2017 Comprehensive NFL Draft Thread

[CommandB11]

8 minutes ago, theboomking said:

I was watching Tim Williams highlights this morning. I think he is going to be special as a pass rusher. Could easily be  15+ sack guy. His get off and bend are ridiculous. He has a solid spin and counter. We are missing impact players everywhere on defense, but if we could solidify the D-line in FA, Williams could be a 3rd down specialist this year as he mentors behind Gallete and then move into a more full time roll next year. I don't think Scott ever trades up, but I think Williams is worth going up for. Thus far, Williams and Solomon Thomas would be my favorites. I think both go in the 8-12 range. 

 

That is the kind of guy i see being referenced as what Gus Bradley likes on one side of his DL. Could see him as an every down edge guy. Would be nasty with Preston Smith/Trent Murphy on the other side.

[Hail2theSkins24]

That's a huge bummer about Solomon Thomas. Him and Lattimore (CB/OSU) have been my draft crushes for a while. I wish Solomon sat out that bowl game with McCaffrey lol 

[The Consigliere]

On 1/9/2017 at 6:38 AM, maskedsuperstar said:

Juju isn't worth the 17th pick. But John Ross is

 

Juju isn't worth a 2nd round pick, let alone the 17th. See the recent rotoviz article:

 

link: http://rotoviz.com/2016/12/2017-nfl-draft-prospect-juju-smith-schuster/

 

"...

Coming out of high school, Smith-Schuster was listed as an Athlete and not a wide receiver. However, he’s far from an elite athlete:

• 4.71 forty yard dash
• 4.27 20 yard short shuttle
• 32.7 inch vertical jump
• 94.35 SPARQ Score

Clearly, these numbers don’t help him in any way. His Height Adjusted Speed Score of 90 would place him in the 30th percentile of wide receivers, his short shuttle in the 37th percentile, and his vertical jump in the 17th percentile. For a player who has prototypical size at 6 feet 2 inches and 220 pounds, he lacks the requisite athleticism to be an elite receiver at the next level...I don’t think the hype is warranted. He’s a below average athlete with average production, yet he’s getting first round hype in...[...the draft]. I wouldn’t take him before the third round in the NFL draft...."

 

If we're interested in WR help we really need to be looking at Williams, Corey Davis, Courtland Sutton (if he declares) or just waiting till day 3 for whichever prospects fall from the Kupp, Darboh, Ford, Dupre, Dural tiers. 

 

 

 

 

[The Consigliere]

On 1/9/2017 at 9:03 AM, stevemcqueen1 said:

I like John Ross too.  He is friggin dynamic.  Reminds me of Kendall Wright at Baylor.  But I'm not crazy about picking him at 17.  He's small and he has serious knee injuries in his medical history.  And his game is completely predicated on his speed.  He's an intriguing talent but personally, I think you have to go for a safer option at 17.  

 

I just don't think he's worth a pick that high. Nice prospect, but really the only guys I'd consider using a first rounder on would be Williams and Corey Davis (maybe Sutton if he declares). Ross would be a nice trade down candidate, but honestly I'd prefer to go after a speed guy later like Dural, much cheaper, and still plenty of upside, or again the other guys, but yeah, for me the 17th is tabbed for a stud MLB, Safety or DL /Edge Rusher if they fall to us, or failing that, due to all them coming off the board we should be able to tab a Dalvin Cook, a Mike Williams or a Corey Davis. I definitely prefer best defensive player available, but if they all fall off the board, just pick the best playmaker available for the offense and/or trade down. 

[clskinsfan]

2 minutes ago, The Consigliere said:

 

I just don't think he's worth a pick that high. Nice prospect, but really the only guys I'd consider using a first rounder on would be Williams and Corey Davis (maybe Sutton if he declares). Ross would be a nice trade down candidate, but honestly I'd prefer to go after a speed guy later like Dural, much cheaper, and still plenty of upside, or again the other guys, but yeah, for me the 17th is tabbed for a stud MLB, Safety or DL /Edge Rusher if they fall to us, or failing that, due to all them coming off the board we should be able to tab a Dalvin Cook, a Mike Williams or a Corey Davis. I definitely prefer best defensive player available, but if they all fall off the board, just pick the best playmaker available for the offense and/or trade down. 

 

I agree completely. The only WR I have a first round grade on are Williams and Davis. But I will say I think there could be some bargains in the 4th round on a WR. Which could fit nicely since we have two of them!

