NFL Draft Watch: East-West Shrine Game Prospects of Note (East Team)
 |
| (Photo Credit: Shrine Game/Twitter) |
East
- QB: Taylor Cornelius, Oklahoma State
Having to wait in the shadows of star quarterback Mason Rudolph during the first few years of his college career, Cornelius served as the the backup for the Cowboys in previous three seasons. Taking over the reigns of the position in 2018, the 6'6, 232 pound passer threw for 3,297 yards and 32 touchdowns in 12 games assuming the role of starter as a redshirt senior.
While he could be off-the-mark at times and open himself to turnovers (13 interceptions 59.3 completion percentage), Cornelius showed the ability to put touch on passes, throwing downfield with suitable arm strength and surprising mobility (406 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns) for a quarterback his size, that has a feel to avoid the rush and extend plays when needed to.
He had a variance of mixed performances in his sole season as the starter, but came up big in an upset win over a very talented Texas team — that finished ranked ninth in the country and featured draftable prospects eligible for the 2019 Draft at each level of it's defense. Showing a subtle poise from the pocket that game, standing tall, he was on-point distributing quick passes near the line of scrimmage, finding guys over the middle of the field, connecting with receivers outside the numbers and delivering throws down the the field.
Limited to just one season of film to evaluate Cornelius is an interesting quarterback prospect that could find himself in camp with an NFL team that sees potential promise in continuing his development as a pocket-passer with passable tools.
While he could be off-the-mark at times and open himself to turnovers (13 interceptions 59.3 completion percentage), Cornelius showed the ability to put touch on passes, throwing downfield with suitable arm strength and surprising mobility (406 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns) for a quarterback his size, that has a feel to avoid the rush and extend plays when needed to.
He had a variance of mixed performances in his sole season as the starter, but came up big in an upset win over a very talented Texas team — that finished ranked ninth in the country and featured draftable prospects eligible for the 2019 Draft at each level of it's defense. Showing a subtle poise from the pocket that game, standing tall, he was on-point distributing quick passes near the line of scrimmage, finding guys over the middle of the field, connecting with receivers outside the numbers and delivering throws down the the field.
Limited to just one season of film to evaluate Cornelius is an interesting quarterback prospect that could find himself in camp with an NFL team that sees potential promise in continuing his development as a pocket-passer with passable tools.
- RB: Marquis Young, Massachusetts (UMASS)
An under the radar running back for the independent — of a conference— Massachusetts Minutemen, Marquis Young was consistently productive throughout his career as an all-around weapon. A versatile playmaker that was effective as a running back, receiver, and return man (22.5 yards per return, 1 touchdown) the 6'1, 210 pound playmaker totaled 5,000 all-purpose yards, with 4,297 of them coming from scrimmage including 31 touchdowns — while grabbing nearly 100 receptions throughout his career as a four-year starter.
Supported by standard size at the running back spot with a skill-set that is well-suited for today's game as well, Young has reliable hands and real speed to threaten to reach the second-level of the defense whenever he touches the ball. Capable of breaking a long gain on a designed run in-between the tackles or getting to the edge of the defense he has the potential to be a hidden gem with game-break ability.
One aspect of Young's game that will be one to watch during his reps in the week of the Shrine Game is his performance in his opportunities as a pass-protector. Should he show himself to be solid in that department, the running back from Rochester, NY could become a real prospect of interest for teams looking to find a back that could improve their roster capable of providing an immediate impact in multiple ways.
Supported by standard size at the running back spot with a skill-set that is well-suited for today's game as well, Young has reliable hands and real speed to threaten to reach the second-level of the defense whenever he touches the ball. Capable of breaking a long gain on a designed run in-between the tackles or getting to the edge of the defense he has the potential to be a hidden gem with game-break ability.
One aspect of Young's game that will be one to watch during his reps in the week of the Shrine Game is his performance in his opportunities as a pass-protector. Should he show himself to be solid in that department, the running back from Rochester, NY could become a real prospect of interest for teams looking to find a back that could improve their roster capable of providing an immediate impact in multiple ways.
