Will Anderson – © USA TODAY Sports

EDGE

Layout of the Preview:

1) Brief Positional Overview
2) Top 20 Prospects. Includes Grade, NFL Comparison, Summary, Extra Thoughts

*Comparisons are more about physical profile and play style, NOT projection

3) Grades only: 21-39

*Grading Scale:

90+: All Pro
85+ Pro Bowl
81-84: 1st Round / Year 1 Contributor / Starter
79-80: 2nd Round / Year 1 Contributor / Year 2 Starter
77-78: 3rd Round / Contribute by end of Year 1 / Year 2 Starter
74-76: Early Day 3 / Special Teams / Future Backup / Possible Starter
71-73: Mid-Day 3 / Special Teams / Future backup / Gamble Starter
68-70: Late Day 3 / Back End of Roster / Practice Squad / Developmental
65-67: Preferred UDFA
60-64: UDFA

4) Positional Approach – Draft Weekend

POSITION OVERVIEW

In consecutive drafts, NYG has used top 50 picks on edge defenders including #5 overall a year ago. Their top backups, veteran Jihad Ward and undrafted second-year player Tomon Fox, were both brought in by this regime. They’re both physical edge setters and play more stout than fast. Then there is Elerson Smith; a day three pick from the previous regime that has been on the field for 121 snaps in two years, just 14 of which came in 2022. When looking at the starting duo of Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari, both current impact and quality long-term projection are in play. The former turned on the heat late in the year and if that is the indication of what to expect in the future, he will easily justify being a top five pick. Ojulari, who set the franchise record for sacks by a rookie in 2021, was marred by multiple soft-tissue injuries in 2022. This was a guy that came into the league with a question about his knee, remember. When on the field, Ojulari actually had a higher pressure rate than Thibodeaux. The ability is there, and it has been proven over multiple years. But this is a shaky group that lacks depth from a pass rush perspective and even the biggest Ojulari supporters must label him an injury problem right now.

TOP 20 GRADES AND ANALYSIS

1) Will Anderson Jr. – Alabama – 6’4/253

Grade: 90

NFL Comparison: Khalil Mack / LAC

Junior entry from Hampton, GA. Three-year starter. Named All-SEC all three seasons of his career and earned All-American honors in both 2021 and 2022. SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2021. Anderson brings the combination of physical traits, production against top tier competition, and intangibles that produce a “face of the franchise” outlook. When it comes to his play on the field, he is an every-down asset. His ideal blend of bend, explosion, and agility can beat one on one blockers and it goes deeper than the pass rush. He shows a great feel and the physical nature to set an edge, free himself, and finish plays at and behind the line of scrimmage. He is more than a pure pass rusher. Even if he was drafted for just that pass rush role, the upside still warrants the high pick. There are a couple of power-rush shortcomings when a sizeable tackle bodies him, but the secondary rush moves are so far developed and the amount of wins he creates with the initial burst and leverage advantage will merge together and create a ceiling that is up there with the top pass rushers in the league. The mental approach to his craft will elevate the floor, making him one of the safest and best prospects in this draft.

*For a team looking to add Carter or Anderson, man what a tough call. Carter is the better player right now, but something about Anderson seems safer. I would even say the ceiling is higher. Remember what Khalil Mack was doing early in his career? That can easily be Anderson if the team keeps him outside more than what Alabama did in 2022. He played the edge 150 less than times in 2022 than he did 2021. That is where his biggest issues arise. I’m sure there was a strong reason behind it, but it caused a dip in his production and impact. Anderson is a near-lock for 12+ sacks a year for a long time and do not sleep on his run defense, it is nearly just as good.

2) Myles Murphy – Clemson – 6’5/268

Grade: 85

NFL Comparison: Robert Quinn / FA

Junior entry. Three-year starter from Marietta, GA. Two-time All ACC including first team honors in 2022. Murphy, a highly touted five-star recruit, burst onto the scene right away, winning the ACC Newcomer of the Year award in 2020. This was two seasons after Clelin Ferrell moved on to the NFL and the drop off in play was minimal-to-none. Ferrell was the fourth overall pick that year in the 2019 draft, and Murphy was close to that level as a true freshman. You read that right. This is an absolute freak in every complimentary form of the word. His height and length are used as weapons against lone blockers, as he is almost always the one that wins the initial hand battle. The explosion and closing speed combined with his natural bend can constantly put a tackle in catch up. And the trait that ties it all together is the sheer effort he puts into his craft. Murphy’s talent made, and will make, plays for the defense. But the hustle is what can put him over the top. Murphy has made over 36 plays behind the line of scrimmage and has forced six fumbles. He is a reliable and consistent force to be reckoned with and there is a potential superstar inside of him.

*I do not put a ton of credence into who travels to certain workouts from specific teams. I have put some effort in the past and I have not found any objective trails that lead to projecting where a guy lands. I do believe there is significant interest in Murphy from NYG, however and what they’ve done in recent months reinforces that notion. He is a match for what BUF added along the edge when Schoen was there and what BAL added along the edge while Martindale was there. I said this last offseason and I will say it again; I believe this team wants more size on the outside. Add in Ojulari was drafted by a previous regime and the fact he is now an injury risk, this could be a round one target for NYG if he falls. Everyone is talking corner and receiver, rightfully so. My money would be on one of those spots too. But adding another premiere edge rusher is, no question, on their priority list and would be hard to look past if he is there.

3) Tyree Wilson – Texas Tech – 6’6/271

Grade: 84

NFL Comparison: Emmanuel Ogbah / Oklahoma State

Fifth year senior. Three-year starter from Henderson, TX. Spent two seasons at Texas A&M prior to transferring to Texas Tech in 2020. Two-time All-Big 12, including first team honors in 2022 and a 2022 All-American. Wilson is blessed with a frame that is off the charts when considering the prototype for the position. Some people look like they were put on earth to play football, and that is Wilson. With his hands hanging near his knees and well-distributed thickness on a 6’6” frame immediately screams traditional 4-3 defensive end. He showed a lot of versatility throughout his career, proving to factor as a B gap pass rusher in addition a dominant edge setter in the running game. He can take over one on one matchups, a credible level of sheer dominance. He will not win a lot of battles with pure speed and burst and there are occasional leverage issues that come from such a high-cut frame. As he learns to use his hands and length to his advantage on a more routine basis, Wilson has the ceiling of a double digit sack guy that also provides elite run defense with the inside-out maneuverability that every scheme wants.

*A lot of talk around Wilson being the number two edge guy with an outside shot at being the top dog. This completely stems from his size, in my opinion. Sure, it is freakish how big and long he is, extremely rare territory. He was productive and versatile. In addition, the scouting list I get my hands on over summer had Wilson as the top overall senior in the country heading into 2022 (from the league). He was on the elite-radar all year and his play was good. Wilson, to me, is a top 15 overall player on my board, thus I obviously like him. But I have not been able to put that Pro Bowl / All Pro grade on him because I think he fed off some poor blockers in college. I did not love his tape against his top competition, and I get a tad a worried about the hip tightness. Regarding NYG, it is not relevant. He will not escape the top 10 overall draft weekend it sounds like.

4) Nolan Smith – Georgia – 6’2/238

Grade: 84

NFL Comparison: Vic Beasley / RET

Senior entry. Two-year starter from Savannah, GA. Played in just eight games in 2022 before tearing his pectoral muscle, which needed surgery. Smith, a team captain, was the top recruit in the nation out of high school in 2019. He was also a running back but there was no mistake what he would be at the next level, as he won the Georgia Co-Newcomer of the Year Award his freshman year. Because of how Georgia plays defense and considering the amount of top shelf talent they have on that squad; Smith remains a bit of an unknown. He played just over 1,100 snaps in college. Most prospects reach that number in under two full seasons. Smith also measures in much lighter than the average edge defenders in the league. The debate will come in when considering his top-shelf speed, burst, and quickness. Smith can out-move all blockers both as a run defender and pass rusher. His impact in a scheme that plays with a lot of slants and twists will be felt immediately. With that said, he does not fit into every scheme and a role will need to be engineered for him, as he could have trouble holding up over the course of a season. Smith’s intangibles will enable several teams to gamble on the rare athleticism, but the risk assessment will need to be weighed heavily.

*Every year we see supreme athletes come into the league along the defensive front. It has gotten to the point where I am left wondering how future offensive lineman are going to be able keep up. Anyway, Smith is in a tier of his own when it comes to speed, burst, and agility. The size will get him in trouble at times, but he is very hard and unlikely guy to lock on to. I do not see him escaping the top 15 but even if he did, I’m not sure I see the fit with NYG. If they add another edge presence, it will be one with more size. There is considerable risk here for anyone that takes him.

5) Will McDonald IV – Iowa State – 6’4/239

Grade: 81

NFL Comparison: Randy Gregory / DEN

Fifth year senior. Two-year starter from Pewaukee, WI. Three-time First Team All-Big 12 and a Third Team All-American in 2021. McDonald’s athletic background is rare. He did not start playing football until his junior year of high school but was a state champion discus thrower (and third place high jumper) and a conference player of the year in basketball. The blend of talent and movement traits show up on tape as a pass rusher. He is bendy, explosive, and long. The Iowa State single season sack record holder can be a menace for blockers to get a hold of. He can shoot out of a cannon up the edge with the ability to turn a tight corner at the meeting point. At his worst, he is still a hard guy to race up the outside. When it comes to his rush moves, he is still developing but there have been flashes of a Dwight Freeney-caliber spin move. That kind of agility combined with his top shelf burst is hard to find in one player alone. McDonald is not yet a finished product and his lack of power is worrisome. His lower body looks like it belongs in the cornerback room and his run defense will never be a strong suit. A pass rush upside like this, especially considering he is earlier on the progression curve than others, needs to be gambled on. If he hits his ceiling, he can be one of the top pass rushers in the league.

*Grades are very mixed on McDonald IV. Some will have him as high as top 15 overall and considering the position he plays, a surprise draft weekend is possible. Personally, the body type worries me enough to keep him on the brink of round 1-2. He is going to turn 24 a month after the draft and I wonder how much potential there is when it comes to adding mass on his frame. If he does pan out to be a quality every-down defender, there will still be plenty of value potential in his third down pash rush ability. Worth a swing for odd fronts.

6) Lukas Van Ness – Iowa – 6’5/272

Grade: 81

NFL Comparison: Marcus Davenport / MIN

Third year sophomore entry. Rotational player from Barrington, IL. All-Big Ten in 2022. Oddly enough, Van Ness was never a starter for Iowa. That has less to do with his ability and more to do with the odd way the program uses seniority for personnel decisions. That aside, Van Ness is one of the most physically gifted and overall versatile defenders in the class. He spent the majority of 2021 as an inside player and the majority of 2022 as an edge defender. He will be able to play both spots at the next level. Van Ness has elite power and it created plays for the defense against both the run and pass. His lockout game will be NFL ready week one and the very least a team will get out of him is stout run defense and versatile alignment possibilities. The upside can be considered as high as any pass rusher in the class. The tools are nearly unmatched by anyone but in the same break, he played under 1,000 snaps in college. There is a lot of unknown and much more development, notably with his rush moves, that will vary his outlook widely. Early on he can be used as a movable chess piece based on situations and matchups while his body fully develops and a team finds where his best fit truly is because right now, it is a guessing game.

*On paper, Van Ness is overly impressive. On tape, he already looks like he can handle the rigors of NFL power snap to snap. The thing that separates him from a higher grade for me is the lack of innovation he shows as a pass rusher and the tightness that show up from time to time. Can he play fast laterally? I still don’t know. While the movement is impressive for a kid that weighs 270+, we are not talking about Travon Walker. He is versatile, but we are not talking Aidan Hutchinson. There is a lot of development still to be had here and if his game is going to be pass rush-based, I would say a lot of development. NYG will have interest in him at #25 if he is there. He won’t be my top pick, but his outlook makes sense if they want to make an aggressive move at EDGE.

7) Tuli Tuipulotu – USC – 6’3/266

Grade: 79

NFL Comparison: Trey Hendrickson / Florida Atlantic

Junior entry. Three-year starter from Hawthorne, CA. Two-Time first team All-Pac 12 and a 2022 first team All-American. Led the nation with 13.5 sacks and led power five programs with 22 tackles for loss. Has multiple family members with NFL ties including Niners safety Talanoa Hufanga. Tuipulotu primarily lined up outside the tackle in USC’s three-man front, but he saw more than a fair share of snaps inside closer to the guard. No matter where he was, he produced. He plays with immense power both in his hands and below the waist. Tuipulotu excels with techniques and bend and shows an excellent feel for the intentions of the offense. This is a guy that can forecast and react exceptionally well, constantly finding himself on the right side of blocks and within striking distance of the ball carrier. He is a finisher with an intense, fiery mindset. This energy stick up front can play all over the line and create mismatches across multiple locations of the trenches.

*The concern with Tuipulotu is how well his game translates to the next level with average tools. During the season, before I went deep-dive on defensive prospects, I thought he would be a first rounder. He measured in a bit smaller than I thought he would, and the speed isn’t there to fully make up for it. That said, Tuipulotu can beat blockers on an island a variety of ways, inside and outside. He would be a great day two pick for this defense and a guy that complements the current NYG edge group well. Think a much better version of Ximines/Fox. A more athletic version of Ward, but just as physical. How often he missed tackles (an alarming number) was odd and I am curious to know how much that weighs with the NYG brass.

8) BJ Ojulari – LSU – 6’2/248

Grade: 78

NFL Comparison: Takkarist McKinley / DAL

Junior entry. Two-year starter from Marietta, GA. First Team All-SEC in 2022. Ojulari, the brother of Giants outside linebacker Azeez, has been hampered by a hamstring injury throughout the pre-draft process after missing games early in 2022 because of a knee issue. Remember that Azeez had his draft stock altered a bit by a knee injury during his own pre-draft process and has been an injury problem in the league. This will likely cause extra screening for BJ. On tape, Ojulari screams 3-4 outside linebacker. He can explode off the edge with proper bend and long arm-usage. He flashed top tier traits but was inconsistent. He does not have the look of a guy that has a clear plan and ability to adjust on the fly. The baseline tools are all there, but he simply disappears for stretches of play. He does fly to the ball and his effort switch is always on, he just has a raw feel to his game that needs to be hardened before seeing majority snaps. He will start off as a backup/rotational player with the definite upside of starting in a 3-4 scheme.

*I do not have a credible medical background and I do not have an inside source with Ojulari / LSU. I am going to say I am slightly worried about the lower body injuries. Throughout my research, I found he missed a few practices with a “cranky patella”. We are now seeing an obstructed pre-draft process because of a hamstring. Considering the issues Azeez had and is having, I am just a little worried about his durability. An outside linebacker’s game in a 3-4 is so much based on the ability to bend at the knee while producing power, speed, and agility. Doing it on a cranky knee with vulnerable soft tissue around it can be a major problem.

9) Derick Hall – Auburn – 6’3/254

Grade: 78

NFL Comparison: Arnold Ebiketie / ATL

Senior entry. Three-year starter from Gulfport, MS. Two-time All-SEC, first team in 2022. Hall has the look of a pro edge defender in every possible way. He is rocked up with elite length and a broad wingspan. His frame is packed with muscle, but the lower body aesthetic promotes that of a track athlete. When looking into his game on a more detailed level, the sheer effort and violence are the initial standouts. He is an every-down defender with techniques that have come a long way. While there are some lower body tightness issues that can make reactionary movement somewhat lagged, the straight line burst and closing gear are weapons. Hall’s best role would be a simple speed rusher off the edge. Teams that use wide-nine alignments will be drawn to him, but he will also hold his own setting the edge against the run. Hall can be a starter or number one pass rusher off the bench. Either way, he brings big time value to the defense.

*There will be teams that have a high second round grade on Hall. The profile of his tools is hard to find and easy to be drawn to. Everything about him looks like an elite edge rusher and he is a real football player. Old school in his approach. This is not just a freak athlete that looks the part. This also seems like a Martindale type, and he plays more stout against the run than his size suggests. I know I keep saying this, but because I believe NYG is going to add a pass rusher in this draft, don’t be surprised to see Hall’s name come across the board if they are looking for another Ojulari-type.