[The Consigliere]

On 1/9/2017 at 4:12 PM, MEANDWARF said:

I understand that but the need is greater on defense. BPA among Safety, DL, or ILB would be my preference in the 1st round. We can get a quality WR into the mid to later rounds. At this point in time, I'm cautious about spending a 1st on another receiver after blowing it on Doctson last year.

Don't mean to be crude with the gif and the Matt Millen reference.

 

In fairness we did not blow a pick on Doctson. He's a stud prospect. If he's healthy, I would be absolutely stunned if he didn't turn into a stud size/speed dominator at WR. Please take a look at Matt Harmons Reception Perception breakdown of him and the rest of the '16 WR class, or player profiler's breakdown of his athleticism markers if you're really that down on him, and not just down on the injury angle. 

 

Thanks to another poster for the KD Cannon mention, Cannon is another guy along with Dural who will be available much later than Ross, but also provide that rare top end speed Ross has. If we want a WR with Ross type speed to replace Desean there will be plenty of athletes available on day 3 due to disappointing in '16 or other factors (the LSU garbage QB/Scheme angle for Dural and Dupre, the terrible QB angle for Darboh and Chesson at Michigan, and yep the dumpster fire that was Baylor football after the program imploded into disarray in '16 with regards to Cannon to name a few).

[Always A Commander Never A Captain]

15 hours ago, Skinsinparadise said:

Cooley talking up the need of a speedy edge rusher today.   McKinley is a guy at the moment who hovers around pick # 17 depending on the mock.  

 

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000723901/article/scout-uclas-takkarist-mckinley-could-be-next-demarcus-ware

An NFL scout sees DeMarcus Ware-like potential in UCLA DE Takkarist McKinley."Terrific speed off the edge," the scout told MMQB. "Perfect for a 3-4 linebacker in the NFL. Could be the next DeMarcus Ware. Freak athlete."

 

Interesting.  Ware had 34" arms, curious what Takk measures in at.

[Going Commando]

3 hours ago, theboomking said:

I was watching Tim Williams highlights this morning.

 

FYI, lots of NSFW language in that video.  Mute it if you're watching at work.

[The Consigliere]

On 1/9/2017 at 8:21 PM, Skinsinparadise said:

Howard in most mocks I notice is a late first - but hope Matt Miller and others are right about their take tonight -- if so it gives us a better chance to get a defender we want at #17  -- plus it scares me each time I see him go to the Giants in numerous mocks.  So hopefully Howard goes early.

 

1. Matt MillerVerified account ‏@nfldraftscout  3h3 hours ago

   OJ Howard is the best locking tight end in college. Top 10 prospect

    
2. Matt MillerVerified account ‏@nfldraftscout  3m3 minutes ago

   OJ Howard is going to destroy the combine.

 

Bryan Perez ‏@BryanPerez_DB  1m1 minute ago

OJ Howard is a field-flipper at TE. That's rare, folks. Top-10 pick this April. #NFLDraft.

 

OJ Howard is just one of a large collection of flat out stud TE prospects in this class. It's not a stretch to argue that this may be the best top end/cream to a TE class ever. You have a tier 1 that is either 2 deep or 4 or 5 depending upon which guys you love the most amongst Howard, Engram, Njoku, Hodges, Leggett and the recently injured Butt. I have to admit that I will be seriously pissed if we do not land one of these guys. All of these guys w/the possible exception of Engram who is really cut more in the Funchess mold (WR/TE tweeter who lacks blocking chops) would be the #1 overall TE in virtually any other class, and landing one would go a long way towards addressing two issues: #1 providing cover the frequently injured, and if he was sane, should be retired Jordan Reed (all those concussions suggest a really troubling future for him in his retirement years), and the now out in back to back years Niles Paul and #2 will give us the ability to really destroy defenses with a twin approach at the position like the Patriots did with Gronk and Hernandez, and now Bennett, and what the Chargers might have done with a younger Gates and Hunter Henry. If we can run out plays where both Jordan Reed and OJ Howard/Jake Butt/Njoku/Hodges/Leggett are forcing the defense to pick it's poison. 

 

All of them offer didn't skill sets, and Howard and Butt in particular are exciting for the fact that both are devastating weapons in the passing game as pass catchers and as blockers, something that's essential if a TE is going to productive early in their career. 