- WR: Jamal Custis, Syracuse
A breakout receiver as a first-year starter in 2018, Custis appeared in more games this past season (13) than he had throughout his entire career entering this year (8 games, 13 catches, 142 yards, two touchdowns). As a senior he helped replace the dynamic duo of Ervin Philips and Steve Ishmael departed for the NFL, emerging to be a dangerous receiver, himself, as a deep threat for Syracuse — delivering 51 receptions, 906 yards (17.8 yards per reception), and 6 touchdowns.
At 6'5, 213 pounds, the lengthy receiver plays to his listed height and weight, using his hands well and extended reach to rival press coverage. Regularly releasing into his route unrestricted, Custis can consistently climb vertically against coverage with an expansive stride and enough speed to separate from players in the secondary.
His superior size over opposing defensive backs showed up specifically outside the numbers and on the perimeter of field, as he was able to adjust to throws while in the air and come up with tough, contested catches. Not just involved as a pass catcher, Custis competes as a blocker that is capable of controlling cornerbacks with his strong release at the snap of the ball.
While just having one season of production, Custis performance in St. Petersburg at the Shrine Game should put into perspective the amount of plays that were made available by Syracuse offensive scheme and those his natural athleticism and ability allowed him to make. Regardless, with his physical attributes as a receiver he is sure to standout this week at the Shrine Game.
At 6'5, 213 pounds, the lengthy receiver plays to his listed height and weight, using his hands well and extended reach to rival press coverage. Regularly releasing into his route unrestricted, Custis can consistently climb vertically against coverage with an expansive stride and enough speed to separate from players in the secondary.
His superior size over opposing defensive backs showed up specifically outside the numbers and on the perimeter of field, as he was able to adjust to throws while in the air and come up with tough, contested catches. Not just involved as a pass catcher, Custis competes as a blocker that is capable of controlling cornerbacks with his strong release at the snap of the ball.
While just having one season of production, Custis performance in St. Petersburg at the Shrine Game should put into perspective the amount of plays that were made available by Syracuse offensive scheme and those his natural athleticism and ability allowed him to make. Regardless, with his physical attributes as a receiver he is sure to standout this week at the Shrine Game.
- TE: CJ Conrad, Kentucky
Playing a pivotal role in Kentucky's successful season and ascension as a program, Conrad enjoyed a continuous positive progression throughout his college career. A true tight end, he competed against quality competition along the line of scrimmage as an in-line option who capably encountered the defensive ends and edge rushers of the SEC as a competent blocker.
The 6'5, 252 pound tight end prospect also saw an ample amount of snaps lined up as an H-back where he was effective in executing cross blocks and understanding how to disguise himself as a blocker to the defense with his initial steps at the snap before releasing into a route.
One of the primary pass catchers on a run-heavy offensive scheme, Conrad was the second leading receiver in receptions (30), yards (318), and receiving touchdowns (3) for the Wildcats during the 2018 season. Showing strong hands through traffic over the middle of the field, he often caught passes in RPO's (run-pass option), traditional play-acton and bootlegs, while also making himself available as an option in the red zone.
During his career with the Wildcats Conrad totaled 80 receptions, 1,015 yards, and 12 touchdowns in 35 games played, appearing on the Mackey Award Watch List — awarded to the nation's top tight end — each of his four seasons. He comes to the Shrine Game as someone who has the look to be of benefit to an NFL offense, bringing balance in an equitable amount of experience and ability as both a blocker and receiver.
The 6'5, 252 pound tight end prospect also saw an ample amount of snaps lined up as an H-back where he was effective in executing cross blocks and understanding how to disguise himself as a blocker to the defense with his initial steps at the snap before releasing into a route.
One of the primary pass catchers on a run-heavy offensive scheme, Conrad was the second leading receiver in receptions (30), yards (318), and receiving touchdowns (3) for the Wildcats during the 2018 season. Showing strong hands through traffic over the middle of the field, he often caught passes in RPO's (run-pass option), traditional play-acton and bootlegs, while also making himself available as an option in the red zone.
