Tee Higgins – Couch Rider Report

Ravens’ Moves for Day 2 of the NFL Draft

I don’t know about you Ravens Nation, but I’m pumped. The whole night I was on pins and needles watching star after star going off the board, hoping the Ravens got an LSU player. I was a fan of all that fit in the first round (outside of Burrow and Delpit). I chatted it up with folks on the sports grinders page, and there was a ton of emotion in both directions concerning the pick.

I thought for sure the team was trading out of the first round, but I was excited to see Patrick Queen drafted to the Baltimore Ravens at 28. Some fans have the question if he can tackle Derrick Henry. I felt the need to go to the YouTube machine and found an objective video from a peer of mine. Hopefully, his video answers all of your questions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mg6C9J7MOVA

What we need to look forward to is what’s left on the board, and what are the team’s needs going forward? The Ravens have the 55th and 60th overall picks in the second round. Of course, with Eric DeCosta, that may change, but here are a couple of guys that may be money on day 2.

Guys the Ravens will more than likely miss out on

Yetur Gross-Matos, Edge

YGM, in my opinion, was a first-round pick. I was excited about his explosion around the edge and the amount of pop he had when delivering punishment to defenders. The former Nittany Lion definitely meets the need of pass-rusher. With 111 total tackles, 20-sacks and 2-forced fumbles through three years, the production is there to prove he can perform at the next level. What I love about this young man is his use of hands to work through defenders and get to the ball-carrier. YGM will be gone in the first 10-picks of the second round.

A.J. Epenesa, Edge

Here is a prototypical pass rusher who is stout against the run. I was against the Ravens drafting him initially, until I dove into his tape. Again, this is another guy with powerful hands. I like how he rips through the linemen. He’s a very physical guy who can’t wait to pass out a hug or two. 2019 was a solid year for him as he racked up 49-tackles (14 for loss), and 11.5-sacks. Wink would love to add the weapon to his arsenal. Should EDC pull off a miracle, be ready for exciting popping plays from this Iowa monster.

Players EDC may have to trade up for

J.K. Dobbins, RB

This Ohio State product has a great deal of wiggle and acceleration. In 2019 Dobbins killed it with 2003 rushing yards and 21-TDs for the Buckeyes. He is versed in catching the ball as well. He had 23 catches for 247-yards and 2 TDs during 2019 as well. This a definite homerun hitter once he reaches the second level. If Baltimore was looking for another shifty speedster, which I doubt because Justice Hill has shown he fits that build. However, if they were, this would be the guy.

Tee Higgins, WR

Here is a guy who can climb the ladder for the ball and do a great deal after the catch. He’s solid on slants and go-routes. He would be a great addition to this offense, even if it is just to raise Miles Boykin’s level of competition up. Maybe they both can push each other to be great. The downside to Tee is blocking and shorter routes. He’s a definite downfield threat, but his fundamental short or comeback routes need work. Teams are going to compare him to Sammy Watkins and go after him early in the second round.

Players the Ravens could land at their current pick…maybe

Laviska Shenault, WR

Here is a fan favorite that I’m just not that high on mainly because while he makes contested catches and does a great deal after the catch on shorter routes, I would like to see more separation created on his routes. If Baltimore took him, I would root for just like any other Raven. The former Colorado Buffalo is tough as nails, and if I had to make an NFL comparison, I would say Deebo Samuel.

Michael Pittman Jr., WR

EDC was correct to say this draft is full of WRs. This USC player is a confident, flashy highlight reel. Pittman Jr. has the ability to track the deep ball. I love how he climbs the ladder for catches. #6 appear a bit handsy when running routes, but hopefully, David Culley can help clean that up. This former Trojan’s contributions in blocking and on special teams are notable as well. If EDC can stand pat and land this one, I’d be shocked. He plays like a Raven.

Bradlee Anae, Edge

I’m trying to figure out why a prospect like this would slip to the second. I look at the take on this guy and am in awe. In the PAC-12, he is a man amongst boys but wow! 29 Sacks in four years is solid. What leaps off the cutups for me is his relentless pursuit. He doesn’t give up on a play. Coaches love guys who have hustle and heart. The Utah product can get underneath linemen’s pads and make earth-shaking plays. I would love to see this guy in Black and Purple.

As you can see, there are a ton of players with solid skill sets available on day 2. Will one of these guys slide to the Ravens? Based on last night. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, or should I say General Manager. Anything is possible.

Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter

Pre-NFL Combine: Projected 40-Times

Arguably the most popular drill at the NFL combine is the 40-yard dash. Players can make or lose millions of dollars with 4-to-5-seconds of work. It really is fascinating to watch someone change their opinion on a player by how fast he can run in a straight line. Not only can players raise or damage their draft stock based on a forty time, scouts and General Managers’ jobs and reputations are on the line as well.

The forty-yard dash has a mean habit of fooling you into believing a player is better than what he is. You may see a blazing 40 time, then look at the tape and see a player who doesn’t know what he’s doing out there.
My philosophy is always valuing actual game footage over drills.

I do believe the forty is a bit overrated. For offensive and defensive linemen, Quarterbacks and Kickers, the 40 is pretty much meaningless. I only see a true value in a 40 time with Wide receivers and defensive backs. Why? Because who else is running 40 yards down the field on a consistent basis in a real football game? With that said, I’m going to try and predict some forty times based on how fast these players look on film. Should be fun:

*Disclaimer* This is NOT a WR ranking, I’m listing these guys at random. Rankings come later. Stay Tuned…

Jerry Jeudy WR, Alabama

4.47
Jeudy has good speed. He’s been reported as running as fast as a 4.37 before. Players always seem to run better in their own facilities than at the combine, so I’ll add some time. But more important than his 40, is his ridiculous stop and start burst and his route running ability. That’s what makes Jeudy special.

Ceedee Lamb WR, Oklahoma

4.51
Lamb has good speed, and a 4.5 forty is by no means slow. I just don’t think Lamb is some 4.3 burner that’s going to run 9-routes all day. His game, to me, seems to be excellent routes great hands and great run- after-the-catch ability.

Henry Ruggs WR, Alabama

4.who the hell cares? We already know he’s fast!
Henry Ruggs running the 40 is probably the biggest waste of time there is. You watch 5 seconds of his game tape, and one thing is obvious. This kid can run. Everyone seems to have already decided he’s going to run a 4.2 something, but even if he doesn’t, it really doesn’t matter. Sometimes speed is just obvious.

Laviska Shenault WR Colorado

4.52
Running a 4.5 at 6’3 220 is probably equivalent to a 4.3 at 190. Either way, Laviska Shenault is an excellent Height/Weight/Speed prospect. His lateral quickness and strength are probably more of an asset than his straight-line speed.

Brandon Aiyuk WR, Arizona State

4.49
Aiyuk is an interesting case because his long speed looks closer to 4.5, but his explosiveness is phenomenal. He looks to go from 0 to 60 faster than anyone else on the field. That short-area explosiveness is what will set Aiyuk apart at the next level.

Jalen Reagor WR, TCU

4.39
This kid is an athlete. I expect him to put up good numbers at the combine all around. When you watch Reagor play, you see speed and explosiveness in every movement, lateral as well as vertical. His 40 time should be one of the tops at the combine.

Justin Jefferson WR, LSU

4.55
Excellent size and route-running ability is Jefferson’s game. He’s more quickness in and out of his breaks than straight-line deep speed, and it totally works for him.

KJ Hamler WR, PSU

4.34
Small, lightweight, and super fast. Speed is the name of Hamler’s game. He’s a true deep threat, and it’s apparent on tape. He’s another guy that really doesn’t need to run a 40 because we already know he’s fast.

Tee Higgins WR, Clemson

4.56
Higgins is in the mold of the bigger contested-catch type of Wide Receiver. With those types, speed is a bonus because primarily those guys are using height and physicality to make their catches. However, Higgins does have a bit more juice than the prototype possession WR.

Van Jefferson WR, Florida

4.55
Similar player to Justin Jefferson in a sense that he wins with quickness in his route running more than with speed and explosiveness. Van Jefferson’s route running expertise was on full display at the senior bowl.

Denzel Mims WR, Baylor

4.52
Mims is similar to Tee Higgins in that he’s predominantly going to win with size. But Mims is also a very gifted athlete because he has a level of fluidity and body control to go along with good speed for someone his size.

Michael Pittman WR, USC

4.60
Speed is not his game. And it doesn’t need to be. Pittman is a bully ball receiver; he’s going to catch the ball whether his defender is there or not. Size and strength are where he wins.
This wide receiver class is insanely deep, so it’s impossible to do the entire class. But these are just my guesses on how some of the more popular players in the draft will run.

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

Since you’re already here, check out my latest Pre-combine Quarterbacks post as well below (Click the photo).

Pre-Combine Getty