 

 

[SemperFi Skins]

I'd say Butt and Hodges more so for the 'devastating pass catchers' in the TE class... Howard can, but didn't get as much opportunity. Hodges is only a Junior

 

Hodges - 133 receptions for 1,747 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Howard - 69 receptions for 1,131 and 4 touchdowns

[Skinsinparadise]

12 minutes ago, Alcoholic Zebra said:

 

Interesting.  Ware had 34" arms, curious what Takk measures in at.

 looked but couldn't find out -- this post those suggests he does have long arms

 

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2160964/takkarist-mckinley

STRENGTHS: Twitched-up athlete with the burst off the ball to blow past offensive tackles as a speed rusher, as well as the disproportionately long arms to keep blockers from grabbing hold of him. Terrific balance and bend to dip under the reach of blockers and scrape the corner. Fluid change of direction, allowing him to project nicely as an edge rusher, spy on the quarterback or when dropping into coverage. Anticipates cut blocks and pulling guards, showing excellent body control to spin free from contact while keeping track of the ball. Good vision and motor for pursuit, often running 15+ yards downfield to get in on tackles even after initially rushing upfield. Active hands to slip blocks even when his initial speed rush is contained, incorporating swim and rip moves frequently. Shows good hand-eye coordination to slap away the ball from unsuspecting quarterbacks while still being blocked, as well as the explosiveness and timing to knock down passes at the line of scrimmage. May just be scratching the surface of his athletic potential. Recorded a 10.58 second 100 meters in his first year of running track during high school.

[clskinsfan]

4 minutes ago, The Consigliere said:

 

OJ Howard is just one of a large collection of flat out stud TE prospects in this class. It's not a stretch to argue that this may be the best top end/cream to a TE class ever. You have a tier 1 that is either 2 deep or 4 or 5 depending upon which guys you love the most amongst Howard, Engram, Njoku, Hodges, Leggett and the recently injured Butt. I have to admit that I will be seriously pissed if we do not land one of these guys. All of these guys w/the possible exception of Engram who is really cut more in the Funchess mold (WR/TE tweeter who lacks blocking chops) would be the #1 overall TE in virtually any other class, and landing one would go a long way towards addressing two issues: #1 providing cover the frequently injured, and if he was sane, should be retired Jordan Reed (all those concussions suggest a really troubling future for him in his retirement years), and the now out in back to back years Niles Paul and #2 will give us the ability to really destroy defenses with a twin approach at the position like the Patriots did with Gronk and Hernandez, and now Bennett, and what the Chargers might have done with a younger Gates and Hunter Henry. If we can run out plays where both Jordan Reed and OJ Howard/Jake Butt/Njoku/Hodges/Leggett are forcing the defense to pick it's poison. 

 

All of them offer didn't skill sets, and Howard and Butt in particular are exciting for the fact that both are devastating weapons in the passing game as pass catchers and as blockers, something that's essential if a TE is going to productive early in their career. 

 

 

I love David Nkoju too. He isnt really drawing any press right now. But I bet that changes after the combine.

[Going Commando]

McKinley's track numbers are crazy.  Thomas's track numbers are crazy.  If they run like that at the combine, then I don't think we're going to get a chance at them.

 

I want to watch their cut ups but draftbreakdown only has five for McKinley and two for Thomas.  Hope they put out more for Thomas especially.

 

This is turning out to be a really exciting class of first round pass rushers.  It's looking like there is enough top end quality that someone really good might get pushed down to 17.

 

BTW, has Thomas officially declared?  I see he's only a RS Sophomore.

[The Consigliere]

15 minutes ago, SemperFi Skins said:

I'd say Butt and Hodges more so for the 'devastating pass catchers' in the TE class... Howard can, but didn't get as much opportunity. Hodges is only a Junior

 

Hodges - 133 receptions for 1,747 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Howard - 69 receptions for 1,131 and 4 touchdowns

 

Howard wasn't used. I don't think it's a skill issue, I think it was about what Alabama had to work with. They have one of the best WR prospects in the country in Ridley, he didn't produce either (70+ for 700+ and 7 TD #'s look awful compared to other WR's that top the charts if you include guys coming out, and prospects for the '18 class), the reason was simple, in the SEC they just don't use the passing game that much, and in Alabama, they really don't use their WR's and TE's unless they've gotten competent QB play, then they just rely on the dominate OL and run game. That being said his market share #'s for when they do pass are god awful, and absolutely dwarfed by Engram (no surprise there) and Butt (a bit more of a surprise). So yeah, the production is a concern. But again I tend to view it as a byproduct of how Alabama chose to use their anemic passing game. Howard went 4-44, accounting for more than half of the passing production against Washington in the Peach Bowl, and then blew up yet again in the title game, this time for 4-105 and 1 for the second consecutive year. I'd have no problem taking a risk with him, but I do understand why someone else might seem safer just based on usage and market share #'s. 