10) Keion White – Georgia Tech – 6’5/285

Grade: 78

NFL Comparison: William Gholston / TB

Sixth year senior. Three-year starter from Garner, NC. Two-time All-Conference. Spent four seasons at Old Dominion where he played tight end for two years, one of which he was a starter. In his first season at defensive end, he tied a school record with 19 tackles for loss. The program cancelled the 2020 season because of Covid-19, prompting an eventual transfer to Georgia Tech. 2021 was supposed to be his coming out party, but a broken leg kept him to just four games. White then played in every 2022 contest and led the Yellow Jackets with 14 tackles for loss, fifth best in the ACC. White is a bit of a blank canvas, but he does not have tremendous youth on his side. The combination of strength and speed is unmatched among almost all defensive linemen in this class. However, the 24-year-old does not play with enough fluidity. There is rigidness in his movement, and he struggles to read the action. The flashes of physical dominance are enough, though, at a premium position to warrant a day two selection. At the very least, he can be an excellent five-technique that will provide elite run defense.

*White is a safe prospect. If NYG wants to get the Jihad Ward role locked in for 2024 and beyond, he is one of the guys I would feel good about in that role. Physical and stout edge setter. Versatile and a team leader-type. White has some big fans in the league, some that think he is on the same level as Luke Van Ness and even Tyree Wilson. He presents the right value in round three, but I don’t think he will make it there. I’m not in love with the upside, that’s all. Can be a very solid player, though. Especially in this scheme.

11) Felix Anudike-Uzomah – Kansas State – 6’3/255

Grade: 78

NFL Comparison: Olivier Vernon / RET

Junior entry. Three-year starter from Kansas City, MO. Two-time First Team All-Big 12, a 2022 All-American and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. Anudike-Uzomah already has the look of a refined and technically sound pro edge defender. He plays with exceptional pad level and hand usage that combines with a quick and sudden first step to give him a lot of initial wins. This is a guy that constantly puts himself in a good position to win. He plays smart, can read the action, and has several ways to free himself from contact. His skills set has been on a constant ascent since arriving at Kansas State. Anudike-Uzomah needs to show more consistency with his body control, however. Too many times does he end up on the ground or trying to re-gain his balance. The pre-draft process has not been a good one for him, as he’s been fighting multiple lower body injuries. There will be some unknown and risk here but there is no denying his high ceiling that stems from a pro-ready skill set, consistent production, and top shelf set of intangibles.

*If he had a clean and explosive pre-draft process, Anudike-Uzomah could have easily finished a few spots higher in the stack. He already has a lot of the nuances to pass rushing down but where I saw the biggest improvement from 2021 tape to 2022 was in the running game. He understands hand usage and leverage so well and it gets him in position. That is something many young edge defenders never figure out and it kills their career. The lower body injuries (nothing serious) and overall lack of stability give me some hesitation here, but by no means am I taking him out of the projected starter tier.

12) Yaya Diaby – Louisville – 6’3/263

Grade: 77

NFL Comparison: Justin Houston / KC

Fifth year senior. Three-year starter after transferring from Georgia Military College where he spent two seasons. Earned All-ACC honors in 2022. Diaby steps off the bus in street clothes and you immediately know this is a pro football player. The combination of height, width, length, and well-distributed muscle mass is how they look in a factory. He was always a gifted athlete, but the skill set, and consistency took some time to come to fruition. Once it was there, Diaby proved to be of the best physical packages up front in the entire class. This is violent hand striker that out-muscled nearly everyone that tried to block him. He shows excellent burst and agility for a player his size. And he brings multiple usages to the table that a defensive coach can have a field day with. He is an outside player that will set a hard edge, but his biggest value will be found inside on passing downs. This is a safe prospect that can be so much more if he comes into the league and keeps his head focused.

*Diaby is one of my guys. It may not seem like it because of how far down the stack he is but as I’ve been saying, this edge group is incredibly strong and deep. He is one of the guys that did not fully workout at the combine or Pro Day – not for injury reasoning. Odd decision to say the least. He is a straight line burst guy that almost ran a sub 4.5 in Indy and some of the best leaping numbers in the class. At 263 pounds. His agility is the credible concern and that is what he didn’t test. That does bother me a bit, and it bothers scouts too. Besides that, Diaby has impressive tape and was a bit of a late bloomer. Louisville did not use him to his full capacity, but they did display his versatility. His pressure rate is among the best in the class by the way. He is the kind of physical presence this defense needs behind the top two guys on the edge.

13) Isaiah Foskey – Notre Dame – 6’5/264

Grade: 77

NFL Comparison: Preston Smith / GB

Senior entry. Two-year starter from Antioch, GA. 2022 All-American. Foskey plays a physical brand of football. For defenses that are looking for a true edge setter without losing too much against the pass will look for a player exactly like Foskey. He is a heavy handed, bendy, country-strong defender that can stay on the field in all situations. His skill set can translate to any and all schemes. The amoeba fronts will like him a lot. Foskey can play with his hand in the ground or standing up, whichever look the play caller wants to give. He can beat one on one blockers but if he gets bodied, there is gap integrity and a keen awareness he shows against the run. The assignment-savvy team captain will be a dependable starter or heavy rotational player at the next level. The lack of true burst and speed up the edge may limit his overall impact, but this is the kind of winning player that finds a way to get it done.

*What NYG got out of Oshane Ximines would likely be the basement for Foskey. He is bigger and more physical. The flashes we have seen out of Ximines over the years are what we would likely see out of Foskey on a more routine basis. That is a borderline starter and a guy that helps the defense from a premium spot. Foskey is yet another name I think fits the micro-level need they need behind the top two but there is a chance the coaches do not see enough alignment versatility. Me? I feel safe with him, and I believe the #3 rusher is an ideal role for him.

14) Eku Leota – Auburn – 6’3/252

Grade: 76

NFL Comparison: Alex Highsmith / PIT

Fifth year senior. Three-year starter from Asheville, NC. Spent three seasons at Northwestern before graduating and transferring to Auburn in 2021. Tore his pec in October 2022, forcing him into surgery and sidelining him for the remainder of the year. Leota has shown enough on tape, both in the Big Ten and SEC respectively, to warrant a future starting role in at the next level. His body type and play-style scream 3-4 outside linebacker. Even though he has dropped into coverage a little bit, he will be drafted to rush the passer. Leota has good juice and a borderline special blend of stride length, hop sets that transform into an elite speed rush, and bend. Throw in the well-developed lower body and overall strength, Leota can win more than his fair share of battles on the outside shoulder of the tackle. The question will be whether he can develop secondary/inside rush moves or not. He also can get swallowed by imposing run blocking tackles. While there are limitations here, Leota can be a major factor as a pass rusher and plays with the kind of hustle, passion, and grit to make up for a few weaknesses.

*One of my favorite occurrences during the scouting process takes place every year but never in predictable fashion. I turn on tape to watch a specific player, and an unknown or a guy I know very little about is the one that jumps off the screen. When I turned on Derick Hall vs. Penn State early in the year and the LSU tape from 2021, it was Leota that I came away wanting to see more of. He is such a high-energy, bendy, physical edge defender that made a few eye-opening plays. He does not have the baseline tools or upside Hall does, but we are not talking about a slouch in that department. Leota may be a specialty/sub-package guy at the next level with some upside as a starting player. Either way, he will be an energy stick for a front.

15) KJ Henry – Clemson – 6’4/251

Grade: 76

NFL Comparison: Kemoko Turay / IND

Fifth year senior. Three-year starter from Winston-Salem, NC. First Team All-ACC in 2022, his lone season as a full-time starter. Henry was a 1,000-point scorer on the hardwood in high school. The three years following his redshirt were about rotating in as a pass rush specialist. In 2022, he took a full-time role all season and showed he could be more. His game is most attractive to 3-4 schemes where he can simply live on the outside and try to win on an island. His ability to put his foot in the ground and change direction while already in motion is a weapon when he has the space to work with. Henry won a lot of pass rushers via cutting across the tackle’s face with good pad level and disrupting the passer head on. The shortcoming that arose often was when he did not have the lateral space to work with, got bodied by the blocker and could not get enough push. His power game is lacking. He projects to be a pass rush specialist and backup, but a high level one that can offer a productive 20+ snaps per game.

*I see a very good backup type that will see a good number of snaps weekly. Perhaps a situation where a team as a solid edge duo or trio, but one of them is more of a power/size guy that can shift inside on sure-passing downs. Henry was among the national leaders in pressures, and I think there is some left to bite off if he can refine the skill set and secondary moves.

16) Ali Gaye – LSU – 6’6/263

Grade: 76

NFL Comparison: Taco Charlton / CHI

Fifth year senior. Three-year starter from Lynwood, WA. Spent two seasons in Junior College prior to transferring to LSU. Gaye moved to the United States from Gambia when he was 12 years old. A bit of a late bloomer, Gaye arrived on campus in 2020 and looked like a future first rounder. The frame, the natural bend, and his ability to impact both the passing and running game respectively instantly with years of eligibility remaining gave off a lot of hope. Multiple injuries to both his upper and lower body throughout the 2021 season halted those projections. While he played a full season in 2022, Gaye has yet to return to the level we saw him play at in 2020. The ability is there and the tools are still worthy of being brought in for most schemes. A 4-3 front will be his best scheme-fit, but there is a skill set that could fit outside in 3-4 looks. He is a nasty edge setter that plays with a chip on his shoulder but for him to see every down snaps, he needs to get more consistent and clean up some of the body control issues.

*One of the higher upside guys I have in this tier of edge defenders. Gaye’s tape from 2020 after transferring from junior college in the Covid-Year was enough to warrant that label. Consider the shaky leadership from the program itself since that time and the amount of changes the coaching staff underwent, there are going to be several defensive line coaches that want their shot at molding him. Gaye’s fit really can be found in any scheme. The team needs a plan for him, and Gaye needs to stay healthy. Upside is there to finish ahead several of the guys listed ahead of him.

17) Yasir Abdullah – Louisville – 6’1/237

Grade: 75

NFL Comparison: Haason Reddick / PHI

Fifth year senior. Four-year starter from Miramar, FL. Two-time All ACC, first team in 2022. Abdullah has been an undersized edge defender his entire career. He arrived at Louisville after a successful high school track career in addition to football, posting times in the 100 M and 200 M that are usually reserved for receivers and defensive backs. It was not until 2021 where he really broke out and developed the skill set to offset his lack of bulk. Abdullah is overly reliant on the first step-win. He needs that initial crease. When he gets there, he plays under the pads of the blocker with ease while maintaining the ability to turn a tight corner and burst to his point. He plays the run well. He beat up tight ends on a routine basis and even showed the ability to cover them. Ask three different defenses where he fits best, and three different answers will come out. No matter what, his biggest impact will be felt as a speed rusher but there is enough a defense can do with him to keep him on the field in most situations.

*Similar to Reddick coming out of Temple in 2017, Abdullah needs the right situation to realize his potential. I do not see a guy that will end up with the same career and production as Reddick, but the idea behind him is the same. Sure, he can float back into coverage and move around in certain looks, but you bring this kid in to rush the passer. Period. That is his job. Do not line him up in the middle with occasional blitzes off the edge, it will not work. Abdullah is on the same level of explosion/speed as Reddick was coming out, very near what Nolan Smith is now. You like those guys? You must at least kinda like Abdullah.

18) Mike Morris – Michigan – 6’5/275

Grade: 74

NFL Comparison: Alex Wright / CLE

Fourth year junior entry. Two-year starter from Belle Glade, FL. First Team All-Big Ten and Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2022. Morris was a late bloomer, as he was on the field for just five defensive snaps over the course of 2019-2020. He showed alignment versatility in 2021, seeing equal usage on the edge and inside the tackle. Once he was moved almost exclusively to the edge, Morris saw his production and level of consistency jump. His length and power will make him a force as an edge setting run defender. He plays a man’s game with proper hand usage. The athletic limitations that came from his leggy frame will limit his secondary rush moves, causing him to get bodied by pro-caliber tackles. His pad level and lower body explosion shortcomings will also need to be fixed if he wants to carry the consistency, he showed in 2022 to the NFL. He will start off as a rotational defender in any front but will likely end as a 4-3 defensive end when all is said a done, a borderline starting caliber one.

*Morris has the tools to be a quality player in the league. He still has a lot to prove and develop but if a team believes in their ability to develop young linemen, he can be a starter within two years. He has a uniqueness to him. There is some good tape against his best opponents, and he can be a fit in all situations. Do I have him too low? Some will say yes. I sense some danger here. Is he maxed out? Can he fix some of the lower body issues? How much does he sense the blocking schemes? These are the big questions I have, and we are not talking about a special athlete. Wide spectrum of possibilities here.

19) Jose Ramirez – Eastern Michigan – 6’2/242

Grade: 73

NFL Comparison: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo / CLE

Sixth year senior. Three-year starter from Lake Alfred, FL. Three-time All-MAC, first team in 2022. Also finished his career as an All-American and the winner of the MAC Defensive Player of the Year Award. Originally signed with Arizona out of high school a wide receiver/safety recruit. He had to go the Junior College route before settling in at Eastern Michigan in 2019. Ramirez is a crafty edge rusher that played on a different level than his opponents in 2022. His ability to win off the snap with sudden burst set him up stay snug to blockers as he turned the corner. His rush moves are plentiful. The 24-year-old rookie does not defend the run with a stout presence, but he does have a way of getting to space and adjusting his weight on the fly. He is a strong finisher with good football sense. He will be a nice backup option for 3-4 fronts with a ceiling of being a good number three option if he can improve his strength.

*Crafty is the word that comes to mind here. Ramirez falls short across multiple measurables, nearly all of them to be honest, but he knows how to beat blockers. His moves, and counter moves, are well-developed. Can he increase his power game enough to widen the repertoire? Pro tackles, who he played against very little against in college, are going to try and swallow him up. Ramirez needs to be taken at the right spot of the draft, but he is a guy that is way beyond many others on this list when it comes to having a plan.

20) Lonnie Phelps Jr – Kansas – 6’2/244

Grade: 73

Senior entry. Four-year starter from Cincinnati, OH. Two-time All-MAC and earned All-Big 12 honors in 2022. Spent three seasons at Miami (OH) before transferring to Kansas for his final year. Phelps Jr. is a hyper, athletic tone setter than instantly adds energy and intensity to the team. He was a demon on special teams as well as off the edge defensively. He plays with a solid first step, easy bend, and natural avoidance of blockers. He does not always play with proper discipline, technique, and control but the one certainty he brings is effort. Phelps will create based on that alone. He is a bit of a project defensively, but the baseline tools are more than good enough, and he has proven to produce across multiple conferences. At the very least, Phelps Jr. will be one of the top special teamers on whatever team he lands on.

*One of two guys that transferred out of that Miami (OH) program that elevated their outlook in a big way this past season. Phelps is undersized and undisciplined. But man, the energy and effort he brings to the field along with his juice and sheer strength can find a home somewhere. He will make his money as a special team ace, one you will actually notice week to week, while a coaching staff tries to refine the skill set and find his best role. A 3-4 outside linebacker front is likely the only spot he fills into the best.

