2017 Rookie Class

[MichaelWeston]

Your 2017 Rookie Class

1) RB Joe Mixon-Oklahoma 6’1 226 ROUND 2
Nfl.com Bottomline: I've decided to give Joe Mixon a draft grade based on his talent and expected output if given a chance as an NFL running back. His draft slot will likely be impacted by his domestic violence issue. Mixon has the talent to be an every-down, all-day running back with the potential to take over a game on the ground or through the air. Life against weaker Big 12 defenses has created a more relaxed rushing approach for Mixon who will have to play at a faster pace as an NFL back. Mixon's vision is just average and he could struggle to create for himself in front of a subpar offensive line; however, he can play in any rushing scheme and can be moved all over the field as a matchup option.
Nfl.com: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profil...xon?id=2557976
Rankings: CBS (5), Ourlads (4), Nawrocki (7)
Pro Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUwj637K5l0&t=73s
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1PkiOroeZE
Stats: http://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats...lege/joe-mixon

2) RB Boom Williams-Kentucky 5’7 190 UDFA
Nfl.com Bottomline: Scat back with outstanding burst who can create for himself in space, but is not about that life when asked to run between the tackles. Williams doesn't have the blocking or the hands to be a full-time third-down back and he lacks the decisiveness and vision necessary to handle snaps as a backup. While he does have plus athletic ability, Williams may be too limited in what he can offer a team from a roster flexibility standpoint.
Nfl.com: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profil...ams?id=2558155
Rankings: CBS (35) Ourlads (47), Nawrocki (28)
Highlights: http://draftbreakdown.com/video/tyle...io-state-2015/
Stats: http://www.espn.com/college-football...anley-williams

3) RB Jarveon Williams-UTSA 5’9 200 UDFA
Rankings: CBS (NR) Ourlads (NR), Nawrocki (60)
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9psBbAU-VM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9psBbAU-VM
Stats: http://www.espn.com/college-football...rveon-williams
Pro Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1o7Zqoe_W4

4) FB Darrin Laufasa-UTEP 6’1 250 UDFA
Rankings: CBS (17) Ourlads (11), Nawrocki (4)
Highlights: HS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-MuT61slOE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZRGAcHGQqo
Stats: http://www.espn.com/college-football...darrin-laufasa

5) WR Karel Hamilton-Samford 6’1 181 UDFA
Nfl Bottomline: Hamilton was a workhorse for Samford handling a heavy target load that included catch-and-run work on wide receiver screens. He has decent size and plus ball skills but lacks separation quickness and speed to get open. Has a shot as a possession receiver if he can prove he can make the contested catches on the next level.
Nfl: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profil...ton?id=2558109
Rankings: CBS (64) Ourlads (38), Nawrocki (78)
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1afMnyklmyQ
Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sMUZxjvnPg
Stats: http://samfordsports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=5256
http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.co...2016_Stats.pdf

6) WR Monty Madaris-Michigan St 6’1 207 UDFA
Rankings: CBS (NR) Ourlads (NR), Nawrocki (NR)
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0KQksjZFbQ
HS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2cacb8wk84
Stats: http://www.espn.com/college-football.../monty-madaris

7) WR Josh Malone-Tennessee 6’3 208 ROUND 4
NFL.com Overview: The Gallatin, Tennessee native made a lot of people happy by staying in-state to play with the Volunteers. The state's Mr. Football was a top-five receiver recruit nationally, and figured he would play right away in Knoxville. Malone was correct, as he started six games in 2014, catching 23 passes for 231 yards and a touchdown. He was a full-time starter as a sophomore (31-405, two TDs) but came into his own in 2016. Tennessee's top receiver caught 50 passes for 972 yards and 11 touchdowns in his final year with the Vols before deciding to join teammates Joshua Dobbs and Alvin Kamara in starting his NFL career.
NFL.com: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profil...one?id=2558127
Rankings: CBS (12), Ourlads (26), Nawrocki (17)
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu34IM9UGLw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu34IM9UGLw&t=92s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o52Q5uOzc7k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cTyh1e9BgQ
http://www.patriots.com/video/2017/0...e-wr-tennessee
Stats: http://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats...ge/josh-malone

