Mike Williams Scouting Report: The next great Clemson receiver?

Written by Christian Lysek

While watching the College Football National Championship, I was amazed that the Clemson Tigers made it even to the playoffs without Mike Williams at wide receiver in 2015. He made fantastic grabs all night and single-handedly lowered the draft stock of Marlon Humphrey through absolute domination. Now he is preparing for the NFL draft, and despite his injury concerns, he is a top-20 lock. Here's why:

Measurables: 
Height- 6'3''
Weight- 225 lbs
Year:
Redshirt Junior (22)
2016 Stat Line:
98 receptions, 1361 yards, 11 TDs

Pros: Mike Williams is one of those wide receivers that redefines what in means to be a safety blanket. He is one of those special receivers that can come down with a catch no matter how inaccurate a ball is or how many people are covering him. He has a tremendous leaping ability and reaches the ball right at the high point of his jump, allowing him the best chance possible to come down with the football. While Williams has some drops, he makes just as many spectacular catches. Overall, his hands are strong in traffic and he does a good job of extending them so he does not catch with his body. Even if Williams does not look open on his routes, he actually usually is. When the ball is thrown, he has the rare ability to use his strength to position his body in a way where only he can make the catch. Part of this is due to his excellent size. He has the height and strength of a true number one receiver. After the catch, Mike Williams is not exactly a running back, but he has enough shiftiness and power to gain first downs on passes thrown short of the marker.

Cons: Williams does suffer from some concentration drops. Those will need to be ironed out. That goes for his route running too, as he more often than not runs a smooth route that does not deceive the corner as opposed to a route that is crisp and utilizes a hard cut or hip fake to make himself more open. What cannot be ironed out is Williams lack of top speed. I don't think he will run much faster than about a 4.65 at the combine and struggles to gain separation down the field. Thankfully if he refines his route running and continues to use his body effectively to get open he will still find success in the league. There is also the matter of the neck injury he sustained in 2015. Fortunately, it appears to have healed well and he should check out ok.

Player Comparison: Alshon Jeffrey, WR, Chicago Bears
Alshon Jeffrey is one of those receivers that wins without speed. He has strong hands, phenomenal body control, and has improved his route running since he came out of South Carolina. He also has a strong frame at 6'3'' and 216 lbs that allows him to beat coverages. Mike Williams ceiling also projects to be about the same as Jeffrey's which is a top ten wide receiver.

3 teams that fit him: Marcus Mariota has not had a steady presence at wide receiver since he entered the league, so the Titans would be wise in investing in some help for their young quarterback. Carson Wentz is also in desperate need of a wide receiver that catches the ball better than a brick wall, so Williams could finally give Wentz a reliable target. The Cardinals should also consider drafting Williams, as Larry Fitzgerald is getting old and the rest of the receiving corps is inconsistent at best.

Conclusion: Mike Williams is a special breed of wide receiver that is always somehow coming down with the football. His skills and size will make him a top-20 pick in this years draft.

All stats obtained from ESPN stats and information.

Atlanta Falcons Off-season Guide

Written by Christian Lysek

If you were a Patriots fan or a Golden State Warriors fan, yesterday's game probably felt pretty good. Unfortunately for the Falcons, they choked so hard it impressed Darth Vader. While this loss will be in the back of the Falcon's minds for awhile, it is time for the front office to look towards the offseason.

Free Agency:

Cap Space: $14,896,770 (According to Fanspeak Ultimate GM)
Notable Free Agents: TE Jacob Tamme, FB Patrick DeMarco, OG Chris Chester, DL Jonathan Babineaux, QB Matt Schaub, QB Matt Ryan*
Tight end Jacob Tamme was the team's starting tight end, but with the emergence of Austin Hooper and a deep tight end class in the draft, the Falcons may be wise to let him walk. Patrick DeMarco is one of the top five fullbacks in the league, but whether he is a Falcon next year depends on whether or not the new offensive coordinator will incorporate a fullback. Chris Chester, Jonathan Babineux, and Matt Schaub are also players that will likely be shown the door, as each in on the wrong side of thirty. While Matt Ryan is not a free agent, he reportedly does want an extension, so look for the Falcons to lock up the reigning MVP.