21-39

21: Isaiah McGuire – Missouri – 6’4/268: 72
22: Byron Young – Tennessee – 6’2/250: 72
23: Tavius Robinson – Mississippi – 6’6/257: 72
24: Tyrus Wheat – Mississippi State – 6’2/263: 72
25: Andre Carter II – Army – 6’7/256: 72
26: Zach Harrison – Ohio State – 6’5/274: 72
27: Robert Beal Jr. – Georgia – 6’4/247: 72
28: Tyler Lacy – Oklahoma State – 6’4/279: 71
29: Dylan Horton – TCU – 6’4/257: 71
30: DJ Johnson – Oregon – 6’4/260: 70
31: Thomas Incoom – Central Michigan – 6’2/262: 70
32: Ochaun Mathis – Nebraska – 6’5/250: 70
33: Nick Hampton – Appalachian State – 6’2/236: 69
34: BJ Thompson – Stephen F. Austin – 6’5/238: 69
35: Viliami Fehoko – San Jose State – 6’4/276: 69
36: Caleb Murphy – Ferris State – 6’3/254: 69
37: Brevin Allen – Campbell – 6’3/265: 69
38: Brenton Cox Jr. – Florida – 6’4/250: 69
39: Habakkuk Baldonado – Pittsburgh – 6’4/251: 69

NYG APPROACH

The discussion around the defensive tackle position in relation to NYG was about depth. Whether they add a veteran or rookie, there needs to be an addition made for the sake of depth the long-term projection of the position. That notion rings true with the edge group as well and I could make the argument the need is even stronger. While I like the return of Jihad Ward, and Tomon Fox flashed as a physical edge setter, we cannot overlook how vulnerable this outside group is in the current state. If either Thibodeaux or Ojulari (again) goes down, who is stepping in? Pass rushers do not grow on trees and the idea that a difference making veteran can be scooped up over the summer or after rosters are cut down would be more fantasy than reality. NYG needs to add a rotational piece this group in this draft, the deepest group of edge rushers I have ever scouted.

Who and when is the question. Is round one too early? This team has several holes, and they just used a top five pick on the edge in 2022. Day two seems like the popular vote to many but remember, that is often the answer for many positions and NYG has just one pick in round two, one pick in round three as of now. Their late third was used on tight end Darren Waller. The fourth round is my projection. Because of the abundance of talent available at edge in this group, I must think there is going to be a future starter or three there when NYG comes on the clock day three. Next question will be about skill set. As stated earlier, I think Martindale will lean toward size and power more than he will burst and speed. The day three names that match up with that approach are likely to be Diaby, Foskey, Gaye, and Morris. All those guys can contribute in 2023 and fill the shoes of Ward in 2024. That is where I think they go but as always and especially with this position, there is no such thing as “too early” for another pass rusher. Including #25 overall.

Trenton Simpson – © USA TODAY Sports

LINEBACKERS

Layout of the Preview:

1) Brief Positional Overview
2) Top 15 Prospects. Includes Grade, NFL Comparison, Summary, Extra Thoughts

*Comparisons are more about physical profile and play style, NOT projection

3) Grades only: 16-29

*Grading Scale:

90+: All Pro
85+ Pro Bowl
81-84: 1st Round / Year 1 Contributor / Starter
79-80: 2nd Round / Year 1 Contributor / Year 2 Starter
77-78: 3rd Round / Contribute by end of Year 1 / Year 2 Starter
74-76: Early Day 3 / Special Teams / Future Backup / Possible Starter
71-73: Mid-Day 3 / Special Teams / Future backup / Gamble Starter
68-70: Late Day 3 / Back End of Roster / Practice Squad / Developmental
65-67: Preferred UDFA
60-64: UDFA

4) Positional Approach – Draft Weekend

OVERVIEW

With the surprise release of Blake Martinez prior to the regular season in 2022 coupled with a season-ending knee injury to Darian Beavers, the Giants were playing from behind at linebacker all year. A new defensive scheme that had an advanced degree in causing confusion from the perspective of the opposing offense was able to somewhat patch the hole over these leaks. Jaylon Smith returned to lead the group in snaps, but it was late-season signing Jarrad Davis who was re-signed this offseason. Day-3 rookie Micah McFadden saw a lot of action and while he offered similar inside run defense to Tae Crowder, who was released in-season, it was not enough to earn an automatic starting nod in 2023. He will compete for the spot next to the team’s biggest signing of the offseason, Bobby Okereke. Having the every-down force and leader at that spot and letting the likes of Davis, McFadden, and Beavers compete for the other spot will make this position much stronger than what it was in 2022.

TOP 15 GRADES AND ANALYSIS

1) Trenton Simpson – Clemson – 6’2/235

Grade: 80

NFL Comparison: Jerome Baker / MIA

Junior entry. Three-year starter from Charlotte, NC. Third-team All-ACC in 2022. Simpson, the son of a US Army Ranger, played a unique role for the Clemson defense, widely considered one of the best in the country over his tenure. The “overhang linebacker” saw plenty of snaps in the box, as an edge rusher, and defending the slot. He was made for a role like that, as he is one of the fastest (if not the fastest) front seven defenders in the nation. His explosion and build up speed can get him all over the field in a hurry. Look around the ball at the whistle and there is a strong probability Simpson is there. This is a physical player will bring the pop, too. His contact makes a different kind of sound and his victims come up spending some extra time adjusting their chin straps afterward. Simpson played in so many different roles but may not have fully developed into a prototype linebacker. If there is a defensive scheme that can match Simpson’s usage in college, one that favors pursuit and space, he will thrive. Teams must be careful with how much they rely on him between the tackles early on but no matter what, his long-term prognosis is a good one because of the intangibles. He will develop well into whatever role is put in front of him.

After watching a lot of the Martindale scheme over the recent years split between BAL and NYG, it is easy to think Simpson would be an ideal fit. He is fast and physical. He is smart. He will be a tough and dependable player that is mature beyond his years. And most importantly, Simpson is versatile. He can align all over the field and fill multiple roles. Does he have enough natural feel for the game? That is the question. For a guy with the experience and natural intelligence he has, it is hard to figure out why he can’t seem to avoid making mental mistakes. If the coaches think they can mold his mind, Simpson’s talent is no-doubt first round worthy and would be a fun addition next to Okereke. In some ways, he makes a lot of sense at #25.

2) Jack Campbell – Iowa – 6’5/249

Grade: 80

NFL Comparison: Leighton Vander Esch / DAL

Senior entry. Two-year starter from Cedar Falls, IA. Two-time first team All-Big Ten and 2022 first team All-American. The two-time team captain fits the mold of the current green dot, Mike linebacker in the NFL. He is a big, country-thick kid with easy tackle-to-tackle range as an inside run stuffer. He brings heavy contact to blockers with accurate hands and a long reach to prevent them from locking in. He has multiple tools in the box to shed and pursue. The footwork may be the most impressive trait. He steps on a lot of ants every play, stays square to the target, and pounces like a lion once the read is made. It allows him to play with proper patience, balance, and control. Campbell’s size and ability to move those feet can keep him on the field against the pass. He has a radius that can disrupt passing lanes with the feel to lengthen his range. The more Campbell plays, the more he helps a defense win. This is a simple and safe player that may get exposed from time to time athletically but other than that, set it and forget it.

*Fun fact. Of the 300+ off ball linebackers I have tracked from the combine dating back to 2010, Campbell is just one of just seven that measure in 6’4.5 or taller. Campbell does not play as fast as Vander Esch, who I compared the skill set to, but he can. He is a quality athlete, and the quick feet show up in coverage, it was the first standout trait I saw in his game. He can be more than a box defender at the next level, I think he simply needs to be unleashed. There are quite a few guys that have come from the Iowa program and took their game to a completely different level. I am not coming down on the school, but I do think there I truth to the concept their style holds guys back a bit. Campbell can easily be considered the top linebacker in the class based on what the defense is calling for. If NYG had to choose Campbell or Simpson, it would be a very tough call.

3) Drew Sanders – Arkansas – 6’4/231

Grade: 80

NFL Comparison: Quay Walker / GB

Junior entry. One-year starter from Denton, TX. Spent two seasons at Alabama prior to transferring to Arkansas for 2022. First Team All-SEC and All-American in addition to finishing as a finalist for the Dick Butkus Award. On paper, Sanders hard to look away from. Catch the right portions of the tape and once again, he is hard to look away from. Physically everything is there. He is fast and explosive, quick and agile, powerful and strong. The versatility he brings will give a defense options in any situation. Sanders can credibly play any off-ball linebacker spot, but his best tape is found as a blitzer and/or pass rusher. That was the original plan for him at Alabama but he felt his skill set was better in the role Arkansas had for him. Sanders’ has the tools and mentality, but there is still a lot of rawness in his game. He gets caught out of position at times and has many ugly losses against blockers on tape. There are also way too many missed tackles, and he seems to have an issue diagnosing and playing with instincts. His upside is enough to be considered in round one, but there is risk that comes from a lack of experience.

*Sanders did everything he could in the one season of real playing time he had under his belt heading into the pros. The production was real, there is nothing fake about it. The tools are there and he, by all accounts I have, is a smart kid with zero issues off the field. The one dent in his armor, and the reason why I stack him below the two names above despite having the same grade, is the unknown. Sanders played 1,182 snaps in college, 710 of them off the line. Campbell? 2,027 and 1,965. Simpson? 1,474 and 1,087. That, combined with my general rawness feel I got out of watching him play football get him the very-slight push down. Now the only case Sanders can make a case for finishing above these two, and this will be a very realistic option based on which team we are talking about, it the prowess he shows as a pass rusher. Sanders really can make things happen when he gets after the quarterback. After many hours of watching these three, I have no idea who ends up going first but it will fully depend on the scheme.

4) Ivan Pace Jr – Cincinnati – 5’11/231

Grade: 79

NFL Comparison: Nick Bolton / KC

Senior entry. Four-year starter from Cincinnati, OH. Spent three seasons at Miami (OH) before transferring to Cincinnati. Earned first team all-conference honors in the MAC and AAC and was the Defensive Player of the Year in both as well. 2022 first team All-American. It would be foolish to overlook Pace based on his height and lack of radius. While he will have a few measurements that fall well below the standard for linebackers, it has not slowed him down one bit and one could make the argument it is a valuable weapon in his arsenal. Pace is a ball of power. There is an edge to his contact whether he is making tackles or attacking blockers. The short legs play with tremendous stability, quickness, and speed. The instant he diagnoses the play, Pace flips a switch and is moving at his top rate of speed before the others notice the light is on. The natural advantage his pad level gives him against blockers and elite speed to power transfer make him menace to deal with in pursuit. This is a weapon that will make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Whether or not he can improve enough to be a factor in coverage will dictate where he goes because that is the one dent in his armor, and it is a significant one.

*Pace is the linebacker I am taking a chance on this year. I’m not sure how many have him graded as a top 100 player, I don’t pay attention to much in the media. But I have him as a credible second rounder. Look beyond the lack of height and reach for just one minute. Find a player that has accomplished what he did. Defensive Player of the Year in two conferences. 24 sacks from an off-ball linebacker and 41.5 TFL. And the best part? His best football was, by far, after he leveled up in competition. When you see such an anomaly with size, there better be domination elsewhere. Pace Jr has that. As I say in the summary above, he needs to be better in coverage. If he can improve there just a but, he will be a very good player in the NFL.

5) Henry To’oTo’o – Alabama – 6’1/227

Grade: 78

Senior entry. Four-year starter, two at Tennessee and two at Alabama. Two-time All-SEC including first team honors in 2022. The former five-start recruit made noise right away in the nation’s toughest conference, finishing second among SEC freshmen in tackles in 2019. He then led Tennessee in tackles in 2020 and added ten tackles for loss. The transfer to Alabama surprised some, but as expected he hit the ground running and led the team in tackles as a junior before finishing second in 2022. Simply put, To’oTo’o is a vacuum to ball carriers. The strength he has between the ears will be an asset to both him and those around him on the defense. He is a true signal caller that gives the group a coach on the field. He will play faster than he times because of it, as seen in the several pursuit-tackles he made against some of the most explosive running backs in FCS. To’oTo’o is an early starter in his career and one that can check all the boxes, including coverage roles. He will be in the league for a long time.

*If you want flashy, go somewhere else. If you want a solid contributor that shows up every week, stay here. This kid made me think of Antonio Pierce so many times over the last two years. Smart, gets guys in the right position, does not come off the field, rarely makes mistakes. While he is not a game-changer, he is the type that coaches know will help win games. You are not going to hear pundits celebrate when he gets drafted, but he is the kind of player that the fanbase truly appreciates years down the road. Is he athletic enough? He chased down Texas A&M Devon Achane, arguably the fastest running back in the draft.

6) Dorian Williams – Tulane – 6’1/228

Grade: 77

NFL Comparison: Foyesade Oluokun / JAC

Senior entry. Three-year starter from Indian Land, SC. Three-time All-AAC, first team in 2022. Williams has two main attributes that deserve a second look. One, production. Over the last three seasons (including the Covid year), he has 302 tackles, 28 TFL, 10.5 sacks, and 13 PB. This kid makes plays all over the field against both the run and pass, and he does it with speed, his second top tier attribute. He ran a 4.49 forty and plays even faster on tape. Throw in the broad and long frame that will hold more weight once in a pro strength program, Williams has an upside very few linebackers do. He needs to make his contact more powerful when he does not have a running start and his footwork needs to be cleaner against the inside run. The things that need improvement will take time, but they are coachable. The talent and ability he currently has, is not. Williams is an ideal candidate to play sub-package football for a year and then be put into a starting lineup and assume he will make plays from there on out.

*Williams has the same ceiling as all the guys above him in this group. One can argue, because of the size and speed, his is higher. I do not think he can contribute at a high level right away but there can be usage here depending on matchups. He can run with anyone, he shows a good sense for the action, and his engine runs hot all the time. Very curious to see where he is in two years.

7) Daiyan Henley – Washington State – 6’0/225

Grade: 77

NFL Comparison: Darron Lee / RET

Sixth year senior. Three-year starter. Began his career as a wide receiver at Nevada from 2017-2021. Transferred to Washington State for the 2022 season. Earned all-conference honors in both the Mountain West and Pac-12 respectively, including first team honors in 2022. Henley spent three years at wide receiver before transitioning to linebacker. That kind of athletic ability show up on tape. He plays in fast forward mode and plays his best football in space. He pursues sideline to sideline with constant energy and effort. For a player that is still relatively new to the defensive side, Henley is a good tackler and shows range in coverage. His inside-run defending is a shortcoming. He does not have a stoutness to his lower half and will get washed out of lanes. He also does not show the feel necessary to gain initial angle advantages, showing numerous false steps and wrong gap selection. He will be a work in progress that will contribute on special teams initially, at a high level, with the ceiling of being a very solid sub package defender. He could find a home in nickel/dime looks but will need to show he can handle run defense responsibilities that require him staying in the box and maneuvering to the action.

*Because of the traits and impressive stretches of play in 2022, I have a feeling Henley will be taken higher than where I have him. I like the story here and his experience at receiver could help him truly mold a role as a pass defender that many teams want at the second level. I look at the issues in his game and struggle with the projection of how much better he can get with them. Either way he is a risk, but one with a high ceiling because of the package he has physically.

8) Isaiah Moore – North Carolina State – 6’2/233

Grade: 75

NFL Comparison: Deion Jones / FA

Sixth year senior. Five-year starter from Chester, VA. Honorable Mention All-ACC in 2022. Moore is a three-time team captain that used his extra season of eligibility given due to the Covid-19 season after tearing his ACL week 7 of 2021. He sat out the spring, rehabbing from surgery, and went on to start every game last fall. He saved his best for last. Moore finished with 15 tackles for loss, putting him top five career in program history (43.5). This is an inside linebacker that appears to be an ideal fit for a 3-4 scheme. He constantly gets the initial read correct and has good enough burst and speed to close in on the action. The violence on contact and sure-tackling ability will make him a stout and versatile run defender. His quick feet and instincts will get him to his points in coverage, although he may be best suited for a two-down role. Moore, now more than a year removed from surgery, has future starter and team leader written all over him. A coach’s favorite-type.

*I feel if Moore had a clean bill of health under his name, he would be a definite day two pick. But, he doesn’t. And there is some tape on him that makes him look slow. Was he not fully recovered from the ACL early in the year? Perhaps. Only the medical team will be able to answer that. But from my perspective, especially late in the year, he is fast enough, and he proved that at his Pro Day with a forty in the 4.6 range. Moore is quietly one of the more productive linebackers in the class, he has team captain-type intangibles, and is now a year-plus removed from the rehab process. Sign me up, especially in this situation. Moore will be a target of mine day three.

