Innholdsfortegnelse for 2021 Pro Football Draft i Athlon Sports Football Bundle

Chase Young COLLEGE: OHIO STATE CLASS: JR. HEIGHT: 6'5" WEIGHT: 265 STRONG POINTS: Another spring, another stud edge guy coming out of Columbus. Young just moves differently for a 265-pounder, looking almost like he could go out and star as a middle linebacker with his multi-directional movement skills. Of course, he has more than the requisite strength and power to hold up on the line. He is explosive off the snap, with the quickness to put blockers back on their heels and the fluidity to turn the corner as an edge rusher. His powerful hands look almost effortless when he disengages from blockers. On top of the physical skills, he plays with an advanced understanding of the pass rush. He has an innate feel for how to leverage and attack…

Round 2 – Colin Kaepernick, QB, Nevada (49ers) There were other solid pros selected in the second round, but no one made the seismic impact of Kaepernick, who led the 49ers to a Super Bowl XLVII runner-up finish and another NFC title game appearance. Kap also set the playoff record for rushing yards by a quarterback in a single game (181). In 2014, he signed a “record” contract extension worth up to $126 million, of which he received a reported $39 million. But it was Kaepernick’s decision to take a knee during the national anthem starting in 2016 that made him a household name. His protest against police brutality drew both anger and adoration, while effectively ending his NFL career. Kaepernick settled a lawsuit against the NFL for an undisclosed…

SCOUT CHECKLIST ✔ ARM STRENGTH Ability to throw sideline and deep ball • Throws with velocity through a small window ✔ DELIVERY Deliberate, fast, slow or windup ✔ RELEASE QUICKNESS Ability to get the ball out of hand quickly • Three-step quick snap wrist release with velocity • Keeps ball high ✔ ANTICIPATION/TIMING Natural feel in the passing game ✔ TOUCH Feel for throw • Ability to throw over defense • Timing and anticipation ✔ ACCURACY SHORT/MEDIUM/LONG Consistent ability to keep receivers on their routes • Completion percentage • Can he hit receivers on routes with few adjustments? ✔ POISE Pressure is not a factor, doesn’t get rattled • Hangs in pocket • Performance under game and rush pressure • Pocket awareness ✔ DECISION-MAKING Decisive under pressure • Is he…

SCOUT CHECKLIST ✔ INITIAL QUICKNESS Type of stance and movement off ball • Burst into cuts ✔ COVERAGE RECOGNITION Can he read coverages and adjust on run? • Instincts? ✔ RUN AFTER CATCH Determined runner who fights for extra yards • Strength to break tackles ✔ HANDS Soft, natural, easy or stiff ✔ PATTERNS Type of cuts, sharp or rounded • Does he gather his feet to cut (not a good trait)? • Body control ✔ RELEASE Can he escape being held up at line of scrimmage? • Foot quickness and strength • Type of release: speed or arm over ✔ SEPARATION Burst and body movement to create space from defender and get open • Horizontal and vertical separation ✔ RECEIVE SHORT Can he split Cover 2 coverage? • Vertical…

SCOUT CHECKLIST ✔ INITIAL QUICKNESS Quickness on start • Movement off the ball to gain an advantage ✔ KNEE BEND Natural or forced? • Can bend and play in leverage position ✔ EXPLOSION Knee bender, not a waist bender • Leg drive • Rolls hips • Strength • Ability to stun defender • Fire, fit and follow through ✔ USE OF HANDS Placement • Punch • Stab • Quickness • 6-inch punch • Controls defender ✔ BODY CONTROL/RECOVERY Can he redirect and shift weight quickly to defeat opponent? • Quick pivot and turn • Ability to regain body control and balance ✔ PASS PROTECTION The ability to quick set with body quickness • Change of direction and redirect with natural body control • Attitude and aggression to engage initial contact…

SCOUT CHECKLIST ✔ INSTINCTS Read-and-react quickness • Natural ability to find the ball • Anticipation • Playmaker ✔ KEY & DIAGNOSE Recognition and reaction to run/pass • Football intelligence ✔ EXPLOSIVE/LEVERAGE Knee bend • Functional strength • Ability to dominate ✔ LATERAL MOVEMENT Quickness to shuffle • Makes plays parallel to line of scrimmage • Plays with good knee bend on balls of feet ✔ HAND USE Tough on blockers • Can he stack and control blockers with hands? ✔ TACKLING Is he a hard hitter or a grab-and-drag-down guy? • Wrap-up tackler? • Is he good in space? • Does he break down and run through the ball carrier? ✔ WARD OFF/SHED Hand strength • Use of hands and forearms • Pad under pad • Does he accelerate off…