On the Market Prospects: TE Vernon Davis, S Bradley McDougald, DL Tyson Alualu
A limited amount of cap space will prevent the falcons from making any splash signings, but they can find some value on the market. Vernon Davis is an older player, but he still has the ability to block and catch and may come cheap to play for a super bowl contender. Bradley McDougald was not a great safety for the Buccaneers, but he has youth and flashed potential during the 2016 season. He would fit in nicely next to Keanu Neal. The final player is Tyson Alualu from the Jaguars. The Falcons need depth up front and a younger veteran (in this case 29) who will not command much money would make a good fix.

The Draft:

Early Round Prospects (Rounds 1 and 2):
The Falcons were very fortunate to have Vic Beasley explode and lead the NFL in sacks this year, but they could use a running mate at the other edge position. Charles Harris from Missouri seems like the logical choice. He, like many of the Falcons defenders, is built for speed rather than power. He will be a welcome addition to a very hot/cold Atlanta pass defense. The Falcons could also look at UCLA's Takkarist McKinely or Wisconsin's TJ Watt as smaller, quicker EDGE rushers.

The Falcons also need to fill up Chris Chester's vacant spot on the offensive line. Dan Feeney has been consistently been the highest rated guard in this year's draft class, but he is a top 50 lock. The Falcons have a better shot at drafting a guy like Dion Dawkins from Temple, who has the advantage of also being able to play tackle.

Alternatively, the Falcons could draft another defensive back to play alongside either Desmond Trufant or Keanu Neal. Budda Baker is an excellent free safety option out of Washington and could back up Neal, creating an Earl Thomas/Kam Chancellor type duo. There are good options at corner as well. Marlon Humphrey has the length Dan Quinn loves at the corner spot and he could fall to the Falcons due to a vast amount of cornerback talent.

Late Round Prospects (Rounds 3-7):

Joe Mathis from Washington dominated PAC-12 defenses with his pass rush and could be a sleeper EDGE pick. Channing Stribling is a long corner from Michigan with excellent ball skills.  Michael Roberts is a tight end from Toledo with huge hands and a complete skill set. Stanford has been putting in several starting offensive guards in recent years, so investing in Johnny Caspers makes some sense. Alek Torgerson is a deep sleeper at quarterback from Penn and could replace Matt Schaub as the backup. Chad Hansen is a sure-handed wide receiver from Cal with size and could replace some receiver depth that may be lost come free agency. Jalen Reeves-Maybin from Tennessee is undersized as a linebacker, but he is fast and mean, just as the Falcons like them. Tedric Tompson has been a ballhawk at free safety for the Colorado Buffaloes and is a dark horse to start for whatever team drafts him.

The move nobody may see coming: 
What if the Falcons trade a running back? They have two studs at the position, but maybe they can get a solid player in exchange for one of the two backs. Maybe they could pick up a solid offensive lineman to replace Chris Chester or an EDGE rusher to pair with Vic Beasley. They could pick up any number of players if they are willing to let go of one of the backs.

What I would do: 

• Extend Matt Ryan, resign Patrick DiMarco
• Sign Tyson Alaulu
• Draft: Round 1- Charles Harris, Round 2- Dion Dawkins, Round 3- Tedric Tompson, Round 4- Michael Roberts, Round 5- Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Round 6- Channing Stribling, Round 7- Chad Hansen, Undrafted Free Agent- Alek Torgerson

Data provided by Fanspeak GM service

Opinion: Super Bowl 51 proves that the NFL needs to change its overtime rules

Written by Christian Lysek

Let me start by saying that I am no belligerent Atlanta fan or a Brady hater. I have always despised the NFL's overtime rules and last night's game merely affirmed to me that I did. I would have felt the same way if the Falcons had won the game. Disliking the NFL's overtime rules is not about being a sore loser: it is about wanting a more fair game.

The NFL overtime procedure is as follows: there is a coin toss, a kickoff is made, if the receiving team fails to score or scores a field goal, the game continues, and if they score a touchdown the game is over. Obviously, if a team wins the coin flip, they will not defer the kick. They will drive down the field and try to ensure that the opposing offense never has a chance at getting the ball. This is an incredibly unfair setup. The game is essentially being decided by the flip of a coin. One might say that "the defense has a chance to stop the offense," but defensive players exhaust more energy throughout the game than offensive players simply because they must shed blocks and tackle. Whoever wins the coin toss is then essentially facing an exhausted defense faced with the daunting task of stopping an offense filled with more energy than themselves. 

