Tag: Deion Sanders

Last year’s Heisman Trophy winner is truly a never-before-seen talent. Almost nothing said about his play and prospect hype as a two-way player are hyperbolic. Browns GM Andrew Berry made it a point to stand right behind Hunter to view his route-running during Colorado’s recent Pro Day. “We would see him as a receiver primarily first, but I think part of, again, what makes him a bit of a unicorn is the fact that he can do both at a high level,” Berry said of Hunter in February’s NFL Scouting Combine.

Hunter has exceptional ball skills, body control, quickness and explosiveness that lends himself well for play on both sides of the ball. He is an incredible athlete but his playmaking ability and nuance/subtleties are just as impressive. Whether he compliments Jerry Juedy at receiver or Denzel Ward at perimeter cornerback, the Browns will have a lot to work with.

Dexter Lawrence is a dominating presence in the interior for the Giants, but the heavy assets poured into Brian Burns (trade, contract extension) and Kayvon Thibodeaux (No. 5 overall pick in 2022) on the edges have not yielded desired results. Carter (6-3, 250 lbs) is an explosive defender in the mold of Micah Parsons as a Penn State off-ball LB who successfully transitioned to pass rusher. He was second in the FBS with 62 pressures last season, per SIS (Sports Info Solutions.) He fits nicely as a stand-up EDGE in Shane Bowen’s 3-4 under defensive scheme.

Carter’s presence may allow the Giants to move Thibodeaux inside on third downs, which would give Giants fans memories of their “NASCAR” pass rush package that brought them two Super Bowl wins in 2007 and 2011. Carter can also rush the passer from multiple spots, including standing up over the interior of the offensive line as a blitzing linebacker.

But sub-33 inch arms or not (depends on which measurement you trust), the Patriots must find a way to improve their porous offensive line that finished 31st in pass block win rate (51%) and 32nd/dead last in run block win rate (67%), per ESPN Analytics. Despite his length, Campbell’s has size (6-6, 319 lbs) and the necessary athleticism to compete at left tackle. And worst scenario, the Patriots may get a top-level left guard, which is another question mark and position of need at the moment.

This isn’t a sexy pick, and it’s fair to contemplate disappointment considering the Patriots entered Week 18 with the No. 1 overall pick, but New England desperately needs help along the offensive line for Drake Maye.

He spent 77% of his time lined up in the B-gap in Michigan’s 3-4-principled, Nickel 2-4-5 looks, per PFF, with some snaps lining up over the tackle in a base 3-4 defense. He also projects well as a one-gapping defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme.

New Jaguars DC Anthony Campanile is coming over from the Green Bay Packers after a year under Jeff Hafley. He describes the defense he’s implementing as a “a 4-3 with some 3-4 spacing.“

With Michigan alum Tom Brady now part of the ownership group, Raiders head coach Pete Carroll gets the style and body type of boundary cornerback he likes here. Johnson (6-2, 194) has the length and ball skills to thrive in many different coverage schemes. Last year in Michigan under DC Wink Martindale, Johnson played 82% of snaps in zone coverage, per SIS.

For a former Seahawks coach who drafted and developed the likes of Richard Sherman and Tariq Woolen as lengthy boundary cornerbacks who excelled in both Cover-3/Cover-4 zone looks, Johnson will be a nice first pick for the Raiders under Carroll.

Carolina would welcome Walker as an explosive stand-up speed rusher opposite Jadeveon Clowney in DC Ejiro Evero’s attacking 3-4 defense. The Panthers also released long-time off-ball LB Shaq Thompson this offseason. Walker spent time at linebacker before moving to edge rusher while at Georgia. He can wreck havoc as a pass rusher from several spots. On the edge, he projects as a Top-10 pick version of another former Georgia Bulldog, Nolan Smith.

I’d expect the Saints to be patient with new head coach Kellen Moore, who will be leading a full-on, reset-the-salary cap rebuild that won’t conjure any memories of the immediate success that the 2006 team had under Sean Payton’s first year.

Moore will have time to groom and develop Sanders, who is a tough, accurate pocket passer who is a better-than-you-think processor. Sanders often got himself into sack trouble by pressing to make a play behind Colorado’s offensive line.

Although they are vastly different styles of runners, Ben Johnson must be thinking of the Lions selection of Jahmyr Gibbs (No. 12 overall in 2023) here when it comes to any RB-draft value discourse. 

The Bears did a lot of work to bolster their offensive line before the draft, paving the way for Jeanty here. The Boise State running back has outstanding balance and ball carrier vision as highlights of an endless list of strengths. He thrives in both gap and zone runs and would be a perfect lead back for the diversity of run concepts Johnson will likely integrate into the Chicago offense. 

Mykel Williams and Shemar Stewart each took Top-30 visits with the 49ers. Both prospects are physical marvels who would be an intriguing fit opposite Nick Bosa. But this is a primarily a four-down, wide-9 scheme in San Francisco, who has Robert Saleh returning as a second stint at defensive coordinator. Stewart and Williams played in 3-4 style defenses in the SEC in college, that often asked them to either play over/inside the tackle or as a stand-up edge rusher, something San Francisco rarely does.