During his career with the Wildcats Conrad totaled 80 receptions, 1,015 yards, and 12 touchdowns in 35 games played, appearing on the Mackey Award Watch List — awarded to the nation's top tight end — each of his four seasons. He comes to the Shrine Game as someone who has the look to be of benefit to an NFL offense, bringing balance in an equitable amount of experience and ability as both a blocker and receiver.
- OG/C: Bunchy Stallings, Kentucky
A teammate of Conrad at Kentucky, Stallings was a large factor upfront for the Wildcats and allowing star running back Benny Snell to have a standout season. At 6'3, 305 pounds the starting right guard was persistent in his play upfront for a run-heavy team that had consistent success in gaining yards on the ground (averaging 202 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns per game on 4.9 yards per carry) .
Showing tangible physicality in the trenches, especially as a run blocker, Stallings is a true to form guard prospect that loves to load his power upon defensive lineman and drive them off the ball. Downright dominating at times, he displayed significant strength — particularly in his upper body— with strong hands, which he used to steer and direct opponents in developing holes for room to run.
While he regularly stood up strong to the rush with his reps in pass protection during the season, Stallings will be tested during the week against some defensive lineman capable of creating pressure — allowing for the evaluation of how he may execute against NFL-caliber talent that can get after the quarterback, with a likely increased involvement in pass blocking coming as he transitions to a modern-day offense that throws the ball regularly.
Showing tangible physicality in the trenches, especially as a run blocker, Stallings is a true to form guard prospect that loves to load his power upon defensive lineman and drive them off the ball. Downright dominating at times, he displayed significant strength — particularly in his upper body— with strong hands, which he used to steer and direct opponents in developing holes for room to run.
While he regularly stood up strong to the rush with his reps in pass protection during the season, Stallings will be tested during the week against some defensive lineman capable of creating pressure — allowing for the evaluation of how he may execute against NFL-caliber talent that can get after the quarterback, with a likely increased involvement in pass blocking coming as he transitions to a modern-day offense that throws the ball regularly.
- OT: Martez Ivey, Florida
Having come to Florida as a highly rated prospect out of high school, considered to be one of the best offensive lineman and players in the country, Ivey garnered a wealth of experience during his time in Gainesville. Earning 46 starts and second team All-SEC honors three consecutive years during his career with Gators, the former 5-star recruit first got on the field at left guard, stepping into a starting spot shortly into his true freshman season.
After appearing there as a starter 21 times during his first three seasons, Ivey shifted over to his more natural position of tackle as a junior — playing there primarily in 2017. Then spending a full-season as the starter protecting the quarterback's blindside in 2018.
Improving throughout his career in his impetus as an offensive lineman and being able to impact the opposition, the 6'5, 305 pound prospect had his best showing of his four-year career career this season as a senior — steadying the left tackle spot with an uptick in his technique. Using his noticeably wide wingspan and tremendous reach to restrict players rushing off the edge, Ivey helped flip the script in Florida's ability to protect the passer, being voted second team All-SEC at offensive tackle — behind two prospects in Jonah Williams and Greg Little that are likely to be taken in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft.
Ivey will be one of the more popular prospects in attendance at the Shrine Game, and is sure to have teams monitor his movement at tackle to determine if he is capable of developing into a starting option in the NFL on either side or is best suited as a swing tackle that experience at guard could also be of use.
After appearing there as a starter 21 times during his first three seasons, Ivey shifted over to his more natural position of tackle as a junior — playing there primarily in 2017. Then spending a full-season as the starter protecting the quarterback's blindside in 2018.
Improving throughout his career in his impetus as an offensive lineman and being able to impact the opposition, the 6'5, 305 pound prospect had his best showing of his four-year career career this season as a senior — steadying the left tackle spot with an uptick in his technique. Using his noticeably wide wingspan and tremendous reach to restrict players rushing off the edge, Ivey helped flip the script in Florida's ability to protect the passer, being voted second team All-SEC at offensive tackle — behind two prospects in Jonah Williams and Greg Little that are likely to be taken in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft.
Ivey will be one of the more popular prospects in attendance at the Shrine Game, and is sure to have teams monitor his movement at tackle to determine if he is capable of developing into a starting option in the NFL on either side or is best suited as a swing tackle that experience at guard could also be of use.