SCOUT CHECKLIST ✔ INSTINCTS Ability to anticipate with quick reaction and analyze offensive set tendencies and react quickly • Suddenness ✔ KEY & DIAGNOSE/RUN THE DEFENSE Recognition and reaction to run/pass • Instincts ✔ EXPLOSIVE/LEVERAGE Quick movement out of transition to break on the ball ✔ LATERAL MOVEMENT Plays square to receivers • Demonstrates change of direction and lateral quickness ✔ HANDS/BALL SKILLS Soft or stiff • Is he a hand or body catcher✔ • Can he adjust to intercept a poorly thrown ball? • Does he knock down catchable balls? • Sheds blockers ✔ TACKLING Effectiveness • Break down and wrap up • Physical or drag down • Ward off/shed ✔ AGGRESSIVENESS In press coverage, is he nose-tonose? • Good stance, balance and strength • Physical striker? ✔ CLOSING…

2021 First-Round Pick: No. 4 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES EDGE – The only Falcons defenders to have more than three sacks last season were defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and middle linebacker Deion Jones. Pressure off the edge was often nonexistent, a frustratingly annual trend in Atlanta over the past four years. Defensive end Takkarist McKinley, a 2017 first-round bust, was released in November after derisive comments about the franchise were added to his impotent on-field performance. DE Dante Fowler Jr., a splash free-agent acquisition last offseason, was a total flop, posting career lows in sacks and TFLs. He has two years left on his contract, but Atlanta has an affordable out after this season. Playing on an expiring contract, Steven Means was arguably their best edge defender last season, but that isn’t…

2021 First-Round Pick: No. 8 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES G – Four Panthers offensive linemen who started at least three games last season were playing on expiring contracts, and a case could be made that center Matt Paradis (the only starter remaining under contract) played poorly enough that Carolina ought to save themselves $8.53 million by bailing on the last three years of his five-year contract. While tackle Taylor Moton thrived last season, guards Michael Schofield, John Miller and Chris Reed were problematic. In Year Two under Matt Rhule, the O-line needs to be rebuilt from scratch. QB – Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater performed as expected in 2020: He was a middling passer who took few chances, somewhat minimized mistakes and kept the Panthers close more often than not — but he lacked…

2021 First-Round Pick: No. 26 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES LB – Cleveland’s defensive rankings are a bit skewed because of a few crazy-weather games and a very easy schedule, but an honest analysis of the roster would suggest that defense will be a huge priority on Draft Weekend. At linebacker, Malcolm Smith and B.J. Goodson played the most snaps and were serviceable, but both hit free agency at the end of the season. Mack Wilson, a 2019 fifth-round pick, was a disaster against the run and in coverage. The Browns would be wise to move on from him or at least move him to a backup role. Sione Takitaki, a 2019 third-rounder, is useful as a downhill, early-down thumper but can’t be trusted in passing situations. EDGE – Elite defensive end Myles…

2021 First-Round Pick: No. 7 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES DT – Despite fired head coach Matt Patricia’s pedigree as a defensive assistant, the team allowed an NFL-worst 32.4 points per game last year and needs better personnel at virtually every defensive position. The defensive line needs to be overhauled, starting on the interior. Patricia brought in Danny Shelton based on their time together in New England, but Shelton was completely inept. Sixth-round rookie John Penisini was a decent fit in Patricia’s system, but the 325-pounder may not have a role under the new regime. Da’Shawn Hand and Nick Williams are serviceable at best, and both are free agents at the end of 2021. LB – Detroit declined linebacker Jarrad Davis’ fifth-year option before the 2020 season, and he showed improvement, especially in…

2021 First-Round Pick: No. 21 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES CB – After a strong start to the 2020 season, Indy’s defense faded late in the year. The Colts allowed a 78.1 passer rating to opponents in the first half of the year, but that number ballooned to 102.7 in their last nine games (including their playoff loss). No. 1 outside corner Xavier Rhodes and sub-package DB T.J. Carrie enjoyed career resurgences, but both arrived last offseason on one-year deals. Rock Ya-Sin, the 34th overall pick two years ago, was an absolute liability in coverage and rightfully had his playing time reduced late in the season. EDGE – Father Time is finally catching up to defensive end Justin Houston, as his elite production is starting to tail off as a 31-year-old. Even in…

