-’21. Starting LT the past two years. “I don’t doubt that he can’t play tackle but he'll be a really good guard,” a second scout said. “Athletic, quick, competitive. Really good kid. He can be inconsistent with his technique at times. He can lunge at times. But there’s no glaring holes.” Arms were 34 ½, hands wee 9 ½. “Not an ounce of fat on him,” a third scout said. “I really, really like the athlete. I could see him playing left tackle because his pass pro is unreal. Plus, he’s got some prick in him. (Taliese) Fuaga played hard; he’s just not as mean as this guy. The combination of mean and athletic usually doesn’t happen. Usually you’re asking for one or the other. Of the top guys, he has the best feet.” From Henderson, Nev.
2. GRAHAM BARTON, Duke (6-5 ½, 311, 5.03, 1-2): It’s possible scouts went back and watched more 2020 tape of Barton than any other prospect. That’s because he started five games there as a true freshman before starting 34 games at LT from 2021-’23. “He did a lot of center work at pro day and it looked like he’d been doing it the entire season,” said one scout. “He’s going to be a really, really good player for a long time. His rocket is ascending. Exceptional makeup. Super smart, very self-aware.” With arm length of 32 7/8, playing tackle in the NFL probably is out of the picture. Some teams project him to center whereas others have him at guard. “I don’t know why you’d want to put a guy that’s 6-5 at center,” a second scout said. “He can play guard because he can pull and trap and get to the second level. But at center, the guy’s 6-5, I don’t think he'd have a chance. Those (short) nose tackles will always have leverage on him. I just wish he was more physical. As the season progressed he started getting pushed around.” A third scout compared him to the Titans’ Peter Skoronski, who was the 11th pick in 2023. “Skoronski had a little more power but I thought Graham’s movement and overall agility was better,” he said. “He’s longer than Cody Whitehair when he had to make the move from left tackle to interior player for the Bears. I think he’s better than Cody Whitehair. Duke is not one of those schools that comes to mind if you going to run Power-O all day long but Barton shows some finish.” From Brentwood, Tenn.
3. CHRISTIAN HAYNES, Connecticut (6-2 ½, 320, 5.06, 2-3): Played hard consistently for bad teams from 2018-’19 and, post-Covid, from 2021-’23. “Probably my favorite player in the draft,” one scout said. “Against Tennessee (Nov. 4) he was fighting every damn play. I’ve never seen a guy fight more people that he did in that game. That was just impressive. You just don’t see people just block and play to the whistle and after the whistle like this guy anymore. He’s just an old-school, tough, nasty guy. He is explosive. He can jolt guys at the line of scrimmage. He can really run and pull and adjust. In pass pro he can slide, change directions. He holds a little bit too much but that’s just his over-exuberance. I just love his attitude. You take him, you’ve got a starter and a really good player.” Started 49 games, all at RG. “My biggest issue with him is the way he looks,” another scout said. “He looks like an old man body-wise. He’s not a pretty picture. He just does not have good genetics. But, he’s a good football player. He’s got a little bit of stiffness. He’s a good win-with but for added value you’re projecting him as a center, which he’s only ever done in practice. I think he can do it.” Arms were 33 ½, hands were 9. From Bowie, Md.
4. COOPER BEEBE, Kansas State (6-3, 322, 5.00, 2-3): Fifth-year senior, four-year starter. “Just a huge upper-body brawler,” one scout said. “Slow feet, limited athlete. No bend. Top-heavy dude. Smart, technique-sound tough guy but very limited as an athlete.” Started games at three positions: 26 at LG, 13 at LT and nine at RT. “Old-time offensive lineman mentality,” a second scout said. “Mauler. Nasty. Not as athletic as some of the others. He can short set in pass pro but if you ask him to play in space he’s got some problems. He’s a guard. I liked him much more last year (2022). Not as quick or mobile (in 2023).” Arms were just 31 1/2, hands were 9 ¼. “Short arms, like 30 some percent body fat,” said a second scout. “Not a really impressive athlete. He is a tough guy, I’m not going to take that away from him. He can move a defender in the run game. He’s similar to Will Hernandez. Hernandez didn’t look bad, though. He was just short.” From Kansas City, Kan.
5. BRANDON COLEMAN, Texas Christian (6-4 ½, 316, 4.99, 2-3): Will be 24 in October. Six-year collegian with two years of junior college and four years at TCU, including three as a starter. “Born here, moved to Germany, grew up over there playing basketball,” said one scout. “Came back. Has played guard and tackle. He’s got sort of tackle dimensions but he’s tight laterally so most people forecast him as a guard. He’s a big body, and he can cover people up. Still somewhat new to the game.” His starts included 22 at LT and 12 at LG. His breakdown in 2023 was seven at LT, four at LG. “He reminded me of the Matthew Bergeron kid who played left tackle in college and had a good (rookie) season for the Falcons kicking inside to guard,” a second scout said. “He’s one of the top five or six interior offensive linemen. There’s a little up and down with his finish. He gets a little top-heavy. I think moving inside would (help).” Arms were 34 5/8, hands were a position-best 10 ¾. Added a third scout: “I have some reservations but he's a third-round guard. He lacks consistency of play because they’ve moved him around. He’s a JUCO kid. That kind of set him back. He just needs to be locked into one position.” From Denton, Texas.
6. LAYDEN ROBINSON, Texas A&M (6-3 ½, 302, 5.14, 3): Redshirted in 2019, backed up in 2020 and started 33 games at RG from 2021-’23. “Really like him,” said one scout. “He’s a good athlete. He’s powerful. He’s got a good body type. He’s strong. He can develop into being a good player.” Arms were 34 5/8, hands were 10. “Sort of stiff, not very smart,” said a second scout. “Kind of plays muscleball. He’s right below Beebe and Haynes.” It’s probably doubtful that he can play center or tackle, thus limiting his versatility and value. “He’s way better than Coleman,” said a third scout. “Everybody’s gonna say he’s dumb, right? But this motherf’er went to the Senior Bowl and kicked all those guys’ *****. Is he powerful. He’s a starter.” From Manvel, Texas.
7. ISAIAH ADAMS, Illinois (6-4, 321, 5.07, 3): Grew up outside of Toronto. Spent two years at Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, starting in his second season. Then spent two years at a junior college in Kansas (Garden City CC) before two seasons at Illinois. “Probably starts his career as a sixth or seventh lineman but he could ascend to be a starter,” said one scout. “His better tape was at guard. Good length and strength. Average athlete, but he plays tough and looks to finish. He can handle center because he’s smart and just his effort. Better in the run game than the pass. He got exposed on the outside at tackle. I think you could take him in the third round but you’d feel really good about him in the fourth.” For the Illini, he started 14 games at LG, 10 at RT and one at LT. Arms were 33 7/8, hands were 9. “Guys are falling in love with him,” a second scout said. “They like his size. He played guard in ’22. Not bad. Showed toughness, could steer guys, could control ‘em. Still, athletically, he doesn’t have enough that you want. Fourth round.” From Ajax, Ontario.
8. MATT GONCALVES, Pittsburgh (6-6, 317, 5.21, 3-4): Late bloomer. “He’s a super late guest to the party,” one scout said. “Exactly what you want out of an offensive lineman.” Redshirted in 2019 before starting eight of 22 games in 2020-’21. Bounced from RT to LT as a starter in 2022 before having his final season cut short after three games with a foot injury that required surgery. “He barely played this year and wasn’t supposed to come out,” the scout said. “He’s probably a guard but he could also start at right tackle. He’s smart and has enough athletic ability to play center of if you wanted to fiddle around with him.” Starting history included 13 games at RT and 11 at LT. Arms were 33 ¼, hands were 9. “He’s solid – he’s not flashy,” another scout said. “He has more of a guard body type but he can do both. He’ll probably be a developmental swing guy early and I think he’ll end up starting.” From Manorville, N.Y.
OTHERS: Christian Mahogany, Boston College; Mason McCormick, South Dakota State; Zak Zinter, Michigan; Nick Gargiulo, South Carolina; Ladarius Henderson, Michigan; Keaton Bills, Utah; Delmar Glaze, Maryland; Trevor Keegan, Michigan; KT Leveston, Kansas State; Javion Cohen, Miami; Jarrett Kingston, Southern Cal; Karsen Barnhart, Michigan; C.J. Hanson, Holy Cross; Brady Latham, Arkansas; Gottlieb Ayedze, Maryland; Trente Jones, Michigan.