- DL: Ricky Walker, Virginia Tech
Apart of a usually strong defense at Virginia Tech, Walker was often times the sole force for the Hokies on that side of the ball in 2018 that struggled as an overall unit in the absence of plenty of talent from the prior season — having endured the lost of first round draft picks in brothers Tremaine and Terrell Edmunds, cornerbacks Brandon Facyson and Greg Stroman, as well as Adonis Alexander being selected in the supplemental draft, and defensive tackle Tim Settle all to the NFL.
A stout interior defensive tackle, Walker played with consistent effort throughout his career for the Hokies and an enforced endurance along the interior of the line of scrimmage that set him apart from the majority of prospects at his position. Voted second team All-ACC, the senior earned the respect of the coaches and the media for his impact on the field that far outweighs his individual statistics.
Listed at 6'2, 300 pound, his natural leverage allowed him to neutralizes many initial block attempts while being able to stay on the field for significant snaps at a time.
As the Hokies dealt with the dismissal of two legitimate draft-eligible prospects from their defense during the pre-season and early into the 2018 schedule, the amount of attention fell all the more on Walker up front at the focus of opposing offenses. Able to maintain his gap responsibility whether lined up as a nose tackle with the ability to anchor or divide a double team, or lined up at the three-technique defensive tackle spot, causing disruption, he showed himself to be sneakily athletic with sufficient strength and nimble lateral agility for a player his size.
Having the ability to range across the line and make plays outside of his initial gap-assignment, Walker is dual-threat defensive tackle, capable in both run support and as a pass rusher that has the potential to be of impact on third down in the NFL. Buoyed by his balance and quick surge at the snap of the ball, he's able to bull rush opposing offensive lineman and collapse the pocket, while also quick enough to penetrate into the backfield creating immediate pressure on the quarterback or rundown a running back behind the line of scrimmage.
Walker will be one to watch during the week of practice in 1 on 1's and in the game on Saturday as someone who should see the field for an NFL defense next season.
A stout interior defensive tackle, Walker played with consistent effort throughout his career for the Hokies and an enforced endurance along the interior of the line of scrimmage that set him apart from the majority of prospects at his position. Voted second team All-ACC, the senior earned the respect of the coaches and the media for his impact on the field that far outweighs his individual statistics.
Listed at 6'2, 300 pound, his natural leverage allowed him to neutralizes many initial block attempts while being able to stay on the field for significant snaps at a time.
As the Hokies dealt with the dismissal of two legitimate draft-eligible prospects from their defense during the pre-season and early into the 2018 schedule, the amount of attention fell all the more on Walker up front at the focus of opposing offenses. Able to maintain his gap responsibility whether lined up as a nose tackle with the ability to anchor or divide a double team, or lined up at the three-technique defensive tackle spot, causing disruption, he showed himself to be sneakily athletic with sufficient strength and nimble lateral agility for a player his size.
Having the ability to range across the line and make plays outside of his initial gap-assignment, Walker is dual-threat defensive tackle, capable in both run support and as a pass rusher that has the potential to be of impact on third down in the NFL. Buoyed by his balance and quick surge at the snap of the ball, he's able to bull rush opposing offensive lineman and collapse the pocket, while also quick enough to penetrate into the backfield creating immediate pressure on the quarterback or rundown a running back behind the line of scrimmage.
Walker will be one to watch during the week of practice in 1 on 1's and in the game on Saturday as someone who should see the field for an NFL defense next season.
- EDGE: Mathieu Betts, Laval (Canada)
Quite possibly the most interesting prospect in attendance at the Shrine Game, Betts will come to compete having completed a compelling college career in Canada. A native of Montreal, Quebec this isn't the first time his football ability garnered attention in America, previously having received scholarship offers from Buffalo, Purdue, and Temple, before deciding to attend to his home-territory university, Laval (Rouge et Or).