2021 First-Round Pick: No. 17 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES DT – It is difficult to know where to start in rebuilding a defense that allowed 29.9 points per game (third most in the NFL last year) and 11.0 fourth-quarter points per game (by far the most in the league). At defensive tackle, 2018 fifth-rounder Maurice Hurst holds his own consistently but rarely makes splash plays. Johnathan Hankins was a decent run-stuffer but hit free agency at season’s end. One-year free agent signee Maliek Collins and third-year UDFA Kendal Vickers were simply brutal. G – At left guard, Richie Incognito was knocked out by a Week 2 Achilles injury, and Denzelle Good was an inadequate replacement. Good was on an expiring contract, and Incognito will be 38 and playing on the last year…

2021 First-Round Picks: Nos. 3, 18 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES LB – Miami’s run defense was problematic in 2020, and upgrades at linebacker are needed. Kyle Van Noy was unspectacular in his first season as a Dolphin, while 2018 third-rounder Jerome Baker would be better suited to a part-time role than the 80 percent-plus snaps he played in 2020. Free agent Elandon Roberts is an old-school thumper who’s a liability in coverage, while little-used backups Kamu Grugier-Hill and Sam Eguavoen also became free agents at season’s end. G–The entire Miami off ensive line needs to play better for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to develop into a franchise player. The rookie linemen — guard Solomon Kindley (a fourth-round selection) and tackles Austin Jackson (the 18th overall pick) and Robert Hunt (39th overall) — were…

2021 First-Round Pick: No. 28 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES S – The only Saints safety who played significant snaps in 2020 and wasn’t on an expiring contract was 33-year-old Malcolm Jenkins. He may not last through the final three years of his contract seeing as he’s become a bit of a liability in coverage. Marcus Williams has arguably been a topfive NFL safety over the past two seasons, but New Orleans may not be able to afford him now that his rookie contract is up. P.J. Williams and D.J. Swearinger did nothing in their contract years to warrant a large role on any team, let alone one with championship aspirations. DT – Defensive tackle David Onyemata had a breakout season in 2020, setting career-highs in sacks (6.5) and TFLs (10) in his…

2021 First-Round Pick: No. 6 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES CB – Despite acquiring former Lions star cornerback Darius Slay in March 2020, the Eagles’ secondary continued to be problematic. Slay is technically under contract through the 2023 season, though Philadelphia can release him without a huge cap hit after the 2021 season if he continues to get torched by top-tier wideouts. Nickell Robey-Coleman was mediocre in a contract year, while Avonte Maddox was one of the worst regularly playing defensive backs in the NFL last season. LB – Philadelphia has leaned on patchwork linebacking groups in recent years, and 2020’s LB rotation wasn’t up to par. Alex Singleton, Duke Riley, Nathan Gerry and T.J. Edwards rotated ineffective snaps at the position, while 2020 third-rounder Davion Taylor barely saw the field. Riley was…

2021 First-Round Pick: None OFFSEASON PRIORITIES EDGE – The Seahawks allowed the second-most air yards in the NFL in 2020. Those struggles are largely the fault of a poor secondary, but an inability to pressure opposing QBs was also a major factor. They were able to produce pressure for stretches, but they often did so by bringing blitzes from the secondary that left their defensive backfield in compromising situations. Defensive end Benson Mayowa was in town on a oneyear deal and tallied six sacks, but he was a liability against the run. A knee injury limited OLB Bruce Irvin to two games in the last year of his contract, and while DE Carlos Dunlap II provided a spark after being acquired from Cincinnati in late October, he’s owed $14.1 million…

2021 First-Round Pick: No. 19 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES QB – Dwayne Haskins Jr., the 15th overall pick in 2019, had plenty of chances to endear himself to his new coaching staff in 2020, but poor decision-making on and off the field resulted in his release in December. Kyle Allen is too turnover-prone to be an NFL starter, and while Alex Smith was under center for a successful run of games, he was strictly a game manager who rarely created explosive plays. WR – Terry McLaurin could be an elite wideout if he’s ever lucky enough to play with a quality quarterback. Beyond him, Washington would do well to overhaul its entire WR room. While 2019 UDFA Steven Sims Jr. saw an uptick in usage late in his rookie season, the new…

A year ago at this time, we were anticipating a deliciously over-the-top Las Vegas draft, complete with showgirls, celebrities and boat rides by each draft pick to the podium at the Bellagio, with the legendary fountains as a backdrop. Unfortunately, pandemics tend to ruin everything they touch, and the 2020 NFL Draft was unable to escape COVID-19’s reach. But to their credit, the NFL and the 32 franchises made the best of an unprecedented situation. The resulting “virtual” draft made for different but still compelling viewing, as it placed the players and viewers in a more intimate home setting, humanizing the draft prospects much more than the planned glitz and spectacle would have. “There are a bunch of things I can see us carry forward that came out of [last]…