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CENTERS
1. JACKSON POWERS-JOHNSON, Oregon (6-3 ½, 326, no 40, 1-2): Two offensive linemen in this draft refused to run the 40 both at the combine and their pro days: JC Latham and Powers-Johnson. “We didn’t really like the makeup,” said one scout. “Arrogant. Not your typical offensive lineman mentality.” Made two starts on offense as a true freshman and just one in 2022 before becoming a starter and capturing the Rimington Award as the nation’s leading center in 2023. “He’s ready made,” a second scout said. “Throw him in there and he’ll go to the Pro Bowl. He’ll kick people’s ***. Powers has played guard, center and tackle but he looks like a natural center.” Arms were 32 ¼, hands were 9 7/8. “He’s going to get overdrafted,” a third scout said. “This is all based on five reps at the Senior Bowl. He looked good in the one on one’s and people got all excited. I don’t think he’s going to cut it at the end of the day. This kid is a little bit of a head case. Guy rolls up on him, he goes on the ground. They cart him off and 10 minutes later he’s back on the field. He’s the boy that cries wolf. I didn’t think he fit the wide zone for teams that are running that scheme. He’s a big mauler up top. How many times did he snap, move, get into the guy, finish the block in a good, clean bounce? Not many. It’s all really rough around the edges.” A fourth scout called him “quirky,” adding, “So when teams interviewed him it kind of depends how he came off. Not a bad kid or anything, just kind of a different kid.” From Draper, Utah. “Everybody tries to kill him because of certain things but he plays football the way it’s supposed to be played: tough,” a fifth scout said. “He’s a prick. So what? Can’t you be a prick? Who cares? He’s playing for your team. Everybody tries to kill him on his makeup. His makeup isn’t that bad.” Just turned 21 in January. “That combination of strength, movement, grit and toughness, there’s zero chance you miss on that guy,” a sixth scout said. “Is he a little out of control, a little spazzy at times? He only played center one year. Is he really a center between the ears, which is a huge part of it? Can he run the huddles, identify the mike? Can he correct mistakes and tell the guards what to do? I don’t know, but a center like that is gold to me.”
2. ZACH FRAZIER, West Virginia (6-2 ½, 315, 5.25, 2-3): Four-time state heavyweight wrestling champion in West Virginia. “You can see that in his game,” one scout said. “He’s not a super explosive guy as much as he just gets into players and uses his hands and his leverage to work them left to right. He’s going to be a value pick. He’s in that Ben Jones, David Andrews, Tyler Biadasz world.” Started at LG in 2020 and at center for the last three years. “He’s definitely Creed Humphrey,” a second scout said. “He was a high-school wrestler, too. Creed wasn’t an elite athlete. He’s just really efficient and his balance was awesome. That’s what this guy does. Just gets the job done. He’s a good enough athlete. Just gets in the way and blocks people. That’s what Creed does. (Tyler) Linderbaum was more athletic and more dynamic.” Arms were 32 1/4, hands were a position-leading 10 7/8. “He doesn’t do anything for me,” said a third scout. “He’s short-armed and not a big guy. He’s a center only. He was just a very average guard. He was a good player but I struggle translating it to the next level.” From Fairmont, W.Va.
3. DOMINICK PUNI, Kansas (6-5, 317, 5.40, 3): Spent 2018-’21 at Division II Central Missouri, starting 22 games at both tackles in the three seasons that the Mules played. “He’s a four-positional player,” said one scout. “He is a right tackle. He’s not a left tackle. He can play guard and tackle at a backup level and may grow into a starting center. Maybe center is his best position. I like his temperament.” At Kansas, he started 13 games at LG in 2022 and 12 games at LT in ’23. “He’s a smooth, smooth athlete,” a second scout said. “Much better pass blocker than run blocker. He kind of plays like Division II: ‘Am I good enough?’ I said he’s got talent, let’s go! He’ll flash movement, change of direction and adjust in pass pro. You’re, like, ‘All right, this guy can be really good.’ He’s just got to get it out of him. I’d try him at left tackle. When he’s on with his movement and natural athletic ability, he does some really nice things at left tackle.” Arms were 33 3/8, hands were 10 1/8. “You love his size and his length and his strength,” a third scout said. “Has some real foot speed limitations. More of a gap scheme guy. Wouldn’t be a great fit for outside zone scheme.” From St. Charles, Mo.
4. SEDRICK VAN PRAN-GRANGER, Georgia (6-4, 301, 5.19, 4): Started 44 straight games as a two-time national champion and two-time captain. “He played a long time; you can’t overlook those guys,” one scout said. “Smart as **** and he’s a great kid. He could be a starter.” Didn’t run well and his arms measured 31 3/8, the shortest of the top 12 centers. “Loved his wiring and makeup, his size, his strength,” a second scout said. “Foot speed and overall athletic ability have some limitations. He’s a little tight in the hips and gets off balance at times. His arm length caused a little bit of (concern) just being matched up in pass pro. I think he’s gonna start in Year 1. His makeup is true starter. He’s a leader. He’s exactly what you want in a profile for the position.” Hands were 9 ½. “His time shocked me,” said a fourth scout. “I thought he’d be at least a 5-flat guy. He’s not a real physical player but, boy, is he quick and can get to the second level and block downfield. He needs to get stronger and be more physical.” From New Orleans.
5. TANOR BORTOLINI, Wisconsin (6-4, 300, 5.00, 4): Made a name for himself at the combine with a blazing 40 and position-leading times in the short shuttle (4.28) and 3-cone (7.16). “Really good athlete,” one scout said. “Not real physical. Just very, very smooth. His strength is just OK. He can hold up. He’s got some anchor. But he’s really good as a zone-type blocker. Real good technician.” Started at center as a senior but generally had been a starting guard in 2021-’22. “Tested well, athleticism to spare,” a second scout said. “He lacks length to sustain. Plays tough. He’s physical. The length, to me, is the issue. I see him as a center-only but he’s played other spots. His (shotgun) snaps weren’t always consistent. I could see him going in the third round. I wouldn’t go higher than the fifth.” Arms were 31 ½, hands were 10. “I’m not sure he isn’t better than Powers-Johnson,” a third scout said. “But he’s got 31 ½ arms. He’s probably a center only, but he can be a pretty good center.” From Kewaunee, Wis.
OTHERS: Hunter Nourzad, Penn State; Beaux Limmer, Arkansas; Dylan McMahon, North Carolina State; Jacob Monk, Duke; Kingsley Eguakun, Florida; Drake Nugent, Michigan; Jalen Sundell, North Dakota State; Matt Lee, Miami; Charles Turner, Louisiana State.
UNSUNG HERO
Javion Cohen, G, Miami: After the 2021 season, his first of two as the starting LG for Alabama, he spent a month at a wellness recovery center to work on his mental health. In 2023, he proposed to his wife and welcomed a daughter. Cohen (6-4 ½, 322, 5.34) has 37 Power 5 starts and 34-inch arms.
SCOUTS’ NIGHTMARE
Caedan Wallace, T, Penn State: Other than five games missed in late 2022 because of an ankle injury, he was a four-year starter at RT. Wallace (6-5, 314, 5.24) has 34-inch arms and the talent of an NFL starter. “He’s really light on his feet and knows how to pass protect,” one scout said. “He’s just not a physical player. It’s just a matter now if he decides he wants to be a starter.”
QUOTE TO NOTE
NFL executive in personnel: “I think the guard position is extremely disrespected. Why do we think an interior pass-rushing D-tackle is top-10 worthy in every draft yet we don’t say that about a guard? Think about that. A guard is stopping the D-tackle. Look at the Hall of Fame guards. You’ll be shocked by the correlation of playoff-Super Bowl success and the top guards ever to play the game. It’s not a coincidence.”
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It's coming.
The more I see this Tulane kid the more I like him. I hope it works out that we can get him.
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Ask and ye shall receive Dodger
In my poll of 16 scouts asking them to rank the quarterbacks 1-2-3-4-5, with a first-place vote worth 5 points, a second worth 4 and so on, six received votes and then landed in their own distinct strata. The vote showed Williams with 13 firsts and 75 points. Daniels was next with three firsts and 62 points, followed by Drake Maye (45), J.J. McCarthy (33), Michael Penix (20) and Bo Nix (five).