9) Owen Pappoe – Auburn – 6’0/225

Grade: 75

NFL Comparison: Jatavis Brown / RET

Senior entry. Three-year starter from Lawrenceville, GA. Pappoe was a former top-shelf recruit that had a game built around speed and violence. He started for three years but essentially was a big part of their defense from the second he stepped on campus. The two-time team captain brings a certain level of energy and physicality to the defense. He turns speed into power when he meets the ball carrier on the move. The range is credible sideline-to-sideline caliber and has cleaned up the missed tackle rate that was an issue earlier in his career. What he has not yet developed, despite over 2,000 career snaps, is the ability to quickly diagnose running lanes and plays. He gets lost in traffic easily and the hesitation he shows pre-snap gives him angle-disadvantages against blockers. The lack of size and poor footwork will make it hard for him to get off blocks. Pappoe should stick as a special teamer and quality weak side backup, but will likely need a role where he is in space and away from the crowd as often as possible. 4th-5th round.

*Pappoe is just the second off-ball linebacker to run a sub-4.4 at the combine since 2010. There is speed, and then there is this kind of speed. Pappoe is going to have a camp of supporters and I expect him to go a bit earlier than where I have him. At linebacker, speed only works is the instincts are there. While he will make some things happen from the weak side in pursuit and he does add a level of physicality to the defense, I get nervous about his ability to hold up. The guy I compared him to, Jatavis Brown, eventually could not hold up after a very strong start to his career with the Chargers. This size, this speed, this play style, this frame smells like a short-term investment.

10) Nick Herbig – Wisconsin – 6’2/240

Grade: 75

NFL Comparison: Sione Takitaki / CLE

Junior entry. Three-year starter from Kauai, HI. Earned All-American and first team All-Big Ten honors in 2022. Brother of NFL offensive lineman Nate Herbig, most recently of the Jets. Herbig came in as an undersized, not-so-athletic true freshman during the height of the pandemic over 4,000 miles away from his family in Hawaii. He left as a team captain with 36 career tackles for loss and 21 sacks. The intangibles, production, and reliable role playing will be a draw to pro coaches. The question will remain just how physically capable he is to play an edge role at the next level. He is too small to play there every down and there are valid concerns with his movement traits as an off-ball linebacker. If he gets put into the wrong system, it will end up as a square peg-round hole type situation. He needs a hybrid front to get him into a role that puts him on the edge on sure passing downs and in a well-protected spot off-ball in other spots. The maturity and intelligence will give him a fighting chance.

*This is going to be a schematic thing for Herbig. He will not fit into a lot of them. I do not see an every down 3-4 outside linebacker like some do. The length is poor, the get-off is average. New Orleans made a mistake with Zack Baun and while I remove program-bias from my final evaluations, this was a comparable situation. Herbig will not get away in the NFL with some of the things he did in college. He will need an off-ball role with an occasional drop down to the line. Can he hack it there? It will be a question mark and the development will take extra time. He can be a solid player in a couple years, but I do not see a high ceiling.

11) Ventrell Miller – Florida – 6’0/232

Grade: 73

NFL Comparison: Kevin Pierre-Louis / HOU

Sixth year senior entry. Four-year starter that played in only two games in 2021 because of a torn bicep tendon that required surgery. Began his career on the wrong foot, missing all of 2017 because of a suspension due to involvement in a credit card fraud scheme. In addition, he was arrested for drug possession (marijuana) that same year and during high school. Even though that episode in his life was a long time ago, it will be part of the screening process. On the field Miller has been a mainstay of the Gators defense. He is a rangy, fast, physical player that will put his body on the line. His size metrics fall slightly below average, but that does not show up on tape much. His bendy movement style and ability to locate and pursue through creases will give him a fighting chance in the league. He projects to a backup role with the physical ability of being a two-down starter.

*Miller played most of 2022 on a bad foot and it required surgery after the season. He plans to workout for teams soon. If he checks out medically and runs well, we could see him bump up a few spots. I like Miller’s tape a lot, but he is inconsistent. The character issues do carry weight as well. Every year we see a day three linebacker make an immediate impact in the league. It would not surprise me at all to see Miller be that guy.

12) Shaka Heyward – Duke – 6’3/235

Grade: 73

NFL Comparison: Kenny Young / FA

Fifth year senior. Four-year starter from Dacula, GA. Two-time All-ACC. Heyward is a versatile front seven defender that produced across the entire stat sheet over and over. He has a good feel for both coverage and moving downhill. The mental capacity he shows in combination with the rare blend of tools will be an attractive combination to teams that like to give multiple looks. He has the closing speed and tenacity to play with a true finisher’s mentality and impact. He will add energy to the front seven of a defense. He does not always know where to go post-snap and will often play catch up. The windows in the NFL will be much smaller and shorter-lived. Heyward could use a year or two to add more power to his frame as well, but he still brings sub-package options to the table, both in coverage and as a pass rusher. Add in the likely special teams value he will bring to the table and he should see multiple teams lining up for his services.

*In a crowded group of early-to-mid day three linebackers, Heyward has a few standout traits. Standout traits combined with his versatile production could easily to lead him to the top of this tier. I went back and watched Heyward after my deep dive wondering if I missed something. This dude checks a lot of boxes and can line up in multiple spots. I kept him here because of the clunkiness to his movement that partially stems from slow eyes.

13) DeMarvion Overshown – Texas – 6’3/229

Grade: 73

NFL Comparison: Oren Burks / GB

Fifth year senior. Three-year starter from Arp, TX. Three-time All-Big 12, first team in 2022. Overshown has played all over the Texas defense, and he has the versatile production to show from his entire career to prove he can help a defense in a variety of ways. The question is not about the multiplicity in his game, but the effectiveness snap to snap. Overshown is long and fast. He can fly to the ball and is found everywhere. He pressured the quarterback over 50 times in his career, he had three interceptions, ten pass breakups, and finished top two in both tackles and tackles for loss each of the last three seasons respectively. Simply put, Overshown made things happen. The highlight reel can be a fun watch. What happens between those plays can cause concern, however. Overshown does not play a stout style. His power only turns on when he has a full head of steam. Teams that want to use their weak side defender in a roaming role, kept in space, and moved around will see him as a starting caliber player. He will not be a fit for everyone, though.

*Another one I may be lower on than norm. Overshown has tools and you know what you are getting week to week. But does he hurt the defense as much as he helps? I want my guys a little stouter than fast even in today’s NFL. Overshown’s lack of presence simply concerns me, but I do think he can make impact plays as a package defender. That would be tremendous day three value.

14) Noah Sewell – Oregon – 6’2/246

Grade: 72

NFL Comparison: Anthony Hitchens / FA

Junior entry. Three-year starter from Malaeimi, American Samoa. Three-time All-Pac 12, first team in 2021. Sewell is the brother of Penei, the current starting right tackle for Detroit. The 2020 Pac 12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year was a highly touted player coming into college and especially after his first season with the Ducks. Since then, the skill set never took a step forward. He is an excellent bruiser between the tackles with good feel for angles and creases. Sewell packs a punch when he gets in contact with the ball carrier and/or blocker. His lack of sudden change of direction and burst shows up weekly, though. There is too much tightness in his hips and a lack of reactionary agility to be counted on in space. His best fit would be inside within a 3-4 scheme that would come off the field in sub packages. The upside will not be high, but Sewell should stick around the league beyond his rookie contract because of dependability high floor.

*Sewell has been highly touted for a long time. At times, that can inflate a prospect once the draft season actually comes around to the public. Take out the last name, take out the high school five-star rating. Break his tape down and I see a guy that will end up needing to be in a 3-4 front and likely comes off the field after run options are no longer on the table. He can hit like a truck, and I trust his run defense inside, but he does not have the looseness in his hips to constantly react in a sudden matter. I think that will get exposed if he is left in space often. Not a bad guy to have on the bench though, he can play in certain situations and schemes.

15) Jeremy Banks – Tennessee – 6’1/232

Grade: 71

NFL Comparison: Zaire Franklin / IND

Fifth year senior. Two-year starter from Cordova, TN. Arrived at Tennessee playing running back. Following his redshirt season, the conversation began and a couple weeks into the 2019 season, he was full-time at linebacker. He picked off two passes in his third game. Unfortunately, Banks was dismissed from the program soon after due to an arrest for failure to appear in court. Around that time, a video from a separate incident surfaced of Banks being harassed, but also him firing back yelling out threats to a woman. Banks returned to the team in 2020 and has been out of trouble since. The explosive and bendy weak side linebacker that can also play some MIKE is violent. He packs a punch and plays the game angry. He does not always know where he’s going and has a hard time diagnosing early, but there is some make up speed there. He ran down some of the fastest backs the SEC had to offer. He likely fits in as a special teamer and backup early on. You will see this kid’s name called though. He is a highlight-reel hitter.

*I know this goes without saying, but there will need to be a few extra conversations about Banks the past character issues. Has he outgrown them? Or is he a ticking time bomb? On the field, Banks immediately makes the defense and special teams more violent. We will often hear coaches talk about the desire for a guy that plays like he has a few screws loose. A guy that wants to be the one that knocks your teeth out. Banks is that guy. I also see some alignment versatility with him.

16-29

16: Dee Winters – TCU – 5’11/227: 71
17: Isaiah Land – Florida A&M – 6’4/236: 71
18: Marte Mapu – Sacramento State – 6’3/220: 70
19: SirVocea Dennis – Pittsburgh – 6’1/226: 70
20: Cam Jones – Indiana – 6’1/226: 70
21: Aubrey Mitchell – Jackson State – 6’0/229: 69
22: Anfernee Orji – Vanderbilt – 6’1/230: 69
23: Micah Baskerville – LSU – 6’0/224: 69
24: Mohamoud Diabate – Utah – 6’3/225: 69
25: Mikel Jones – Syracuse – 6’0/229: 68
26: DeAndre Square – Kentucky – 6’0/226: 68
27: Bumper Pool – Arkansas – 6’2/235: 68
28: DeShaun White – Oklahoma – 6’0/224: 68
29: Carlton Martial – Troy – 5’7/210: 68

NYG APPROACH

The signing of Bobby Okereke and likely return of Darian Beavers from the torn ACL gives a little less urgency to this position. I view Micah McFadden and the re-signed veteran Jarrad Davis as quality options for depth and they will factor on special teams. Both are run defenders only, however. What happens to this group if one of the starters goes down? They will be a major liability against the pass. Cam Brown and Carter Coughlin will not help. They recently brought in Deion Jones for a visit, a former #52 overall pick who had a really good start to his career. He has not been a factor since 2020, but one thing he can do well is cover. If the Giants add a piece to the group via the draft, it will likely be someone who is more active in space. I do not see this happening until day three. Then you simply need to ask, who are you getting day three who helps this team who they do not already have? It really needs to be coverage-based. Shaka Heyward from Duke makes sense, as does Marte Mapu (a former safety) who flashed at the Senior Bowl multiple times. Because they have so many picks (for now), I think one of these will be used on a linebacker, but again, most likely somewhere from the fifth round-on.

Brian Branch – © USA TODAY Sports

SAFETIES

Layout of the Preview:

1) Brief Positional Overview
2) Top 15 Prospects. Includes Grade, NFL Comparison, Summary, Extra Thoughts

*Comparisons are more about physical profile and play style, NOT projection

3) Grades only: 16-25

*Grading Scale:

90+: All Pro
85+ Pro Bowl
81-84: 1st Round / Year 1 Contributor / Starter
79-80: 2nd Round / Year 1 Contributor / Year 2 Starter
77-78: 3rd Round / Contribute by end of Year 1 / Year 2 Starter
74-76: Early Day 3 / Special Teams / Future Backup / Possible Starter
71-73: Mid-Day 3 / Special Teams / Future backup / Gamble Starter
68-70: Late Day 3 / Back End of Roster / Practice Squad / Developmental
65-67: Preferred UDFA
60-64: UDFA

4) Positional Approach – Draft Weekend

OVERVIEW

The Giants have their focal point of the safety group, and arguably the entire secondary, in Xavier McKinney. But after three years, he has played in 32 games and missed 18. He does not deserve the “injury-prone” label just yet, as the 2022 injury was sustained during an off-field incident. But this is a huge year for McKinney, a free agent after the season. We have seen glimpses and the talent is obvious. This is an every-down, every-situation threat but we need to see more. The pieces around him are not stable and the signing of Bobby McCain reinforces that notion. Dane Belton and Jason Pinnock will get their crack at serious playing time, but McCain provides the veteran safety net that was left behind by the Julian Love departure. This group needs to take a step up in 2023.

TOP 15 GRADES AND ANALYSIS

1) Brian Branch – Alabama – 6’0 / 195

Grade: 85

NFL Comparison: PJ Williams / NO

Junior entry. Two-year starter from Fayetteville, GA. All-SEC and All-American in 2022. Branch is a versatile defensive weapon that can fit into any defensive scheme at multiple spots. He can adjust the usage of his tool set to best fit into whichever role works best. He can be a missile from the back end that makes plays behind the line of scrimmage (led national defensive backs with 14 TFL), he can blanket a receiver in coverage and make plays on the ball (16 PB past two years), and he has one of the lowest missed tackle rates in FBS (all positions). This is a twitched up, explosive, physical player with all the parts that add up to a back seven defender that can be built around. Branch is going to be a force in the league and adds instant upgrades across all levels the moment he is put on the field.

*Branch has been the top inside defensive back all year. I first put eyes on him in early October and every week I walked away with the feeling that this is the kind of safety every team is looking for. Think Julian Love on steroids. He plays incredibly fast downhill and in pursuit, he shows excellent instincts against the intermediate and short passing game, and he does not miss any tackles. Just an ideal fit for a nickel safety role. I don’t like him in deep coverage roles, that is where the lack of top gear gets exposed. If he falls to #25 (I do not think he will), could NYG consider him? My short answer, absolutely yes he needs to be considered. Branch will be better than Love early on, and that is still a spot, in my eyes, that looks great on paper.

2) Jartavius Martin – Illinois – 5’11 / 194

Grade: 84

NFL Comparison: Kareem Jackson / DEN

Fifth year senior. Five-year starter from Lehigh Acres, FL. Second team All-Big Ten in 2022. Began his career as an outside corner and moves inside to a nickel safety role. Martin saved his best for last, playing his way into number one safety contention as a fifth-year senior. With the number of teams looking for a player with this exact skill set, Martin can make a strong case to be considered both the best athlete and best tackler among all nickel-role players in the class. His tape is impressive. He plays fast and physical with very limited mistakes. His workout at the combine may have been the most eye opening of all the safeties. Martin really is a middle of the field defender with the cornerback skills set. The experience at both spots will only ease the transition to the next level. He is a year-one starter with immense upside.

*A sneaky name to keep an eye on as draft weekend approaches. Martin grades out incredibly similar to Branch and is undoubtedly a better athlete. When you think about the void left by Love, Martin’s game is hard to ignore. This Illinois secondary was so much fun to watch and admittedly I did not give Martin the attention he deserved early on. On the deep dive portion of the process, he just kept checking box after box. He then goes to the combine and tears it up. This kid is all business, all the time. Coaches are going to love him. He has a real shot at being a first rounder.

3) Jordan Battle – Alabama – 6’1 / 209

Grade: 80

NFL Comparison: Adrian Amos / GB

Senior entry. Four-year starter from Fort Lauderdale, FL. Two-time All-SEC including first team honors in 2021 and 2022. Battle earned his way onto the field as a freshman the old-fashioned way. He stood out on special teams via hustle and assignment-savvy role playing. The size and speed were already there. Once he proved to one of the more demanding defensive back coaches in the nation that he could make good decisions and play at a high level within the scheme, there was no looking back. Battle is a shot caller from the back end. He will be a quick learner and should soon be the leader of a secondary at the next level. Battle is reliable but shows a limited ceiling in coverage. He plays tight and will not reach all his points in reaction-based coverage. However, his anticipation and obvious signs of intelligence combined with the passion for the game will go a long way. If his range in coverage is not relied upon too often, Battle will be an asset to the defense and special teams in multiple ways.

*Battle screams New England Patriot to me. Maybe not the most impressive athlete (but no slouch), but a smart and physical player that knows where to be. Battle is not a playmaker, but he would be an ideal complement to one. I don’t see him taking over games or ending up in the Pro Bowl year after year, but he will have a long career full of steady, reliable play. You will simply have to be OK with him getting burned from time to time.