SCOUT CHECKLIST ✔ INITIAL QUICKNESS Explosive start • Movement on snap • Quickness to the hole ✔ RUN INSTINCTS Natural feel for running the ball • Ability to create • Run skills and overall raw talent ✔ VISION Ability to hop cut in the hole • Sees the crease and bursts through it ✔ INSIDE RUN Vision • Follows and cuts off blocks • Aggressive 2- and 3-yard runs • Drives legs on contact ✔ POWER RUNNER Leg drive after initial contact • Low pad level ✔ BALANCE Ability to retain body control • Lower-body strength • Stays on feet ✔ OUTSIDE RUN Speed to turn the corner, outrun defender • Cut-back ability versus flow ✔ BURST/ACCELERATION Extra gear • Quickness to reach top speed ✔ ELUSIVE Cuts without loss…

SCOUT CHECKLIST ✔ INITIAL QUICKNESS Quickness on start • Movement off the ball to gain an advantage ✔ KNEE BEND Natural or forced • Ability to bend and play in a leverage position ✔ EXPLOSION Knee bender, not a waist bender • Leg drive, rolls hips, strength, can stun defender • Fire, fit, follow through ✔ USE OF HANDS Placement, punch, stab, quickness, 6-inch punch, controls defender ✔ BODY CONTROL/RECOVERY Can he redirect and shift weight quickly to defeat opponent? • Quick pivot and turn ✔ PASS PROTECTION The ability to quick set with body quickness, change of direction and redirect with natural body control • Does he demonstrate attitude and aggression to engage initial contact with base, balance and knee bend? • Can he stay square with ability to…

SCOUT CHECKLIST ✔ INSTINCTS Feels pressure and reacts on the move • Diagnoses play after controlling opponent • Quick reactions ✔ KEY AND DIAGNOSE Reads and reacts to keys • Right place at the right time ✔ EXPLOSIVE/LEVERAGE Low and sudden movement when delivering a blow • Ability to unlock hips with force ✔ LATERAL MOVEMENT/ATHLETIC ABILITY Can he bend and turn the corner? • Downline pursuit • Quickness in stunts and slant moves • Hand use ✔ TACKLING Is he explosive, a hard hitter? • Can he stop ball carrier without losing ground? • Better in closed area ✔ WARD OFF/SHED/SEPARATION Use of hands and strength to separate • Pull and jerk ✔ AGGRESSIVENESS Face-up wrap tackler • Intense and relentless ✔ BURST/ACCELERATION Amount of time it takes to…

SCOUT CHECKLIST ✔ INSTINCTS Read-and-react quickness • Natural ability to find the ball • Anticipation • Playmaker ✔ KEY & DIAGNOSE Recognition and reaction • Football intelligence ✔ EXPLOSIVE/LEVERAGE Knee bend • Functional strength • Ability to dominate ✔ LATERAL MOVEMENT Quickness to shuffle • Makes plays parallel to line of scrimmage • Plays with good knee bend on balls of feet • Change-of-direction ability ✔ HAND USE Takes on blockers • Can he stack and control blocker? ✔ TACKLING Is he a hard hitter or a grab-and-dragdown guy? • Wrap-up tackler • Is he good in space? • Does he break down and run through ball carrier? ✔ WARD OFF/SHED/SEPARATION Hand strength • Use of hands and forearms • Pad under pad • Does he accelerate off a block?…

1 Blake Haubeil (K) COLLEGE: OHIO STATE CLASS: Sr. HEIGHT: 6'2" WEIGHT: 225 STRONG POINTS: Haubeil battled injuries last year, but he is a big kicker with the leg strength to match. He makes loud contact and launches kicks with a high trajectory. He’s an athlete with a repeatable motion. He is used to kicking in the elements after spending four years in the Big Ten and playing high school football in Buffalo. His collegiate career-long field goal of 55 yards came outside vs. Northwestern in Chicago. He has the size to mix it up as a tackler if needed on kickoff coverage, finishing with 10 solo tackles and an assist in his career. WEAK POINTS: He’s coming off a rough senior season, although he was battling a groin injury…

2021 First-Round Pick: No. 27 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES WR – If the Ravens want quarterback Lamar Jackson to take the next step as a passer, they need to surround him with wide receivers worth throwing to. Marquise Brown, a 2019 first-round pick, has looked more like a situational deep threat than a high-volume game-changer through two seasons, failing to get open and struggling with drops when he does. Beyond him, the receiver room is full of replacement-level talent. Miles Boykin and Devin Duvernay, third-round picks in 2019 and 2020, respectively, have yet to rise above the level of seldom-used athletes. G – It is no surprise that the offense took a step back without guard Marshal Yanda, a two-time, first-team All-Pro who retired after the 2019 season. Free-agent acquisition D.J. Fluker…