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QUARTERBACKS
1. CALEB WILLIAMS, Southern Cal (6-1, 217, no 40, 1): His career passer rating of 118.9 using the NFL scale was the best of this class. “I think Caleb has the best chance to bust but also has the best chance to be freakin’ special,” one scout said. “I think he’s boom or bust. There are plays he makes that are fantastic where he scrambles and throws 50 yards downfield for a touchdown. Then you look at that play and there are simpler options that he doesn’t see or ignored.” Replaced Spencer Rattler and started the final seven games of his freshman season at Oklahoma. “Obviously, it’s very similar to how (Patrick) Mahomes played at Texas Tech,” a second scout said. “He constantly is trying to hit the grand slam against just taking the single or the double. I have a hard time believing you can’t coach that out of him. Caleb is the most natural thrower of the four. Seventy yards in the air, arched on a dime. Effortless. Throwing moving to his right from his hip 25 yards downfield on a line. My biggest concern will be his height. It does look at times he struggles to see in the pocket. That’s why he likes to move. He just does things other guys can’t do. Blend that in with being able to play on time and he’s going to be outstanding.” Declined to take a medical exam or test at the combine. “The biggest chance for bust is if Caleb Williams goes to Chicago,” a third scout said. “It’s going to be a lot tougher than people think. He’s got a lot of talent but, wow, he’s had red carpet treatment since the 9th grade. This is getting ready to be a whole different deal. It’s the Chicago media, then the comparison. If (Justin) Fields goes and does anything in Pittsburgh it won’t play well. And the pressure … he ended up in the stands (clutching his mother at the Coliseum Nov. 4 after a loss to Washington) crying like a baby. For a lot of scouts that was a disqualifier. Then you got the painted fingernails, the cars, special treatment. He knows one offense, which you can write on one piece of paper, with Lincoln Riley. Of all those OU quarterbacks he’s the most gifted but none of them have really done it in the league. And Williams’ workout (at pro day) wasn’t godawful but just mediocre.” According to one club official, his father, Carl, told him “it’s too windy in Chicago. Why should we go to Chicago when the open-air stadium is not a place Caleb will like?” Said the official: “You talk about self-serving, vicariously live through your son b.s. He needs to get away from his old man. … I like the kid. He gets a little caught up in the LA bull****, but once he gets with somebody strong he’ll be fine. Because Lincoln Riley’s not a strong guy, either.” Three of his five interceptions in 2023 came at South Bend in a 48-20 loss to Notre Dame. “I’m going Jayden Daniels because I can’t get the f--king Notre Dame game out of my head,” a fifth scout said. “A lot of Caleb is when he’s just running around kind of being playground. He’s also kind of making it about myself.” One of the scouts said Williams, who posted a 23-10 record as a starter, shouldn’t be thrust into the lineup immediately. “You better have the right offensive coordinator for him and do not rush him into the NFL,” he said. “In today’s football everybody wants to rush guys. Let him sit for a while. Let him process.” An executive with an established quarterback has followed Williams from afar. “He just comes out with these things that are kind of spoiled and demanding,” he said. “I don’t know if it’s the people around him or what it is. Whether this is the case with him or not, when you get a guy that in his mind feels like you’re fortunate he’s there, it can come off that way and rub teammates the wrong way. I don’t know if he’s got that but he can’t come in with that. People are going to have to jell with him immediately. Because if they don’t, it might be an issue from a leadership standpoint.” From Washington, D.C. Hands were 9 ¾ inches.
2. JAYDEN DANIELS, Louisiana State (6-3 ½, 210, no 40, 1): His NFL passer rating jumped from 101.9 in 2022 to 145.3 in ’23. “I’m assuming Chicago is taking Williams but they were at that workout and Williams’ was mediocre and Jayden’s was pretty good,” one scout said. “I wouldn’t be stunned if that happened (the Bears pick Daniels). I have a little more appreciation for what Jayden did this year. He had a spectacular year, no doubt about it. There’s a lot of momentum for him but it doesn’t come without some concerns.” Daniels rushed for 3,307 yards in five seasons compared to 966 for Williams in three. His aggressive style of running, however, raises durability issues. “He was 185 at Arizona State (in 2021),” one scout said. “At that point in time there was so much concern over his physical body weight. He was putting up stats in every game but don’t trust him to win the big game, which you saw this year. With Jayden, you’re going to see a lot of running very early on. He doesn’t have the poise, the processing to hang in there and find a receiver like a lot of guys can do. (Scrambling) isn’t the worst thing in the world. A lot of guys have made a good living doing it. Jayden has that instant speed. I’d estimate he’d run 4.45. Justin Fields has more build-long speed. Jayden takes off and it’s full speed quick, which is a huge benefit for him. It’ll come down to can he stay healthy. I think you’re going to see a lot of flaws in his game that everyone saw the first four years he was playing college football and aren’t even being talked about now.” The Tigers, ranked fifth at the start of last season, ended up 12th after going 10-3. Daniels’ record for LSU against top-20 teams was 3-5. “Athletic freak,” another scout said. “Still going to have to learn the nuances of an NFL defense and read coverages a little bit better. He was surrounded by really good, skilled athletes at receiver. The question is, can he overcome that? He’s got a lot of gifts and a lot of savvy and has played a lot of football.” Several scouts worried that his mother, Regina, might have an adverse effect on his career. “She pushed him to leave school after the (2022) season,” said one. “She will show up to the facility at times. She will probably move to wherever he goes.” His career passer rating was 109.1. His record was 37-18. His hands were 9 3/8. “I just didn’t see consistency from a condensed pocket,” one scout said. “When it’s clean, he’s really good. He has rhythm and had really good playmakers on the outside. But in gotta-have-it, pressure situations, when it looked more like an NFL game, I thought his accuracy declined. I’m somewhat nitpicking. At the college level, you can see an off-placement throw and it’s a catch. At our level, some of those limitations are magnified. I thought he’d struggle a little bit playing with a lot more (pressure) in the pocket.” From San Bernardino, Calif.
3. DRAKE MAYE, North Carolina (6-4 ½, 227, no 40, 1): Backed up Sam Howell in 2021 and then went 17-9 as the starter in 2022-’23. “Andrew Luck was further along than Drake Maye but the talent level is somewhat similar,” said one scout. “His pro day was really good. He throws a great deep ball for a guy that’s not supposed to have an elite arm. His accuracy and touch are his secret sauce. That’s what he’s really good at.” Finished with a passer rating of 106.3. Rushed for 1,209. “He’s the Jared Goff clone with his mobility,” a second scout said. “Goff ran 4.82. I’d say he’s 4.75.” Hands were 9 1/8. “I see a gifted athlete who can make all the passes,” a third scout said. “In the ’23 season he had a really bad offensive line and got exposed a little bit. There was a degree of inconsistency with his throwing motion and his throwing accuracy. I still think there’s upside with this guy, and he’s young (will be 22 in August). I do see him as a Pro Bowl starter.” Comes from an enormously athletic family. “He’s gotten close to Philip Rivers, who’s a little bit of a hillbilly from Alabama who went to NC State,” a fourth scout said. “Maye is from Charlotte and went to Carolina. So you think this guy’s going to have some polish. He walked in the room and he sounded like Jethro Bodine on the Beverly Hillbillies. We just went, ‘Who is this guy?’ Watching the tape, all this animation. This kid is sort of wound tight trying to be something he’s not … I thought his tape was kind of average, to be honest. He needs a year to just sit, and I don’t know if the teams that are going to take him can do that. I think it’s going to be real hard. He is not explosive with his arm. He’s a good athlete, but you see very few plays where he just rips the ball into a tight window. One thing I noticed was that all his takeoffs were into the boundary, the short side of the field. Any time he threw to the field (side) was to the slot (receiver) down the hashmark. I kind of thought they even recognized that there were some arm strength issues there. I thought I was going to turn on the tape, sit back and watch the show. After about five throws I went, ‘Are you kidding me? All this hype over this guy?’” His family lives in Huntersville, N.C. “He’s got all the physical tools,” a fifth scout said. “Sometimes there’s some wiring … there’s some Daniel Jones in there. Sometimes when it gets a little hairy, what’s he wired like?”