[Always A Commander Never A Captain]

Guys, don't hate me for this.

 

Draftbreakdown added a new cutup, and I liked how Marlon Humphrey played in the Championship game against Clemson.  He looks like a football player, he's physical, he's aggressive, there's even one time he tried to take on a pulling OL and stone him with a punch to set the edge.  It failed.  But I liked the effort and desire. 

 

He had at least one pass breakup.  The DPI he was called for was close.  Humphrey played the ball, I think some refs might let that go.  The catch Mike Williams made against him, Humphrey also somehow played the ball (really impressive and athletic move by Williams), poked it out at the top once Williams caught it, but then the ball fell into Williams lap again and he scooped it up.  I can't fault Humphrey there, most WR's in the NFL 1) wouldn't do what Willams did and 2) wouldn't corral the ball after Humphrey poked it out.  The touchdown fades, I don't know how that's not offensive pass interference.

 

Just watched some other cutups.  He plays special teams, he attacks WR blocks on screens and makes plays doing so.  He does a mix of slide shuffle and backpedal, so he's not the Dee Milliner stereotype for Alabama corners.  Mostly he seems to be in Man.  But saw him in Zone once and he played it very well (came down with an Int against Texas A&M).

 

I think he's a strong McCloughan candidate.  Don't know his draft range yet, so many quality corners this year.  Combine will help sort out their pecking order.

[The Consigliere]

17 minutes ago, clskinsfan said:

I love David Nkoju too. He isnt really drawing any press right now. But I bet that changes after the combine.

 

It's already starting, he's popping up #2 in the class on some lists, a few people seem to like him #1. 

1 minute ago, Alcoholic Zebra said:

Guys, don't hate me for this.

 

Draftbreakdown added a new cutup, and I liked how Marlon Humphrey played in the Championship game against Clemson.  He looks like a football player, he's physical, he's aggressive, there's even one time he tried to take on a pulling OL and stone him with a punch to set the edge.  It failed.  But I liked the effort and desire. 

 

He had at least one pass breakup.  The DPI he was called for was close.  Humphrey played the ball, I think some refs might let that go.  The catch Mike Williams made against him, Humphrey also somehow played the ball (really impressive and athletic move by Williams), poked it out at the top once Williams caught it, but then the ball fell into Williams lap again and he scooped it up.  I can't fault Humphrey there, most WR's in the NFL 1) wouldn't do what Willams did and 2) wouldn't corral the ball after Humphrey poked it out.  The touchdown fades, I don't know how that's not offensive pass interference.

 

Just watched some other cutups.  He plays special teams, he attacks WR blocks on screens and makes plays doing so.  He does a mix of slide shuffle and backpedal, so he's not the Dee Milliner stereotype for Alabama corners.  Mostly he seems to be in Man.  But saw him in Zone once and he played it very well (came down with an Int against Texas A&M).

 

I think he's a strong McCloughan candidate.  Don't know his draft range yet, so many quality corners this year.  Combine will help sort out their pecking order.

 

He's been projected in a few places in the 5-15 zone. Would not surprise me if he elevated to top 10 or so with a great combine/workouts. 

 

[Going Commando]

I like Humphrey too AZ.  And I really really like Minkah Fitzpatrick when he plays inside the numbers.  They jumped out at me when I was watching for Foster, Allen, and Williams.  That Alabama secondary is impressive.

[Mr. Sinister]

38 minutes ago, Skinsinparadise said:

 looked but couldn't find out -- this post those suggests he does have long arms

 

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2160964/takkarist-mckinley

STRENGTHS: Twitched-up athlete with the burst off the ball to blow past offensive tackles as a speed rusher, as well as the disproportionately long arms to keep blockers from grabbing hold of him. Terrific balance and bend to dip under the reach of blockers and scrape the corner. Fluid change of direction, allowing him to project nicely as an edge rusher, spy on the quarterback or when dropping into coverage. Anticipates cut blocks and pulling guards, showing excellent body control to spin free from contact while keeping track of the ball. Good vision and motor for pursuit, often running 15+ yards downfield to get in on tackles even after initially rushing upfield. Active hands to slip blocks even when his initial speed rush is contained, incorporating swim and rip moves frequently. Shows good hand-eye coordination to slap away the ball from unsuspecting quarterbacks while still being blocked, as well as the explosiveness and timing to knock down passes at the line of scrimmage. May just be scratching the surface of his athletic potential. Recorded a 10.58 second 100 meters in his first year of running track during high school.

