bodi
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Edge Jordan Brailford, Oklahoma State
No pass rusher jumped off the screen on Saturday like Brailford. He was everywhere, making plays left and right and showing NFL-caliber pass rush moves. The spin move shown below was especially reminiscent of a prime Dwight Freeney. Defensive end is not quite as big of a need as tackle for the Vikings, but going four deep with pass rushers is never a bad thing, especially with someone like Brailford who seems to have a high ceiling.
DL Daniel Wise, Kansas
By all accounts, Wise was the best defensive player on the field at Shrine Week practice. Described as “unblockable” by those in attendance, Wise showed off NFL-caliber technique, particularly with his burst off the line and his hand usage. His get-off is low and quick, and he disengages hands as well as anyone on the field this week. In many ways, he is the prototypical disruptive three-technique many NFL teams are looking for.
DT Daylon Mack, Texas A&M
Mack’s measurements point to him being a nose at the next level, but he has plenty of experience as an over-sized end, as well. Mack has the necessary explosion to succeed at the next level, and his low center of gravity should give him an advantage. He also has strong punch and hand-fighting abilities. At times, Mack struggles with inconsistent technique, but the raw ability is certainly there in spades
Drew Lewis, Linebacker, Colorado
The NFL is trending toward faster, more versatile players all across the field, which means linebackers must adapt. Gone are the days of two-down players at the position who can't track down the outside running game and quick-hitters in the passing game. Teams that are looking to add a three-down linebacker who can do all those things must consider Colorado's Drew Lewis after a good week at Shrine practices.
At 6'2" and 225 pounds, Lewis would have been asked to convert to safety a decade ago. In today's game, he has value as an off-the-ball linebacker. Lewis also has experience as a pass-rusher, where he can set the edge and get into the backfield.
Lewis' athleticism, bloodlines (his brother, Ryan, plays for the Bills) and football IQ make him an intriguing middle-round pick with a skill set ideal for a base 4-3 team.
Saquan Hampton, Safety, Rutgers
One of my favorite players in the Shrine Game is Rutgers safety Saquan Hampton. He's a hitter with a fierce mentality and has the athleticism and size to become an NFL contributor.
Hampton has enjoyed a predictably solid week of practices, showing the range and ability that led him to pick off two passes against Wisconsin in 2018. As a natural strong safety, Hampton is the kind of player you don't expect to see with over-the-top range and coverage instincts, but he has flashed those all week.
While Hampton has a good frame at 6'1" and 204 pounds, one scout expressed concern with his hand size—which is important for not only catching the ball but also effectively jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage. Hampton's 8 ¾" hands are below the nine-inch standard set by most scouts. That sounds like a small gripe, but it's something teams will note, and it could affect his draft grade.
What helps his grade is a strong week in Tampa after a good career at Rutgers. Hampton might not be a rookie starter, but I like him as an early-Day 3 selection who will be a force on special teams and work his way into a safety rotation.
Armon Watts, DT, Arkansas: Watts' best football is ahead of him. He did not contribute heavily with the Razorbacks until his senior season, but NFL scouts already see an athletic lineman able to wreak havoc anywhere between the tackles. Teams will be intrigued by the bend and agility he shows during Shrine Game practices, and coaches will find a way to get him on the field in sub packages as a rookie.
No pass rusher jumped off the screen on Saturday like Brailford. He was everywhere, making plays left and right and showing NFL-caliber pass rush moves. The spin move shown below was especially reminiscent of a prime Dwight Freeney. Defensive end is not quite as big of a need as tackle for the Vikings, but going four deep with pass rushers is never a bad thing, especially with someone like Brailford who seems to have a high ceiling.
DL Daniel Wise, Kansas
By all accounts, Wise was the best defensive player on the field at Shrine Week practice. Described as “unblockable” by those in attendance, Wise showed off NFL-caliber technique, particularly with his burst off the line and his hand usage. His get-off is low and quick, and he disengages hands as well as anyone on the field this week. In many ways, he is the prototypical disruptive three-technique many NFL teams are looking for.
DT Daylon Mack, Texas A&M
Mack’s measurements point to him being a nose at the next level, but he has plenty of experience as an over-sized end, as well. Mack has the necessary explosion to succeed at the next level, and his low center of gravity should give him an advantage. He also has strong punch and hand-fighting abilities. At times, Mack struggles with inconsistent technique, but the raw ability is certainly there in spades
Drew Lewis, Linebacker, Colorado
The NFL is trending toward faster, more versatile players all across the field, which means linebackers must adapt. Gone are the days of two-down players at the position who can't track down the outside running game and quick-hitters in the passing game. Teams that are looking to add a three-down linebacker who can do all those things must consider Colorado's Drew Lewis after a good week at Shrine practices.
At 6'2" and 225 pounds, Lewis would have been asked to convert to safety a decade ago. In today's game, he has value as an off-the-ball linebacker. Lewis also has experience as a pass-rusher, where he can set the edge and get into the backfield.
Lewis' athleticism, bloodlines (his brother, Ryan, plays for the Bills) and football IQ make him an intriguing middle-round pick with a skill set ideal for a base 4-3 team.
Saquan Hampton, Safety, Rutgers
One of my favorite players in the Shrine Game is Rutgers safety Saquan Hampton. He's a hitter with a fierce mentality and has the athleticism and size to become an NFL contributor.
Hampton has enjoyed a predictably solid week of practices, showing the range and ability that led him to pick off two passes against Wisconsin in 2018. As a natural strong safety, Hampton is the kind of player you don't expect to see with over-the-top range and coverage instincts, but he has flashed those all week.
While Hampton has a good frame at 6'1" and 204 pounds, one scout expressed concern with his hand size—which is important for not only catching the ball but also effectively jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage. Hampton's 8 ¾" hands are below the nine-inch standard set by most scouts. That sounds like a small gripe, but it's something teams will note, and it could affect his draft grade.
What helps his grade is a strong week in Tampa after a good career at Rutgers. Hampton might not be a rookie starter, but I like him as an early-Day 3 selection who will be a force on special teams and work his way into a safety rotation.
Armon Watts, DT, Arkansas: Watts' best football is ahead of him. He did not contribute heavily with the Razorbacks until his senior season, but NFL scouts already see an athletic lineman able to wreak havoc anywhere between the tackles. Teams will be intrigued by the bend and agility he shows during Shrine Game practices, and coaches will find a way to get him on the field in sub packages as a rookie.