Then there is the matter of the opposing team not getting the ball back if a touchdown is scored. This is by far the most illogical and unfair rule in the NFL. Matt Ryan and the offense have a Super Bowl ring at stake, and these rules prevent them from fighting for it in overtime. Sure, maybe the overtime is shorter because of the sudden death aspect, but are we really sacrificing the fairness of the game we love Roger Goodell wants to be in bed before 10:30? It is time to change these rules. They robbed the Falcons this year and the Packers last year, so has there ever been a better time to initiate a change for them. 

The NFL needs to rip a page out of college football's notebook. Each team should get the ball at the 25-yard line and have to try and score the ball. No matter what happens, the other team gets the ball until the game is won. Let the players play two overtimes, three overtimes, or ten overtimes, but let them play a fair game where each side has a chance to win. 

Ryan Ramczyk Scouting report: The best tackle in the class?

Written by Christian Lysek

Wisconsin football has never, and probably will never change. It revolves around a strong defense and a smashmouth offense. That offense over the past several years has been a pipeline funneling offensive lineman into successful pro careers. Joe Thomas, Ricky Wagner, Travis Frederick, and Kevin Zeitler are all elite offensive lineman who were once badgers and Ryan Ramczyk looks like the next member of that group. Here's why:

Measurables: 
Height- 6'6''
Weight- 314 lbs
Year: 
Junior (22-23)
Stat Line:
Zero sacks given up, three quarterback hits

Pros: Ryan Ramcyzk excels at pass blocking. He has good fundamentals from his shoulder to his feet. His arms are long and he is accurate and strong with his initial punch. It keeps rushers at bay, not allowing them to get to the body of Ramczyk. Ramczyk also does a good job staying balanced against the rush. He does not overcommit or wait for contact, he initiates contact at the perfect time. Once contact is made, he anchors his legs to great effect, preventing any bullrushes. In the running game, Ramczyk is quite solid. He does an excellent job of turning defenders so that Ramczyk's body is between the defender and the ball carrier. On zone and stretch runs, Ramczyk has the ability to accelerate to the second level and take back seven defenders out of the play.

Cons: While Ramczyk's run blocking is no weakness, he is not quite elite at it. He is strong and holds defenders in place, but he does not knock them very far backward like elite run blockers do. Ramczyk will also need to improve his initial kick in pass protection, as the shortness of it leaves him vulnerable to speed rushers and outside blitzers. The only other real concerns with Ramczyk are his experience and injuries. He only started one season in Madison and before that he was a D-III tackle so the step to the NFL will be a major jump. As far as injuries go, Ramczyk needed surgery this offseason to repair a hip injury, so that is something NFL teams will be looking for.

Pro Comparison: David Bakhtiari, OT, Green Bay Packers
David Bakhtiari is the Packers standout left tackle. Like Ramczyk, his specialty is pass blocking. Both players are technicians who simply do not allow pressures or sacks. While they may not be Tyron Smith in the run game, they can certainly open up holes and play with good athleticism.

3 teams that fit him: In case you have been living under a rock for the past few seasons, the Colts offensive line sucks. They cannot protect Andrew Luck to save their lives. Ryan Ramczyk could come in on day one and solidify a tackle spot. Speaking of young stars being hurt by their offensive lines, it seems like it is time to address Carolina's offensive line so they can keep Cam Newton's brain from turning to jello. They dealt with injuries this past season, but they have not played like a top-16 unit ever since they were slaughtered at the Super Bowl. The Chargers have been the poster child for seasons derailed by injury for the past couple years, but like the Panthers, they are not exactly elite while healthy. They need a strong tackle like Ramczyk to replace their old, ineffective starters.

Conclusion: For me, Ryan Ramczyk is the safe pick in an otherwise weak tackle class. He has the size and technique to succeed in the pros, and he hails from a school that consistently puts stud lineman in the league. He will probably go in the top 15 picks.

NFL 2017 1st round mock draft:

Written by Christian Lysek

Draft season is almost here folks. The offseason has already arrived for 30 teams and they have begun looking toward the draft. Will that, here is my first mock draft of 2017:
Note: An OSOB prospect is an "other side of the ball prospect." As long as a player has not been picked in the real mock draft and plays on the opposite side of the ball of the player picked, than they can be selected for the team.

1. Cleveland Brown: Myles Garrett, EDGE, Texas A&M

There are generally three positions that get taken first overall: quarterback, EDGE rusher, and offensive tackle. This is a bad class for both quarterbacks and offensive tackles. The best EDGE prospect in years happens to be in this draft class. This choice is so easy the Browns can do it.

