Tag:

Position Rankings

2018 NFL Draft: Eric’s Top 5 OLB Rankings

by Eric Kirschenbaum March 3, 2018

2018 NFL Draft: Eric’s Top 5 OLB Rankings

The most important position in a pass-happy league, the one that rushes the passer the most and gets sacks. Here we have the outside linebacker rankings for the 2018 NFL Draft.

1) Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech

Edmunds totaled 108 tackles with 5.5 sacks, 14 tackles for a loss, 2 passes defended and 3 forced fumbles in 2017. Not only is Edmunds a very productive linebacker. He has unique size with long limbs and a rangy frame and seems like he can add more weight to his already impressive frame. Excellent lateral quickness, Edmunds is truly a sideline to sideline player with his impressive speed and aggressiveness. The electric playmaker rarely misses a tackle and is disruptive in all phases. He shows tremendous talent not only rushing the passer but also in man coverage, which will make him a hot commodity. More athletic than instinctive. His potential is off the charts, he just needs to correct some mental mistakes.

2) Harold Landry, Boston College

Although Landry played most of his snaps at DE, he projects better as an OLB in the NFL Draft not only because of his height (6’3) but because he would thrive as an outside linebacker (he does have experience dropping back and playing in space). Landry had an ankle injury during the 2017 season, so his stats can be misleading, but just look at his 2016 numbers, when he was healthy (50 tackles, 22 for loss, 16.5 sacks, 7(!) forced fumbles, 1 INT and 4 passes defended). Landry is very athletic, has a great first step and he bends quite well, has a knack for stripping the ball from offensive players. He lacks a diverse set of pass rushing moves, more a finesse player than a power player at the point of attack and he could need more work with his hand usage.

3) Lorenzo Carter, Georgia

Carter is very long (at 6’6) and rangy, his frame can easily carry 10-15 more pounds at 244. He is a very smart player with some serious technique that can be effective against both the run and the pass. In 2017 he had 62 tackles, 8.5 for loss, 4.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and 3 fumble recoveries in a stellar defense that often forced 3 and outs and turnovers therefore, limiting his snaps. His frame not only can carry more weight, it needs to carry more weight to be effective in the pros. His stats won’t wow anybody, but when you watch tape see two guys who are always near the ball, him and Roquan Smith.

4) Dorance Armstrong Jr, Kansas State

Playing for a talent ridden Kansas State, teams only needed to plan for Armstrong which led to far too often double teams and plays going away from him. He has an amazing skillset but his stats this year don’t back that up, mainly because of the talent issue at Kansas State and because he was asked to stop the run more than he was asked to rush the passer in a new defensive scheme that wasn’t a good fit for him. Armstrong is a fluid and explosive athlete with outstanding acceleration and plays with consistency. He doesn’t pop on tape as much as you would want and will need to learn to play in space which isn’t an easy transition.

5) Jeff Holland, Auburn

Holland is an old school physical player, who is strong and always finds a way to hit the quarterback. Has a good motor and is patient enough to know when to engage/disengage a lineman. Holland is as violent as they come always trying to hit as hard as he can. He has a very high football IQ and takes good angles Concerns over his physique not being muscled enough and athletic enough. He might not test well at the combine, but he is what we call a damn good football player.

6) Jerome Baker, Ohio State

7) Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Oklahoma

8) Uchenna Nwosu, USC

9) Davin Bellamy, Georgia

10) Skai Moore, South Carolina

Honorable mention: Shaquem Griffin, UCF

For more 2018 NFL Draft rankings check: https://www.couchriderreport.net/2018-nfl-draft-quarterback-rankings-scouting-reports-top-prospects/

Eric Kirschenbaum is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

March 3, 2018 0 comment

NFL NFL Draft

2018 NFL Draft: Eric’s Top 5 DT Rankings

by Eric Kirschenbaum March 1, 2018

written by Eric Kirschenbaum

On the defensive side of the field, we have the defensive tackle rankings for the 2018 NFL Draft. This is a very solid group with as much as 3 possible first rounders.