8) WR John Ross-Washington 5’11 188 ROUND 1
Nfl.com Bottomline: Ross is an instant-impact weapon who scored 23 touchdowns in just 112 touches. He should be able to step right in as a kick returner and a slot receiver, but teams with speed at tight end might utilize him outside to create extreme vertical stress on opposing safeties. If his knees check out as healthy, Ross is a likely first-round pick with the rare ability to become a high-volume slot receiver or a lesser-targeted, high-yield deep-ball threat.
Nfl.com: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profil...oss?id=2558010
Rankings: CBS (2), Ourlads (3), Nawrocki (1)
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LBT6w4whIo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GebvtIVQvQM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qXUKnfUi6w
Stats: http://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats...lege/john-ross

9) TE Cethan Carter-Nebraska 6’3 241 UDFA
Nfl.com Bottomline: Carter is a block-first, move tight end in the Nebraska offense but he lacks the size and ability to sustain at the point of attack to handle in-line blocking duties on the next level. He may not have the hands or route separation to handle pass-catching duties on the next level and he has played sparingly on special teams. To carve out a spot on a roster, Carter will have to prove that he can do one of those things well.
Nfl.com: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profil...ter?id=2558247
Rankings: CBS (16) Ourlads (22), Nawrocki (14)
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TP2j9ZP888
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-uKojhPy_k
Pro day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouvgtF9eI4s
Stats: http://www.espn.com/college-football.../cethan-carter

10) TE Mason Schrek-Buffalo 6’5 258 ROUND 7
Rankings: CBS (34), Ourlads (30), Nawrocki (31)
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voEltyFX410
Stats: http://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats.../mason-schreck

11) C JJ Dielman-Utah 6’5 309 ROUND 5
NFL.com Bottomline: An athletic center with the plus athleticism of a three-year tackle, but he lacks the core power that some teams will require from an interior lineman. Needs to bulk up and add as much strength as possible in order to be a functional NFL player. While his movement skills will be enticing for zone-scheme teams, he could be limited by scheme fit, which narrows the teams who might consider drafting him.
NFL.com: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profil...man?id=2557993
Rankings: CBS (11 T), Ourlads (6 C), Nawrocki (7 C)
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8SRQ-V0pxQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTDbziJXFn4
Stats: https://www.utahutes.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=682

12) OL Landon Lechler-ND State 6’7 298 UDFA
Rankings: CBS (55 T) Ourlads (28 T), Nawrocki (22 T)
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl2v1gqzYfU #66
Stats: http://www.gobison.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6737

13) OL Kent Perkins-Texas 6’5 320 UDFA
Rankings: CBS (20 T) Ourlads (38 T), Nawrocki (25 G)
Highlights: http://www.patriots.com/video/2017/0...erkins-t-texas
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVbivOUGOsg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKXFyM0tBsk
Stats: http://www.texassports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6571

14) OL Dustin Stanton-Oregon St. 6’6 298 UDFA
Rankings: CBS (46 T) Ourlads (17 G), Nawrocki (NR)
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7GT-a8w69k
HS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llNd_CGX0Dw
Stats: http://www.osubeavers.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=2322
Blog about the draft: http://www.oregonlive.com/beavers/in...ft_diar_5.html

15) K Jake Elliott-Memphis 5’9 167 ROUND 5
NFL.com Bottomline: Elliott's lack of consistent leg strength and hang time on kickoffs could hurt his chances, but he's been a lights-out kicker for his career with the exception of a dreadful sophomore season. Elliott is a consistent ball striker with a repeatable follow-through who has proven to have the necessary range for teams looking for a consistent kicker beyond 50 yards.
NFL.com: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profil...ott?id=2558172
Rankings: CBS (2), Ourlads (2), Nawrocki (2)
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCo_pb_1zSw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gH_IPuehjvc
Stats: http://www.espn.com/nfl/player/stats...e/jake-elliott