I think they may view Walter Nolen (also had a Top-30 visit here), a former No. 1 overall high school recruit, as a fit as a penetrating three-technique who can create pressure inside. The 49ers know all too well how an important defensive piece that is from Chris Jones’ play for the Chiefs in their Super Bowl VLIII loss.

McMillan is a 6-4, 219-pound receiver who moves fairly well after the catch and has good body control for his size. He uses his large catch radius to pluck balls out of the air and can be a factor both as an X-receiver on the outside and as a big slot option.

CeeDee Lamb actually spent 50% of his time in the slot last season for the Cowboys, according to PFF, so McMillan best projects as primarily a boundary option for Dak Prescott here.

Coming from virtually the same 3-4/Nickel 2-4-5 scheme in Michigan that Weaver coached under in Baltimore, Grant is a perfect fit inside as a versatile defender with alignment versatility to play multiple spots. At 6-4, 331 pounds, Grant played both nose tackle and in the B-gap last season at Michigan. He has the ability to two-gap in the run game and also adds value as a pass rusher.

Warren (6-5, 256) has a rare toughness-athleticism combo at the position. He barrels over defenders in YAC opportunities and at times lined up as a Wildcat QB.

He is a true move piece who can play in-line as a ‘Y’, in the wing position as an H-back, or flexed out in the slot. He is both a pass catcher and playmaker in the passing game and is a factor as an in-line blocker in the run game.

Green (6-3, 251 lbs) is an explosive, twitchy pass rusher who led the FBS in sacks (17) last season and generated 53 pressures, per SIS. He is also phenomenal against the run garnering a 90.2 run defense grade from PFF last season.

He spent 100% of his snaps last season in a 2-point stance as an edge rusher (via SIS, SumerSports) and projects as a stand-up EDGE in Raheem Morris’ 3-4 defensive scheme.

Williams is a massive/lengthy (6-5, 260, 34 3/8 arms) and athletic prospect who battled through an injury last year and spent a lot of time playing over or inside the tackle as a 4i/5 technique in Kirby Smart’s 3-4/Odd ‘Mint’ and ‘Tite’ fronts. Georgia sort of used him like they did 2022 No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker at times.

Williams spent 85% of his time lined up in a 3-point stance in pass rush situations last season, per SumerSports. He projects to play as a stand-up EDGE in Gannon’s 3-4/Nickel 2-4-5 scheme here, where he should be able to reach his potential as a pass rusher. He’s also phenomenal in run defense, so he can line up on the strong side in a 2-point stance over or outside the tight end. His presence should allow Josh Sweat (2.5 sacks in Super Bowl LIX) to rush more from the weak side.

The conference currently goes through Kansas City, and scanning the landscape for other elite teams/offenses (Buffalo, Baltimore), you’ll find that that offenses led by Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson all operate heavily both underneath and in the middle of the field. Look around and you’ll see many of those teams top targets are tight ends (Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, Dalton Kincaid) or receivers (Khalil Shakir, Zay Flowers, Rashee Rice) that operate underneath and inside.

Emmanwori won’t be a true deep, centerfield replacement for Jessie Bates that they’ve needed, but he can play as an enforcer in the box, as a middle-field rover, or can operate in two-deep looks with the ability to man-up on athletic tight ends on third down. He also has a bonkers athletic profile at 6-3, 220 running a 4.38 40-yard dash with a 43-inch vertical jump.

Banks played well at tackle last year for Steve Sarkisian’s offense that features a lot of wide zone (SIS has Banks’ run-blocking reps as a 60-40 split toward zone concepts last season). That’ll serve well for new Seattle offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.

For a team that once got great play out of Devin White, Campbell offers explosiveness, athleticism and sidelinie-to-sideline ability with much more length (6-3, 235 lbs).

He’ll be an effective blizer, and can even play his fair share of snaps as a stand-up edge rusher. He was originally recruited to Alabama to play EDGE, per NFL Network‘s Daniel Jeremiah.

In Omarion Hampton the Broncos get a ready-made, 20+ carries-a-game back with size (6-0, 221 lbs), burst and  aggression as a north-south, no-nonsense runner. NFL Network‘s Lance Zierlein comps Hampton to Rhamondre Stevenson and calls him a “battering ram” in his scouting profile write-up.

Cameron Heyward was unbelievable in 2024 but he’ll be 36 years old entering this season. It’s been since the Steel Curtain years that Pittsburgh has played anything but a 3-4 scheme on defense. They’ll need a capable defensive lineman to take the baton. And it’s not very easy to find NFL-sized defenders capable of sliding into a 5-tech role with prior experience.

Harmon spent most of his time in the B-gap or over the tackle as a 4i/5-tech at Oregon last season in Dan Lanning’s Georgia-inspired 3-4/Mint front defense. It’s a very similar snap count alignment to how Heyward is utilized in Pittsburgh.