4. J.J. McCARTHY, Michigan (6-2 ½, 215, no 40, 1): Of the top four quarterbacks only McCarthy truly elevated his team. “He’s got major weaknesses but there’s something about that kid that is absolutely special,” one scout said. “He completely changed that rivalry (Ohio State-Michigan). He singlehandedly won both of those games. The one in Columbus (in 2022), people don’t realize some of those throws he made in that game. Then his ability to never get off the field and extend plays is uncanny. All this talk that Michigan built him and it was (Jim) Harbaugh and the O-line. Their O-line sucked this year … The 9-inch hand and the way he throws the ball really scares me. It’s one speed. He has no ability to layer balls in between defenders. Everything’s a fastball. His deep balls are line drives, which is very unfriendly to receivers especially when he gets to this level and it’s contested and not just wide open. But there’s magic. There are these guys that seem to always do this and it always works. The throws by Mahomes early in his career when he’d throw into coverage and it somehow landed in the lap of the Kansas City guy. I don’t know if he’s got this magic to him or if it’s just luck. You’re drafting a guy whose character has been so overhyped you’re neglecting some of these holes. It’s somewhere in between.” Third-year junior won the job in Game 2 of 2022 from Cade McNamara. “I don’t think he’ll fail,” a second scout said. “I saw him as a Kirk Cousins type player.” Finished with a passer rating of 111.3. Rushed for 632. “I like him as a short-to-intermediate passer,” said a third scout. “He’s smart. He’ll distribute the ball. But I don’t see him as a guy who will win a game for you on his own.” His record was 27-1. “He’s better than Harbaugh was,” a fourth scout said. “It’s difficult to have a personality like Harbaugh but he might be close. He does some different things. Meditation, all this he does. He’s got feet. He’s at least a 4.5 guy. He’s got a strong arm. But everything about this guy is development. He won’t make as big an impact maybe as the three above him at first but he can overtake Caleb Williams and Maye. If you play for Jim Harbaugh and win a national championship, you’re good.” In October, Michigan’s athletic department released a 3-minute video in which McCarthy discussed the “big depression” he fell into as a senior in high school and the value of meditation. “He has championed the mental health stuff,” said a fifth scout. “But in the NFL, those fans aren’t going to be the same. You’re going to do that at Arrowhead? Foxborough? Those fans are going to destroy this poor kid if he’s out there sitting under the goal post an hour and a half before the game. It’s part of his resume. You got to make sure you understand that and that’s going to be something you’re going to be involved in with him. How do you replicate the cockpit and the nest he was in at Michigan. It’s hard.” Averaged 22.1 pass attempts in the Wolverines’ 15-0 title season. “He still doesn’t have much experience because he hasn’t thrown the ball very much,” said a sixth scout. “There’s a level of immaturity that he’s going to have to work through. He’s a good kid (but) he doesn’t know what he doesn’t know. It’s kind of buyer beware.” From La Grange Park, Ill.
5. MICHAEL PENIX, Washington (6-2, 216, 4.58, 1-2): While the top four quarterbacks along with Bo Nix, Michael Pratt and Devin Leary declined to run a 40, Penix blistered a 4.58 at pro day. One scout estimated he’d run 4.9; another guessed 4.75 to 4.8. “If he goes in the first round I wouldn’t be shocked,” said one scout. “If Tua (Tagovailoa) went top 10 (No. 5 in 2020), I don’t know why this guy can’t go top 10. He’s a better athlete. He throws it just as well. It’s all timing and rhythm. They’re both not great outside extending plays.” Went 12-5 as the starter at Indiana from 2019-’21; in ’20, the Hoosiers cracked the Top 10 for the first time since 1969. “He did a lot of stuff outside the pocket at Indiana,” a second scout said. “When I saw him at Washington I was shocked. He wasn’t the same guy. He stayed in the pocket and made good decisions. He was best throwing outside the numbers (in 2023). He can throw the back shoulders, the fades and ups.” His four seasons at IU ended with four season-ending injuries: two torn right ACLs, a right shoulder dislocation and a left shoulder dislocation. “I can’t get the damn Indiana tape out of my mind,” said a third scout. “It was real bad. Now give the kid credit. He changed scenery and kind of reinvented himself and had a hell of a team this year. He’s got arm strength, big hands and he can fling it, but he’s got like a weird sidearm short release. Accuracy’s up and down. I don’t know how tough this kid is. He shows you fringe starter talent and barely No. 3 talent. But there are so many quarterback gurus and experts that, ‘Oh, if I get my hands on him I can do this.’” Hands were 10 ½, largest at the position. “Penix is an incredible passer,” said a fourth scout. “He is a pure passer of the ball. He throws the best deep ball I’ve seen in 30 years. It’s an absolutely beautiful deep ball. But there are a lot of things with him that may not translate. The injury history. Been in the same system at Indiana and UW. How will that translate to new coaches, new system? As far as just going out there and throwing the football, he can do it.” The left-handed Penix posted his best passer rating in 2023 (106.8) to finish his career at 99.4. At Indiana, his rating was 87.9. “You saw him fall apart against Michigan (in the CFP title game),” said a fifth scout. “He’s been pretty fortunate. Good offensive line, quality receivers. He couldn’t get out of the pocket and scramble and get away. He’s had injuries in the past. I wouldn’t want to take him.” From Tampa, Fla.
6. BO NIX, Oregon (6-2, 217, no 40, 2-3): Auburn went 21-13 with him starting from 2019-’21. Oregon went 22-5 with him the past two years. “He truly had a transformation,” one scout said. “The kid played at an all-time high. Forty-five touchdowns, three picks (in 2023). He was absolutely on point the second year at Oregon. He’s dedicated, mature and all that. He’s also the oldest guy (turns 25 in February 2025). You pull him out of that situation and put him into the NFL, especially if he were to go as a first-rounder, the expectations, the pressure, now you’re right back to Auburn. And he went to the Senior Bowl and reverted back. He was bailing out backwards as soon as pressure showed, not as accurate. If you told me second or third round, great. Top 15 or top 25? God bless him. As a first-round pick with imminent pressure and expectations? You’re creating a circumstance where the kid has already failed once.” His father, Pat, quarterbacked Auburn from 1992-’95 and has coached football for years. “He completed 77.4% this year,” said a second scout. “Throws a lot of short and intermediate stuff but he still is accurate down the field. He’s been in two different systems and produced. I never thought he was that good at Auburn but at Oregon I was really impressed by his ability to process and get the ball down there. He’s got a good enough arm to get it intermediate and throw the long ball. He doesn’t throw the long ball as good as Penix but he can move and scramble. I’d like to have somebody better but if I had to have one I’d take him as my starter.” Finished with a passer rating of 104.3, including 86.2 at Auburn and 126.2 at Oregon. Also ran for 1,613 and 38 touchdowns. “Started more games in college football (61) than most,” a third scout said. “He had the opportunity to play in an offense (Oregon) that is not in sync with the NFL. But the guy is competitive. He’s a subtly good athlete. Better than you realize. He’s sneaky good in terms of moving, avoiding, extending and running if he has to. I just think he’ll be a quality backup.” Hands were 10 1/8. “He will bust,” a fourth scout said. “That (no 40) is an indication he doesn’t run well. He’s selling himself on his running. He can’t throw the ball. Got a noodle arm. He can’t push the ball down the field. If he went first round that would shock me. He’s last year’s Tennessee quarterback, Hendon Hooker. The hype.” From Pinson, Ala.