1) Daron Payne, Alabama

Payne had 47 tackles, two sacks and a pass batted in 2017. He filled Johnathan Allen’s spot without missing a beat. Payne has freakish speed and athleticism for a man who weighs 320 pounds. He is super strong and will test off the charts. Payne is a great run defender, he shut down his gap and kept teams from running the ball on Alabama all year-long. He rarely rushed the passer, but when he did he showed promise the be a game wrecker. He played his best football when the lights were brightest in the playoff games against Clemson and Georgia. The lack of pass rushing experience he got at Alabama might hurt his draft stock a little, for teams fearing he is only a run stuffer. Fear not, he is a complete package.

2) Maurice Hurst, Michigan

Hurst is an athletic freak for a defensive tackle, he has an excellent first step and gets into the backfield almost every play. Hurst finished the season with 59 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 2 passes defended and a forced fumble. He is a high motor guy, who plays through the whistle and has a very good punch. At 6’2, 280 pounds Hurst is rather small for a defensive tackle, but with Aaron Donald’s recent success, (DPOY) teams might overlook that altogether, considering Aaron Donald is 6’1, 280 pounds.

3) Vita Vea, Washington

Vea is more of a nose tackle than he is a DT, but he is not only a space-eater, run stopper big man. The Washington product had 44 tackles, 3.5 sacks and four passes batted in 2017. Vea has a serious combination of size, length, strength, and quickness at the point of attack. He is outstanding against the run and can occasionally collapse the pocket in the pass rush. He is a better prospect than Danny Shelton was coming from the same program, and role. Vea is at his best when he tries to bull rush to disrupt the play. Vea has very light feet, which is rare for a man his size (6’5 340 pounds). Consistency has been an issue for him, he can look unstoppable one play and disappear later. Must focus on his footwork more.

4) Harrison Phillips, Stanford

Philips had great production in 2017 with 98 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks with 2 forced fumbles and recoveries. He is somewhat light for a defensive tackle at 255 pounds and he is not the greatest athlete, but he is always making plays around the ball. Phillips is very strong which allows him to dominate offensive linemen at ease. He shows good football IQ and awareness.

5) Taven Bryan, Florida

Bryan finished the year with 37 total tackles, 6 tackles for loss and 4 sacks. The Florida star flashes disruptive potential but is too inconsistent. Taven has a great first step and has shown the ability to use his hands properly to shed blocks. He is versatile enough to be able to play defensive end or tackle. Bryan doesn’t show good football instincts, and you find him sometimes lost. He still needs to grow as a player and is far from a finished product.

6) Tim Settle, Virginia Tech

7) Trenton Thompson, Georgia

8) J. McIntosh, Miami

9) Derrick Nnadi, FSU

10) Justin Jones, NC State

Honorable mention: B.J Hill, NC State

For more 2018 NFL draft rankings check: https://www.couchriderreport.net/2018-nfl-draft-quarterback-rankings-scouting-reports-top-prospects/

Eric Kirschenbaum is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

March 1, 2018 0 comment

NFL NFL Draft

2018 NFL Draft: Eric’s Top 5 Interior OL Rankings

by Eric Kirschenbaum March 1, 2018

written by Eric Kirschenbaum

Here comes the 2018 NFL Draft rankings of the Centers and Guards. Most of these guys can play either guard or center so making a joint list made more sense.

1 Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame

Nelson is the most polished guard prospect to come out in a while, with the potential to be a pro-bowler from day 1. He showed the ability to overwhelm defensive players as a run-blocker and pass-protector. The Notre Dame product also is one of the safest prospects in the draft class with all-pro potential. He has a good pad level and is aggressive at the point of attack. Nelson has outstanding size, rare power and a good block finisher. Nelson is technically sound and is unlikely to face a long adjustment period once he gets into the league. The only possible knock on him is about some injuries he had in the past. He is the most complete lineman in the 2018 NFL Draft.

2 Billy Price, Ohio State

Price has freaky strength and explosiveness, combined with excellent snap-to-punch quickness and good pad level and you got yourself a top prospect. The Rimington Trophy Winner and All-American has experience as both guard and center, earning rave reviews at both spots. He could improve his footwork and patience to avoid getting beat. Some scouts are worried about his personality.