Harmon led all FBS defensive tackles in pressures (37) last season, according to SIS. He has the ability to penetrate and shoot gaps, even further inside as a 3-tech, in pass rush situations. He can also two-gap in the run game.

“He plays like a Raven or a Steeler. Off the tape, he reminds me of a young Cam Heyward but bigger,” an NFC executive said to NFL Network‘s Lance Zierlein. That’ll do.

Coleston Loveland gives Justin Herbert a safety blanket receiver on third down. He’ll be the offense’s No. 2 pass catcher behind Ladd McConkey as a tight end who can flex out in the slot, but also hold up in run blocking in-line or in the wing as an H-back.

Loveland has great hands and size (6-6, 248 lbs) and has the body control and route-running ability of a pro wide receiver.

The Packers were a Cover-3 and Cover-2 heavy scheme last year, which fits Barron nicely whether he plays outside or in the slot. Barron played zone coverage on 80% of his pass defense snaps last season, per SIS. 

Shavon Revel Jr. is recovering from a torn ACL but should be ready for next season, and Minnesota likely got a good look at him during their reported Top-30 visit. The East Carolina product has a great story and background, and is the epitome of perseverance and mental toughness.

Revel has the desired size (6-2, 194 lbs), length and traits to thrive as a press-man or Cover-3/Cover-4 cornerback on the outside.

Simmons may not be ready for this season after suffering a knee injury this past season, but many projected him as the top offensive tackle in this draft prior to the injury.

New Texans OC Nick Caley already added former Patriots fullback Jakob Johnson to the roster, suggesting he may impliment a diverse running game containing principles learned from both his time under Josh McDaniels (fullback/21 personnel, power concepts) and Sean McVay (zone concepts, duo, etc.).

Simmons blocked for a healthy mix of zone and gap runs at Ohio State, and he has the fluidity to mirror rushers in the passing game.

Like the man that brought both of them into the NFL in Josh McDaniels, Nick Caley and Texans GM Nick Caserio are former John Carrol University grads and Ohio natives. You can imagine that they are well-versed and plugged in with Ohio State and the defending champion Buckeyes. If not Simmons, Donovan Jackson or Emeka Egbuka work here, too.

The Rams loved to employ Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp in similar ways. Now Kupp is in Seattle and the Rams signed Davante Adams and re-signed Tutu Atwell. I think Adams projects as their X-receiver, and I’m not sure Sean McVay will ever use Atwell as more than a borderline WR3/WR4 in this lineup.

Egbuka is the perfect fit for Kupp as he has a similar build (6-1, 202 lbs) with polished route-running, adept feel for zone coverage and the toughness/willingness to block inside from condensed formations in the running game.

Ezeiruaku led the FBS with 69 pressures last season (per SIS) and was second in sacks (15.5). He spent almost all of his snaps out wide as a stand-up EDGE in Boston College’s defense that runs a base Nickel 2-4-5 with similarities to the Ravens scheme.

Stewart has an outstanding athletic profile at 6-5, 267 pounds with a 4.59 40-yard dash and 40-inch vertical jump. The Lions have been searching for pass rush help opposite Aidan Hutchinson and Stewart should thrive here as a power 4-3 defensive end in a three-point stance in Detroit after playing primarily as a stand-up edge rusher or over the tackle at Texas A&M.

Many opine he does not play to his 4.29 40-yard dash speed registered at the combine, but Golden presents as an upgrade at the Z-receiver spot here over Noah Brown and Luke McCaffrey, where he’d compliment Terry McLaurin (X), Deebo Samuel (F/move piece).

Kingsbury’s offense is traditionally a spread-you-out operation that features a heavy dose of RPOs, which is not dissimilar to the offense Golden played in under Steve Sarkisian at Texas or in the Air Raid operation he was at previously in Houston. Sarkisian was reportedly in the mix to be Kingsbury’s offensive coordinator with the Arizona Cardinals back in 2019.

Hairston is a fluid mover who ran a 4.28 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. He played mostly zone coverage at Kentucky, and the Bills are predominantly a zone-heavy scheme. Even though Hairston could improve his physicality for the pro game, this is a solid addition opposite Christian Benford.

He is an athletic blocker who is farther along as a pass blocker than he is in the running game. But the Chiefs aren’t as bare in the road-grader department (see: Trey Smith). Their main goal this offseason is to improve in the trenches after what transpired in Super Bowl LIX. Conerly may work as both a future and immediate improvement at multiple positions up front.

The Georgia Bulldog-Philadelphia Eagle defensive pipeline continues here with Malaki Starks, who projects as an immediate starter in Vic Fangio’s two-high safety lineup.

“Sources at Georgia speak very highly of his character,” NFL Network‘s Daniel Jeremiah says. “His intelligence and leadership ability have blown NFL teams away in meetings.”

Starks spent 54% of his snaps in the slot or in the box last season for Georgia, per PFF, giving him the versatility to do a variety of things post-snap in Fangio’s spin-the-dial deployments.