7. SPENCER RATTLER, South Carolina (6-0, 211, 4.95, 2-3): Fifth-year senior. “He’s the most intriguing guy of those that are left,” said one scout. “He’s got a big f--king arm. He’s almost like a minor-league version of Caleb Williams. He’s not a runner, but he can make plays with his feet. He’s not a real tall guy but he plays bigger than he is. He’s got pretty big hands (9 7/8). He’s tough. He’s done a good job of redeeming himself. There were questions about his makeup from high school. The guy basically got shamed — benched, lost his job — on national TV. He’s been through the ringer. They like him at South Carolina. He brought something to the program. If this guy is your No. 2 you’re through-the-roof happy. He will probably have a chance to start based on the shortage of quarterbacks. I like him better than Nix.” Redshirted at Oklahoma behind Jalen Hurts, he started in 2020 and was the favorite for the Heisman Trophy entering 2021. He was benched after six games in favor of Williams, and after the season escaped what he famously labeled a “toxic situation” for the SEC. “He had four intentional groundings in the first half this year against (Texas) A&M,” said a second scout. “He had one of the worst offensive lines I’ve ever seen in SEC history. But that little sum----- has excellent arm talent. He can make all the throws. He’s mobile and can run.” Finished with a passer rating of 102.9 (113.9 for the Sooners, 95.8 for the Gamecocks). Also ran for 416 and 16 TDs. MVP of the Senior Bowl. “He’s a cut below Nix and Penix but he’s good,” said a third scout. “Could be a starter. Depends how he develops. It’s not like he was a stiff at (Oklahoma). He was a good player there, too. And he revived the South Carolina program. He’s a 6-footer; that’s why he’s second round.” From Phoenix. “Little pocket passer,” a fourth scout said. “Makes one read, erratic thrower, panics when things break down. He guns everything. Doesn’t have much accuracy or touch. He’s got a little bit of moxie but he’s just a nut the way he plays. He just runs into sacks. Doesn’t feel stuff. It's not good.”
8. MICHAEL PRATT, Tulane (6-2 ½, 217, no 40, 4-5): Four-year starter. “I like his size, his arm, his presence,” one scout said. “He’s been a pleasant surprise. He can end up being a starter in time. Like his ability to distribute from the pocket. From the down-the-line group he’ll be the one who will rise up. It’s because of how he sees the game and how efficient he is.” Finished with a passer rating of 101.8. Ran for 1,147 and 28 TDs. “I was really high on him after (2022),” said one scout. “He got hurt second game this year (knee) and did not play as well. Backup type. Physically gifted. Inconsistent decisions. I’d like to work with the guy. The negative this year was holding the ball. Nice athlete. Got a good arm.” Hands were 9 ¼. “The Raiders took Aidan O’Connell in the fourth last year,” a third scout said. “He’s not as good as Aidan O’Connell.” From Boca Raton, Fla.
9. DEVIN LEARY, Kentucky (6-1, 216, no 40, 5): At North Carolina State, he redshirted in 2018, started the last five games inn 2019 and, when healthy, held the job before departing for Kentucky in 2023. “His sophomore year at NC State (2021) it looked like he was going to be good,” said one scout. “The last two years he (slipped). He’ll be 25 (in September). More of a systems guy-game manager. Played better at NC State than Kentucky.” Has had two major injuries: broken fibula in 2020, torn right pectoral in 2022. “He has that kind of gamer mentality,” a second scout said. “I was hoping to see more of a jump this year. He’s a No. 3 who could potentially be a No. 2. Like his arm talent.” Finished with passer rating of 94.8. Posted 112.2 in 2021 but just 88.9 for the Wildcats last year. “Like a priority free agent type,” a third scout said. “His lack of pocket awareness and accuracy were two limiting factors. His toughness and his clutch performance were what he did best. His inconsistency was pretty glaring.” From Sicklerville, N.J.
10. JORDAN TRAVIS, Florida State (6-1, 203, no 40, 5-6): The Seminoles were 10-0 and headed for the CFP playoffs when he suffered a broken ankle Nov. 18 against North Alabama. “He was having a hell of a year,” one scout said. “Really made some strides. He benefited from more playing time and how he saw the field. I could see him going fifth round because of the injury. Keep him on your 53-man roster as a No. 3 and develop him. Doesn’t have great size, though.” Finished with a passer rating of 102.4. In addition, he rushed for 1,950 and 31 TDs. His record was 28-10. “He worked in that system well,” a second scout said. “Athletic with good arm strength and adequate accuracy. His decisions against pressure were questionable.” Hands were 9. From West Palm Beach, Fla.
11. JOE MILTON, Tennessee (6-5, 246, 4.62, 6): Started five games at Michigan during a three-year stint, then 16 more for the Volunteers in another three-year stint. “Everyone is, like, ‘Whoa. Is this an Anthony Richardson? Is he a Cam Newton? Is he Josh Allen?’” one scout said. “He’s none of those things. I wouldn’t take him to think he’s going to start within three years. He might have just a ceiling as a backup quarterback, which is crazy given his talent. He has not shown me the ability to throw with consistent accuracy and make really good decisions. Everything’s been very elementary for him. That’s just the nature of the offense he plays in, not a knock on him. He’s got rare size and the best arm talent I’ve seen.” Lost his job late in 2020 to Cade McNamara and left Ann Arbor for Knoxville. Opened 2021 as the starter but an ankle injury in Game 2 sidelined him and opened the door for Hendon Hooker. Bided his time until he got a chance to start again in ’23. “No touch at all,” a second scout said. “He has toughness and speed but lacks the right nervous system under duress. Misses some easy throws.” Finished with a passer rating of 99.6, including 76.5 at Michigan and 106.7 at Tennessee. “He either throws it at his first read 1,000 miles an hour or they run him right up the middle and he gets hit,” said a third scout. “He can’t play.” Hands were 10 1/4. “I would like to draft him and find out why he can’t play,” a fourth scout said. “He has the entire package. Reminds me of Anthony Richardson. There were times this year, like against Alabama, when he had nice games. But against Georgia he stunk the joint out.” From Pahokee, Fla.
12. TANNER MORDECAI, Wisconsin (6-1 ½, 210, 4.53, 7-FA): Redshirted at Oklahoma in 2018 and then got in 10 games (66 pass attempts) from 2019-’20. Departed for Southern Methodist, where he started 24 games in 2021-’22. Completed his six-year career with 10 starts for the Badgers. “He’s got a little bit of (Gardner) Minshew to him,” one scout said. “He can make plays with his legs, he’s competitive and tough. Always played in an Air Raid offense. At the pro day tested really well. His arm looked stronger at pro day than it was during the season. Maybe that was because of the hand. He’s got a shot to stick as a No. 3 who could develop into a No. 2. He was at Wisconsin only one year but I know players respected him. He was a good leader.” Suffered a broken right hand Oct. 14 against Iowa but was back Nov. 11 against Minnesota. “The athleticism and what he does with his feet are what you’re hanging your hat on,” said a second scout. “Just needs to develop the arm and the decision-making. The size and the hand size (8 7/8) would be a concern. Average arm strength.” Finished with a 102.8 passer rating, including 112.8 at Oklahoma, 107.2 at SMU and 87.9 at Wisconsin. Also ran for 606 and eight TDs. “Very limited ability,” a third scout said. “He can run a little bit, and he’s a tough guy. But he’s limited as a passer.” From Waco, Texas.
OTHERS: Kedon Slovis, Brigham Young; Sam Hartman, Notre Dame; Carter Bradley, South Alabama; Austin Reed, Western Kentucky; Taulia Tagovailoa, Maryland; Rocky Lombardi, Northern Illinois.
UNSUNG HERO
Sam Hartman, Notre Dame: After an injury-riddled five-year career at Wake Forest he started 12 games for the Irish in 2023. Hartman (6-1, 211, 4.81) posted a career passer rating of 99.1, passing for 15,656 yards, 134 TDs and 49 interceptions. His completion mark was just 59.8%. “Undersized,” one scout said. “Slightly above average accuracy and anticipation, average athlete and decision-making. He’s got some moxie. You kind of like that. Just the overall arm and taking over a game, I didn’t see that. Senior Bowl didn’t help. He’ll be 25 by camp. He goes maybe late.”
SCOUTS’ NIGHTMARE
Taulia Tagovailoa, Maryland: In the history of the Big Ten no quarterback has totaled more than his 11,256 passing yards. After a one-year stop at Alabama, he started four seasons as the Terps gained a measure of respectability under coach Mike Locksley. Tagovailoa wasn’t invited to the combine, and then at pro day March 29 he refused to run a 40 or test but did work out. He’s small (5-10 ½, 185) and, as a hard-nosed scrambler, susceptible to injury. His arm strength is adequate.
QUOTE TO NOTE
NFC executive: “I’m not going to change my mind (on a player) after a pro day and the combine. It’s silly. They build it up on (television) but it’s silly. If you’re saying I’m going to take J.J. McCarthy on that then you’re already losing. Ridiculous.”