OSOB Prospect: Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina

2. San Francisco 49ers: Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama

The 49ers need to go best player available for this draft. They are the league's most talent-stricken team, and they need building blocks. With most of their youth and talent on the defensive line, It makes sense to plug in a scheme-versatile wrecking ball like Jonathan Allen to create a unit that can be built around going forward.

OSOB Prospect: Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina

3. Chicago Bears: Jamal Adams, S, LSU

With Adrian Amos occupying the free safety spot, the Bears pick up the best strong safety option in Jamal Adams. He is both physical against the run and versatile in coverage. The Eric Berry clone would fit right in the rebuilding Bears defense.

OSOB Prospect: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson

4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU

The Jaguars overpaid Chris Ivory last season, and TJ Yeldon has been quite disappointing. They need a running game to help the offense find its 2015 groove again, so drafting the next Adrian Peterson makes sense.

OSOB Prospect: Solomon Thomas, EDGE, Stanford

5. Tennessee Titans: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson

Tennessee are wildcard playoff contenders, but the need a reliable target at wide receiver to get over the hump and win their division. Williams is a physical wide receiver with steel traps for hands, tremendous leaping ability, and good speed. He can stretch the field and open up the offense for Marcus Mariota.

OSOB Prospect: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State

6. New York Jets: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State

The talk all season for the Jets was how much Darrelle Revis was struggling, but the safeties for the Jets were even more pitiful. Malik Hooker is a blue-chip prospect who can slide in at free safety, covering over the top of deep routes and using his ball skills to snag passes out of the sky.

OSOB Prospect: Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin

7. San Diego Chargers: Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin

The Chargers offensive line performed better in 2016 than it did in 2015, but that’s like going from team uniform folder to bench scrub. They still struggle to protect Philip Rivers, open up holes in the run game for Melvin Gordon, and stay healthy. Ramczyk is a technician with upside who can replace either of the Chargers older, unreliable tackles.

OSOB Prospect: Budda Baker, S, Washington

8. Carolina Panthers: Solomon Thomas, EDGE, Stanford

The Carolina Panthers need to pay Kawann Short, so that mean team sack leader Mario Addison may have to walk. With only old man Charles Johnson and the inconsistent Kony Ealy as viable options for the defensive end roles, the Panthers could use Solomon Thomas’ reliability in the run and pass game to restock on the defensive line.

OSOB Prospect: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State

9. Cincinnati Bengals: Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama

The Bengals linebacking core is old, not athletic, and are consistently in the news for the wrong reasons. Reuben Foster brings the physicality Cincinnati has become famous for but also packs speed, coverage skills, and a clean record, all things the Bengals linebacking core is lacking.

OSOB Prospect: Garrett Bolles, OT, Utah

10. Buffalo Bills: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan

Sammy Watkins is a great talent at wide receiver, but he is on the field so little for the Bills he might as well not exist. Robert Woods did an admiral job of filling in for Watkins, but he and seemingly half of the team is up for free agency. Corey Davis is the definition of reliability with strong hands, good route running, and excellent size.

OSOB Prospect: Malik McDowell, DL, Michigan State

11. New Orleans Saints: Derek Barnett, EDGE, Tennessee

Cameron Jordan may be the most under-appreciated defensive end in the NFL. He continues to play at a pro bowl level while his teammates struggle next to him. It is time to give Jordan some help, so the Saints take Derek Barnett, the man who broke Reggie White’s sack record. Barnett can step right into the Saints defense and use his elite bend and motor to rush opposing quarterbacks.

OSOB Prospect: Forrest Lamp, OG

12. Cleveland Browns: DeShaun Watson, QB, Clemson

The Browns take the first QB off of the board with DeShaun Watson. Watson needs to work on his accuracy, but his clutch ability and intangibles are off the charts. Hue Jackson did a remarkable job in grooming Andy Dalton into a pro bowler, and he can do the same with the National Championship winner.

OSOB Prospect: Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida

13. Arizona Cardinals: Dan Feeney, OG, Indiana

The Cardinals took a step back last year, especially in the passing game. While Carson Palmer's numbers were not as good as the previous year, and a good part of that can be chalked up to poor offensive line play. Feeney is coming off of a dominant Senior Bowl week and can slide right into the Earl Watford’s guard spot, securing a spot on the line.