3 Will Hernandez, UTEP

Hernandez was a prospect to watch this year and he didn’t disappoint, he assured most scouts after a great week at the Senior Bowl. Hernandez possesses a rare combination of power, balance, and athletic ability. He is an aggressive blocker who plays through the whistle and finishes blocks. Flashes outstanding upper body strength to turn defenders out of the run lane. He has very quick feet and lateral movement. Hernandez at 6’2 is considered a bit short for his position and his arm length is less than ideal.

4 Isaiah Wynn, Georgia

Wynn is very versatile and can play anywhere in the line, he has experience at guard and tackle but projects to be a center in the pros. He has the skillset of a tackle but the size of a guard at 6’2. His plus athleticism allows for quick advantages as a run blocker while his hand strength and footwork help him open running lanes. He is also a good pass protector having covered the blind side without a problem, he also can slide to play tackle if needed, in case of an injury.

5 James Daniels, Iowa

Daniels is the exactly what you expect out of an Iowa lineman; he is hardworking, humble and a great technician. He has a wide base and very good balance. He is very athletic and flexible and can get easily to the second level to deliver blocks. At 295 pounds, he needs to put on weight to be effective in the NFL.

6) Branden Smith, Auburn

7) Frank Ragnow, Arkansas

8) Sean Welsh, Iowa

9) Austin Corbett, Nevada

10) Bradley Bozeman, Alabama

Honorable mention: Trey Martin, Rice

For more 2018 NFL Draft Rankings check: https://www.couchriderreport.net/2018-nfl-draft-quarterback-rankings-scouting-reports-top-prospects/

Eric Kirschenbaum is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

March 1, 2018 0 comment

NFL NFL Draft

2018 NFL Draft: Eric’s Top 5 CB Rankings

by Eric Kirschenbaum March 1, 2018

written by Eric Kirschenbaum

This is the year of the cornerback, not only star-studded but with incredible depth too. Here we have the top 10 rankings for the 2018 NFL Draft.

1) Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama

Although Fitzpatrick was listed as a safety at Alabama, I believe his future will be best suited at the CB spot and because he says it’s the position he is most comfortable in. Either way, his versatility is welcomed and can play in either spot an be dominant enough to be #1 in either position in this draft. Good feet with the ability to transition backward and forward smoothly around the field. Gets to top speed quickly. He is very smart and is ballhawk when quarterbacks throw his way. Fitzpatrick is extremely well rounded, he is solid in run support and can cover outside, in the nickel and over the top. He is a good tackler in the open field and can be a dangerous blitzer.

2) Josh Jackson, Iowa

Jackson had a very productive year in 2017, amassing 8 (leads all NCAA!) interceptions, 2 touchdowns, 18 passes defended and a forced fumble. The all-American is a true ballhawk at the position and has the size scouts covet at the position and has very long arms. He is an instinctive player who is always aware of where the ball is at any moment. He doesn’t allow many touchdowns thrown his way. There are questions being raised about his top speed and tackling, the combine will provide answers for the speed part.

3) Denzel Ward, Ohio State

Ward is a freak athlete who is expected to light it up at the Combine. He is very patient from press showing no panic or hurry in initial movements. He backpedals and mirrors opponents for a long time without opening hips. Outstanding footwork and can recover thanks to his superior speed. The Ohio State product can read the quarterbacks eyes perfectly and tracks the ball well. Ward allowed just over 32 percent completions over last two years. He is not the most physical corner and his frame might be a concern when matching against tall receivers. Power backs go through him in run support. He could start right away in the slot in nickel and dime packages and eventually play outside. His stats aren’t amazing, 15 passes defended and 2 interceptions in 2017, but his tape is really good.

4) Isaiah Oliver, Colorado

Oliver’s stats won’t blow you away, with 2 interceptions and 12 passes defended, but he has elite size and speed with long arms and soft hands that fit the way cornerbacks should look in today’s NFL. His footwork needs work and he is overall a very raw prospect, but he has the potential to be a quality lockdown corner. He just isn’t going to contribute much year 1.

5) Carlton Davis, Auburn

Davis has outstanding size and length and plays at his best in press man situations. He is very disruptive, and he is an aggressive tackler. Davis has had some struggles mirroring routes in space. He was called for a lot of pass interferences, in the NFL it’s not a 15-yard penalty anymore, so it needs to stop. There is a question about his hands, because he looked to bat the pass in most situations, instead of going for the pick. His stats aren’t eye-popping but quarterbacks avoided him altogether most times, 1 interception, 10 passes defended, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery.

