Round 2

[Rastak]

4. NOAH SPENCE | Eastern Kentucky 6024|251 lbs|4JR Harrisburg, Penn. (Bishop McDevitt) 1/8/1994 (age 22) #90
YEAR (GP/GS) TKLS TFL SACK FF GRADE 1st-2nd Round 2012: (11/0) 12 1.0 1.0 0 (Ohio State) MEASUREABLES Arm: 33 | Hand: 10 3/4 | Wingspan: 79 3/4 2013: (13/13) 52 14.5 8.0 1 (Ohio State) COMBINE 40-YD: 4.80 | 10-YD: 1.61 | 20-YD: 2.75 | BP: 25 | VJ: 35 | BJ: 10’01” | SS: 4.35 | 3C: 7.21 2014: Suspended for season PRO DAY 40-YD: 4.80 | 10-YD: 1.62 | 20-YD: 2.75 2015: (11/11) 63 22.5 11.5 3 (Eastern Kentucky) Total: (35/24) 127 38.0 20.5 4

BACKGROUND: A five-star defensive end recruit out of high school, Spence was ranked as a top-10 prep player in the country and received scholarships from every major collegiate program. He was leaning towards Maryland before Urban Meyer was hired at Ohio State and lured the talent to Columbus. Spence playing time as a true freshman back-up in 2012, recording 12 tackles and 1.0 sack. He started all 13 games in 2013 as a sophomore and led the Buckeyes in sacks (8.0), adding 52 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble to earn Second Team All-Big Ten honors. After failing multiple drug tests, Spence had to sit out the 2014 season was permanently banned from the Big Ten. He strongly considered going pro, but instead decided to transfer to Eastern Kentucky at the FCS level (“I felt like I hadn’t proven enough off the field…disciplining myself enough to go down a level and not be ignorant and try and go straight to the NFL.”). Spence started all 11 games as a redshirt junior in 2015 and finished among the FCS leaders in tackles for loss (22.5) and sacks (11.5), earning First Team All-OVC and conference Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors. He gave up his final year of eligibility to enter the 2016 NFL Draft and accepted his invitation to the 2016 Senior Bowl.

STRENGTHS: Adequate muscle mass and body bulk for the position – has worked hard to max out his frame…above average athleticism and initial quickness, reaching his top speed quickly…launches off the line of scrimmage to dip and win the corner, flattening with natural leverage and a strong plant foot around the edge blocker…outstanding coordination to play on his feet and break down in small spaces – rarely caught off-balance due to smooth change of direction skills…flexible body type, lateral quicks and rush moves to cross the face of blockers, using his hands to bounce off jabs and burst into the backfield…comfortable standing up and dropping in coverage, displaying the range to cover a lot of ground…highly productive when on the field with 38.0 tackles for loss and 20.5 sacks over 24 career starts between Ohio State and Eastern Kentucky…attracts double-teams and offenses often had to add help to his side of the field on film…athletic bloodlines – father (Greg) played football at NC State and uncle (Phil) played basketball at NC State and was a member of the school’s 1974 National Title team…work ethic and attitude within the program have never been questioned…has worked hard to get clean and get his career back on track – completed a month-long drug treatment program in the Fall of 2014, passed over a dozen drug tests since arriving at Eastern Kentucky and continues to see on-campus counseling…former coaches (high school, Ohio State and EKU) speak highly of him as a person – former Academic All-Big Ten and graduated in Dec. 2015.

WEAKNESSES: Lacks ideal length for the position and his average height can hinder his backfield vision at times…needs to use more shock in his hands to jolt blockers at the point of attack, struggling to consistently convert speed to power…light anchor and can be moved in the run game…snap anticipation and awareness for his surroundings need improvement…shows an understanding of hand/arm moves and using them in sequence, but still developing in this area…need to see a more consistent attitude and mean streak…minor durability issue, wearing a heavy cast on his right wrist/hand throughout 2015…comes with a buyer beware tag due to his history of drug abuse and extensive partying (Spence: “I got real caught up in the college lifestyle…”) – suspended for three games after testing positive for ecstasy at the Big Ten Championship Game (Dec. 2013) and then tested positive for ecstasy (Sept. 2014) a second time, which made him permanently ineligible in the Big Ten…shortly after enrolling at EKU, he was arrested for alcohol intoxication and second-degree disorderly conduct (May 2015), although those charges have since been expunged.

SUMMARY: A one-year starter at Ohio State and one-year starter at Eastern Kentucky, Spence is experienced in two- and three-point stances at both left and right defensive end, rushing off the edge or dropping in space. He might be the greatest wildcard in the 2016 class due to his immense talent, but heavy baggage off the field – dominant at the FCS level and also showed dominance at Ohio State. Spence is a slippery rusher with the initial burst, lateral quicks and natural leverage to threaten the pocket on a regular basis – gets upfield quickly and closes fast. He is still learning how to put together a consistent pass rush plan, but it’s all there athletically and he is comfortable on his feet to cover space. Although his former coaches and teammates speak highly of him as a person, Spence requires maintenance and monitoring in the NFL due to his checkered background and teams need to meticulously inspect his character – can he keep his priorities in order? Spence is one of the 20 best talents in the 2016 class, but his draft value will depend on team’s comfort level with his past issues and ability to stay locked in – ideally suited to stand up in a 3-4, but can also be a pass rush specialist in a 4-3 scheme.

