Zay Jones Scouting Report: The NCAA Reception Record Breaker

Written By Christian Lysek

East Carolina wide receiver Zay Jones broke his former teammate Justin Hardy's reception record this year with 399 catches. He is similar to Donnel Pumphrey in they way that while he is a record-setting college player with some uncertainties about his pro career. Fortunately, Zay Jones is making the most of his Senior Bowl invite and is gaining steam heading into the NFL draft. Here's why:


Measurables: 
Height- 6'2''
Weight- 202 lbs
Year:
Senior (21)
2016 Stat Line:
158 receptions, 1746 receiving yards, 8 TDs, 4 rushes, 24 yards

Pros: Zay Jones has steel traps for hands. He extends his hands to catch the ball, which limits his drops and makes it harder for corners to defend him. Part of the reason he catches so well is that he always finds a way to get open whether it be beating a corner in man or finding holes in zone coverage. He does not run many routes at ECU, but the ones he does run he runs at a high quality. He has quick feet which help with route running and gaining yards after the catch, something Jones is quite good at. Jones also has enough size and strength to block of screens and runs, something ECU asked him to do quite often. On top of that, Jones' 6'2'', 202-pound frame give him enough size to play inside or outside of the numbers.

Cons: Jones spent most of his college career catching short passes and gaining yards after the catch. While he flashes field-stretching ability, he lacks the elite speed to consistently get open down the field. Jones is extremely agile, but he does not have enough strength to run through or past strong tacklers. Jones also ran a limited route tree in college so he will need to learn a new skill set in the pros.

Pro Comparison: Stefon Diggs
Diggs is the leading receiver for the Minnesota Vikings. Diggs wins with strong hands, good route running, and extreme foot quickness rather than pure speed. Diggs primarily works out of the slot, but he does just fine working outside of the numbers. Jones will probably be a possession receiver like Diggs, but Jones has more potential working on the outside than his counterpart.

3 Teams that fit him: The 49ers are desperate for talent at the wide receiver position, and finding a consistent threat such as Jones would help a struggling passing offense. The Ravens will be experiencing changes at the wide receiver position with the retirement of Steve Smith and lingering free agency of Mike Wallace, so pairing Jones' possession ability with Breshad Perriman's big play threat, the Ravens can avoid taking much of a step back offensively. With Jeremy Maclin hurt, the Chiefs weakness at wide receiver was exposed. Jones could complement Tyreek Hill's explosion with precise route running and sure hands.

Conclusion: While Zay Jones lacks elite athleticism, he is a technician at wide receiver and has shown consistency while at East Carolina. His route hands and quickness will convince some team to pull the trigger in rounds 2-3.

Opinion: The Senior Bowl is Great, so there should be one for Underclassman

Written by Christian Lysek

The room is so quiet, a pin drop on the astroturf field would sound like Bryce Harper hitting a gong. Over 300 players are standing around nervously in matching Under Armor compressions. The scene is similar to a track meet, only the consequences of failure are far greater. Here, failure to perform could mean the difference from being a first round lock to a player fighting for a roster spot. We are at the NFL combine, one of the most important steps in the draft process. It puts every prospect under the same microscope as scouts evaluate their athleticism and personalities. Unfortunately, though, some senior prospects have a distinct advantage going into the combine that underclassmen do not have access to: they went to the Senior Bowl. They spent an entire week in pads practicing, scrimmaging, and playing in the all-star game while the underclassmen were at home preparing for the underwear Olympics. They are missing out on the best opportunity to raise their draft stock, which is a crime, because many of these underclassmen need it.

Underclassmen need an opportunity like the Senior Bowl

The number of underclassmen declaring for the draft has skyrocketed. Just this year, 104 players declared early for the draft in hopes of getting picked. If every underclassman who declared were to be drafted, they would make up 41% of the picks in the draft. While standouts like Solomon Thomas and Malik Hooker do not necessarily need another performance in pads, there are always those underclassmen who declare early that leave us scratching our heads who could use an all-star game. Just look at Virginia Tech quarterback Jerod Evans. To most evaluators, he is seen as raw and inexperienced, so having an all-star game where he could work with professional coaches could benefit his draft stock.

Jerod Evans, Virgina Tech QB

While there are plenty of came out too early for no reason like Jerod Evans, some were more than justified in their declaration. The best example is running back Peyton Barber. He was an undrafted rookie last year for the Buccaneers, but before that, he was a low rated prospect from Auburn. He declared not because of his production, but because his mother was homeless and needed some of the money Barber would make. Fortunately, Barber did make it into the league, but imagine how much better off he would be if he had an all-star game to showcase his skills at. He would be able to show off the talent he possesses that allowed him to average 4.1 YPC during his rookie year. Being drafted would mean more roster security and a better contract for him and his family.