2021 First-Round Pick: No. 20 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES QB – Chicago is long overdue to move on from 2017 second overall pick Mitchell Trubisky at quarterback. He was benched three games into the 2020 season for his characteristically scattershot passing, giving way to Nick Foles. Foles posted 5.9 yards per attempt, the lowest rate in the NFL, and Trubisky recaptured the starting job late in the season and posted decent numbers. But his production was fool’s gold — six of Trubisky’s nine regular-season starts came against opponents that were among the NFL’s six lowest-rated defenses, and he was near the bottom of the league in percentage of off-target throws. OT – Starting tackles Charles Leno Jr. and Bobby Massie weren’t hugely problematic in 2020, but both had ups and downs in…

2021 First-Round Pick: No. 10 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES CB – Cornerback Byron Jones, Dallas’ first-round pick in 2015, signed with Miami last offseason, and his presence was sorely missed. Jourdan Lewis, Anthony Brown and Chidobe Awuzie were liabilities in coverage and unhelpful versus the run, and Lewis’ and Awuzie’s expiring contracts give the Cowboys a chance to rebuild their struggling secondary. Trevon Diggs, last year’s second-rounder, was arguably their best CB but got burned too often to inspire confidence in his ability to shadow opposing No. 1 wideouts in the near future. S – Donovan Wilson, a 2019 sixth-round pick, has been a pleasant surprise and projects as a long-term starter. Like so many Cowboys defenders, safety Xavier Woods’ performance fell off a cliff in 2020. Unfortunately for him, it came…

2021 First-Round Pick: No. 29 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES WR – The Packers’ refusal to draft a wideout last season when it was such a glaring need is mind-boggling, especially considering the measly contribution they got from their first three 2020 draft picks — QB Jordan Love, RB AJ Dillon and TE Josiah Deguara, all of whom were buried on the depth chart. Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard were both among the NFL’s five worst drops-per-receptions offenders among wideouts. While Lazard is a willing and effective run blocker and Valdez-Scantling is a menacing deep threat, both are better suited to situational roles. CB – While 2018 first-round pick Jaire Alexander is among the best cornerbacks in the NFL right now, the Packers need better CB play around him as opponents avoid throwing…

2021 First-Round Picks: No. 1, 25 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES QB – Gardner Minshew II is who everyone thought he was, a fine backup QB option who has no right being a Week 1 NFL starter. Sixthround rookie Jake Luton had a nice debut against the Texans’ horrible defense, then expectedly fell on his face against the Packers and Steelers, ending his three-game stretch of starts with a 54.5 passer rating. In case their intentions to “earn” the No. 1 overall pick weren’t clear, Mike Glennon saw his first five starts since 2017. CB – Two years ago at this time, Jacksonville boasted arguably the best cornerback duo in football with Jalen Ramsey lining up opposite A.J. Bouye. Having traded both players away prior to having to give them new contracts, the…

2021 First-Round Pick: No. 13 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES G – Quarterback Justin Herbert’s record-setting rookie season is that much more impressive given that he played behind arguably the NFL’s worst offensive line. The only potential silver lining is center Mike Pouncey’s potential (he’s a pending free agent) return from a hip injury that cost him the entire 2020 season. Guards Forrest Lamp and Trai Turner were both completely horrendous — the former was in the last year of his rookie contract, and the latter is a candidate to be released this offseason with a year left on his deal. The Bolts haven’t drafted a guard since taking Lamp 38th overall in 2017, so there’s no real in-house option to step in. OT – L.A.’s tackles were just as awful as the…

2021 First-Round Pick: No. 14 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES G – Minnesota’s interior offensive line was arguably the NFL’s worst in 2020. Perennially disappointing guard Pat Elflein was a Week 1 starter but missed time with a thumb injury before being released in November. In his absence, 2019 fourth-rounder Dru Samia was simply atrocious. He was eventually replaced by second-round rookie Ezra Cleveland, who posted one of the highest pass-pressure-allowed rates among all NFL guards. Opposite them, Dakota Dozier made 16 disastrous starts, allowing pressure even more often than Cleveland. DT – In Mike Zimmer’s first six years as head coach, the Vikings’ defense never ranked lower than 11th in points allowed and never finished in the bottom half of the league in yards allowed. In 2020, they ranked 29th in points…