In my poll of 16 scouts asking them to rank the quarterbacks 1-2-3-4-5, with a first-place vote worth 5 points, a second worth 4 and so on, six received votes and then landed in their own distinct strata. The vote showed Williams with 13 firsts and 75 points. Daniels was next with three firsts and 62 points, followed by Drake Maye (45), J.J. McCarthy (33), Michael Penix (20) and Bo Nix (five).
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QUARTERBACKS
1. CALEB WILLIAMS, Southern Cal (6-1, 217, no 40, 1): His career passer rating of 118.9 using the NFL scale was the best of this class. “I think Caleb has the best chance to bust but also has the best chance to be freakin’ special,” one scout said. “I think he’s boom or bust. There are plays he makes that are fantastic where he scrambles and throws 50 yards downfield for a touchdown. Then you look at that play and there are simpler options that he doesn’t see or ignored.” Replaced Spencer Rattler and started the final seven games of his freshman season at Oklahoma. “Obviously, it’s very similar to how (Patrick) Mahomes played at Texas Tech,” a second scout said. “He constantly is trying to hit the grand slam against just taking the single or the double. I have a hard time believing you can’t coach that out of him. Caleb is the most natural thrower of the four. Seventy yards in the air, arched on a dime. Effortless. Throwing moving to his right from his hip 25 yards downfield on a line. My biggest concern will be his height. It does look at times he struggles to see in the pocket. That’s why he likes to move. He just does things other guys can’t do. Blend that in with being able to play on time and he’s going to be outstanding.” Declined to take a medical exam or test at the combine. “The biggest chance for bust is if Caleb Williams goes to Chicago,” a third scout said. “It’s going to be a lot tougher than people think. He’s got a lot of talent but, wow, he’s had red carpet treatment since the 9th grade. This is getting ready to be a whole different deal. It’s the Chicago media, then the comparison. If (Justin) Fields goes and does anything in Pittsburgh it won’t play well. And the pressure … he ended up in the stands (clutching his mother at the Coliseum Nov. 4 after a loss to Washington) crying like a baby. For a lot of scouts that was a disqualifier. Then you got the painted fingernails, the cars, special treatment. He knows one offense, which you can write on one piece of paper, with Lincoln Riley. Of all those OU quarterbacks he’s the most gifted but none of them have really done it in the league. And Williams’ workout (at pro day) wasn’t godawful but just mediocre.” According to one club official, his father, Carl, told him “it’s too windy in Chicago. Why should we go to Chicago when the open-air stadium is not a place Caleb will like?” Said the official: “You talk about self-serving, vicariously live through your son b.s. He needs to get away from his old man. … I like the kid. He gets a little caught up in the LA bull****, but once he gets with somebody strong he’ll be fine. Because Lincoln Riley’s not a strong guy, either.” Three of his five interceptions in 2023 came at South Bend in a 48-20 loss to Notre Dame. “I’m going Jayden Daniels because I can’t get the f--king Notre Dame game out of my head,” a fifth scout said. “A lot of Caleb is when he’s just running around kind of being playground. He’s also kind of making it about myself.” One of the scouts said Williams, who posted a 23-10 record as a starter, shouldn’t be thrust into the lineup immediately. “You better have the right offensive coordinator for him and do not rush him into the NFL,” he said. “In today’s football everybody wants to rush guys. Let him sit for a while. Let him process.” An executive with an established quarterback has followed Williams from afar. “He just comes out with these things that are kind of spoiled and demanding,” he said. “I don’t know if it’s the people around him or what it is. Whether this is the case with him or not, when you get a guy that in his mind feels like you’re fortunate he’s there, it can come off that way and rub teammates the wrong way. I don’t know if he’s got that but he can’t come in with that. People are going to have to jell with him immediately. Because if they don’t, it might be an issue from a leadership standpoint.” From Washington, D.C. Hands were 9 ¾ inches.
2. JAYDEN DANIELS, Louisiana State (6-3 ½, 210, no 40, 1): His NFL passer rating jumped from 101.9 in 2022 to 145.3 in ’23. “I’m assuming Chicago is taking Williams but they were at that workout and Williams’ was mediocre and Jayden’s was pretty good,” one scout said. “I wouldn’t be stunned if that happened (the Bears pick Daniels). I have a little more appreciation for what Jayden did this year. He had a spectacular year, no doubt about it. There’s a lot of momentum for him but it doesn’t come without some concerns.” Daniels rushed for 3,307 yards in five seasons compared to 966 for Williams in three. His aggressive style of running, however, raises durability issues. “He was 185 at Arizona State (in 2021),” one scout said. “At that point in time there was so much concern over his physical body weight. He was putting up stats in every game but don’t trust him to win the big game, which you saw this year. With Jayden, you’re going to see a lot of running very early on. He doesn’t have the poise, the processing to hang in there and find a receiver like a lot of guys can do. (Scrambling) isn’t the worst thing in the world. A lot of guys have made a good living doing it. Jayden has that instant speed. I’d estimate he’d run 4.45. Justin Fields has more build-long speed. Jayden takes off and it’s full speed quick, which is a huge benefit for him. It’ll come down to can he stay healthy. I think you’re going to see a lot of flaws in his game that everyone saw the first four years he was playing college football and aren’t even being talked about now.” The Tigers, ranked fifth at the start of last season, ended up 12th after going 10-3. Daniels’ record for LSU against top-20 teams was 3-5. “Athletic freak,” another scout said. “Still going to have to learn the nuances of an NFL defense and read coverages a little bit better. He was surrounded by really good, skilled athletes at receiver. The question is, can he overcome that? He’s got a lot of gifts and a lot of savvy and has played a lot of football.” Several scouts worried that his mother, Regina, might have an adverse effect on his career. “She pushed him to leave school after the (2022) season,” said one. “She will show up to the facility at times. She will probably move to wherever he goes.” His career passer rating was 109.1. His record was 37-18. His hands were 9 3/8. “I just didn’t see consistency from a condensed pocket,” one scout said. “When it’s clean, he’s really good. He has rhythm and had really good playmakers on the outside. But in gotta-have-it, pressure situations, when it looked more like an NFL game, I thought his accuracy declined. I’m somewhat nitpicking. At the college level, you can see an off-placement throw and it’s a catch. At our level, some of those limitations are magnified. I thought he’d struggle a little bit playing with a lot more (pressure) in the pocket.” From San Bernardino, Calif.
3. DRAKE MAYE, North Carolina (6-4 ½, 227, no 40, 1): Backed up Sam Howell in 2021 and then went 17-9 as the starter in 2022-’23. “Andrew Luck was further along than Drake Maye but the talent level is somewhat similar,” said one scout. “His pro day was really good. He throws a great deep ball for a guy that’s not supposed to have an elite arm. His accuracy and touch are his secret sauce. That’s what he’s really good at.” Finished with a passer rating of 106.3. Rushed for 1,209. “He’s the Jared Goff clone with his mobility,” a second scout said. “Goff ran 4.82. I’d say he’s 4.75.” Hands were 9 1/8. “I see a gifted athlete who can make all the passes,” a third scout said. “In the ’23 season he had a really bad offensive line and got exposed a little bit. There was a degree of inconsistency with his throwing motion and his throwing accuracy. I still think there’s upside with this guy, and he’s young (will be 22 in August). I do see him as a Pro Bowl starter.” Comes from an enormously athletic family. “He’s gotten close to Philip Rivers, who’s a little bit of a hillbilly from Alabama who went to NC State,” a fourth scout said. “Maye is from Charlotte and went to Carolina. So you think this guy’s going to have some polish. He walked in the room and he sounded like Jethro Bodine on the Beverly Hillbillies. We just went, ‘Who is this guy?’ Watching the tape, all this animation. This kid is sort of wound tight trying to be something he’s not … I thought his tape was kind of average, to be honest. He needs a year to just sit, and I don’t know if the teams that are going to take him can do that. I think it’s going to be real hard. He is not explosive with his arm. He’s a good athlete, but you see very few plays where he just rips the ball into a tight window. One thing I noticed was that all his takeoffs were into the boundary, the short side of the field. Any time he threw to the field (side) was to the slot (receiver) down the hashmark. I kind of thought they even recognized that there were some arm strength issues there. I thought I was going to turn on the tape, sit back and watch the show. After about five throws I went, ‘Are you kidding me? All this hype over this guy?’” His family lives in Huntersville, N.C. “He’s got all the physical tools,” a fifth scout said. “Sometimes there’s some wiring … there’s some Daniel Jones in there. Sometimes when it gets a little hairy, what’s he wired like?”