6) Mike Hughes, UCF

7) Jaire Alexander, Louisville

8) Tarvarus McFadden, FSU

9) Donte Jackson, LSU

10) Quenton Meeks, Stanford

Honorable Mention:JC Jackson, Maryland

If you want more rankings about the 2018 NFL Draft: https://www.couchriderreport.net/2018-nfl-draft-quarterback-rankings-scouting-reports-top-prospects/

Eric Kirschenbaum is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

March 1, 2018 0 comment

NFL NFL Draft

2018 NFL Draft: Eric’s Top 5 OT Rankings

by Eric Kirschenbaum February 20, 2018

written by Eric Kirschenbaum

Here comes the Offensive tackle rankings for the 2018 NFL Draft, featuring some very solid prospects and some intriguing ones.

1) Connor Williams, Texas

Williams uses his hands very well on pass protection and he has an excellent base. He is rarely out of position, which is the foundation to a blocker maintaining his equilibrium and keeping a center of gravity. The Longhorns left tackle very rarely loses balance once he is engaged with a defender, which allows him to sustain blocks long enough for backs to get through the hole. Williams never quits on a play and plays through the whistle. He is very athletic and can get speed rushers off of the QB. He plays with aggressiveness. The Texas product struggles sometimes with counter moves by the pass rusher. There have been questions about his overall strength, but I haven’t noticed anything worrisome.

2) Mike McGlinchey, Notre Dame

McGlinchey is a very technical tackle, has solid footwork, and good hands usage. This prospect is a very good pass blocker and has improved greatly his run blocking abilities. Mike has impressive upper body strength. He is a 3-year starter and had gotten better every year. McGlinchey seems lost sometimes on running plays. Lacks lower body strength to drive defenders backward on running plays and can be occasionally beat by speed moves against bendy defenders. An example of this is the last play against Georgia that eventually cost them the game, Davin Bellamy just beats him on a speed move outside and hits the QB forcing a fumble. He seems to lack the athleticism necessary to be an elite left tackle. The Notre Dame Star projects to be a starter at LT, although he might be a better RT. Although he doesn’t have the highest ceiling, he will be considered a safe pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

3) Orlando Brown Jr., Oklahoma

Brown is massive, he is too big, too strong, too mean and he knows it, he plays with that edge. He has a very good punch you will not see anyone bull rush him. The son of Zeus (Orlando Brown Sr.) is a recovery blocker thanks to his length and strength. He kicks slide well thanks to his enormous strides but he struggles with lateral movement. Brown can still learn a lot on technique and footwork, but his physicality gets him by against most defenders. His enormous size comes with a disadvantage though, his pad level is too high, in college no one was strong enough to use that against him, but in the NFL some defenders will drive him into the quarterback’s lap if he doesn’t fix it, therefore he may be better suited to play RT.

4) Chukwuma Okorafor, Western Michigan

Okorafor stands at 6’5″ and 330 pounds, which is the prototypical size for a left tackle. Size and speed are skills that cannot be taught. He has very quick feet in his pass sets. Okorafor shows great athleticism to climb to the second level of defenses and engage linebackers. An area where Okorafor needs to improve is with his hands, he sometimes misses his initial punch. The Western Michigan anchor is a better pass blocker than a run blocker and has a very high ceiling, but he has some work to do if he wants to start day one.

5) Tyrell Crosby, Oregon

Crosby is a long-armed prospect with ideal size who possesses the raw strength to be a quality starter in the pros. He is a great pass blocker, rarely allowing a hit on the QB and a fierce run blocker, opening lanes for his RB. The Oregon product isn’t a great athlete and struggles to move his feet quickly. He needs to work on his bend which impacts his overall balance. Some scouts project him to play guard or RT in the NFL. One knock on him is that the Oregon offense masks his weaknesses, with a quick rhythm offense, the combine will prove whether he can play LT.

