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NFL draft: Thomas, Watt among safest prospects on defense
Some collegiate stars can make an instant (and sustained) impact. They typically come from major programs with pro-style talent and schemes. Or they might have grown up in a football family where the intricacies of the game are now second-nature. Some prospects might not have NFL genes or play at a SEC school, but have the athletic traits, work ethic, and mental aptitude to transfer their games to the next level.
Below are eight college stars on defense that I believe can be safely picked early in the draft with the expectation of having a long, distinguished career.
NOTE: Click on each player's name for a full scouting report and click through the tabs above to see the safest prospects on offense and defense.
1. Myles Garrett, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
Most expect the Browns to select Garrett at No. 1 to set the edge and make a home in the backfield of Cleveland's opponents. The floor on Garrett is high, as he's likely to accumulate 8-10 sacks a year and do his job vs. the run, even if he doesn't become a dominant pass rusher who racks up 12-15 sacks every season.
Team fits: Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers ... and everyone else, but they won't get a chance to pick him.
2. Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
Forget about his average height and length. Thomas is what scouts call a "War Daddy" -- someone who brings strength and intensity on every play. He'll be an impact player for the next decade. A team will get a bargain if he slides out of the top five,.
Team fits: San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, Tennessee Titans.
3. Jamal Adams, S, LSU
Adams doesn't have the elite back-end speed of Earl Thomas, but he has enough range to affect the passing game and stop outside runs from getting to the sideline. Plus, he's a defensive leader. Plug him in and appreciate his skills for a decade.
Team fits: San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Chargers, Indianapolis Colts, Washington Commanders.
4. Jordan Willis, DE, Kansas State
More of a power rusher off the edge than a speed merchant, Willis showed off great athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine, and scouts already knew of his relentless nature. Scouts will go back to the tape to see that the speed he showed at the combine wasn't always evident in games, but pro coaches will get the most out of his ability, making him a long-time starter.
Team fits: Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...tw-cf-sf65092074-sf65092074&utm_source=Direct
- By Chad Reuter
- Draft analyst
- Published: March 22, 2017 at 02:23 p.m.
- Updated: March 22, 2017 at 02:37 p.m.
Some collegiate stars can make an instant (and sustained) impact. They typically come from major programs with pro-style talent and schemes. Or they might have grown up in a football family where the intricacies of the game are now second-nature. Some prospects might not have NFL genes or play at a SEC school, but have the athletic traits, work ethic, and mental aptitude to transfer their games to the next level.
Below are eight college stars on defense that I believe can be safely picked early in the draft with the expectation of having a long, distinguished career.
NOTE: Click on each player's name for a full scouting report and click through the tabs above to see the safest prospects on offense and defense.
1. Myles Garrett, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
Most expect the Browns to select Garrett at No. 1 to set the edge and make a home in the backfield of Cleveland's opponents. The floor on Garrett is high, as he's likely to accumulate 8-10 sacks a year and do his job vs. the run, even if he doesn't become a dominant pass rusher who racks up 12-15 sacks every season.
Team fits: Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers ... and everyone else, but they won't get a chance to pick him.
2. Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford
Forget about his average height and length. Thomas is what scouts call a "War Daddy" -- someone who brings strength and intensity on every play. He'll be an impact player for the next decade. A team will get a bargain if he slides out of the top five,.
Team fits: San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, Tennessee Titans.
3. Jamal Adams, S, LSU
Adams doesn't have the elite back-end speed of Earl Thomas, but he has enough range to affect the passing game and stop outside runs from getting to the sideline. Plus, he's a defensive leader. Plug him in and appreciate his skills for a decade.
Team fits: San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Chargers, Indianapolis Colts, Washington Commanders.
4. Jordan Willis, DE, Kansas State
More of a power rusher off the edge than a speed merchant, Willis showed off great athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine, and scouts already knew of his relentless nature. Scouts will go back to the tape to see that the speed he showed at the combine wasn't always evident in games, but pro coaches will get the most out of his ability, making him a long-time starter.
Team fits: Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...tw-cf-sf65092074-sf65092074&utm_source=Direct