4) Sydney Brown – Illinois – 5’10 / 211

Grade: 80

NFL Comparison: Kevin Byard / TEN

Fifth year senior. Five-year starter from London, Ontario. Three-time All-Big Ten, including a first team honor in 2022, a season where he tied for the national lead in interceptions with six. Father played for three seasons in the CFL. Twin brother, Chase, is also a credible draft prospect in the running back group. Brown is one of the most physical players I have ever scouted. He is jam packed with power and twitchy, explosive muscle. He has the lower body of a power-running back, obviously showing signs of taking his training seriously. This is a kid that eats, sleeps, and breathes football. The Brown twins overcame significant adversity as children and have become young men that are mature and developed way beyond their years. Sydney is a force that will add an instant jolt of energy to the defense and special teams’ units. He goes from zero to sixty in an instant and now the anticipation is catching up. He plays with such range and constant violence. Look around post-whistle and you will almost always see him near the ball. Brown’s thickness, speed, burst, and versatility are rare. The lack of radius can be an issue against tight ends and he needs to hone the pursuit aggression at times, but this player is going to get his name called over and over at the next level.

*I’ve been waiting for years for this kid to enter the draft. I have had him as a day two pick for a long time now. His 6 interceptions last fall put him on the national spotlight, and it appears others have now caught on. Brown will have some detractors because of his poor coverage against bigger receivers, namely tight ends, and over-aggressive pursuit. I think he is the kind of kid that is going to fix his issues while playing faster than everyone else. At the very worst, he will be the best special teamer on the team.

5) Ji’Ayer Brown – Penn State – 5’11 / 203

Grade: 79

NFL Comparison: Ha Ha Clinton-Dix / FA

Fifth year senior. Two-year starter from Trenton, NJ. Spent two seasons at Lackawanna Community College prior to transferring to Penn State during the Covid year. This was the same path taken by former Penn State safety and 2022 second rounder Jaquan Brisker. He earned third team All-Big Ten honors in both seasons respectively as a starter. Brown led the team with six interceptions in 2021 and led the team with 75 tackles in 2022. His play style supports the notion this kid is all over the field and will factor across multiple forms. His quick trigger and aggressive downhill style can be both a blessing a curse. His range is credible both in coverage and pursuit. He is the catalyst to several big plays for the defense. Brown’s instincts and decision making can be questioned, however. He is often caught out position and there are some movement-based shortcomings that have allowed explosive plays for the offense. This is an all or nothing player right now but there is no denying the playmaking potential he has if a coaching staff can develop his mental side.

*Some are saying Brown has a shot at being the second safety taken. I’m not there on him, but I did watch a lot of his 2021 tape heading into this season and it is easy to fall in love. His trigger is difference-making. Some evaluators even give him a check-mark when diagnosing his instincts. I’m not there with him, either. I think Brown is a guesser. After watching seven games of his from 2022, more than I wanted to watch, that is my evaluation. Just too many steps in the wrong direction and not enough pure speed to make up for it. I suspect teams will have love/hate here when contrasting views between each other. A “risk-it” defense will take him.

6) Antonio Johnson – Texas A&M – 6’2/198

Grade: 79

NFL Comparison: Kamren Curl / WAS

Junior entry. Two-year starter from East St. Louis, IL. Two-time All-SEC, including first team honors in 2022 despite missing three games due to injury. Johnson has the physical profile and play to support the role of an interchangeable safety. While he is at his best flying downhill and pursuing the football, he spent most of his career in a nickel/slot – type role. He plays with a wide radius that stems from plus-height and length and has enough fluidity in his hips to move in any direction on the fly. This is the kind of defender that can excel against the athletic tight ends that cause issues for defenses weekly. Johnson is physical, but he lacks power. He is quick the ball but will overshoot his target often. He has good speed, but not enough to stay with pro vertical threats down the field. He is a quality, versatile player but there is a ceiling to his grade because there are too many mistakes and noticeable caps on his tool set. He should be a solid starting safety that will do his best against the action in front of him.

*On paper, Johnson looks like an ideal safety for today’s NFL. Good size, good enough speed, versatile sustained production in the SEC. The deeper dive exposed shortcomings that made him dip down the stack a bit. Still a good player and someone I can see starting in the NFL. But for a guy that won’t cover a deep half or stick to wide receivers in the passing game, I wish I saw more of an enforcer here. His contact is too light and he simply is not strong enough for that role in the league. With what tight ends are doing now, Johnson will be an asset, albeit a limited one.

7) JL Skinner – Boise State – 6’4 / 209

Grade: 77

NFL Comparison: Israel Mukuamu / DAL

Senior entry. Three-year starter from San Diego, CA. Two-time All-Mountain West, including first team honors in 2022. Skinner has a unique body type that does not show up at safety often. He looks like a track athlete and/or basketball player; overly lean and long. The lack of bulk and high-cut frame can cause issues against the speed and suddenness of pro receivers, but Skinner is a proven playmaker underneath and can win in contested situations. His role is interchangeable, but most of his impact will be felt when covering tight ends and in pursuit. The impactful tackler and instinctive decision maker will have a wide spectrum of good and bad, but a good defensive mind and complementary pieces around him should be able to hide the deficiencies that stem from his body type and skill set. Skinner will provide good special teams play early on and at the very least will be a strong matchup killer against athletic tight ends.

*This is not my favorite body type when projecting safeties to the next level. The high-hipped movement is an issue if he is put in the wrong scheme or role. His radius is not something passers want to deal with, however. If Skinner can cover tight ends and be kept out of space against receivers most of the time, he can be a factor. Skinner is a playmaker and plays stronger than he looks. He tore his pec in training, but I expect him to be ready for OTA’s. He may even host his own private Pro Day in early April.

8) Jammie Robinson / Florida State

Grade: 76

NFL Comparison: Damontae Kazee / PIT

Senior entry. Three-year starter from Cordele, GA. Spent two seasons at South Carolina, where he started for one of them, prior to transferring to Florida State in 2021. Two-time first team All-ACC. Led the Seminoles in tackles both years since the transfer. Robinson is a small but rocked up chess piece that was used all over the defense. His versatility is a major plus. The skill set allows him to align anywhere and the defenses that like to interchange their safeties will gave him an extra look. Robinson immediately elevates the level of physicality and tackling a defense possesses. His violence alone will make a difference immediately both on defense and special teams. The downhill and ability in pursuit combined with such a small number of missed tackles will make him a reliable last line defense. His tightness and lack of route anticipation in coverage will make life difficult in coverage. He does not have the flashy, smooth movement and the lack of radius will be exploited by tight ends. Robinson did not make a ton of plays in coverage and there are concerns with how exactly he can be hidden. His contributions will flash, but the scheme needs to protect him.

*Pure box safeties that play more like a linebacker than a defensive back (think Jabrill Peppers) can be found on day three every year. They get picked day three and end up contributing early on, albeit in a limited role, and everyone is left wondering why another team spent a first rounder on a box safety. Robinson is this year’s guy. Now, don’t get overly excited or catapult him in the stack. He has limitations and will get roasted by savvy route runners. But you need some more punch coming from this role? And get it from day three? Here is the guy. Fun player to watch.

9) Ronnie Hickman – Ohio State 6’0/203

Grade: 75

NFL Comparison: Chuck Clark

Fourth year junior entry. Two-year starter from South Orange, NJ. Second Team All-Big Ten in 2021 after leading the Buckeyes in tackles. Hickman will be a box safety at the next level. He played the role of a linebacker nearly as much as he did a traditional safety. The physical, hard-nosed defender plays fast downhill, even borderline reckless. His quickness and burst will get him to the action against the run in a hurry often. Once there, his ability to finish is inconsistent. Hickman misses too many tackles for a guy that has broken up seven passes in three years. He was not put into a lot of difficult coverage roles throughout his tenure. There is some hesitation and tightness in his movement that will not bode well against NFL receivers. Hickman’s potential impact against the pass will come against backs and tight ends. He has a thick and long frame and can hide some of the technique flaws against that caliber of an athlete. No matter where he ends up on the defensive depth chart, Hickman has the potential to be an ace special teamer, a true difference maker. He will find a home in the league initially for that reason and what he develops into will largely be based on his ability to clean up his pass defense.

*Another box safety that, if in the right situation, can make an impact against the run and underneath. There have been flashes of more complete play. I was asked in December about him and prior to going deep dive on him, I said day two. I had seen enough to warrant that view. As time went on and I really got a look at his hip movement in coverage on top of too many missed tackles, I had to bump into day three territory. He looks the part. Catch the right film and you will see a starting safety. He just needs to get more consistent. But just like a few of these guys, he will be a high-impact special teamer.

10) Chamarri Conner – Virginia Tech – 6’0/202

Grade: 75

NFL Comparison: Tracy Walker / DET

Fifth year senior. Four-year starter from Jacksonville, FL. Two-time All-ACC. Conner was a nickel corner until 2022, where he moved to a safety role but still saw plenty of snaps lining up across from the slot. In a growing role that more and more teams are using, Conner is the kind of third safety that comes on the filed in sub-packages. His versatility shows up both on the stat sheet and film. With over 20 tackles for loss and 20 pass break ups over his career in which he started 48 times, Conner has proven production across both facets with a ton of experience under his belt. The risk with him revolves around poor tackling and angles in coverage. He does not have enough speed to make up for initial losses and his lack of body control can be an issue when locating the ball. There is a looseness to his lower half that screams potential, 0and he brings the aggressive play style teams want on the back end. If he can smooth the edges to his tackles and ball reactions, Conner can be an early contributor a third safety. 4th-5th round.

*Teams looking for a pure cover-bias safety, Conner could easily be a top five safety on their board. My stacks are not necessarily for a particular team and my criteria wants someone a bit more physical to be considered day two unless there is a special trait elsewhere. Conner is a poor tackler, he replicates a corner in that department. The hope here is he can put some mass on, play the hybrid role (a recurring theme in this class if you haven’t noticed), and offer matchup advantages down the road.

11) Christopher Smith – Georgia – 5’11 / 192

Grade: 74

NFL Comparison: Jalen Mills / NE

Fifth year senior. Three-year starter from Atlanta, GA. Ended his career as a First Team All-SEC and All-American. The Bronco Nagurski Award finalist benefitted from playing with such a talented group of players for the two-time National Champions, but do not overlook how important of a player he was. Smith primarily played free safety, but the high school cornerback recruit had more than a fair share of snaps at nickel and even in the box as a dime linebacker. The intelligence and instincts stand out on tape. He is constantly around the action and that is a major reason why he shows so much versatile impact week to week. He comes well-prepared weekly. The issue with Smith centers around his size and speed. Neither are impressive and that will be an issue in the NFL. He projects to a specialty role that can come on the field in specific nickel / dime packages. He also has some potential on special teams. Smith’s physical grade screams day three, his mental grade could be considered round one. His grades will be all over the place league wide.

*If a team is willing to overlook the size/speed shortcomings, Smith can be a surprise day two pick. History tells me he will be day three and could be in for a bit of a draft day slide. The thing about Smith, though, is the fact his game has always been about instincts. He is moving toward the action before others and that easily makes up for a tenth of a second in a forty time. I do not view Smith as a starter, but I do see him as a guy that plays every week. One of those underrated players that sometimes only coaches truly understand the value of.

12) Gervarrius Owens – Houston – 6’0 / 195

Grade: 73

NFL Comparison: Josh Kalu / TEN

Fifth year senior. Four-year starter from Moore, OK. Spent three seasons at Houston after transferring from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M where he also started and was a JUCO All-American. Owens was a cornerback for a year before transitioning to safety in 2020. His size and movement traits better with what we see in the middle but there is enough speed and fluidity to occasionally play a corner role here and there. Owens is an explosive, well-built missile from the back end that can really put his foot in the ground and go. His closing speed gets him to where he needs to be in a blink. Owens will flash big play ability, but he also flashes big mistake potential. He sells out on his initial read and will get caught by looks-offs and double routes routinely. The missed tackle rate also strengthens the “all or nothing” feel to his game. If he can channel some of the aggression and improve his ability to finish plays, Owens can be a starting caliber safety. If not, he will be a special teamer and quality backup.

*Similar to a player discussed above, Owens passes the initial test but once you watch a lot of his tape, it is easy to tell there is a lot of guessing in his game. If he can truly process the information and play at his highest rate of speed, he can be a player. Watch out for guys like this coming from a program that does not exactly invest in defensive resources. First exposure to high quality coaching could turn a light on. Owens has that kind of untapped upside. I like him a lot as a day three prospect.

13) Kaevon Merriweather – Iowa – 6’0 / 205

Grade: 72

NFL Comparison: Deshon Elliot / MIA

Fifth year senior. Three-year starter from Belleville, MI. Second Team All-Big Ten and All-American in 2022. Merriweather is a box safety that excels with short area movement and overall instincts. His suddenness to the ball stems from textbook techniques and more importantly a sixth sense for the action. His ability and effort to prepare is obvious on tape. Merriweather, a team captain, is highly touted for his intangibles both by coaches and the media. His production is versatile, as he will factor well against both the run and pass. His speed limitations are obvious, however. He does not have the extra gear to make up for lost time and space and he is often outraced to a point by the ball carrier. Merriweather will find a home on special teams and as a backup box defender, but his upside in coverage is limited to specific underneath roles.

*There will be significant limitations to Merriweather’s game in space. It was my concern coming into the pre-draft process and his workouts only confirmed them. A very good tackler and likely special team ace, Merriweather will have some value as a quality backup, perhaps even a dime linebacker type.

14) DeMarcco Hellams – Alabama – 6’1 /203

Grade: 71

NFL Comparison: Nate Ebner / RET

Senior entry. Two-year starter from Washington, D.C. Hellams began his career as a key special teamer and third down defender. He earned a starting role in fall-2021 camp, but a leg injury forced him to miss some time early in the year. One back up to full speed, he proved to be a versatile and reliable defender with the action in front of him. He led the team in tackles as a senior, proving to be a reliable last line of defense. Hellams is an instinctive player that minimizes separation underneath, but the questionable deep speed and slower-than-ideal build up can make him a liability deep. The few times he was challenged against pro-caliber vertical threats did not end in ideal fashion. His best role would be as an extra box defender in sub packages with the potential to evolve into an every down player. At the very least, Hellams will be a stud special teamer and run defender that can fit into the back end of a depth chart.

*My thought in drafting Hellams would center around special teams more so than defense. I think that will be his calling at the next level. There is too much tape where the NFL-caliber speed exposed the tight hips and lack of deep speed. Smart player that worked his way through adversity at Alabama does mean something, though. I bet we see his name beyond the rookie deal.

15) Daniel Scott – California – 6’1 / 208

Grade: 70

NFL Comparison: Darrick Forrest / WAS

Sixth year senior. Two-year starter from Pasadena, CA. Scott will turn 25 early in his rookie season. The two-time All-Pac 12 performer is a classic example of a college player that never says die. He was buried on the depth chart for years but started turning heads as a special teamer, winning a team award for the best special teams player in 2019. Slowly but surely, he turned himself into a sub-package defensive back then into a starter that finished top three in tackles and led the team in interceptions two straight seasons. He is a densely built, quick-footed cover man with great instincts and feel. He understands offensive concepts exceptionally well and knows how to direct traffic from the back side. Scott’s biggest downfall is a lack of physical presence both in run support and against tight ends. There is too much absorbing contact rather than deliverance. He figures to continue his path as a strong special teamer at the next level that does show ability to impact the passing game via turnovers and instincts.

*I am a bit lower on Scott than what I have heard. I did go back to his tape after seeing he got a late Senior Bowl invite, but my view remain unchanged. Scott is crafty and smart. He is quick and agile. He proved he can produce across multiple areas. But when I see the tape, I don’t see the standout NFL traits that carry over. He is short-armed and lacks a physical presence as a tackler. I’m not sure I see enough speed over the to roam a deep half. He surprised many with his ascent in college, perhaps he will do it again. He isn’t young, though.