 

Sounds sexy

[Going Commando]

The skill sets of Zach Cunningham and Reuben Foster kind of compliment each other don't they?  I was thinking about the way Bobby Wagner and KJ Wright play off of each other, or Kuechly and Davis, and having two every down stack linebackers seems to be a huge asset for those defenses.

 

What I mean by Cunningham and Foster complimenting each other is that they each kind of bring what the other lacks.  Foster is physical, sets tones, and is an absolutely incredible weak side run defender.  He is a missile that manages to pull off some of the sharpest angles to the ball you're going to see. And then arrives with a pop.  And he brings all of the passion to the field you want in a leader.  But he's small, and doesn't generate a ton of big plays in the passing game.  He's Bobby Wagner in this postulation.

 

Cunningham is the opposite.  He's the KJ Wright.  The big one.  He's got the huge frame like Wright and he has all that range and ability to stack up and shed blockers and hold down the fort on the strong side.  And he's got the kind of length, body control, and instincts to make plays on the ball in the passing game.  What he lacks is the explosive, physical element you want in an ILB, but that Foster brings in spades.

 

And then we've already got Cravens  in house to play the Kam Chancellor role.

 

I realize the comparisons aren't perfect, but I think coming away with both Foster and Cunningham could really transform the middle of our defense from a festering weakness into a legit strength.  I think we could get into position to do this by moving down into the early 20's and simultaneously moving up in the second.

[PartyPosse]

23 minutes ago, stevemcqueen1 said:

I like Humphrey too AZ.  And I really really like Minkah Fitzpatrick when he plays inside the numbers.  They jumped out at me when I was watching for Foster, Allen, and Williams.  That Alabama secondary is impressive.

 

Minkah's only a Sophomore I believe as well. He didn't look out of place in the championship game considering he just turned 20.

[The Consigliere]

How would you tier out the top 20-25 prospects right now, pre-combine/workouts? Just guess work, some educated, some less so:

 

Tier 1:

Myles Garrett

Jonathan Allen

Leonard Fournette

 

Tier 2:

Jamal Adams

Mike Williams

Reuben Foster

Dalvin Cook

Teez Tabor

Marlon Humphrey

Malik Hooker

 

Tier 3:

Derek Barnett

Jabrill Peppers

Corey Davis

Solomon Thomas 

Cam Robinson

Malik McDowell

Tak McKinley

M. Lattimore

OJ Howard

J. Ross

 

Tier 4:

Z. Cunningham

Tim Williams

M. Trubisky

Q. Wilson

D. Watson

D. Kizer

 

Tier 5

C. Lawson

C. Harris

C. Brantley

P. Elflein

Ryan Ramczyk

C. McCaffrey

D. Foreman

 

Just kind of throwing that out there off the top of my head. 

 

 

 

[SemperFi Skins]

41 minutes ago, The Consigliere said:

 

Howard wasn't used. I don't think it's a skill issue, I think it was about what Alabama had to work with. They have one of the best WR prospects in the country in Ridley, he didn't produce either (70+ for 700+ and 7 TD #'s look awful compared to other WR's that top the charts if you include guys coming out, and prospects for the '18 class), the reason was simple, in the SEC they just don't use the passing game that much, and in Alabama, they really don't use their WR's and TE's unless they've gotten competent QB play, then they just rely on the dominate OL and run game. That being said his market share #'s for when they do pass are god awful, and absolutely dwarfed by Engram (no surprise there) and Butt (a bit more of a surprise). So yeah, the production is a concern. But again I tend to view it as a byproduct of how Alabama chose to use their anemic passing game. Howard went 4-44, accounting for more than half of the passing production against Washington in the Peach Bowl, and then blew up yet again in the title game, this time for 4-105 and 1 for the second consecutive year. I'd have no problem taking a risk with him, but I do understand why someone else might seem safer just based on usage and market share #'s. 