Peyton Barber, former Auburn RB

The declared underclassmen need their own bowl. Keep the Senior Bowl as it is, but give the underclassmen a copycat of the game the seniors play. Organize them together, get some NFL assistants to coach them, puts pads on the players, and let them get on the field and make money for themselves. Every underclassman has a flaw, scheme questions, or both, so put them on the field and give them the opportunity to prove themselves to the league.

Derek Barnett Scouting Report: Second best EDGE in the class?

Written By Christian Lysek

Derek Barnett made headlines in the 2016 Music City Bowl when he passed Reggie White's 32 career sacks for the Tennessee all-time sack leader title. While that statistic does not mean Barnett is better than Reggie White, it does show pass-rushing consistency in Barnett's career. He has handled NFL talents such
as Cam Robinson and Avery Gennesy, and he has every tool to do the same thing in the NFL. He will just get the job differently than Reggie White did in his day.

Measurables:
Height- 6'3''
Weight- 265
Year:
Junior (20)
2016 Stat Line:
56 total tackles (40 solo), 19 TFL, 13 sacks, 2 FF, 1 INT, 16 QBH, 5 PBU

Pros: Derek Barnett flies off of the line of scrimmage like a track running the 100m dash. If the offensive lineman does not have a wide kick out, he will be playing catch-up as Barnett flies past them. Barnett uses his elite bend to cut down the angle to the quarterback while evading the hands of the offensive tackle. He also flashes a power game, as he has active hands at the point of contact and can bull rush quite well. Against the run, Barnett does a good job of sealing the edge and forcing runs inside when the ball carrier heads towards him. On runs to the other side and down the middle, Barnett is smart enough to know when to stay home or chase the runner downfield. Barnett's football IQ combined with his relentless motor makes him a legitimate asset in run defense. As icing on the cake, Barnett can play both 4-3 end (what he played at Tennessee) and 3-4, mainly because he actually has some experience covering pass catchers.

Cons: Barnett needs to expand his pass rushing skill set. Barnett needs better rip, spin, and swim moves to get by NFL tackles. Fortunately, that can be coached. Barnett also struggles changing directions accelerating during misdirections and option plays. This isn't that surprising since he is a defensive lineman, but it would be nice to see him foil more misdirection plays. In terms of measurables, he may not test out well. He is a little short both in height and with his arms. Some teams value this more than others (ex. Cincinnati loves DL that look like small forwards) so it is something to look out for.

Pro Comparison: Melvin Ingram
Melvin Ingram is a 3-4 outside linebacker for the LA Chargers (ugh, I hate the sound of "LA Chargers"). He is almost the exact same size as Barnett (6'2'', 260 lbs) and utilizes and elite bend to out-athlete offensive tackles. His pass rushing skills toolbox is larger than Barnetts, but once Barnett learns those skills, he will be on the same level as Ingram. He has a higher ceiling too, as he has not been held back by health issues.

3 Teams that fit him: The Indianapolis Colts need a pass rusher that isn't getting AARP letters in the mail, and Barnett would be a nice building block for a rebuilding defense. The Saints are farther along in their defensive overhaul and could continue their ascent by plugging in a pass rushing threat next to stud EDGE rusher Cameron Jordan. The final team that could use young blood at the EDGE position is the Ravens, who still utilize the Elvis Dumervil and Terrell Suggs duo despite the fact that they are old, injury prone, and pricey. Barnett could learn behind the grizzled veterans and eventually assume a starting role, like Shane Ray in Denver.

Conclusion: Derek Barnett is a true blue chip prospect with an elite bend and motor. While he needs some coaching, he has the potential to be a double-digit sack master from day one. Barnett will probably walk on the draft stage between picks 10 and 20.

P.S. For those wondering, I am working on a numerical grading system for all of the prospects in this draft class. In a few weeks, I will release the grades for prospects by position. After the Senior Bowl, be on the lookout for my first big board and first round mock draft. Thanks for reading and comment below if you have any questions or inputs.

Antonio Pipkin Scouting report: A sleeper like Dak?

Written by Christian Lysek

Tom Brady. Tony Romo. Dak Prescott. These are the goldmine quarterbacks. Nobody expects their success, so they slip through the cracks. Every team knows these types of quarterbacks are out there, but finding one is easier said than done. This quarterback class has almost unanimously been considered weak, so finding one may be tougher than ever. After watching tape on almost all of the quarterbacks in this draft class, I believe I found the goldmine. Antonio Pipkin hails from Tiffin University, and with a good senior bowl week, he has the potential to shoot up draft boards. 