16-25

16) Brandon Joseph – Notre Dame – 6’0/202: 71
17) Ja’Von Hicks – Cincinnati – 6’1/200: 71
18) Rashad Torrence – Florida – 6’0/193: 70
19) Trey Dean III – Florida – 6’2/200: 69
20) Anthony Johnson – Iowa State – 6’0/205: 69
21) Tanner McCalister – Ohio State – 5’10/191: 69
22) Jay Ward – LSU – 6’1/188: 69
23) Jordan Howden – Minnesota – 6’0/203: 69
24) Brandon Hill – Pittsburgh – 5’10/193: 68
25) Jason Taylor II – Oklahoma State – 6’0/204: 68

NYG APPROACH

The discussion begins with how impactful the loss of Julian Love will be on this secondary and defense overall. He led the team in both snaps and tackles by a landslide. He was second in tackles for loss, tied for the team lead in interceptions. Don’t overlook the fact he was a key special teamer, finishing second in the group in tackles and fifth in snaps. Does the combination of Dane Belton and Jason Pinnock seem good enough? Will Bobby McCain and his cornerback skill set provide the safety net should those two falter? The discussion then moves on to the long-term projection of McKinney, drafted by the previous regime. McKinney does not have a cornerback skill set, yet both Buffalo safeties (while Schoen was there) did. He’s been injured multiple times. And to repeat what I said earlier, he is a free agent next offseason. While I do think the team will try to lock him up, one would be foolish to believe this position group is all set in stone. This class’ safety group has multiple nickel-safety prospects who I like a lot and it is a role I think this defense will be looking for. While there are other needs on this team that are currently stronger, this is my sneaky pick for the first or second rounder in this draft. It would make sense on so many levels.

Malik Willis – © USA TODAY Sports

QUARTERBACKS

90+: All Pro Projection

85+: Pro Bowl Projection

81-84: 1st rounder – Should be able to play right away

79-80: 2nd rounder – Should be able to rotate right away – Year 2 starter

77-78: 3rd rounder – Should be able to rotate by end of rookie year – Year 2/3 starter

74-76: Early Day 3 – Special Teams – Future backup/possible starter

71-73: Mid Day 3 – Special Teams – Future backup / gamble starter

68-70: Late Day 3 – Back end of roster / Practice Squad / Development guy

65-67: Preferred UDFA

60-64: Undrafted FA

1: Malik Willis – Liberty – 6’0/219

Grade: 80

Summary: Fifth year senior from Atlanta, GA. Two-year starter at Liberty after two seasons as a backup at Auburn and a full season where had to sit out because of transfer rules. Willis, a late bloomer that was not highly recruited out of high school, is a pure boom or bust prospect. The talent is obvious and known. He can make plays with the ball in his hands like a running back and his frame fully supports that kind of role. His arm strength and torque created from his hips are both at the elite of the elite level. That is about where it ends, however. Willis appears light years behind when it comes to forecasting and reading a defense. The indecisiveness and lack of feel for where defenders are, both in the pass rush and in coverage, is alarming. Willis also has mechanical issues with his drop backs that create inconsistent ball placement. His ability to run will hide some of the issues but he will certainly need at least a season on the sidelines before he can be trusted to lead an offense.

*In a quarterback class that lacks clarity, Willis is the one standout that could flip this group (and entire draft class) upside down. While there is a lot of work to be done, Willis is the potential superstar. While I doubt we see him come off the board at #2 to Detroit, the value of the position in relation to team-success in this league can certainly lead to it happening. Someone is going to take a swing for the fence with this kid. Keep in mind, there isn’t a scout or coach or GM that doesn’t believe in Willis’ intangibles. He is a rock-solid kid that is going to be great for a locker room and will work hard at his craft. His ideal scenario is to get involved in an offense that will be tailored for him specifically, similar to what Baltimore did with Lamar Jackson and sit for an entire year. Is it worth considering NYG as a possible destination? I don’t think so. This ownership (they’re still very involved) will request Jones gets a shot with this new system (his third in four years).

2: Kenny Pickett – Pittsburgh – 6’3/217

Grade: 80

Summary: Fifth year senior from Oakhurst, NJ. Four-year starter who broke out in his final season, earning numerous accolades including first team All-American, ACC Player of the Year, and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm. Pickett’s late decision to skip the 2021 NFL Draft paid off and could end up being the first quarterback taken in 2022. His 42 touchdowns broke a conference record previously held by Deshaun Watson and Picket ended up re-writing the Pitt program’s passing records. When it comes to pro projection, he has several traits that carry over well. He is a plus-athlete with outstanding accuracy on the move to all levels of the route tree. He showed the ability to progress through multiple reads in a pro-style offense. And he plays with tremendous grit. Pickett does not have plus-arm strength, however, and turnovers were a problem. He threw over 30 interceptions and fumbled 38 times in 49 career starts. Pickett also struggled to see the entire field on traditional drop backs. He will get a starting nod at some point but will most likely end as a career backup.

*Gun to my head, I think Pickett goes before Willis and will be the top overall quarterback selected. He feels safer than some of these other guys because he appears to have at least a little bit of everything. If you were ranking all the physical and mental traits, Pickett may not rank number 1 in any of them but I bet he is second or third all of them (minus the hand size). Yes, the hand size matters when he has the high fumble number in his stat line. Is that what prevents him from a higher number? No. I simply don’t see Pickett as the one to step up and carry an offense. He can be a solid starter on a team that is strong around him, but I don’t see the guy the makes everyone else better. And then yes, I hate turnovers.

3: Desmond Ridder – Cincinnati – 6’3/211

Grade: 80

Summary: Fifth year senior entry from Louisville, KY. Four-year starter that earned first team All-AAC honors in both 2020 and 2021 while also taking home the conference’s Offensive Player of the Year Award. Ridder took over the job week one as a freshman and never looked back, re-writing several school and conference records respectively. He won over 40 games and shined in big moments. Ridder carries all of the intangibles and leadership qualities a coach could want at the position. He has a live arm with a quick, snappy, but smooth and repeatable release. The icing on the cake is a top shelf set of movement-based tools. He has elite speed in the open field and firecracker footwork as a passer. The overall upside and ceiling are a bit of an unknown considering he did not play against a lot of stiff competition in college and the accuracy is inconsistent. He also needs to process coverages quicker. Ridder will, and should, get an opportunity as a starter down the road. At the very least, he is someone that a team can feel good about as a backup.

*Ridder was a guy I did not give a ton of attention to until after the season. Nothing ever really jumped out at me when watching him play or as I was scouting players that he was on film with. A deeper dive exposed some solid truths for him, though. His footwork and overall mechanics are the best of the group. He is a dangerous athlete in the open field. And he shows good mental toughness and leadership qualities. This will simply come down to how talented of a passer he actually is. Everything else is there, but the gray area is a big one. There are too many inaccurate throws on tape, and he does not seem to see the whole field. There won’t be success for him in the league unless those two improve mightily. I can easily see him feeling “safe” for NFL decision makers though.

4: Matt Corral – Mississippi – 6’1/212

Grade: 78

Summary: Fourth year junior entry from Ventura, CA. Three-year starter that earned 2nd Team All SEC honors in 2021. In a simple, quarterback-friendly offense Corral shows the occasional glimpse of greatness. His lightning-quick release along with a rocket-arm will create the opportunity for a play designer and caller to widen the possibilities with what can be done of offense. Corral also brings a high level of speed and easy vision when carrying the ball on both designed runs and scrambles. He can make every throw at a high level. Mentally, he is a risk taker that plays with a short memory when adversity arrives. Corral overlooks several key components to basic fundamentals too often, however. He air mails far too many deep balls, showing a lack of natural touch and accuracy. He has poor ball handling mechanics, with just under 25 career fumbles in 27 starts. His body type may not be able to handle a slew of NFL contact a scrambling quarterback normally absorbs over the course of the season. He needs to become a more precise passer and will need time to transition to the complexity of the league.

*Corral has had moments, and enough of them, to be rightfully considered the top quarterback prospect in this class. Even with that in mind, he is not a first rounder. There are too many shortcomings that quality starters in this league avoid on a routine basis. My biggest red flags are the ball security and body type. One of his key strengths revolve around his ability to run and create with his legs. His body type presents extra risk AND there are significant fumble issues. In fact, he was fortunate to not have fumbled more with how far away he gets that thing from his body with one hand on the ball. Corral’s release and live arm, however, are very attractive. He has some unique, borderline elite-level throwing traits that are worth trying to develop, but his upside is similar to what Jones brings to NYG, if not a little less.

5: Sam Howell – North Carolina – 6’1/218

Grade: 76

Summary: Junior entry from Indian Trail, NC. Three-year starter that earned All-ACC honors in both 2020 and 2021 in addition to a second team All-American honor in 2020. Howell was a big deal the moment he stepped foot on campus at Chapel Hill and ended up re-writing record books for the program and finishing as one of the most productive passers in ACC history. The short, but stout and powerful signal caller plays an innovative game with both his arms and legs. While he does not have blazing speed or quickness, the savvy ball carrier creates big plays when things break down in the pocket. He will need to clean up his throwing motion and overall mechanics, however, as he will not shake tacklers in the NFL the way he did in college. Howell is a quiet, but effective leader with a knack for the accurate deep ball. He is coming from an incredibly simple offense but there is enough on tape to warrant the idea of him becoming a top tier backup and potential starter in time.

*Everyone had huge expectations for Howell heading into 2021. If you asked me last summer who would be the guy that ends up at the top of the draft, it would have been Howell or Kedon Slovis (transferred to Pitt for 2022). I guess this is why we play the games. Anyway, Howell took a couple steps backward in 2021. I took a deep dive into his game all year and he was a mess. He had very little integrity and feel in the pocket. He jumped into scramble mode way too often. He rushed through mechanics, and it caused several errant throws weekly. He also played in a very simple offense even for college standards. Howell does not look like a pro to me even though he does throw the prettiest deep ball of the group. Everything else is backup caliber.

6: Bailey Zappe – Western Kentucky – 6’0/214

Grade: 76

Summary: Fifth year senior from Victoria, TX. Four-year starter for Houston Baptist (FCS) before grad-transferring to Western Kentucky where he started for one season. 2021 first team All-Conference USA and Conference USA most valuable player. In Western Kentucky’s high-powered attack, Zappe ended the season as the nation’s leader in yards and touchdowns. His 62 touchdowns are a new all-time NCAA record. He threw the ball 686 times. The third-place finisher (Bryce Young from Alabama) threw the ball 547 times. While the production is a tad inflated, Zappe is a credible pro prospect that broke out at the right time. He was a relative-unknown at Houston Baptist (8 wins in 4 years), but there are traits here that deserve a look at the next level. Zappe has incredible accuracy and ball placement along the short and intermediate portions of the route tree. He throws with excellent tempo and timing to pair with a quick release. His lack of size and sheer arm-power will make life difficult early on and he will need time to learn the nuances of playing under center within a complex pro offense. He will be in the league for a long time as a backup but should get a starting nod at some point.

*Zappe can make a push for being the fifth quarterback taken. I don’t think it will happen, but I think it should. Out of all the passers in this class, Zappe’s ball placement is the most consistent. Does he respond well to a dirty pocket? That is an unknown. I see a ton of Chase Daniel here. A guy that will be a welcomed back up in several cities for years and at some point, someone will want to give him a shot. Zappe is a competitive dude that did elevate his play in big moments. He plays with that underdog mentality that I love to see. Could NYG look here day three? I wouldn’t be against it at all.

7: Jack Coan – Notre Dame – 6’3/218

Grade: 75

Summary: Fifth year senior from Sayville, NY. Two-year starter at Wisconsin prior to transferring to Notre Dame in 2021, we he started 13 games. Honorable Mention All-Big 10 in 2019. Coan is a player that gets the most out of himself. He is smooth and calm in the pocket and fully understands how to play with tempo. He progresses through reads in a hurry and keeps his lower body in sync with his throwing motion consistently. The lack of arm strength has a tendency to show up on passes to the sideline and he does not strike fear in to defenses when it comes to the deep ball. Coan, however, excels at getting the ball out in a hurry and shows plus-accuracy with proper touch when needed. His upside is limited but he can be trusted to protect the ball, play within a system, and take what is given. He will be a backup for the first few years of his career but should see a starting gig at some point if/when injuries arise.

*I like Coan a lot, but I do understand the limited ceiling he plays with. His throws to the outside die before they reach the target. He does not have an easy release for the deep ball. His athleticism is average. But remember this: falling in love with tools when it comes to the quarterback while neglecting the mental capacity that is required, the overall mechanics, and toughness under pressure has forced many men to lose their jobs. Coan is on the opposite end of that spectrum. He does a lot of the little things right and plays a lot of mistake-free football. I feel good about having a guy like this as a backup and seeing if there is some physical development that can take place once in the league. I would applaud a day three pick used on Coan.

8: Carson Strong – Nevada – 6’3/226

Grade: 71

Summary: Fourth year junior entry from Vacaville, CA. Three-year starter that earned first team All-MWC honors in both 2020 and 2021 while also winning the conference’s Player of the Year Award both seasons. Strong re-wrote the record book at Nevada while also protecting the ball at a record-rate. He went 299 attempts without throwing an interception. The team captain is an emotional player that will stare down the barrel of a gun while in the pocket. He has plus-arm strength and shows the ability to layer the ball to all levels of the route tree. Strong will be entering the league with a beat up knee and a severe lack of mobility. He will struggle to escape pressure and there are too many throws on tape where the lower half is not engaged. He is a long-term project that will have his upside very much dictated by the health of his knee.

*There has been some chatter about Strong going higher than where I have him, that he could be the number 6 guy in the class. I can see why. He has the look of a pure, old school pocket passer that can hit every throw. He throws a nice deep ball. But when I looked further into his game, there were too many things I did not like. He seemed a bit too emotional for the position, very up and down. His knee (think of it as a knee that belongs to a 50-year-old) impedes his ability to really activate his lower half when throwing the ball hard/far. He can’t move. And there were a ton of throws where it was just a simple, thoughtless “chuck it” and hope. That won’t fly in the league. There are too many reasons why I would not touch him anywhere near day 2.

9: Kaleb Eleby – Western Michigan – 6’1/208

Grade: 70

Summary: Fourth year junior entry from Maryland Heights, MO. Three-year starter that earned second team All-MAC honors in 2021, third team in 2020. Eleby is a risk taker that shows no fear when it comes to trying to fit the ball into tight windows. He has a quick release and powerful snap to his throws. He was deeply involved in a RPO attack that did not require him to make many reads. Because of that, he will need extra time to adjust to a pro passing attack. He rarely saw snaps under center and there are inconsistencies with his release point that will cause the occasional errant throws. Eleby also needs to improve his ball handling. He does not have the athletic ability to constantly evade defenders, thus he needs to protect the ball better. Eleby will likely need a redshirt year in the NFL before battling for a backup job.

*I was surprised Eleby came out. 23 starts from a MAC program while having another year of eligibility probably was not the smartest move. He had D’Wayne Eskridge and Skyy Moore, two pro receivers, to throw to in a conference full of defensive backs that will not play in the league. With Moore in this draft class, that could be why he wanted to leave but they have another kid, Jaylen Hall, that will be a pro prospect at this time next year. He could have used another year of seasoning because I do see some pro traits that could have gotten him drafted in the round 3-4 area in 2023. Now? He might get his name called late day three.

10: EJ Perry – Brown – 6’1/211

Grade: 70

Summary: Fifth year senior from Andover, MA. Two-year starter at Brown after transferring from Boston College where he was a backup for two seasons. Two-time first team All-Ivy and 2021 Ivy Offensive Player of the Year and All American. Perry is a gimmicky quarterback that has a way of creating on his own. He shows a great feel in the pocket for where the pressure is coming from and will make quick decisions to avoid it. His ball placement and consistency in that department on the move can extend plays and keep the defense on their heels. The overall arm talent and bad habits show up too often to project him as a starting quarterback at the next level. Perry has a hard time seeing through the traffic on plays that go beyond one simple read. He turned the ball over a lot and does not have the natural, powerful trigger to make all the throws. He will live on the back end of a depth chart.