 

I understand the production and the title game which made him really blow up... i'm not even stating Hodges is a 'safer' pick. Personally, I think Hodges is the best overall TE prospect this draft.

 

[Always A Commander Never A Captain]

Just checked McKinley's production.  He's had 10 passes defensed in the past two years?  What?  As an Edge guy?  That's insane!

 

Watched his game against Utah.  This has some legit NFL prospects.  Possibly the best LT in the draft class (if he wasn't about to be 25 years old).  Man, this is a weak DL class.  The more I watch the less I like.  Eddie Vanderdoes is mocked anywhere between rounds 2 and 4.  He's a Day 3 pick.  Who the hell is Joe Williams?  He SCORCHED the UCLA defense.  CBS has him going undrafted?  The guy's got wheels, and it could just be this game, but some patience before he turns on the speed.  Obviously need to see more of him, but if he's going undrafted, why spend a draft pick on a RB?

 

McKinley is a quick twitch guy and he combines that with energy and hustle.  But one thing I didn't really see him do was bend the corner at the angle you see with guys like Clay Matthews, Von Miller, or DeMarcus Ware.  However, that might be from lack of proper alignment in this defense?  He might not have enough room to get downfield on the OT before initial contact.  UCLA seems to line him up tighter to the formation.

[Est.1974]

I've got McKinley slated as our top pick right now.

 

However, if we get Gus in as our DC, we won't be in need of 3-4 OLBs will we ?

[Going Commando]

Only having seen the two cut ups for Thomas available on DB, it's hard to say much with certainty about his game.  Maybe those were two of his best games, and he's got some bad film out there too.  But man, I really really liked what I saw.  I see where the hype is coming from, this kid is a stud.

 

What I liked:

- Elite get off.  First few steps are as good as advertised.  Converts speed to power and he's a knee bender who plays very low.  Draws a lot of holds that weren't called because of his speed.

- Great feet.  Balance looks excellent.

- Proficient with his hands.  Doesn't get into slap fights with tackles, is always moving his feet and working for leverage.  Saw some good push pull rushes.

- Good repertoire of secondary rushes after his initial tack gets stoned.  Easily throttles down, disengages, finds the ball, and throttles back up for a second go.  He ends up winning a lot of plays where the offensive lineman initially won off the snap.  He's someone who is going to get a lot of coverage sacks and pressures.

- Very good but not great vision.  He keeps his head up on his rushes but he does occasionally lose the football.  This is a strength for him though, and his good tackle numbers are a testament to his vision and motor.

- Lays the lumber when he gets to the QB.  Very good closing speed.

- Great short area quickness and change of direction skills.  Deadly when he got to run twists/stunts.

- Capable outside rusher.  He's primarily an interior lineman so he's not a speed merchant on the edge, but he's so powerful and quick that he can take very sharp angles to the QB and drag OLs along for the ride.  Destroyed the tight ends who tried to block him on the edge.

- Can hold his ground against a double.  I would estimate he saw a double on at least 50% of the snaps I saw in those cut ups.  He was obviously Stanford's best DL and opponents game planned to neutralize him and he was still productive anyway.  This is where you really see his motor and his proficiency with secondary moves and counters on display.

- Good job timing snap counts on his rushes.  Often the first guy off the line of scrimmage.

 

What I didn't like:

- The size.  He looks shorter than that 6'3 listing and he definitely doesn't have any bulk to spare.  He gave up a lot of size to some of those Arizona blockers.

- Wasn't consistent with his inital punch and extension and as a smaller interior DL, he needs to be.  Opposing blockers got into his pads and snagged him when they were ready for the speed of his initial burst.

- Had some trouble shifting his weight and coming back to the ball.  I realize he's 270+, but he's not as good at breaking down in the open field and making the plays off his frame as McDowell or he primary edge rushers I've seen.

- Fell off some tackles in the box and had me questioning his arm length a bit.  Watched A'Shawn Robinson bring down runners while being ridden out the lane with nothing but the strength of his hands last season.  That's definitely not Thomas.  He can clog gaps and absorb doubles, but he is a pass rusher first and foremost.

 

Anyway, he looks pretty great.  Without having more information about his measurables and more cut ups to view, I'll say that I think he'd be excellent value at 17 and he would be one of my top targets along with McCaffery and McDowell.  Right now I'd guess he has a tentative first half of the first round grade.  If he measures well or runs a 4.7 or better like David Shaw said could, then I'd say top ten pick for sure.