2021 First-Round Pick: No. 11 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES CB – Finding an answer opposite star cornerback James Bradberry is paramount. Deandre Baker’s off-the-field troubles led to the 2019 first-rounder’s release in September, though his atrocious on-the-field play as a rookie made the decision painless. In 2020, Julian Love, Isaac Yiadom and Ryan Lewis were just as terrible as Baker had been, while rookie fourth-rounder Darnay Holmes floundered as a slot corner. WR – Assuming the Giants are going to build around QB Daniel Jones, they need to upgrade his passing-game weapons. Tight end Evan Engram would be better suited to a situational role as opposed to seeing eight targets per game. Golden Tate, signed to a four-year pact before the 2019 season, has been a colossal waste of money and may…

2021 First-Round Pick: No. 24 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES OT – The once-dominant Pittsburgh O-line has deteriorated over the past two seasons despite retaining most of its personnel. Tackles Alejandro Villanueva (playing in a contract year) and Chukwuma Okorafor held up fine in pass protection because the Steelers’ quick-strike passing game rarely required long-held blocks. However, they created very little push in the run game, resulting in the Steelers almost completely abandoning their rushing attack down the stretch in 2020. Zach Banner is a potential in-house upgrade at one spot — he was the starting right guard but tore his ACL in Week 1. He’s a powerful run blocker whose lack of pass-blocking nuance won’t be a huge issue if the Steelers continue to have the NFL’s quickest snap-to-release passing attack. QB…

2021 First-Round Pick: No. 32 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES EDGE – Outside linebackers Shaquil Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul were less dominant in 2020. Keeping them both on the roster will be a challenge, with Barrett having played last season on the franchise tag and Pierre-Paul due $12.5 million this year, the last on his current contract. There may be some hope for 2019 fourth-rounder Anthony Nelson, but he has barely been in the rotation during his first two seasons. There’s almost no experience on the depth chart behind him. DT – Three key pieces to Tampa’s defensive line rotation — Ndamukong Suh, Rakeem Nunez-Roches and Steve McLendon — were on expiring contracts in 2020. Suh is 34 and McLendon is 35; both are solid but noticeably fading. Nunez-Roches was one of the…

In terms of quality and staying power, 2011 was a great draft. Amazingly, 11 of the 32 first-rounders are still with the team that drafted them, and 21 of the 32 spent the 2020 season on someone’s active roster. In a sport that chews up players and spits them out, usually in three seasons or fewer, that’s pretty darn good. 1. Carolina: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn Carolina (2011-19), New England (2020) The 2010 Heisman Trophy winner and national championship quarterback at Auburn has been a compelling NFL presence (and fashion icon) for a decade now, earning 2015 NFL MVP honors and three Pro Bowl nods. Newton has passed for 31,698 career yards and 190 touchdowns, adding 70 rushing TDs as a plus-sized but nimble ground threat. He set numerous rookie…

SCOUT CHECKLIST ✔ COVERAGE RECOGNITION Reads coverage, zone and man-to-man ✔ RUN AFTER CATCH Athletic after catch • Production with ball in hands ✔ PATTERNS Type of cuts, rounded or sharp • Body control • Drops weight • Lateral separation ✔ RELEASE Escapes being held up in press coverage • Quick feet • Strength to fight jams ✔ SEPARATION Ability to come out of break with burst/acceleration • Creates space — can he get open? ✔ RECEIVE LONG Can he adjust to the ball in flight? • Does he pick up speed down the field? • Does he run through the ball? • Vertical threat • Leaping ability and timing ✔ BALL REACTIONS Reactive and assertive in traffic • Reactive to low balls and balls behind him • Ball skills…

SCOUT CHECKLIST ✔ INITIAL QUICKNESS Quickness on start • Movement off the ball to gain an advantage ✔ KNEE BEND Natural or forced • Ability to bend and play football in a leverage position ✔ EXPLOSION Knee bender, not a waist bender • Leg drive • Rolls hips • Strength • Ability to stun defender • Fire, fit and follow through ✔ USE OF HANDS Placement • Punch, stab quickness • 6-inch punch • Controls defender ✔ BODY CONTROL/RECOVERY Can he redirect and shift weight quickly to defeat opponent? • Quick pivot and turn • Ability to regain body control and balance ✔ PASS PROTECTION Ability to quick set with body quickness • Change of direction and redirect with natural body control • Does he demonstrate attitude and aggression to…