4. J.J. McCARTHY, Michigan (6-2 ½, 215, no 40, 1): Of the top four quarterbacks only McCarthy truly elevated his team. “He’s got major weaknesses but there’s something about that kid that is absolutely special,” one scout said. “He completely changed that rivalry (Ohio State-Michigan). He singlehandedly won both of those games. The one in Columbus (in 2022), people don’t realize some of those throws he made in that game. Then his ability to never get off the field and extend plays is uncanny. All this talk that Michigan built him and it was (Jim) Harbaugh and the O-line. Their O-line sucked this year … The 9-inch hand and the way he throws the ball really scares me. It’s one speed. He has no ability to layer balls in between defenders. Everything’s a fastball. His deep balls are line drives, which is very unfriendly to receivers especially when he gets to this level and it’s contested and not just wide open. But there’s magic. There are these guys that seem to always do this and it always works. The throws by Mahomes early in his career when he’d throw into coverage and it somehow landed in the lap of the Kansas City guy. I don’t know if he’s got this magic to him or if it’s just luck. You’re drafting a guy whose character has been so overhyped you’re neglecting some of these holes. It’s somewhere in between.” Third-year junior won the job in Game 2 of 2022 from Cade McNamara. “I don’t think he’ll fail,” a second scout said. “I saw him as a Kirk Cousins type player.” Finished with a passer rating of 111.3. Rushed for 632. “I like him as a short-to-intermediate passer,” said a third scout. “He’s smart. He’ll distribute the ball. But I don’t see him as a guy who will win a game for you on his own.” His record was 27-1. “He’s better than Harbaugh was,” a fourth scout said. “It’s difficult to have a personality like Harbaugh but he might be close. He does some different things. Meditation, all this he does. He’s got feet. He’s at least a 4.5 guy. He’s got a strong arm. But everything about this guy is development. He won’t make as big an impact maybe as the three above him at first but he can overtake Caleb Williams and Maye. If you play for Jim Harbaugh and win a national championship, you’re good.” In October, Michigan’s athletic department released a 3-minute video in which McCarthy discussed the “big depression” he fell into as a senior in high school and the value of meditation. “He has championed the mental health stuff,” said a fifth scout. “But in the NFL, those fans aren’t going to be the same. You’re going to do that at Arrowhead? Foxborough? Those fans are going to destroy this poor kid if he’s out there sitting under the goal post an hour and a half before the game. It’s part of his resume. You got to make sure you understand that and that’s going to be something you’re going to be involved in with him. How do you replicate the cockpit and the nest he was in at Michigan. It’s hard.” Averaged 22.1 pass attempts in the Wolverines’ 15-0 title season. “He still doesn’t have much experience because he hasn’t thrown the ball very much,” said a sixth scout. “There’s a level of immaturity that he’s going to have to work through. He’s a good kid (but) he doesn’t know what he doesn’t know. It’s kind of buyer beware.” From La Grange Park, Ill.
5. MICHAEL PENIX, Washington (6-2, 216, 4.58, 1-2): While the top four quarterbacks along with Bo Nix, Michael Pratt and Devin Leary declined to run a 40, Penix blistered a 4.58 at pro day. One scout estimated he’d run 4.9; another guessed 4.75 to 4.8. “If he goes in the first round I wouldn’t be shocked,” said one scout. “If Tua (Tagovailoa) went top 10 (No. 5 in 2020), I don’t know why this guy can’t go top 10. He’s a better athlete. He throws it just as well. It’s all timing and rhythm. They’re both not great outside extending plays.” Went 12-5 as the starter at Indiana from 2019-’21; in ’20, the Hoosiers cracked the Top 10 for the first time since 1969. “He did a lot of stuff outside the pocket at Indiana,” a second scout said. “When I saw him at Washington I was shocked. He wasn’t the same guy. He stayed in the pocket and made good decisions. He was best throwing outside the numbers (in 2023). He can throw the back shoulders, the fades and ups.” His four seasons at IU ended with four season-ending injuries: two torn right ACLs, a right shoulder dislocation and a left shoulder dislocation. “I can’t get the damn Indiana tape out of my mind,” said a third scout. “It was real bad. Now give the kid credit. He changed scenery and kind of reinvented himself and had a hell of a team this year. He’s got arm strength, big hands and he can fling it, but he’s got like a weird sidearm short release. Accuracy’s up and down. I don’t know how tough this kid is. He shows you fringe starter talent and barely No. 3 talent. But there are so many quarterback gurus and experts that, ‘Oh, if I get my hands on him I can do this.’” Hands were 10 ½, largest at the position. “Penix is an incredible passer,” said a fourth scout. “He is a pure passer of the ball. He throws the best deep ball I’ve seen in 30 years. It’s an absolutely beautiful deep ball. But there are a lot of things with him that may not translate. The injury history. Been in the same system at Indiana and UW. How will that translate to new coaches, new system? As far as just going out there and throwing the football, he can do it.” The left-handed Penix posted his best passer rating in 2023 (106.8) to finish his career at 99.4. At Indiana, his rating was 87.9. “You saw him fall apart against Michigan (in the CFP title game),” said a fifth scout. “He’s been pretty fortunate. Good offensive line, quality receivers. He couldn’t get out of the pocket and scramble and get away. He’s had injuries in the past. I wouldn’t want to take him.” From Tampa, Fla.
6. BO NIX, Oregon (6-2, 217, no 40, 2-3): Auburn went 21-13 with him starting from 2019-’21. Oregon went 22-5 with him the past two years. “He truly had a transformation,” one scout said. “The kid played at an all-time high. Forty-five touchdowns, three picks (in 2023). He was absolutely on point the second year at Oregon. He’s dedicated, mature and all that. He’s also the oldest guy (turns 25 in February 2025). You pull him out of that situation and put him into the NFL, especially if he were to go as a first-rounder, the expectations, the pressure, now you’re right back to Auburn. And he went to the Senior Bowl and reverted back. He was bailing out backwards as soon as pressure showed, not as accurate. If you told me second or third round, great. Top 15 or top 25? God bless him. As a first-round pick with imminent pressure and expectations? You’re creating a circumstance where the kid has already failed once.” His father, Pat, quarterbacked Auburn from 1992-’95 and has coached football for years. “He completed 77.4% this year,” said a second scout. “Throws a lot of short and intermediate stuff but he still is accurate down the field. He’s been in two different systems and produced. I never thought he was that good at Auburn but at Oregon I was really impressed by his ability to process and get the ball down there. He’s got a good enough arm to get it intermediate and throw the long ball. He doesn’t throw the long ball as good as Penix but he can move and scramble. I’d like to have somebody better but if I had to have one I’d take him as my starter.” Finished with a passer rating of 104.3, including 86.2 at Auburn and 126.2 at Oregon. Also ran for 1,613 and 38 touchdowns. “Started more games in college football (61) than most,” a third scout said. “He had the opportunity to play in an offense (Oregon) that is not in sync with the NFL. But the guy is competitive. He’s a subtly good athlete. Better than you realize. He’s sneaky good in terms of moving, avoiding, extending and running if he has to. I just think he’ll be a quality backup.” Hands were 10 1/8. “He will bust,” a fourth scout said. “That (no 40) is an indication he doesn’t run well. He’s selling himself on his running. He can’t throw the ball. Got a noodle arm. He can’t push the ball down the field. If he went first round that would shock me. He’s last year’s Tennessee quarterback, Hendon Hooker. The hype.” From Pinson, Ala.