Measurables: 

Height- 6'1'' 

Weight- 225

Year: 

Senior (21)

2016 stat line:

2,534 passing yards, 25 passing TDs, 6 INTs, 757 rushing yards, 7 rushing TDs

Pros: Watching Antonio Pipkin throw the ball is a thing of beauty. He uses his 10'' mitts to throw in a tight spiral with great accuracy and ball placement, consistently making it easier for his receivers to catch and gain yards afterward. He shows great touch on all of his passes and rarely overthrows when facing pressure. While his arm strength is not superb, he makes up for it by dropping deep passes into bread baskets and throwing at a high velocity. The latter, to me, is very important. By delivering the football in a clean, fast spiral, defensive backs cannot break on the ball fast enough to pick Pipkin off. He also has a dual-threat dimension to his game and shows nice burst when tucking and coming out of the pocket. The best part about his dual-threat abilities, however, are that he does not rely on them in the passing game. He can stay at home and pass just as good as anyone labeled as a "pocket passer."

Cons: The most immediate concern is the Division-II level Pipkin played at. Adjusting to NFL speed at the game's toughest position is difficult already, but becomes even more so when you run a D-II spread offense against the likes of North Michigan and Hillsdale. Pipkin also likes ideal pro size, standing only at 6 ft 1 inch. Watching Pipkin's tape, he has a penchant for trying to do too much. This leads to him trying to salvage broken plays and force throws into tough coverage. At the D-II level that may work, but the pros will eat him alive when he tries to pull that.

Pro Comparison: Dak Prescott: All I could think about while watching Pipkin was how much he looked like Prescott. Both have a tight spiral with zip and accuracy at all three levels. Prescott and Pipkin are both smaller, dual-threat quarterbacks, but neither need to escape the pocket just to complete a pass (like RGIII). They are more pocket passer with the potential to run. Pipkin also has a similar level of poise in the pocket to Prescott, standing tall and delivering accurate balls with pressure in his face. With good coaching, Pipkin can sit for a few months and step onto the field a battle-ready quarterback.

3 Teams that fit him: The Chiefs stand out as a team that could use Pipkin's potential. Andy Reid can take his intangibles and mold him to his offensive scheme as a successor to Alex Smith. The Steelers and Giants could also use some youth at the quarterback position, and building the rest of the team in the early rounds with taking a flier on a late-round prospect such as Pipkin gives them youth, upside, and a low-risk.

Conclusion: Pipkin has the accuracy, zip, and poise to succeed in the league, but teams will be nervous picking him because of the competition he faced and his lack of height. He has the potential to be a late-round gem a la Dak Prescott, but I don't think anybody will take him until the 6th round.

P.S. I am sorry for the lack of content over the past few weeks, but I have been super busy will exams and college applications. Thankfully, my schedule is starting to clear up and I will be posting more scouting reports, offseason guides, and editorials in the coming months. Be sure to comment in my articles if you want me to scout a specific prospect or look at the offseason of your favorite team. On that note, thanks for reading and look for more content going forward.

All statistics are from ESPN stats and info

New York Giants Off season Guide

Written by Christian Lysek    

The Giants met a disappointing end. In their final game against the Packers, their normally stout defense was exposed and their inconsistent offense was downright anemic. This loss will sting for awhile, but in the NFL, there is no time for self-pity and wallowing. The offseason begins now for the Giants, and it will be full of tough decisions about who to keep, who to let walk, and who to draft.

Free Agency:

Cap Space: 28,511,772 (according to Fanspeak)

Notable Free Agents: EDGE Jason Pierre-Paul, DL Jonathan Hankins, QB Ryan Nassib, OT Marshall Newhouse, OG John Jerry, TE Larry Donnel, LB Keenan Robinson, LB Kelvin Sheppard.

The big story of the Giants offseason if the resign JPP or Jonathan Hankins. They can only reasonably afford to resign one with the massive spending spree they had last year and the fact that they need cap space to pay some dude named Odell Beckham next year. So who should they sign? JPP is probably the better player but will be much more expensive just because he is an EDGE rusher. Hankins is also four years younger and has ten fingers, so he will probably be the one on the Giant's party boat in 2017.

The linebacking core of the Giants will also experience some change this season. Starting middle linebacker Kelvin Sheppard is due for free agency as is Keenan Robinson, an outside linebacker. Kelvin Sheppard will probably be the one let go, as BJ Goodson has impressed in limited action and Sheppard is 29 anyway. Robinson will probably be signed for veteran experience and depth.

The other notable free agents are on offense. Ryan Nassib has been the team's backup/project quarterback, but does not resemble a player who is or will be a franchise quarterback, making it probable that he will not be resigned. Larry Donnel is normally the team's starting tight end, but he is injury prone and the team has serviceable tight ends with upside in Will Tye and Jerrel Adams. The offensive line also has two key pieces facing free agency: tackle Marshall Newhouse and guard John Jerry. Newhouse earned his starting job back these last two weeks and is only 28, so look for the Giants to resign him, as their bookends have struggled for most of the season. John Jerry has started at guard for much of the Giants season, but will probably only be back if he is willing to be back for cheap, as he is 30 and is not an elite guard.