SCOUT CHECKLIST ✔ INSTINCTS Feels pressure and reacts on the move • Diagnoses play after controlling opponent • Quick reactions ✔ KEY AND DIAGNOSE Football intelligence • Reads and reacts to keys • Right place at the right time ✔ EXPLOSIVE/LEVERAGE Low and sudden movement when delivering a blow • Ability to unlock hips with force ✔ LATERAL MOVEMENT/ATHLETIC ABILITY Can he bend and turn the corner? • Downline pursuit • Quickness in stunts and slant moves ✔ TACKLING Is he explosive? • Hard hitter ✔ WARD OFF/SHED/SEPARATION Use of hands and strength to separate • Pull and jerk ✔ AGGRESSIVENESS Face-up wrap tackler • Intense and relentless ✔ BURST/ACCELERATION Amount of time it takes to get to top speed ✔ INITIAL QUICKNESS Initial suddenness • Type of stance •…

SCOUT CHECKLIST ✔ INSTINCTS Ability to anticipate and analyze offensive set tendencies and react quickly • Suddenness to read and react and pattern read ✔ KEY & DIAGNOSE/FOOTBALL INTELLIGENCE Recognition and reaction to run/pass • Thinks on feet • Makes quick adjustments ✔ EXPLOSIVE/LEVERAGE Quick movement out of transition to break on the ball ✔ LATERAL MOVEMENT Plays square to receivers • Demonstrates change of direction and lateral quickness ✔ HANDS/BALL SKILLS Soft or stiff • Is he a hands or body catcher? • Can he adjust to intercept a poorly thrown ball? • Does he knock down catchable balls? • How does he use his hands to shed a blocker? ✔ TACKLING Effectiveness • Break down and wrap up • Physical or drag down ✔ WARD OFF/SHED Can he…

2021 First-Round Pick: No. 16 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES CB – For the past six offseasons, the Cardinals have been annually searching for a suitable No. 2 cornerback to pair with star Patrick Peterson. But with Peterson’s effectiveness dwindling as his contract ran out in 2020, Arizona has a defensive backfield full of questions. Byron Murphy Jr., a 2019 second-round pick, showed great improvement in his second season, but help is needed around him, with Peterson and aging veterans Dre Kirkpatrick and Johnathan Joseph all having hit free agency. G – Two years removed from being one of the NFL’s worst units, Arizona’s offensive line has improved quite a bit. However, the interior of the line often struggled to create space in the Cardinals’ unimaginative run game. Left guard Justin Pugh has…

2021 First-Round Pick: No. 30 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES EDGE – With Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison turning 33 and 34, respectively, this summer, the time has come to restock the cupboard. GM Brandon Beane spent his top 2020 pick (54th overall) on A.J. Epenesa, but he projects as a high-floor/low-ceiling prospect suited to take over for outgoing 2018 free-agent bust Trent Murphy. Long-armed 2019 seventh-rounder Darryl Johnson has flashed in a rotational role, but the search for the next top-of-the-depth-chart difference-maker is pressing. OT – Uncertainty looms behind cornerstone left tackle Dion Dawkins, who is locked up through 2024. RT Daryl Williams was a find late in 2020 free agency, but his steady performance has likely priced him out of returning to the Bills, who are expected to allocate resources to…

2021 First-Round Pick: No. 5 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES OT – If Joe Burrow is going to survive as an aggressive, downfield passer, Cincinnati needs to improve his protection. Burrow was sacked 32 times in just 10 games as a rookie. After missing his entire first season with a shoulder injury, 2019 first-round pick Jonah Williams was a solid pass blocker at left tackle in 2020. Bobby Hart didn’t hold up well enough in pass protection to warrant a starting job in 2021, backup Fred Johnson was completely overmatched when pressed into action and sixth-round rookie Hakeem Adeniji wasn’t any better. G – The problems on the interior of the O-line were arguably worse than the issues on the outside. Trey Hopkins was a reliable center, but a rotating cast of characters…

2021 First-Round Pick: No. 9 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES QB – It’s difficult to justify sticking with quarterback Drew Lock based on his 2020 campaign. No passer with more than 250 attempts had a lower completion rate than his 57.3 percent, and only Nick Mullens and Carson Wentz had a higher interception rate than Lock’s 3.4 percent. Between an injury to star wideout Courtland Sutton and lackluster O-line play, there are some ready-made excuses for Lock, but there are too many inaccurate throws and disconcerting decisions on tape for Denver to tie its fate to him long term. CB – Cornerback A.J. Bouye was a bust in his first year in Denver. He missed five games due to injury and another four while serving the beginning of a PED suspension that will…

2021 First-Round Pick: None OFFSEASON PRIORITIES EDGE – Outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus was given a gigantic contract extension in December 2019 and proceeded to have by far his worst year as a pro in 2020, seeing a dramatic downtick in pass-rush effectiveness and flopping as a run defender. His contract makes him all but un-cuttable this offseason, but the new Houston staff will have no choice but to part ways with him next spring if he plays so poorly again. Third-round rookie OLB Jonathan Greenard did nothing to inspire confidence in his one-sack debut season, and the rest of the edge-defending crew failed to keep pace with aging star defensive end J.J. Watt. CB – Bradley Roby was an unexceptional No. 1 cornerback before his PED suspension — he has…