16) DT Ryan Glasgow-Michigan 6’3 302 ROUND 4
NFL.com Bottomline: Ryan Glasgow has helped to give Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh a level of toughness and dependability in the middle which has helped propel the Wolverines defense. He wants in on the action at all times and is at his best when he's able to play the man in front of him rather than having to get involved with Michigan's constantly twisting defensive front. Glasgow's rock 'em, sock 'em approach should appeal to defensive line coaches looking for high effort depth along their defensive front, but his inability to rush at an NFL level means he's unlikely to be more than a two-down player which could slide him to Day 3.
NFL.com: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profil...gow?id=2557851
Rankings: CBS (15), Ourlads (12), Nawrocki (12)
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNvz52I4X8g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95Jkx-3ReEo
http://www.patriots.com/video/2017/0...ow-dt-michigan
Stats: http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-foot...ow_810681.html

17) DE Carl Lawson-Auburn 6’2 261 ROUND 4
NFL.com Bottomline: Linear player with natural power and aggressiveness, but a lack of flexibility could hamper his potential as an NFL rusher. Lawson's twitch shows up in short, controlled bursts, but he struggles to finish if the play isn't right in front of him. Lawson's ruffneck demeanor will appeal to teams looking for an aggressive edge-setter along a physical front, but his draft grade could vary quite a bit from team to team.
NFL.com: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profil...son?id=2557901
Rankings: CBS (6 DE), Ourlads (7 OLB), Nawrocki (11 DE)
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpPLgY350nI
http://www.patriots.com/video/2017/0...wson-de-auburn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCcx8pcwpe4
NFl.com Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ie8sHaAwVc
Pro Day: http://www.ajc.com/news/carl-lawson-...saTRdR2HD9ZoM/
Stats: http://www.auburntigers.com/sports/m...on_854686.html

18) DT Josh Tupou-Colorado 6’3 353 UDFA
Nfl.com bottomline: Does one thing and one thing only -- eat up space. Doesn't have enough reactive quickness or even functional movement to find himself in many plays that aren't right at him, but his size and anchor gives him a shot with a team who values pure girth for early downs.
Nfl.com: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profil...pou?id=2557956
Rankings: CBS (26), Ourlads (19), Nawrocki (26)
Highlights HS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6LdecNOE4U 
Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jz1SNcTYTxc
Stats: http://www.cubuffs.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1698 

19) DE Jordan Willis-Kansas St 6’4 255 ROUND 3
NFL.com Bottomline: Productive three-year starter who plays with desired motor from whistle to whistle. Willis is a stack-and-shed edge defender with good play strength and quality hand work at the point of attack. He will need more creativity to be an effective NFL pass rusher, but he should be able to earn a roster spot and work his way up the pecking order in either a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme
NFL.com: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profil...lis?id=2557884
Rankings: CBS (7), Ourlads (6), Nawrocki (6)
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWVJHdZQyek
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fg4X-8fNx0A
http://www.patriots.com/video/2017/0...e-kansas-state
Stats: http://www.kstatesports.com/sport/m-...b09d6fde8f3540

20) LB Brandon Bell-Penn St 6’1 233 UDFA
Nfl.com Bottomline: Bell is a physical tackler who plays the game with good instincts and fundamentals, but he has some athletic limitations that could hurt his chances on the next level. He flashed decent straight-line speed which gives him a chance to carve out a spot for himself in kick coverage for a team who believes he's good enough to handle backup linebacker duties.
Nfli.com: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profil...ell?id=2558813
Rankings: CBS (24 OLB), Ourlads (23 OLB), Nawrocki (32 ILB)
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2jE-NkPqSM
Stats: http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-...ll_857060.html