Playing for Laval, Betts immediately asserted himself in 2015 as a tremendously impactful player in getting after the quarterback, coming away with 12 sacks — which led the nation— in an abbreviated eight-game Canadian college football schedule. For his play he earned the Peter Gorman Trophy (awarded to the Most Outstanding Rookie in the Canada). A 6'3, 250 pound defensive end, that would be the first of many awards he compiled at the college level, becoming the first player to receive the JP Metras Award three times (given to the Most Outstanding Down Lineman in Canada), and capping his career with two Vanier Cup Championships (National Championship of Canada) and 36 total sacks for his career.
Displaying traits that are true of an edge prospect that can successfully transition to the NFL — with consistent quality timing at the snap and showing enough moves to effectively counter an offensive lineman to play his way into the backfield — Betts asserted his dominance during a defining senior season. Rising to the occasion when opposing quality talent, he came away with a strip sack and returned the fumble for a touchdown during the USports East-West Bowl — a showcase for top prospects from Canada eligible of the upcoming NFL and CFL Draft).
Then in the Vanier Cup Championship he contributed a sack during the 34-20 victory, his last game playing for Laval.
In limited appearances during the 2018 season, Betts nabbed nine sacks and made 14 tackles for loss, playing in just six regular season games, earning his third consecutive Metras Award. With an opportunity to be selected as a potential day three pick, he'll look to prove he is among the best down lineman, including the talent from America, while also possibly being positioned as a standup edge rusher where he, too, had success while playing up north.
Playing for Laval, Betts immediately asserted himself in 2015 as a tremendously impactful player in getting after the quarterback, coming away with 12 sacks — which led the nation— in an abbreviated eight-game Canadian college football schedule. For his play he earned the Peter Gorman Trophy (awarded to the Most Outstanding Rookie in the Canada). A 6'3, 250 pound defensive end, that would be the first of many awards he compiled at the college level, becoming the first player to receive the JP Metras Award three times (given to the Most Outstanding Down Lineman in Canada), and capping his career with two Vanier Cup Championships (National Championship of Canada) and 36 total sacks for his career.
Displaying traits that are true of an edge prospect that can successfully transition to the NFL — with consistent quality timing at the snap and showing enough moves to effectively counter an offensive lineman to play his way into the backfield — Betts asserted his dominance during a defining senior season. Rising to the occasion when opposing quality talent, he came away with a strip sack and returned the fumble for a touchdown during the USports East-West Bowl — a showcase for top prospects from Canada eligible of the upcoming NFL and CFL Draft).
Then in the Vanier Cup Championship he contributed a sack during the 34-20 victory, his last game playing for Laval.
In limited appearances during the 2018 season, Betts nabbed nine sacks and made 14 tackles for loss, playing in just six regular season games, earning his third consecutive Metras Award. With an opportunity to be selected as a potential day three pick, he'll look to prove he is among the best down lineman, including the talent from America, while also possibly being positioned as a standup edge rusher where he, too, had success while playing up north.
- LB: Khalil Hodge, Buffalo/Tre Watson, Maryland
One of the most productive defensive players in college football the past few seasons, Hodge gained traction as a prospect who racked up a tremendous amount of tackles in his three years on the field for Buffalo. An appropriate sized linebacker at 6'1, 235 pounds, with fitting athletic ability for the position, he was consistently around the ball at the sound of the whistle.
After spending one season at the JUCO-level while at the City College of San Francisco, Hodge honed his play in upstate New York, amassing three straight seasons of at least 120 tackles for the Bulls. Patient in his run/pass reads — sometimes to a fault, which allowed blockers to cut off his path to the ball a handful of times each game — when he was able to recognize plays develop quickly, the three-time All-MAC performer consistently was able to make plays in coverage and rallying against the run.
Averaging seven tackles for loss in each of the last three years Hodge showed that he could click down on occasion and make a play in the opponents backfield. Though with the majority amount of his stops coming assisted, illustrates someone who is likely best suited at the "Will" linebacker spot in the NFL. At that spot, his feel for routes by backs and receivers breaking in and out around him as a zone defender could be of benefit, where he could react to passes targeted in his area and come up in coverage against completed passes underneath him — similar to how he operated effectively at Buffalo.
