2015 NFL Draft: Matt Miller's Scouting Notebook for Week 15

[RS12]

Below are quotes received back from them on how my rankings differ from their own preliminary grades. For competitive purposes (i.e. not letting other teams see where they rank players), all requested I not use their name or team affiliation.

— On Marcus Mariota: "I don't care so much about the scheme, but he doesn't hit deep balls very well. That's our issue." — "He's wired perfectly. Kid loves to compete and has an amazing work ethic." — "How do you draft him No. 1 overall with every running QB in the NFL struggling right now?"

— On Jameis Winston: "I wouldn't draft him in the 7th round or sign him as a free agent." — "If you're ranking the player only, he's worth (top five)." —

— On Ohio State's Michael Bennett: "You have him ranked a lot higher than we do. He's a two (Round 2) for us." — "Can he play in enough schemes to be a one (Round 1 player)? He's a one-gap 3-tech only." — "I know he's going to get the Aaron Donald comparison, but he's not that powerful or that quick."

— On Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook: "We're preparing for him like he's coming out, even if he said he's not." — "He's a top 15 pick if he enters." — "Supply and demand says this kid goes early Round 1. He's the best pocket passer in the class."

— On the offensive tackle class: "(Andrus) Peat and (Ronnie) Stanley are competing for the top spot." — "The A&M kid (Cedric Ogbuehi) really struggled this year. We have him as a two." — "(Brandon) Scherff is a pretty safe pick if you think he's a guard. Someone will draft him as a tackle, though."

— USC quarterback Cody Kessler has been looked at as a potential savior of the 2015 quarterback class as there is a need for a middle-of-the-round quarterback. I'm told by sources at USC that Kessler has been active in trying to recruit draft-eligible players to return to school. Those same sources said they would be "shocked" if Kessler declared.

— Indiana running back Tevin Coleman is expected to make an NFL draft decision within the next two weeks, but I'm told by a source close to Coleman that he's already made his decision and is only waiting to announce he will enter the 2015 NFL draft.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=programming

 

[RS12]

Edge Rusher (Defensive end/Outside linebacker) Alvin "Bud" Dupree, Kentucky (6'5", 267 lbs)

Strengths

• Elite athlete with grown man strength, ideal wingspan and very good burst.
• Tackles with power and can be an intimidating hitter in space.
• Has flexible hips and goes from speed-to-power well on the edge (but not inside).
• Gives 100 percent in pursuit and makes plays on opposite field and way past line of scrimmage.
• Scheme versatile in that he can play left or right end or stand up at linebacker.
• Pops off game film as a player who lives around the ball. Impact defender consistently.
• Shows good Football IQ in reading-and-reacting to different offensive schemes.
• Coaches praise his work ethic and wiring as a player who "gets it".
• Added 15 pounds of muscle to his frame before senior season, per coaches.
• Traveled to Ethiopia on a service trip in May 2013 (per Kentucky).
• Started 26 consecutive games.

Weaknesses

• Must learn secondary pass-rushing moves. Needs a Plan B pass rush.
• Doesn't generate a ton of power for a good bull rush.
• May be physically maxed out.
• Film shows his production was at times uncontested and a routine play.
• Has to improve angles to the ball-carrier vs. the run.
• Can be slow off the ball and may be mis-timing snap anticipation.

Pro Player Comparison: DeMarcus Ware, Denver Broncos

 

[KingintheNorth]

Edge Rusher (Defensive end/Outside linebacker) Alvin "Bud" Dupree, Kentucky (6'5", 267 lbs)
Pro Player Comparison: DeMarcus Ware, Denver Broncos

 

[Alexander]

Edge Rusher (Defensive end/Outside linebacker) Alvin "Bud" Dupree, Kentucky (6'5", 267 lbs)

Strengths

• Elite athlete with grown man strength, ideal wingspan and very good burst.
• Tackles with power and can be an intimidating hitter in space.
• Has flexible hips and goes from speed-to-power well on the edge (but not inside).
• Gives 100 percent in pursuit and makes plays on opposite field and way past line of scrimmage.
• Scheme versatile in that he can play left or right end or stand up at linebacker.
• Pops off game film as a player who lives around the ball. Impact defender consistently.
• Shows good Football IQ in reading-and-reacting to different offensive schemes.
• Coaches praise his work ethic and wiring as a player who "gets it".
• Added 15 pounds of muscle to his frame before senior season, per coaches.
• Traveled to Ethiopia on a service trip in May 2013 (per Kentucky).
• Started 26 consecutive games.

Weaknesses

• Must learn secondary pass-rushing moves. Needs a Plan B pass rush.
• Doesn't generate a ton of power for a good bull rush.
• May be physically maxed out.
• Film shows his production was at times uncontested and a routine play.
• Has to improve angles to the ball-carrier vs. the run.
• Can be slow off the ball and may be mis-timing snap anticipation.

Pro Player Comparison: DeMarcus Ware, Denver Broncos

Like.

 

[Bigdog]

I actually know about Hobart College. Almost went to school there. Their lacrosse was one of the best in the nation 20 years ago. Their football team was as bad as their lacrosse team was good. My have things change.

 

[gmoney112]

I'm guessing that mock is just pure BPA.

In that case, I could definitely see us trading down. A lot of tackles will go higher.