21) LB Jordan Evans-Oklahoma 6’2 233 ROUND 6
NFL.com Bottomline: Productive, three-year starter who will garner attention as a height, weight, speed prospect especially after his strong pro day workout. Evans may lack the physical nature to hold up inside so he may have to find his way as a backup outside linebacker. Evans has enough traits and talent to become an eventual starter if he can play with better toughness and consistency.
NFL.com: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profil...ans?id=2558801
Rankings: CBS (14 OLB), Ourlads (11 ILB), Nawrocki (15 ILB)
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdENSEtROE4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG0pi0xHOPI
Pro Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVowTKqUEMI
Stats: http://www.soonersports.com/ViewArti...CLID=208865060

22) LB Hardy Nickerson-Illinois 6’0 232 UDFA
Nfl.com Bottomline: Nickerson is a try-hard WILL linebacker in a 4-3 defensive front who might lack the instincts and consistency to make an NFL team. While the tackle production is solid, third day (Rounds 4-7) draft pick and special teams performer could be his ceiling. Based off the tape, making an NFL roster could be difficult.
Nfl.com: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profil...son?id=2557913
Rankings: CBS (10 ILB), Ourlads (13 ILB), Nawrocki (8 ILB)
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfDD-vsah5o
Stats: http://fightingillini.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=6695

23) S Demetrious Cox-Michigan St 6’0 200 UDFA
Rankings: CBS (17 FS), Ourlads (18 FS), Nawrocki (11 FS)
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BZfDOw5QZc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k6Eb4MhDXQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7j7Sc1J9uU
Stats: http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-...ox_810667.html

24) S/CB/RB Brandon Wilson-Houston 5’11 200 ROUND 6
NFL.com Bottomline: Explosive athlete who could be considered on either side of the ball as a defensive back or a running back. Wilson doesn't have as many flashes on tape at cornerback as he does at running back, but his he was primarily a fill-in at running back in a few games over the last two years due to injury. If Wilson transitions to running back, he will be a developmental prospect who could make a roster sooner over later thanks to his kick return potential.
NFL.com: http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profil...son?id=2558786
Rankings: CBS (25CB), Ourlads (NR), Nawrocki (21SS)
Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpgiCklk69A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jef6pte3PvQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJsCRbjNW-4
http://www.patriots.com/video/2017/0...son-cb-houston
Stats: http://www.uhcougars.com/sports/m-fo...on_814901.html

[happyrid]

Stumbled on this after watching a few of the videos linked above. Jake Elliott's full pro day workout:

 

 

He just crushes the ball. Hits a 63-yarder at about the 4:30 mark with room to spare. 

 

[F.Cleveland]

Ball just explodes off his foot.  Very consistent.  Looks good to me.

[DanvilleBengal]

On 5/6/2017 at 3:29 PM, F.Cleveland said:

Ball just explodes off his foot.  Very consistent.  Looks good to me.

 

Ditto.  He's quite consistent.  I definitely like that in those drills where the field goal team have to scamble onto the field to line up for potential game-tying or game winning kicks, it doesn't seem to affect his rhythm or accuracy... And that power definitely is a plus, especially in a place like Cincy where Nov-Jan it's gonna be stupidly cold to the point that you are kicking a rock.

 

Kickoffs are above average  as well,  consistent touchbacks,  good hangtime as well which is needed for our cover teams.   At some of those kickoffs, it seemed to actually explode from his kicks.

 

Now mind you, it's just probably still the honeymoon period, but I definitely see upgrade from Nugent and Bullock,  maybe even so that we were at least 8-8 with our new guy.  But still it's a long way from the University of Memphis to the NFL.   And even though Elliot probably is gonna be compared so much to Stephen Gostkowski because they both kicked for the Tigers,  other than performance I would like to see Elliot make a name for himself other than Gostkowski's successor.