7. SPENCER RATTLER, South Carolina (6-0, 211, 4.95, 2-3): Fifth-year senior. “He’s the most intriguing guy of those that are left,” said one scout. “He’s got a big f--king arm. He’s almost like a minor-league version of Caleb Williams. He’s not a runner, but he can make plays with his feet. He’s not a real tall guy but he plays bigger than he is. He’s got pretty big hands (9 7/8). He’s tough. He’s done a good job of redeeming himself. There were questions about his makeup from high school. The guy basically got shamed — benched, lost his job — on national TV. He’s been through the ringer. They like him at South Carolina. He brought something to the program. If this guy is your No. 2 you’re through-the-roof happy. He will probably have a chance to start based on the shortage of quarterbacks. I like him better than Nix.” Redshirted at Oklahoma behind Jalen Hurts, he started in 2020 and was the favorite for the Heisman Trophy entering 2021. He was benched after six games in favor of Williams, and after the season escaped what he famously labeled a “toxic situation” for the SEC. “He had four intentional groundings in the first half this year against (Texas) A&M,” said a second scout. “He had one of the worst offensive lines I’ve ever seen in SEC history. But that little sum----- has excellent arm talent. He can make all the throws. He’s mobile and can run.” Finished with a passer rating of 102.9 (113.9 for the Sooners, 95.8 for the Gamecocks). Also ran for 416 and 16 TDs. MVP of the Senior Bowl. “He’s a cut below Nix and Penix but he’s good,” said a third scout. “Could be a starter. Depends how he develops. It’s not like he was a stiff at (Oklahoma). He was a good player there, too. And he revived the South Carolina program. He’s a 6-footer; that’s why he’s second round.” From Phoenix. “Little pocket passer,” a fourth scout said. “Makes one read, erratic thrower, panics when things break down. He guns everything. Doesn’t have much accuracy or touch. He’s got a little bit of moxie but he’s just a nut the way he plays. He just runs into sacks. Doesn’t feel stuff. It's not good.”
8. MICHAEL PRATT, Tulane (6-2 ½, 217, no 40, 4-5): Four-year starter. “I like his size, his arm, his presence,” one scout said. “He’s been a pleasant surprise. He can end up being a starter in time. Like his ability to distribute from the pocket. From the down-the-line group he’ll be the one who will rise up. It’s because of how he sees the game and how efficient he is.” Finished with a passer rating of 101.8. Ran for 1,147 and 28 TDs. “I was really high on him after (2022),” said one scout. “He got hurt second game this year (knee) and did not play as well. Backup type. Physically gifted. Inconsistent decisions. I’d like to work with the guy. The negative this year was holding the ball. Nice athlete. Got a good arm.” Hands were 9 ¼. “The Raiders took Aidan O’Connell in the fourth last year,” a third scout said. “He’s not as good as Aidan O’Connell.” From Boca Raton, Fla.
9. DEVIN LEARY, Kentucky (6-1, 216, no 40, 5): At North Carolina State, he redshirted in 2018, started the last five games inn 2019 and, when healthy, held the job before departing for Kentucky in 2023. “His sophomore year at NC State (2021) it looked like he was going to be good,” said one scout. “The last two years he (slipped). He’ll be 25 (in September). More of a systems guy-game manager. Played better at NC State than Kentucky.” Has had two major injuries: broken fibula in 2020, torn right pectoral in 2022. “He has that kind of gamer mentality,” a second scout said. “I was hoping to see more of a jump this year. He’s a No. 3 who could potentially be a No. 2. Like his arm talent.” Finished with passer rating of 94.8. Posted 112.2 in 2021 but just 88.9 for the Wildcats last year. “Like a priority free agent type,” a third scout said. “His lack of pocket awareness and accuracy were two limiting factors. His toughness and his clutch performance were what he did best. His inconsistency was pretty glaring.” From Sicklerville, N.J.
10. JORDAN TRAVIS, Florida State (6-1, 203, no 40, 5-6): The Seminoles were 10-0 and headed for the CFP playoffs when he suffered a broken ankle Nov. 18 against North Alabama. “He was having a hell of a year,” one scout said. “Really made some strides. He benefited from more playing time and how he saw the field. I could see him going fifth round because of the injury. Keep him on your 53-man roster as a No. 3 and develop him. Doesn’t have great size, though.” Finished with a passer rating of 102.4. In addition, he rushed for 1,950 and 31 TDs. His record was 28-10. “He worked in that system well,” a second scout said. “Athletic with good arm strength and adequate accuracy. His decisions against pressure were questionable.” Hands were 9. From West Palm Beach, Fla.
11. JOE MILTON, Tennessee (6-5, 246, 4.62, 6): Started five games at Michigan during a three-year stint, then 16 more for the Volunteers in another three-year stint. “Everyone is, like, ‘Whoa. Is this an Anthony Richardson? Is he a Cam Newton? Is he Josh Allen?’” one scout said. “He’s none of those things. I wouldn’t take him to think he’s going to start within three years. He might have just a ceiling as a backup quarterback, which is crazy given his talent. He has not shown me the ability to throw with consistent accuracy and make really good decisions. Everything’s been very elementary for him. That’s just the nature of the offense he plays in, not a knock on him. He’s got rare size and the best arm talent I’ve seen.” Lost his job late in 2020 to Cade McNamara and left Ann Arbor for Knoxville. Opened 2021 as the starter but an ankle injury in Game 2 sidelined him and opened the door for Hendon Hooker. Bided his time until he got a chance to start again in ’23. “No touch at all,” a second scout said. “He has toughness and speed but lacks the right nervous system under duress. Misses some easy throws.” Finished with a passer rating of 99.6, including 76.5 at Michigan and 106.7 at Tennessee. “He either throws it at his first read 1,000 miles an hour or they run him right up the middle and he gets hit,” said a third scout. “He can’t play.” Hands were 10 1/4. “I would like to draft him and find out why he can’t play,” a fourth scout said. “He has the entire package. Reminds me of Anthony Richardson. There were times this year, like against Alabama, when he had nice games. But against Georgia he stunk the joint out.” From Pahokee, Fla.
12. TANNER MORDECAI, Wisconsin (6-1 ½, 210, 4.53, 7-FA): Redshirted at Oklahoma in 2018 and then got in 10 games (66 pass attempts) from 2019-’20. Departed for Southern Methodist, where he started 24 games in 2021-’22. Completed his six-year career with 10 starts for the Badgers. “He’s got a little bit of (Gardner) Minshew to him,” one scout said. “He can make plays with his legs, he’s competitive and tough. Always played in an Air Raid offense. At the pro day tested really well. His arm looked stronger at pro day than it was during the season. Maybe that was because of the hand. He’s got a shot to stick as a No. 3 who could develop into a No. 2. He was at Wisconsin only one year but I know players respected him. He was a good leader.” Suffered a broken right hand Oct. 14 against Iowa but was back Nov. 11 against Minnesota. “The athleticism and what he does with his feet are what you’re hanging your hat on,” said a second scout. “Just needs to develop the arm and the decision-making. The size and the hand size (8 7/8) would be a concern. Average arm strength.” Finished with a 102.8 passer rating, including 112.8 at Oklahoma, 107.2 at SMU and 87.9 at Wisconsin. Also ran for 606 and eight TDs. “Very limited ability,” a third scout said. “He can run a little bit, and he’s a tough guy. But he’s limited as a passer.” From Waco, Texas.
OTHERS: Kedon Slovis, Brigham Young; Sam Hartman, Notre Dame; Carter Bradley, South Alabama; Austin Reed, Western Kentucky; Taulia Tagovailoa, Maryland; Rocky Lombardi, Northern Illinois.
UNSUNG HERO
Sam Hartman, Notre Dame: After an injury-riddled five-year career at Wake Forest he started 12 games for the Irish in 2023. Hartman (6-1, 211, 4.81) posted a career passer rating of 99.1, passing for 15,656 yards, 134 TDs and 49 interceptions. His completion mark was just 59.8%. “Undersized,” one scout said. “Slightly above average accuracy and anticipation, average athlete and decision-making. He’s got some moxie. You kind of like that. Just the overall arm and taking over a game, I didn’t see that. Senior Bowl didn’t help. He’ll be 25 by camp. He goes maybe late.”
SCOUTS’ NIGHTMARE
Taulia Tagovailoa, Maryland: In the history of the Big Ten no quarterback has totaled more than his 11,256 passing yards. After a one-year stop at Alabama, he started four seasons as the Terps gained a measure of respectability under coach Mike Locksley. Tagovailoa wasn’t invited to the combine, and then at pro day March 29 he refused to run a 40 or test but did work out. He’s small (5-10 ½, 185) and, as a hard-nosed scrambler, susceptible to injury. His arm strength is adequate.
QUOTE TO NOTE
NFC executive: “I’m not going to change my mind (on a player) after a pro day and the combine. It’s silly. They build it up on (television) but it’s silly. If you’re saying I’m going to take J.J. McCarthy on that then you’re already losing. Ridiculous.”