OSOB Prospect: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State

14. Philadelphia Eagles: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State

This cornerback class is ridiculously deep and chalk full of top tier talent, so expect prospects to slide, much like A’Shawn Robinson and Jarran Reed did last year. That being said, Lattimore is a blue chip prospect with elite size, length, and hips. His ability to stop the run is just icing on the cake, and Jim Schwartz would be more than happy to stick him on the outside and have him cover the elite wide receivers in the NFC east.

OSOB Prospect: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State

15. Indianapolis Colts: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State

Frank Gore is still a borderline Hall of Fame talent, but he is quite old and may not be able to carry the Colts running game much longer. Dalvin Cook can run inside and outside, diverting attention away from Andrew Luck and the speedy wide receivers he throws to.

OSOB Prospect: Carl Lawson, EDGE, Auburn

16. Baltimore Ravens: Teez Tabor, CB, Florida

Quincy Wilson is the trendy prospect, but Teez Tabor has Raven written all over him. He is physical, mean, and has a personality that every opposing team will hate. He has an impressive track record as a lockdown corner, and he can help bolster a vulnerable secondary.

OSOB Prospect: John Ross, WR, Washington

17. Washington Redskins: Montravius Adams, DL, Auburn

The Redskins were shredded to the tune of 4.5 yards rushing by their opponents in 2016. In the most important game of the season, the Redskins could not stop the Giants non-existent run game. Montravius Adams is a wrecking ball who can disrupt the run and help in pass defense with his strength and athleticism.

OSOB Prospect: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford

18. Tennessee Titans: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State

While Marshon Lattimore is an amazing talent, his teammate is one too. He may not possess the same level of upside as Lattimore, but he has been consistently great for the Buckeyes and would help remedy a struggling Titans secondary.

OSOB Prospect: John Ross, WR, Washington

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: John Ross, WR, Washington

Mike Evans is amazing, but he cannot do it all himself. With Vincent Jackson facing free agency and being 34 years old, the Bucs look toward speed demon John Ross from Washington. He is a burner in the Desean Jackson or Will Fuller mold, but has better hands than Fuller and is less of a personality problem than Jackson.

OSOB Prospect: Budda Baker, S, Washington

20. Denver Broncos: OJ Howard, TE, Alabama

OJ Howard had a massive national championship game the last time Alabama took home the trophy, but he had a quiet year the following season. He is much more talented than his statistics would say, and his skills and a blocker and receiver combined with his athleticism adds another weapon for whoever is quarterbacking the Broncos next year.

OSOB Prospect: Malik McDowell, DL, Michigan State

21. Detroit Lions: Sidney Jones, CB, Washington

Darius Slay is a pro bowl talent at corner, but the revolving door that is the Lions other corner position was exposed throughout the 2016 season. Sidney Jones has a slight frame, but he has the quick hips and ball skills necessary to succeed in the NFL.

OSOB Prospect: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford

22. Miami Dolphins: Taco Charlton, EDGE, Michigan

Mario Williams is overpaid and out of his prime, so the Dolphins need to replace the former pro bowler. Taco Charlton has the length and first step necessary to fix the missing piece in a talented defensive line with Cameron Wake and Ndamukong Suh.

OSOB Prospect: David Njoku, TE, Miami

23. New York Giants: Zac Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt

The Giant’s boast tremendous line and secondary, but something is missing in the linebacking core. That something is Zac Cunningham, the SEC’s leader in tackles and the most versatile defender in the draft (yes, not Jabrill Peppers). He can line up anywhere on the defense and succeed with his speed, instincts, and sound tackling.

OSOB Prospect: David Njoku, TE, Miami

24. Oakland Raiders: Malik McDowell, DL, Michigan State

A team with Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin should register more than a mere 25 sacks. There is a huge hole in the interior pass rush of the Raiders defense, and it is one Malik McDowell can fill. He is an athletic freak who, when he isn’t being double and triple teamed, causes havoc on an offensive line and gets in the quarterback’s face.

OSOB Prospect: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford

25. Houston Texans: Forrest Lamp, G, Western Kentucky

Before spraining his ankle at the Senior Bowl, Lamp was showing he is just as talented as his film suggests. The Texans need to open up more holes for Lamar Miller, and Lamp has the strength, technique, and athleticism to slide right into guard and do just that.