2021 First-Round Pick: No. 31 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES EDGE – Only five defenses produced fewer negative-yardage plays (sacks and TFLs) than Kansas City’s in 2020. Defensive end Frank Clark’s Pro Bowl selection was a bit of a head-scratcher given that he had his lowest sack total (six) since he was a rotational backup as a rookie in 2015. DEs Tanoh Kpassagnon and Alex Okafor were in contract years and also saw dips in their production, while fifth-round rookie Mike Danna failed to impress as a part-time player. WR – Mecole Hardman, a 2019 second-round pick, was drafted as insurance for star wideout Tyreek Hill when Hill was facing serious domestic abuse accusations. Hardman has yet to convert his elite speed into consistent production, and in 2020, he had the highest drop…

2021 First-Round Pick: None OFFSEASON PRIORITIES EDGE – Three of the five Rams to tally more than four sacks last season — OLBs Leonard Floyd and Samson Ebukam and DE Morgan Fox — did so in the last year of their contracts. Third-round OLB Terrell Lewis oozed potential as a rookie, but injuries have limited him to a mere 14 college games and nine games as a pro. It doesn’t take a superstar to thrive alongside perennial Defensive Player of the Year favorite Aaron Donald at defensive tackle, but the edge defender depth chart is bare going into 2021. OT – Left tackle Andrew Whitworth turned 39 last season, and the Rams are playing with fire if their succession plan is to elevate a currently rostered player. When Whitworth missed…

2021 First-Round Pick: No. 15 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES WR – The Patriots’ anemic passing game is a direct result of the franchise’s inability to identify and develop receiver talent. Since Bill Belichick took over as de facto general manager in 2009, the team has drafted six wideouts in the first four rounds — Brandon Tate (83rd overall in 2009), Taylor Price (90th in 2010), Aaron Dobson (59th in 2013), Josh Boyce (102nd in 2013), Malcolm Mitchell (112th in 2016), and N’Keal Harry (32nd in 2019). Julian Edelman will be 35 in May, and his injury history is mounting, and while 2019 UDFA Jakobi Meyers emerged as New England’s top receiver in 2020, he’s hardly a potential centerpiece of a dynamic passing game. QB – While an atrocious WR/TE group and uninspired…

2021 First-Round Picks: No. 2, 23 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES QB – Three years of Sam Darnold have been enough for the Jets to know they swung and missed with the third overall pick in the 2018 draft. While Josh Allen (drafted four picks later) and Lamar Jackson (drafted 29 picks later) thrive in the AFC, Darnold has lacked decisiveness, accuracy and ball security. Plenty of blame can be placed on the Jets’ poor coaching and atrocious skill-position talent, but Darnold’s embarrassing 2020 performance offered few glimmers of hope for his future and left little doubt that the rebuilding Jets need a new quarterback. EDGE – Pressure off the edge was almost nonexistent for the 2020 Jets. Their best pass rusher by a wide margin was 2019 third overall draft pick Quinnen…

2021 First-Round Pick: No. 12 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES CB – San Francisco had seven cornerbacks who played more than 11 defensive snaps in 2020, and all seven of them were in the last year of their contracts. When healthy, the 49ers’ secondary has been one of the NFL’s best over the past two seasons. No. 1 CB Richard Sherman continues to play at a high level, but having missed 11 games with a calf injury last year, the 33-year-old is no sure bet to continue his run of top-level play if he does return in free agency. G – The 49ers had the second-ranked rushing offense in 2019 (behind only the Ravens), but their yards-per-carry and yards-per-game rates plummeted to league-average levels in 2020. Part of the problem was the rash…

2021 First-Round Pick: No. 22 OFFSEASON PRIORITIES EDGE – The Titans were the only team to allow opponents to convert more than 50 percent of their third downs. The most glaring issue was Tennessee’s complete lack of a pass rush — only Detroit registered fewer QB pressures per dropback than Tennessee. Edge defender Jadeveon Clowney signed just before the season started and contributed zero sacks in eight games before succumbing to a knee injury. Outside linebacker Harold Landry III, a 2018 second-rounder, was the only edge defender to register more than one sack in 2020, and what little pressure was generated beyond his contribution usually came from second-level blitzers and interior defensive linemen. WR – Corey Davis, the fifth overall pick in 2017, had his fifth-year option declined before the…