6) Kolton Miller, UCLA

7) Jamarco Jones, Ohio State

8) Desmond Harrison, West Georgia

9) Ike Boettger, Iowa

10) Brandon Parker, North Carolina A&T

Honorable Mention: Brian O’Neil, Pittsburgh

Eric Kirschenbaum is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

For more 2018 NFL Draft rankings check: https://www.couchriderreport.net/2018-nfl-draft-quarterback-rankings-scouting-reports-top-prospects/

February 20, 2018 0 comment

NFL NFL Draft

2018 NFL Draft: Eric’s Top 5 Safeties Rankings

by Eric Kirschenbaum February 19, 2018

written by Eric Kirschenbaum

This is the safety rankings for the 2018 NFL Draft. This year’s safety class doesn’t seem as great as last year was but the top 3 players can be very dangerous.

1 Derwin James, FSU

James has elite speed and size combination, is a vicious hitter, good instincts and has that attitude you look for in a safety. In 2017, James totaled 84 tackles, 5.5 for loss, 1 sack with 11 passes batted, two interceptions and a touchdown. His versatility is a huge plus, as he was lined up all over the field. He is coming from a season in which FSU played awful and he wasn’t amazing either. His biggest issue is his inconsistency reading the quarterback’s eyes and locking to a receiver.

2 DeShon Elliott, Texas

Elliott is a personal favorite of mine, he can do it all: very good run support, is solid in coverage, hard hitter, that can also blitz if needed. The Texas Product is a very smart player who can also cover pretty consistently on man and zone coverages. He has good size at 6’2 210 and posted good stats this year, 6 interceptions, 2 touchdowns, 9 passes defended, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery. According to Pro Football Focus, Elliott had the 2nd most plays around the ball with 13 as an active defender against the pass and the run. He might not be the athletic freak James is, but you can argue his game is a little bit more polished. He had 6 interceptions and could have gotten more, but he had some concentration drops after making great plays on the ball. Some of his interceptions were thrown directly to him but still he made the catch and was in good position. The biggest fear on him is the lack of elite speed, which could get him beat on coverages if he bites on a fake or pump fake.

3 Ronnie Harrison, Alabama

Harrison possesses an outstanding combination of size and speed. Is comfortable and experienced playing high or low safety. He reads the quarterback’s eyes and has good route anticipation. He is a physical hitter, has the range to go sideline to sideline and is a quality blitzer. The Alabama product doesn’t show a high football IQ and was helped with having one of the best defensive rosters in the country, if not the best (only talking about defensive backs Alabama has 4 top 100 players). He has shown issues covering receivers in man coverage. He finished the year with 3 interceptions and 4 passes defended.

4 Marcus Allen, Penn State

Allen works at his best when playing safety in the box. He is an outstanding run defender, who hits hard and rarely misses tackles. He is a team leader and plays with the aggression you look for in a safety. Has just one career interception and few passes broken up. May not run well enough to handle single-high duties in NFL. He is not a rangy corner and will be a good addition in run support and a liability in pass coverage especially on middle to deep throws. A change to ILB or a ‘‘moneybacker’’ role like Mark Barron’s, might be for the best.

5 Justin Reid, Stanford

Reid had 5 interceptions, 6 passes defended and 1 fumble recovery in 2017. Reid shows very good hands and a ballhawk mentality. He shows good instincts and covers well in zone and man coverage. Some scouts say he is too small, yet say Minkah Fitzpatrick has great size, in reality, they are the same height (6’1) and Reid is actually 2 pounds bigger, so it’s a non-issue there. Reid is solid in the running game, albeit not a big hitter. Reid’s biggest issue is he gets lost sometimes while in coverage, which leads to mistakes. Those kinds of mental mistakes can be easy to correct to some and will follow them forever to others.

6 Armani Watts, Texas A&M

7 Quin Blanding, Virginia

8 Terrell Edmunds, Virginia Tech

9 Jordan Whitehead, Pittsburgh

10 Kyzir White, West Virginia

Honorable Mention: Jesse Bates, Wake Forest

Eric Kirschenbaum is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

Check out the other 2018 NFL Draft rankings: https://www.couchriderreport.net/2018-nfl-draft-erics-top-5-wr-rankings/

February 19, 2018 0 comment

Newer Posts

Older Posts