*Perry looked solid at the East-West Shrine Game. That was my first exposure to him, and I did a deep dive on five of his game tapes afterward (less than ideal for QB). There were a lot of nuances to his game that I did not like. He has an overly-crouched position after he gets the ball and drops back. He is already on the short side, and I felt that, along with slow decisions as a passer, really hurt his odds at seeing and anticipating. He got away with a lot in college that he has not shot at getting away with in the NFL. Solid competitive juice and a real athlete (played basketball for Brown and received a scholarship offer to play baseball for Boston College) can get him a look, but there is a lot of work to be done and I don’t see enough upside in the arm.

BEST OF THE REST

11: Dustin Crum – Kent State – 6’1/210: 69
12: Cole Kelley – Southeastern Louisiana – 6’7/249: 69
13: Chase Garbers – California – 6’2/215: 69
14: Skylar Thompson – Kansas State – 6’2/217: 68
15: Brandon Peters – Illinois – 6’4/228: 68
16: Brock Purdy – Iowa State – 6’1/212: 67
17: Aqeel Glass – Alabama A& M – 6’4/231: 67
18: Zerrick Cooper – Jacksonville State – 6’2/230: 66
19: Anthony Brown – Oregon – 6’1/217: 65
20: Jawon Pass – Prairie View A& M – 6’4/240: 65

NYG APPROACH

Simply put here, I do not see NYG being in the market for a new franchise quarterback. Reason one: The franchise still has an unknown in Daniel Jones and even though he is sliding towards a no-go, he is better or on the same level as all these top guys. Reason number two: Next year’s crop of QBs will likely be much better than what this draft class is producing. And reason number three, there are too many good players rounds 1-3 that NYG would be passing on in order to take one of these guys. I do not see the point in going for anyone unless we are talking about day three and hoping to find the next backup and/or long term project. The number one reason why I want NYG to consider trading back (if the opportunity is there) would be to net extra picks in 2023 (ideally a first) so they can march into next draft with some money in the bank should they need to make an aggressive move up for a quarterback at the top. These guys simply are not worth it although I am intrigued to see what becomes of Willis.

Garrett Wilson – © USA TODAY Sports

WIDE RECEIVERS

90+: All Pro Projection

85+: Pro Bowl Projection

81-84: 1st rounder – Should be able to play right away

79-80: 2nd rounder – Should be able to rotate right away – Year 2 starter

77-78: 3rd rounder – Should be able to rotate by end of rookie year – Year 2/3 starter

74-76: Early Day 3 – Special Teams – Future backup/possible starter

71-73: Mid Day 3 – Special Teams – Future backup / gamble starter

68-70: Late Day 3 – Back end of roster / Practice Squad / Development guy

65-67: Preferred UDFA

60-64: Undrafted FA

1: Garrett Wilson – Ohio State – 6’0/186

Grade: 85

Summary: Junior entry from Austin, Texas. A former 5-star recruit that also had Division I offers out of high school for basketball. Two-year starter, two-time 1st Team All Big 10 honoree and a 2021 2nd Team All American. Wilson is the kind of dynamic and explosive playmaker that is a threat to score each time he steps on the field. The size and speed are, respectively, both good enough but neither are top shelf traits. What makes him different is the elite body control and special awareness. He can twist and turn late in ways that most others simply cannot. The game slows down for him when defenders are near and the second, he makes his move, those defenders are often found wondering what just happened. Wilson can project to both the outside and the slot depending on the offense that brings him in. No matter what, expect him to make plays right away and ascend to one of the more dangerous threats in the league at the position.

*In a strong receiver class that lacks anyone near the elite-tier, Wilson gets the nod for the top spot. This could easily belong to one of the next few guys based on the style of offense a specific team plays. Wilson likely fits into any offense, however, as the skill set can go in a variety of ways. He is going to get open on all levels of the route tree and he can make special plays look easy. There is a looseness and flexibility to his core than screams playmaker. I do wish he had a little more presence against contact after the catch, as he goes down fast too often, but that is a negative I’ll deal with as long as he keeps everything else together. Wilson’s ceiling is similar to what we see in Stefon Diggs (a 5th round pick). I wouldn’t sleep on NYG making an aggressive move at WR in this draft. There are a lot of questions there on this team and the new regime did not bring any of the current ones on to this roster.

2: Jameson Williams – Alabama – 6’1/179

Grade: 84

Summary: Junior entry from St. Louis, MO. One year starter for Alabama after spending two seasons at Ohio State where he started six out of 22 games played. First team All-SEC and first team All-American in 2021. Finished the season number three on the program’s all-time single season receiving list behind only DeVonta Smith (2020) and Amari Cooper (2014). Williams sure did capitalize on the transfer away from Ohio State where he would have been competing with three other future first round picks for targets. He can play as fast and smooth as it gets. The ability to call on different gears at any point, whether he is running routes or carrying the ball, can change an offense. His movement is so sure with nothing wasted no matter what he is asked to do. To match that athleticism is an aggressive mindset and gamer’s mentality. Williams was also known as one of the team’s hardest working players in practice, he is often found making downfield blocks, and he was used on special teams as both a gunner and returner. The torn ACL will impact his rookie season but when it is fully recovered, we are looking at a top tier talent that can be one of the best playmakers in the NFL.

*The tape-grade was the same as Wilson’s. The torn ACL, even though he is expected to recover fully, did bring him down a point. You just never quite know and that goes deeper than just the ligament and knee itself. The soft tissue problems that can stem from this are part of the fear. Regardless, Williams’ body type can be a small concern as well. If he had more size and contact-strength, we could be talking about a guy near the 90-range. Williams has the movement and playmaking skills that can truly change an offense. There could be some Justin Jefferson here if he bounces back. The lack of game experience does create some extra gray area here, but that really could go in both directions. This is a tough, physical dude that will not shy from contact when needed. If he gets on the right offense, which is the case for a lot of skill position players, watch out.

3: Chris Olave – Ohio State – 6’0/187

Grade: 83

Summary: Fourth year junior entry from San Marcos, California. Three-year starter that earned 2nd Team All American honors in 2021 in addition to 1st Team All Big 10 in both 2021 and 2020, 3rd Team in 2019. Olave is a smooth and easy operator that moves with the kind natural suddenness to constantly get open underneath and intermediate. No matter where lines up, he will find the holes in coverage and become a quarterback’s best friend. In a league where separation is key, Olave may be the most reliable in that department. His attention to detail and ability to glide while moving at his top rate will bring him to open space. While his response to traffic and approach the catching the ball needs some refining, Olave is a safe bet to an ideal complementary, number two target in any kind of passing attack.

*You have to feel safe with Olave. I think he is the one guy up here that you know exactly what you’re getting out of when you draft him. He is such a smooth and easy mover, and it shows up every snap, every week. If he can be put into a role that gets him in space, I really don’t see a cornerback being able to stick to him. Olave is just too quick, too fast, and the body control is too easy for him. It would be a mistake to project him to be a true number one guy, however. He gets tossed around at the catch point and I don’t love the catching mechanics. He is an Isaac Bruce type. If GB or KC gets their hands on him, that is the type of situation where he starts catching 90+ balls per year. Put him on the wrong offense and he struggles to make an impact. Again, not an earth-shattering statement but he, more than most of these guys, needs that kind of plus-situation around him.

4: George Pickens – Georgia – 6’3/195

Grade: 82

Summary: Junior entry from Hoover, AL. Spent one season as a starter but was a on the field a ton in his first season in. addition to missing almost all of 2021 with a torn ACL. Pickens put the nation on notice as a true freshman when he led the Bulldogs in catches, yards and touchdowns all by wide margins. While he has not taken it to the next level since, the tools and ball skills are worth an extra look. He has a lot of natural talent and easy movement about him. The suddenness combined with his size can create a lot both off the line and in contested situations. He showed something when he came back from the torn ACL suffered in March before playing games in November. This is a competitive player with the NFL size and speed and plus ball skills. If his maturity can be polished, Pickens has the ceiling of a first rounder but there are several bullet points under the risk factor.

*Yet another player that I had to go back to 2019 to find his best tape. I was surprised Pickens declared after missing nearly all of 2021 with a torn ACL. While I am impressed he fought hard to get back on the field just 8 months after the injury, there are several maturity question marks with Pickens. When I think about what Schoen wants on the field and in the locker room, I don’t see a potential marriage here. But I do want to say this: Pickens has the ability and upside of every WR in this class. If his head is on straight (and stays on straight), there will be a very lucky offense out there when he puts their uniform on. This is not the time for NYG to take that kind of risk, but I would be lying if I said I never thought about taking him in round 2. He has credible WR1 ability.

5: Drake London – USC – 6’4/219

Grade: 82

Summary: Junior entry from Moorpark, California. Three-year starter that earned 2nd Team All-Pac 12 honors in 2020, 1st Team in 2021 in addition to 3rd Team All American honors in his injury-shortened junior campaign. London fractured his ankle in USC’s eighth game of the season. He was the only receiver in the country to average 11 catches per contest and he finished second in the nation with 135.5 yards per game. The former Division I basketball player brings a combination of size, grace, and power presence to the table that can make him a threat in traffic at all times. There have been some maddening inconsistencies in his game as a ball catcher, however. He allowed too many balls to bounce off his hands and hit the turf. Considering he also lacks the final gear to separate downfield, London’s ceiling falls short of a true number one threat. He can be an asset short, intermediate, and in the red zone but don’t bank on him being a top dog.

*At the time of this writing, London still has not had his private Pro Day. I’m not overly concerned by that situation in relation to his ankle, though. I have London as a first rounder, but not someone I am considering really high. There are too many little things about his game that add up to a grade that I feel is lower than what is out there. I see a cheap version of Mike Evans. Maybe he could evolve into something close to him, and in that case would be fully worth a high first rounder, but I think there will be issues separating from pro corners at the next level. I want my size-guys to catch the ball at a high level. I want to see them rarely let the ball hit the turf when they get near it. London needs to prove more in that department. I don’t see him being in the plans of NYG unless they trade down into the 20s, maybe late teens.

6: Jahan Dotson – Penn State – 5’11/178

Grade: 80

Summary: Senior entry from Nazareth, PA. Four-year starter that left Penn State top five in program history across all major career receiving records. Earned second team All-Big 10 honors in 2021, third team in 2020. Dotson, a high school state champion long jumper and anchor in the 4×100 meter relay, brings elite movement in all directions to the table. His burst, quickness, and acceleration give him constant space to work with. He can run himself open on all levels of the route tree and once the ball is in the air, his ability to seal the deal with a catch is as good as it gets. His hands are like magnets to the ball and the body control is always there. Dotson’s lack of size and contact presence can hinder his impact in specific situations, but he often played bigger than what he looks like. Add the dynamic ability with the ball in his hands after the catch and in the return game, Dotson has potential to be a game-changing force at the next level.

*Which receiver has the best hands in the draft? Here you go. There are guys with excellent hands and there is Dotson. In this class, he is in a class of his own. His looseness below the waist as a route runner and the core flexibility when reaching for the ball in any direction makes him an inviting target to throw to despite the lack of true size. Dotson’s weight and presence against contact does concern me. That is what prevents him from a first round grade. He would be an excellent number two or three option in a high-powered offensive attack. With where I project him to possibly go (maybe late round 1), he could find himself in an offense like GB and KC and that is where he could be overlooked and evolve into a 100+ catch per year guy. Does he fit in with NYG? I can see Daboll liking him but again, I think he is an ideal complement to a true number one guy. Still very important, yes. Not sure I see NYG going in this direction though. I won’t ever bash a pick on a guy with this level of ball skills, though.

7: Treylon Burks – Arkansas – 6’2/225

Grade: 80

Summary: Junior entry from Warren, AR. Three-year starter that capped his career off earning first-team All SEC honors. The versatile offensive weapon fits the mold of a growing trend in the NFL; strong and thick enough to make a difference with the ball in his hands and fast enough to pose as a downfield threat in the passing game. Burks lined up all over the field and produced from a variety of roles. In addition to his 146 career receptions, he also carried the ball 41 times and returned 12 punts. Simply put, no matter the situation or role, Burks is the kind of player that will create in a unique way when the opportunity is there. His skill set as a route runner and ball catcher are still developing, but the strides he made in 2021 were enormous and showed he has some number-one-receiver upside in him.

*The idea of Burks may exceed his physical potential. With that said, there are a few offensive minds that could truly get the most out of this versatile skill set. Are the Giants one of those teams? I’m not quite sure yet because even though Daboll has proven himself with Josh Allen and Buffalo, the talent here is not even close to that. Burks is a long strider. That isn’t a bad thing, but his speed only shows up after he gets a decent head start. I don’t see the sudden route runner that will get him open consistently. Now, I do like the strength at the catch point, and he does track the ball well downfield. I may be a bit low on him, but I think he is closer to Cordarelle Patterson than he is Deebo Samuel. Still a very good player, but someone I would slot into round 2.

8: Christian Watson – North Dakota State – 6’4/208

Grade: 79

Summary: Fifth year senior from Tampa, FL. Three-year starter that earned All-MVFC honors all three seasons, first team in both 2020 and 2021. Also, an All-American in his final year. Watson is the son of former NFL safety Tim Watson. The tall, long, and explosive receiver is dripping with tools that are enticing. He was a big play threat throughout his career at North Dakota State, averaging over 20 yards per catch. His ability to run, jump, and play with toughness can go a long way at the next level. He is making a significant jump in competition and overall athleticism; thus, his adjustment curve will likely be steep. Watson needs to shore up some techniques as a pass catcher and route runner, but this short-term project should add a significant downfield threat to a vertical passing game.

*On paper, I can see why there are some that view Watson as a potential first rounder. It is incredibly rare for a receiver from FCS to break into round 1, just for the record (has not happened since 2001, and just once since 1989). Watson is a physical freak with tools that many will create dreams from. I like the ceiling here and I think it is worth looking into day two. But his issues with drops, lack of a variety in routes, and soft tissue problems after a 2019 knee surgery concern me enough to keep him closer to round 3.

9: Skyy Moore – Western Michigan – 5’10/195

Grade: 79

Summary: Junior entry from New Kensington, PA. A lightly recruited former high school cornerback and quarterback that transitioned to wide receiver right away at Western Michigan. Three-year starter that earned first team All-MAC honors in both 2021 and 2019, second team in 2020. Moore has the elite quickness and precision as a route runner to consistently gain initial separation at the next level. He split time evenly between lining up at the slot and out wide, but he will likely project inside. His toughness and ability after the catch that stems from balance and vision can make him a force with the ball. He plays stronger and bigger than he looks. His lack of size and long speed will likely keep him from being an outside threat but there should not be a need to put him out there considering how refined and ready his skill set it to impact the game from the slot.

*For teams that need a slot, it is very possible he ends up with a top-of-second-round grade. He is the best pure slot guy in the class and in some offenses, the role of importance there is just as high as the outside receiver. Moore is a tough dude that plays at a high speed at all times. He makes some plays that scream Wes Welker. He has a long way to go to reach that level but the urgency, suddenness, and toughness are in that tier. I hope he finds a quality offense; he can be fun to watch. NYG will need a slot at this time next year, I think. Shepard’s days are numbered, and I would not be opposed to getting a guy in right now to learn the system and take over that role full time in 2023. If he falls to round 3, he is an option.

10: John Metchie III – Alabama – 5’11 – 187

Grade: 78

Junior entry from Brampton, Canada. Two-year starter full time and also started four games as a freshman because of injuries. Earned second-team All SEC in 2021. In a very crowded wide receiver room, Metchie III caught 151 passes in 26 games. Built like a slot receiver, his inside-out versatility will help him get on the field early on. The play speed and burst can make things happen after the catch. He did not make a lot of deep catches over his career, but he can do a lot of damage within the short to intermediate portions of the route tree. While his top end potential may not be high, his impact within a quality passing game can be strong off the bat. He plays fast, moves with power, and is still developing the overall skill set that has shown quality flashes throughout his career.