After spending one season at the JUCO-level while at the City College of San Francisco, Hodge honed his play in upstate New York, amassing three straight seasons of at least 120 tackles for the Bulls. Patient in his run/pass reads — sometimes to a fault, which allowed blockers to cut off his path to the ball a handful of times each game — when he was able to recognize plays develop quickly, the three-time All-MAC performer consistently was able to make plays in coverage and rallying against the run.
Averaging seven tackles for loss in each of the last three years Hodge showed that he could click down on occasion and make a play in the opponents backfield. Though with the majority amount of his stops coming assisted, illustrates someone who is likely best suited at the "Will" linebacker spot in the NFL. At that spot, his feel for routes by backs and receivers breaking in and out around him as a zone defender could be of benefit, where he could react to passes targeted in his area and come up in coverage against completed passes underneath him — similar to how he operated effectively at Buffalo.
- CB: Michael Jackson, Miami (FL)
Starting at cornerback for a Hurricane team that led the nation in passing defense, Jackson stood firm against a number of formidable featured receivers in 2018. Not having any interceptions as a senior might've played a part in the amount of attention he received as opposed to his junior year when he came way with four picks, but the 6'1, 205 pound prospect was a force nonetheless in his final season for "The U".
Tall and strong with the reach to disrupt receivers when jamming them at the line of scrimmage, Jackson features athletic attributes coveted at the cornerback spot in the NFL. With power that is applicable when placing his hands on opponents, he's able to prevent pass catchers from making themselves available to the quarterback, pushing them off their route path and sometimes out of play, altogether, when positioned near the sideline (lined up as the boundary corner).
Playing to his profile as a physically-imposing cornerback, Jackson provided consistent run support (85 tackles, 59 solo in last two seasons) as a willing tackler for the position and also exhibited his effectiveness when tagged for a blitz (3.5 sacks combined in 2017 and 2018), in addition to his instincts to come up quickly and counter to short, screen passes.
Proficient with his capability in press coverage and occupying intermediate routes, Jackson can potentially up his stock as a draft pick during the week in proving he can track double-moves and vertical routes that threaten the deep part of the field, going against a plethora of receivers throughout the week. His performance particularly in that area may possibly influence NFL teams when deciding whether he is best-suited as a starting caliber cornerback in a primarily zone-based schemed or someone who is capable of being trusted to carry NFL receivers across the field in man coverage.
Tall and strong with the reach to disrupt receivers when jamming them at the line of scrimmage, Jackson features athletic attributes coveted at the cornerback spot in the NFL. With power that is applicable when placing his hands on opponents, he's able to prevent pass catchers from making themselves available to the quarterback, pushing them off their route path and sometimes out of play, altogether, when positioned near the sideline (lined up as the boundary corner).
Playing to his profile as a physically-imposing cornerback, Jackson provided consistent run support (85 tackles, 59 solo in last two seasons) as a willing tackler for the position and also exhibited his effectiveness when tagged for a blitz (3.5 sacks combined in 2017 and 2018), in addition to his instincts to come up quickly and counter to short, screen passes.
Proficient with his capability in press coverage and occupying intermediate routes, Jackson can potentially up his stock as a draft pick during the week in proving he can track double-moves and vertical routes that threaten the deep part of the field, going against a plethora of receivers throughout the week. His performance particularly in that area may possibly influence NFL teams when deciding whether he is best-suited as a starting caliber cornerback in a primarily zone-based schemed or someone who is capable of being trusted to carry NFL receivers across the field in man coverage.
- S: Saquan Hampton, Rutgers
Despite missing a handful of games each of the three previous years, Hampton was on the radar of NFL teams as a prospect to watch entering the 2018 season. Staying healthy throughout the entire schedule, the safety was able to string together a number of strong performances as a senior —earning All-Big Ten Honorable mention on a Rutgers team that struggled mightily on offense and concluded with a 1-11 season.