On the Market Prospects:

EDGE Chris Long, LB Malcolm Smith, LB Kevin Minter, OG Chris Chester

Don't expect splash signing from the Giants this year, but they could add some key depth pieces in the draft. Chris Long is an old veteran and not much more than a good rotational piece, but he should not be too pricey and is an overall good player. Malcolm Smith and Kevin Minter are both starting linebackers on their respective teams but are not superstar-contract quality players, exactly what the Giants could use, especially at linebacker. Look for the Giants to add a cheap veteran guard prospect to replace Jerry as well, such as Chris Chester of the Falcons.

The Draft:

Early Round Prospects (Rounds 1-2):

The Giants need some offensive balance, and rehauling their running game is the best way to do that. With Leonard Fournette and Dalvin Cook likely taken by the time the Giants are picking, the Giants are best selecting Christian McCaffrey or D'Onta Foreman. McCaffrey is a similar back to current Giant Paul Perkins but is better in every way, be it running, receiving, or returning. Foreman is a big bruising back with quick feet ripped straight off of the Seattle Seahawk's running back template. I personally see them selecting Foreman and using him in a thunder-lightning combo with Paul Perkins, creating a running presence they have not had since Brandon Jacobs and lifting the pressure off of Eli Manning to win ball games for them.

The other major needs for the Giants are on the front seven of the defense. Romeo Okwara has done an admiral job in place of JPP, but blue chips wrecking balls such as Solomon Thomas and DeMarcus Walker should grab the Giants attention. Both are stout run defenders and elite pass rushers who could play any gap on the line due to their football IQs and immense strength. The Giants also need fresh blood at linebacker, and with blue chipper Rueben Foster likely gone by the time the Giants draft, they should look at the hyper-athletic Zac Cunningham. Jabrill Peppers gets all of the versatility talk, but during I saw Cunningham line up at slot corner, safety, defensive end, and linebacker in one game (Vande vs South Carolina). The Giants could use a sideline to sideline prospect like Cunningham to revitalize their linebacking core and while both improving their defense against the pass and rush. 

The final need for the Giants is a new QB in the wings. Ryan Nassib is not the future of the Giants, and Eli Manning is 36. While their situation is not draft up in the first round desperate, the Giants should look for a high upside prospect in the draft. Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes stands out as the man who could eventually replace Eli. He is similar to Colin Kaepernick with an arm equivalent of a military cannon and mobility like a running back. While there has been some hype about Mahomes being a first rounder due to his amazing physical tools, I see him sliding into the second round because the Texas Tech Air Raid system works about as good developing quarterbacks as the Browns have the past decade. Mahomes is rawer than sushi, but he can sit behind Eli for a few years and learn how a real offense is run before he gets his shot (basically do what the Rams should have done with Goff).

Late Round Prospects (rounds 3-7):

Wayne Gallman and Jamaal Williams are two strong running backs who should go in the 3rd or fourth round. Anthony Walker Jr is a sure-tackling linebacker out of Northwestern with some coverage skills. Jarron Jones is a walking monster at defensive tackle who finally put together a healthy season at Notre Dame. Texas A&M Wide receiver Josh Reynolds is a 6'4'' field stretcher and red zone threat who could fall due to his offensive scheme. Nico Siragusa has paved the way for Donnel Pumphrey at guard the past two seasons with his enormous size. I had no idea who Antonio Pipkin was until he got a Senior Bowl invite, but the Tiffin quarterback is an athletic dual-threat quarterback with a big arm and good accuracy. Jordan Willis is a 6'5'' defensive end out of Kansas State whose good film and size has been overlooked in this deep EDGE class.

The one move nobody may see coming: 

This will be just a fun section where I theorize the big move every team may make. My big move for the Giants is that they will sign WR Michael Floyd. They probably would not have to pony up much money for a guy whose BAC started with a two instead of a zero and he still has the talent of a top-40 receiver in the NFL. The four headed monster of Victor Cruz, Odell Beckham, Sterling Sheppard, and Malcom Floyd would strike fear in every defense around the league.

What I would do:

• Resign Jonathan Hankins, Marshall Newhouse, John Jerry, and Keenan Robinson
• Sign Chris Long
• Draft: Round 1- Zac Cunnigham, Round 2- Demarcus Walker, Round 3- Jamaal Williams, Round 4- Jarron Jones, Round 5- Nico Siragusa, Round 6- Josh Reynolds, Round 7- Antonio Pipkin

What do you think of this offseason plan? Comment below on what moves you would make this offseason and be sure to look out for another offseason plan for a different team this Friday.

Cap and free agency data provided by Fanspeak UltimateGM service.