*Metchie’s medicals are going to be very important. He has had multiple lower body injuries over the past two seasons, including a torn ACL this past December. He also had surgery the year prior, and he has an enlarged heart. This is one of those situations where you could see him drop multiple rounds over the course of the weekend and everyone is left wondering what happened. On the field, Metchie is potentially a top tier slot receiver. His routes and lower body stability have left several NFL-caliber corners dead in their tracks. He can stick in the league for a long time if he passes the medicals.

11: Jalen Tolbert – South Alabama – 6’1/194

Grade: 77

Fifth year senior from Mobile, Alabama. Three-year starter that earned first team All-Sun Belt honors in both 2020 and 2021. Tolbert was a late bloomer in high school and did not receive a lot of attention from major programs. He then suffered a knee injury in 2017, forcing him to redshirt. He started to show glimpses of greatness in 2019 before really taking off a season later. Tolbert went on to set, and then re-set school records. The silky-smooth athlete makes certain components of playing the position look easy that certainly are not. His ability to play at different gears and attack the ball with precision and strength can make him a dangerous threat on all levels of the route tree. His skill set needs a lot of work, however, and a team will need patience before they throw him on the field. Tolbert drops too many balls and his body control as a route runner is inconsistent. These things are correctable, and his natural gifts are noteworthy.

*Tolbert is going to need some extra time to truly develop as a route runner and pass catcher. He is no longer going to be the top athlete on the field. He is going to longer have substantial size advantages over others. That said, the physical package this kid brings to the table is attractive. Perhaps NYG is looking at this receiver group knowing most of them will not be around in a year? That would be a good situation for a receiver like Tolbert to come into. No urgency to get on the field, learn the offense, enhance the skill set, and hopefully be the number one or two guy in 2023.

12: Wan’Dale Robinson – Kentucky – 5’8/178

Grade: 76

Summary: Junior entry from Frankfort, KY. Spent two seasons at Nebraska before transferring to Kentucky for the 2021 season. Honorable Mention All-Big 10 in both 2019 and 2020, second team All-SEC in 2021. Robinson has been a hybrid receiver/running back from the start of his career and will give an NFL offense the opportunity to create a big-time playmaker out of him. He has the well-balanced athletic ability and overall skill set to do multiple things, align from different spots, and create on his own. He is much more than an undersized, underneath threat that can occasionally take a jet sweep. He has had a lot of success in the deep passing game and plays with the kind of competitive fire that an at least somewhat make up for the lack of ideal size. Because he has lined up all over the offense, Robinson is a little rough around the edges when it comes release and route nuances, but all can be corrected in time. He is a big play threat every time he gets on the field no matter where he lines up.

*Robinson is a guy I have a feeling about. The quickness and burst he has the instant he touches the ball is exactly what gets overlooked by many when looking at measurables. He has the knack to find creases immediately. He is also one tough, strong dude that understands he can use the diminutive frame to his advantage, as a weapon. He is a gadget player, not someone that is always on the field. An argument can be made that only an established offense should be using a pick on a guy like this. I would not agree. Robinson is someone that can make things happen on his own. He can create big plays from nothing and that is what a growing offense needs. Robinson will make grown men hold their breath every time he gets the ball. The way Daboll used Isaiah McKenzie in Buffalo is a nice template: 77 catches – 27 rushes – 21 punt returns – 29 kick returns since 2019. I see Robinson being a better version of that. Keep an eye here.

13: Alec Pierce – Cincinnati – 6’3/211

Grade: 76

Senior entry from Glen Ellyn, IL. Three-year starter that earned second team All-AAC honors in 2021. Pierce, an accomplished jumper and volleyball player in high school, has the kind of explosion and straight line burst to pose as a downfield threat the next level. He averaged over 17.5 yards per catch over his four-year career. His linear movement and plus-length can be a dangerous weapon for a vertical passing offense looking to add an outside threat. He is not the twitchiest underneath route runner and there are occasional issues with his ability after the catch when it comes to innovation and creating extra yards, but in his lane, he can be a solid player. He will be role-specific, but in that role, he has traits that are hard to find. He is a physical gem when considering the secondary set of tools beyond an-already impressive set of tools.

*The size and leaping ability here are a big deal. He is going to be a weapon in the vertical passing game and near the red zone. Pierce has the potential to be a menace on third down. There are going to be issues separating though, and that is a big enough concern for me to keep him in the day three tier. He would be an asset to an offense that had other movement-based options in the passing game.

14: Calvin Austin III – Memphis – 5’8/170

Grade: 75

Fifth year senior from Memphis, TN. Two-year starter that was also a key return specialist. Earned first team All-AAC honors in both 2020 and 2019. Also, a member of the school’s Track and Field Team where he earned multiple All Conference honors and was a 2019 All American. Austin was a nine-time state champion in high school on the track in several events. He will enter the league and immediately become one of the fastest players on the field every Sunday. What makes him different, however, is the suddenness and functional movement traits that show up on the field in multiple versions. He is a dangerous returner, he gets off press coverage with quickness, and can run routes with precision. Austin’s size and lack of natural ball skills will show up from time to time and will prevent him from being a steady and consistent player. With that said, a team that needs more juice on their offense will be able to use the speed of Austin to create opportunities for the offense as a whole right away and he should make an impact on special teams.

*Austin is a fun kid to watch, and it is easy to fall into the thoughts of “what if” with him. His long speed is elite but even better, the short area quickness and burst are next level. He is going to get open in the NFL as long as he doesn’t get eaten up by a quality press corner. He is going to run away from guys with the ball. This is how I felt about a guy with a scary-close profile, Marquise Goodwin. Goodwin battled significant injuries early in his career, but he has made plays. 2017 was his peak, catching 56 passes for 962 yards. He has 14 career touchdowns but never quite made the impact as a returner. If you could guarantee Austin would have a similar career, where would you draft him? That is what I think he will end up being.

15: David Bell – Purdue – 6’1/212

Grade: 74

Summary: Junior entry from Indianapolis, IN. Three-year starter that earned accolades all three seasons. Three-time All Big 10, 2019 Big 10 Freshman of the Year, and 2021 Richter-Howard Receiver of the Year. Capped off his career earning 1st Team All American honors. Bell is not the most physically talented receiver. He is no slouch athletically but where he made his money came from how advanced he is with the skill set of being a playmaker. His routes, releases, and ball skills all stand out in a big way. He is a smooth criminal that will steal the ball away from defenders in traffic, make them look silly in the open field, and show a nasty side to him after the catch. He is a football player, plain and simple. While he won’t be an elite downfield threat and his separation downfield will be limited, he will make a strong impact if the right team finds the right role for him.

*Bell falls below the minimum speed numbers for some teams at both the 20-yard shuttle and 40. It is possible some will not even view him as draftable. I am still looking at him in that late 4/early 5 area because of dependable he is when the ball gets in the air. He tracks it as well as anyone and there is a competitive fire in him that I like. Bell is also an advanced route runner. Watch his footwork in cohesion with his hips and core control. He has it down. There are some young receivers that never get to that level. But you do have to be careful here with the speed and lack of ability to create space. As much as I like his game, the corners at the next level are an entirely different level than what he played against.

16: Erik Ezukanma – Texas Tech – 6’2/207

Grade: 74

Summary: Fourth year junior entry from Forth Worth, TX. Three-year starter that led the Red Raiders in receiving all three seasons. Earned All-Big 12 honors in 2020 and 2021. Ezukanma is a tough, hard-nosed receiver with excellent play-strength. He plays bigger than his above average-frame will suggest both with the ball in his hands and attacking a pass in traffic. His mechanics as a receiver of the ball are consistent no matter what angle he is coming from. Ezukanma trusts his hands and has an automatic turn upfield immediately after the catch. There is some rawness to his route running and his speed is just average. The skill set will need time to improve but there is a lot to like here if he can fine-tune some of the little things.

*This is an intriguing day three target. I do think this is where NYG will pursue a receiver, that round 5-6 area where you stash a guy toward the back end of the group and possibly use him on special teams. Ezukanma does not have a lot of experience as a gunner, but his skill set and toughness lead me to believe he can do it. As a receiver, guys from Texas Tech have always been hard to project to the next level. Their scheme is relatively simple and there is a lot of unknown. One thing that does stand out beyond the toughness is his straight line ability. He can really go north and he can really jump. Throw in the plus-hands and aggressive style, there are multiple facets to his game that add up. Also, a good situation for him to be in for a year.

17: Velus Jones Jr – Tennessee – 6’0/204

Grade: 73

Summary: Sixth year senior from Saraland, AL. Spent three seasons at USC prior to transferring to Tennessee in 2020. First team All-SEC in 2021 and second team All-Pac 12 in 2019 as a special teamer. Co-winner of the 2021 SEC Special Teams Player of the Year Award. Jones is going to make his initial and most likely mark in the league on special teams. He is a natural playmaker in the return game, stemming from his field vision and contact balance. His burst to speed and easy change of direction makes him an intriguing project at wide receiver as well. The body thickness is unique and could thrive in a quick-strike offense as an underneath target. There are multiple ways he can help and team and that should give his overall grade a boost. He did not get many intermediate-to-deep looks in the passing game at all and there are some catch radius issues, but Jones is a gamble at receiver with a high floor because of what he will offer on specials right away.

*Jones will turn 25 just days after the draft. He had a pretty rough path to Tennessee, but he was never in trouble and there are not any concerns there. Once he settled in, Jones started to show he was more than a special teams weapon. He gets off tight coverage in a hurry, he has the deep speed to get away from corners, and he may be one of the toughest dudes in this class with the ball in his hands. While I think his role should be centralized to the slot on offense, there is extra value he brings on special teams. He has a kick couple return touchdowns on his resume and I think there could be a potential gunner here too. Jones is a very poor man’s version of Deebo Samuel. My game notes on the two are scary-similar. Both have that running back thickness and power with the ball, but both will roast you in the passing game on multiple levels. Jones does not have some of the fluidity and his routes need work, but this is one of the bigger sleepers in the class.

18: Kevin Austin – Notre Dame – 6’2/200

Grade: 73

Summary: Fourth year junior entry from Ft. Lauderdale, FL. One-year starter that played in just two games from the start of 2019 to the end of 2020. He was suspended from the team in 2019 for repeated violations and injured his foot multiple times in 2020, requiring multiple surgeries. Once on the field for good in 2021, Austin’s talent that had been lauded for a long time finally broke through. He led the Fighting Irish in receiving and proved to be a big play threat, averaging just under 19 yards per catch. What he brings to the table, physically, is as good as any receiver in the class. He is an explosive mover in all directions and his strength plus contact presence can be too much to handle for defensive backs. Because of injuries and the 2019 suspension, he simply did not gain the experience to properly develop his tools into refined skills. This is a super high risk, high reward prospect.

*Because of what I think this regime is going to pursue, especially in this draft, when it comes to “safety” in their picks, I don’t see Austin as a guy they will pursue. Remember the name though. This can be a worthy risk for an offense that is already explosive. If he hits, you have yet another weapon which makes the “embarrassment of riches” notion even stronger (KC? LV? LAC? MIN?) or it can make a decision easier when financial issues arise with a player coming off a rookie deal. For the record, there is one guy (a college coach) that I bounce thoughts off of when it comes to receivers and backs. He said Austin is a “top 3 WR in this class and nobody knows it”.

19: Tyquan Thornton – Baylor – 6’2/181

Grade: 73

Summary: Senior entry from Miami, FL. Three-year starter that earned second team All-Big 12 in 2021 and honorable mention in 2019. A former accomplished track star, Thornton is going to bring an element of speed and big play potential to the table right away. He is a smooth accelerator that maintains quality body control as he tracks the ball downfield. His length and concentration as he approaches the ball with his hands showed up several times on tape. There needs to be some more versatility to his game, notably after the catch and as an underneath route runner. He is not overly physical or strong, and that will need time to develop, but there are some sneaky-high end traits here worth taking a shot on day three.

*There are a lot of guys that like the tool set Thornton brings to the table. He has a lot of speed and showed the ball skills that give him a deep threat label. There may not be a ton of variety to his game, so I do think he will be a niche player, but still someone that can create the explosive plays. That is the craze of the NFL right now and because of that, you may see this kid go a little higher than where I have him. The height and length will make him appear even bigger and faster at times. He can get to balls that others come up just short on. There will be some extra transition time for him, as he didn’t run a deep route tree. Nice potential project pick for NYG if they can find him day three and a cheaper option than what Darius Slayton brings to the table.

20: Khalil Shakir – Boise State – 5’11/196

Grade: 71

Summary: Senior entry from Murrieta, CA. Three-year starter that earned All Mountain West honors all three seasons, first team in both 2020 and 2021. Shakir’s body type and water bug movement skills scream slot receiver at the next level. He also shows the necessary toughness and competitive streak to go headfirst into a crowd without hesitation. Shakir is the kind of asset on offense and special teams that could get the ball a combined ten times a game, three different ways. The drops and overall radius are both alarming, however. If he does not shore up the consistency, the speed and toughness he shows with the ball will be tough to utilize. His margin for error is very small. At the very least he should add value as a returner and does present upside as a hard-to-touch slot.

*If there was a separate grading stack for slot receivers, Shakir would be pretty close to the top of it. I could see him getting drafted toward the round 4 area if an offense wants a guy strictly for that role. He is quick and sudden but what I like the most is the contact balance post-catch. He is a tough guy to bring down. The issues with drops really bother me, however. It is a personal rule of mine that if you are going to be a slot-only, your hands need to be elite. Throw in length-issues and I just think he needs to be a mid to late day three guy.

BEST OF THE REST

21: Makai Polk – Mississippi State – 6’3/195: 71
22: Danny Gray – SMU – 6’0/186: 71
23: Romeo Doubs – Nevada – 6’2/201: 71
24: Braylon Sanders – Mississippi – 6’0/194: 71
25: Kyle Phillips – UCLA – 5’11/189: 70
26: Justyn Ross – Clemson – 6’4/205: 70
27: Bo Melton – Rutgers – 5’11/189: 70
28: Dareke Young – Lenoir-Rhyne – 6’2/220: 70
29: Tre Turner – Virginia Tech – 6’1/184: 69
30: Jacquarri Roberson – Wake Forest – 6’1/186: 69
31: Charleston Rambo – Miami – 6’1/177: 69
32: Jalen Nailor – Michigan State – 5’11/186: 69
33: Devon Williams – Oregon – 6’5/210: 69
34: Slade Bolden – Alabama – 5’11/193: 68
35: Isaiah Weston – Northern Iowa – 6’3/214: 68
36: Mike Woods – Oklahoma – 6’1/204: 68
37: Tanner Conner – Idaho State – 6’3/226: 68
38: Reggie Roberson – SMU – 5’11/192: 68
39: Jerreth Sterns – Western Kentucky – 5’7/178: 68
40: Tay Martin – Oklahoma State – 6’1/184: 68

NYG APPROACH

This is a position that is going to need a lot of attention in the next year or two. I can easily see all three of Kenny Golladay, Sterling Shepard, and Darius Slayton not on this roster at this time next year. In fact, I would parlay that bet and be very confident in it. So, what is NYG left with? The unknown of Kadarius Toney (drafted by the previous regime), although we should get some clarity in the 2022 season. All of the other current receivers are roster-hopeful types. There will be more money to spend the next two offseasons, thus we can assume a mid-to-high priced free agent will be brought in, perhaps even a trade (similar to what BUF did with Diggs). That still will not be enough. They are going to use pick(s) on a receiver in the next year or two, no question. Daboll likes receivers who can play BOTH the slot and on the outside based on situations and matchups. They don’t need to be overly big, but they need to be tough at the catch point and run quality routes according to the pro standard. There are a few guys in every tier who I think profile best to that kind of role. It is a long shot, but Wilson in the first round (even in the top 10) is a fit there. Day two I see guys like Jahan Dotson and John Metchie III being the fit. On day three, which is where I am expecting them to probably use a pick on one, names like Calvin Austin, Erik Ezukanma, Makai Polk, Danny Gray, and Reggie Roberson are names to keep an eye on. In today’s NFL, you can never have enough playmakers. NYG is starting from the bottom tier in that department.