Showing up all over the field for the Scarlet Knights, Hampton played with consistent effort in pursuit of the ball all-season, making touchdown saving tackles and surfacing to stop plays before they extended into a long gain on more than a few occasions. A former cornerback, the 6'1, 209 pound defensive back displayed natural footwork which allowed him to flow smoothly as a free safety whose combination of coverage and ball-skills was evident in his ability to turn and transition to break on — and break up — passes (ranking 12th in the country and tied for first in the Big Ten with 1.3 passes defended per game, totaling 3 interceptions and 13 pass breakups).
Paired with his instincts and closing speed to convene on passes completed in the flat and showing endless effort and sound tackling ability verse runs towards the sideline that stretch the width of the field, Hampton had himself a swell season in 2018. Having also sacrificed himself to make an impact as a player on special teams, he'll hope to follow in the footsteps of former Rutgers defensive backs currently in the NFL — Jason and Devin McCourty, Duron Harmon, and Logan Ryan — as an interchangeable safety who could offer significant value as a potential pick on the third day of the draft.
Showing up all over the field for the Scarlet Knights, Hampton played with consistent effort in pursuit of the ball all-season, making touchdown saving tackles and surfacing to stop plays before they extended into a long gain on more than a few occasions. A former cornerback, the 6'1, 209 pound defensive back displayed natural footwork which allowed him to flow smoothly as a free safety whose combination of coverage and ball-skills was evident in his ability to turn and transition to break on — and break up — passes (ranking 12th in the country and tied for first in the Big Ten with 1.3 passes defended per game, totaling 3 interceptions and 13 pass breakups).
Paired with his instincts and closing speed to convene on passes completed in the flat and showing endless effort and sound tackling ability verse runs towards the sideline that stretch the width of the field, Hampton had himself a swell season in 2018. Having also sacrificed himself to make an impact as a player on special teams, he'll hope to follow in the footsteps of former Rutgers defensive backs currently in the NFL — Jason and Devin McCourty, Duron Harmon, and Logan Ryan — as an interchangeable safety who could offer significant value as a potential pick on the third day of the draft.
- FLEX: Delvon Randall, Temple
A sure safety with the size and skill for the position to succeed in the NFL, Randall was a reliable force for Temple during his college career. Patrolling the secondary for an underrated Owls defense, he led the team team in tackles (85) and interceptions (4) in 2018, on a unit that ranked top-20 nationally in passing defense (allowing 187.4 yards per game, 55.0 completion percentage).
Encompassing the ability to play over the top of the defense as a single-high or split safety and promptly react to range over and disrupt passes directed deep and up the sideline, the versatile 6'1, 215 pound prospect also made his presence felt over the middle of the field and in stepping up to support the run — playing with a palpable physicality that is detectable in his impact upon making contact with opposing offensive players. Throughout his career Randall displayed an effective combination of skill and suddenness to make plays on the ball (three consecutive seasons with four interceptions), while also retaining the strength to lay a striking hit on a ball-carrier or targeted receiver that could emanate hesitancy coming his way on the part of both quarterbacks and other skilled position players.
Supplying strong attributes of a safety that could become a starter at the next level, Randall is a prospect that will likely be of focus by scouts throughout the week, as plenty of NFL teams look to add capable players who can combat the considerable amount of cunning offensive schemes — placing a premium players who can be put on the field to simultaneously counter against a threat of the pass and the run.
Encompassing the ability to play over the top of the defense as a single-high or split safety and promptly react to range over and disrupt passes directed deep and up the sideline, the versatile 6'1, 215 pound prospect also made his presence felt over the middle of the field and in stepping up to support the run — playing with a palpable physicality that is detectable in his impact upon making contact with opposing offensive players. Throughout his career Randall displayed an effective combination of skill and suddenness to make plays on the ball (three consecutive seasons with four interceptions), while also retaining the strength to lay a striking hit on a ball-carrier or targeted receiver that could emanate hesitancy coming his way on the part of both quarterbacks and other skilled position players.
Supplying strong attributes of a safety that could become a starter at the next level, Randall is a prospect that will likely be of focus by scouts throughout the week, as plenty of NFL teams look to add capable players who can combat the considerable amount of cunning offensive schemes — placing a premium players who can be put on the field to simultaneously counter against a threat of the pass and the run.
%20.jpeg)
Comments
Post a Comment