OSOB Prospect: Raekwon McMillan, LB, Ohio State

26. Seattle Seahawks: Garett Bolles, OT, Utah

As everyone and their brother knows, the Seahawks need offensive line help. Bolles is an older prospect, but his athleticism pops out on tape and he can replace Bradley Sowell at tackle.

OSOB Prospect: Cordrea Tankersley, CB, Clemson

27. Kansas City Chiefs: Mitch Trubisky, QB

The Alex Smith Era has been effective, but there are legitimate questions about how far he can take the team. Mitch Trubisky is a high upside player that Andy Reid could develope and takeover once a transition is necessary.

OSOB Prospect: Raekwon, McMillan, LB, Ohio State

28. Dallas Cowboys: Carl Lawson, EDGE, Auburn

The Cowboys need a good pass rusher with no off-field risks. Carl Lawson is a round one talent with a squeky clean record who can help bolster a pass rush that is in dire need of help.

OSOB Prospect: Zay Jones, WR, ECU

29. Green Bay Packers: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford

I cannot count how many “Aaron Rodgers needs help” stories I read after their playoff elimination. Eddie Lacy has been unreliable and while the Ty Montgomery-Aaron Ripkowski duo is cute, the Packers need a real solution. McCaffrey has been shredding defenses by rushing, receiving, and returning at a record pace for the past two seasons and can help balance the Packers offense.

OSOB Prospect: Takkarist McKinley, EDGE, UCLA

30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Charles Harris, EDGE, Missouri

The Steelers seem to always need a pass rusher, and this year is no exception. The Steelers have Bud Dupree, but James Harrison and Jarvis Jones are free agents. Charles Harris comes from a pass-rushing factory and has tremendous athleticism, so the Steelers take him despite size concerns.

OSOB Prospect: Zay Jones, WR, ECU

31. New England Patriots: Jabrill Peppers, LB, Michigan

Bill Belichick loves his versatile defensive players. With a moneybacker like Peppers is not necessarily a need, Belichick will find a way to hone his athleticism and turn him into the star he can be.

OSOB Prospect: David Njoku, TE, Miami

32. Atlanta Falcons: TJ Watt, EDGE, Wisconsin

Shockingly enough, sometimes rookies struggle in their first year and especially so when they have injuries. Everyone wanted to give up on Vic Beasley, but then he led the NFL in sacks. The Falcons build off of his production by putting a skilled end across from him in the form of TJ Watt. He led the B1G in sacks and has NFL bloodlines, so he seems like the logical choice for the Falcons. P.S. You read that right, the Falcons are gonna win the Super Bowl.

OSOB Prospect: Cam Robinson, OL, Alabama

Montravius Adams Scouting Report: The man in Jonathan Allen's shadow

Written by Christian Lysek

In comparison to the 2016 draft, the 2017 draft is lacking with elite defensive tackle prospects. There are a few good ones, but aside from Jonathan Allen, nobody has really been considered an elite talent at the position. While Allen is special, Montravius Adams from Auburn is not too far behind. After a strong senior season and Senior Bowl, Montravius Adams is a top-20 pick. Here is why:

Measurables:

Height-6’4’’

Weight-308 lbs

Arm Length- 31 ⅞ in

Year:

Senior (22)

2016 stat line:

43 tackles (26 solo), 8 TFL, 4 sacks, 2 PD, 1 FF, 1 INT

Pros: Montravius Adams is freaky big. He seems as wide as he is tall and has good arm length. Despite his large mass, he explodes off of the line of scrimmage with a low pad level and does a good job of getting his hands secure on the offensive lineman before the get theirs on him. Once he has his hands on the offensive lineman, he proceeds to toss them around. Adams has a good rushing skill set including a good rip and spin move aside from his strong bull rush. Against inside runs, he eats up space and does not get pushed off of the line of scrimmage. He excels against runs to the outside where guards are pulling, as he explodes between gaps and uses his strength to bring down runners in the backfield. Against the pass, he does a good job of consistently giving an interior rush and uses his active hands to fight off blockers. Other draft analysts have criticized Adams for taking plays off, but I simply do not see that on film. This kid puts in work on every down.

Cons: Missed tackles, specifically sacks, are something Adams needs to work on. He often gets to the quarterback, but his lack of elite agility is exposed when quarterbacks shift around the pocket and he can only get an arm on them. I would also like to see him get his hands up more to deflect passes, as he becomes a quarterback head hunter as soon as he realizes it is a pass and does not think to put a hand up. Adams may also not be fast enough to play 3-4 end, but he can play some nose and a few other techniques like how Marcell Dareus does with the Bills. Adams is likely stuck at 4-3, but he can shift around every inside technique and still be effective.

Pro Comparison: Linval Joseph, DL, Minnesota Vikings

While Joseph is heavier and longer than Adams, both possess an explosive first step, low pad level, and active hands in combination with strength to disrupt plays in the run and pass game. Adams will likely have a role similar to Joseph in the pros as well, where he plays in a 4-3 defense and operates in gaps 0-3 on the line.

3 teams that could use him: The Buccaneers seem to have the perennial problem of not being able to find an elite defensive lineman to pair with Gerald McCoy, so drafting Adams to play next to him makes sense. With question marks surrounding star defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, the Bills will need either a replacement, insurance, or at least a good teammate to be with Dareus. The Redskins need help on their defensive line, especially to shore up their run defense. Adams could come right in and be a force in the inside techniques.

Conclusion: Montravius Adams is an elite interior defensive lineman with the combination of pass rushing ability and run-stop prowess that is coveted among NFL teams. He is a first-rounder and potential top 20 pick.

OJ Howard Scouting Report: The draft stock of CFB's most underutilized player

Written by Christian Lysek

Everybody remembers the 2016 national championship game. On that night, OJ Howard exploded for 208 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. After Howard announced he would be staying at Bama for his senior season, the expectation was that he would be "the guy" on offense the next season. Unfortunately, that did not happen. Howard only had seven more receptions and one more touchdown than he had the year before. So how is a tight end that only had 3 regular season touchdowns the unanimous number one tight end? Here's why:

Measurables:
Height- 6-5 5/8
Weight- 249 lbs
Hands- 10''
Arms- 33 3/8 in
Year:
Senior (22)
2016 Stat line (regular season):
45 receptions, 595 yards, 3 TDs

Pros: If I could play God and craft a tight end, he would look like OJ Howard. He is a monstrous human being that appears to be chiseled from granite. Howard is fast not just compared to his tight end peers, but to most football players in general. Don't be surprised if he breaks 4.6 at the combine. Howard's speed-size combo allow him to out-athlete linebackers and safeties while boxing out corners. Howard excels in gaining yards after the catch and can run away from almost any defender. Howard's size and long arms give him a huge catch radius and his hands stand out as being very good. Howard is not just a receiving threat either, as he excels in both pass and run blocking. He is fast enough to stay in front of the running back and does a great job of positioning his body so defenders cannot just bolt by him. When contact is made, Howard collides with power that knocks defenders back and takes them out of the play. In pass protection, Howard plays more like a very good blocking running back than an extra offensive lineman. He does provide good help for the tackles and guards, though, picking up any blocks they may have missed.

Cons: Agility is the biggest concern with me for Howard (and quite frankly, it isn't a big one anyway). While Howard is explosive after the catch, he is not very elusive. This is painfully evident whenever he catches a ball in the flat and cannot make the first guy miss. He needs to quicken his feet and elude tacklers. Howard also needs to clean up his route running. When he beats people, it is more because he is a better athlete or is schemed-open rather than because he ran a crisp route. The key to running a good route is disguising your intentions and using your body to misdirect opponents. Howard needs to learn this if he wants to be successful against linebackers who are as athletic as he is, such as the Carolina Panthers trio.

Pro Comparison: Delanie Walker, TE, Tennessee Titans
Delanie Walker is one of the more unappreciated players in the NFL. He is the full package at tight end. In the passing game, he has great hands and speed. He can easily pull away from defenders in a foot chase. Walker also excels as a run blocker, where he uses his athleticism to wall off defenders and take them out of the play.

3 teams that might want him: The Giants have not had an elite tight end since Jeremy Shockey, and could really use a good receiver taller than 6'1'' for red zone usage. Plus, Howard could help out an offensive line that looked pitiful at times. Speaking of pitiful lines, the Broncos could use a weapon like Howard. He could open up holes for an inconsistent run game and provide a security blanket for whatever young quarterback they choose to start. While the Texans have had quarterback struggles, they still need a tight end with a higher upside than CJ Fiedorowicz, especially when Brock Osweiler loves to throw to his tight ends.

Conclusion: OJ Howard is the complete package at tight end. He can be on the field all three downs and has the potential to be a pro bowler as a rookie. OJ Howard is a first round pick and a slam-dunk one at that.