[pbmax]

NFL Draft Diamonds ‏@DraftDiamonds 33s33 seconds ago
Giants take Sterling Shep

and


Rich Campbell
‏@Rich_Campbell
Bears get Buffalo's 2nd rounder tonight (No. 49), their 4th rounder tonight and their 4th-rounder in 2017

[Rastak]

5. STERLING SHEPARD | Oklahoma 5102|194 lbs|4SR Oklahoma City, Okla. (Heritage Hall) 2/10/1994 (age 22) #3
YEAR (GP/GS) REC YDS AVG TD GRADE 2nd Round 2012: (13/4) 45 621 13.8 3 MEASUREABLES Arm: 30 3/8 | Hand: 09 3/4 | Wingspan: 71 5/8 2013: (12/12) 51 603 11.8 7 COMBINE 40-YD: 4.48 | 10-YD: 1.55 | 20-YD: 2.60 | BP: 20 | VJ: 41 | BJ: 10’03” | SS: 4.35 | 3C: 7.00 2014: (12/12) 51 970 19.0 5 PRO DAY N/A (positional drills only) 2015: (13/13) 86 1,288 15.0 11 Total: (50/41) 233 3,482 14.9 26

BACKGROUND: A four-star wide receiver recruit, Shepard was wooed by several top programs like Notre Dame and Clemson, but with his established relationship with Bob Stoops and family ties to Oklahoma, there wasn’t any doubt where he would play his college ball. He saw immediate action as a true freshman (four starts) in 2012, recording 45 catches for 621 yards and three scores to earn Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year Honorable Mention honors. Shepard started 12 games as a sophomore in 2013 and recorded 51 catches for 603 yards and seven scores. He led the Sooners in receiving as a junior in 2014 with 51 receptions for 970 yards and five scores, earning First Team All-Big 12 honors. Shepard had his most productive season in 2015 as a senior (13 starts) with 86 receptions for 1,288 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning First Team All-Big 12 and All-America honors. He accepted his invitation to the 2016 Senior Bowl.

STRENGTHS: Foot quickness that makes salsa dancers jealous…coordinated athleticism with instant start/stop gears to separate and make the first man miss…elite body control and twitchy reflexes to make snap judgements…forces cornerbacks off-balance with hard-stops and subtle route movements…hides his pattern well, creating space at the stem…quick hands to snatch-and-go, adjusting and tracking very well over his shoulder…highpoints well for a smaller target…nimble off the line of scrimmage to beat press, not allowing defenders to slow him down…natural awareness along the sideline and over the middle, sensing his surroundings…return experience, averaging 7.3 yards on punts (30/221/0)…brings the same energy to the field whether in practice or a game (Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops: “He’s as competitive as anyone I’ve had in 17 years.”)…well-respected with a profound football IQ and likeable personality – graduated with a degree in political science (Dec. 2015)…athletic bloodlines – father (Derrick) was a star receiver at Oklahoma (1983-86) before a five-year NFL career; uncles (Darrell and Woodie) also played football for the Sooners…highly productive and leaves Norman ranked second on the school’s all-time list for catches (233) and receiving yards (3,482).

WEAKNESSES: Undersized with a maxed out frame…worked hard to mature his muscle, but doesn’t play with functional power…can be overwhelmed by physical corners who gain body position…inconsistent in contested situations…smaller hands, which leads to double-catches…needs to continue and develop his release technique vs. the jam…quicker than fast and lacks elite long-speed…more of a catch-and-go player than legitimate deep threat…try-hard blocker, but limited in this area…smaller build leads to durability questions – missed significant action as a junior due to a torn adductor (groin) muscle (Oct. 2014); also multiple diagnosed concussions on his medical report.

SUMMARY: A four-year starter at Oklahoma, Shepard lined up all over the formation for the Sooners and leaves as the No. 2 receiver in the school record books, behind only Ryan Broyles. His father starred on the 1985 Oklahoma National Championship Team and was a graduate assistant when Stoops first arrived in Norman so Sterling grew up around the program and was embraced when his father unexpectedly died of a heart attack in 1999 (diagnosed with an enlarged heart). At only six years old, Shepherd told Stoops, who gave one of the eulogies at the funeral, that he was going to play for him one day – wore #3 on his Oklahoma jersey, just like his father. Shepard has electric feet and looks like an artist with the ball in his hands, creating something impressive. His lack of size and strength will limit him in some areas, but he has above average body control and route savvy, using tempo and multiple gears to get open. Despite his limitations, Shepard is a very natural pass-catcher with the skills to be a YAC monster – can play inside or outside in the NFL, but ideally suited for the slot.

[red]

bears trade to bills

[pittstang5]

Ragland to Buff

[pbmax]

Tyler DunneVerified account
‏@TyDunne
And there it is, the #Bills go with Alabama inside linebacker Reggie Ragland at No. 41 overall.

Tyler Dunne ‏@TyDunne 11s11 seconds ago
Buffalo gave up a lot to move up for Reggie Ragland, too. Traded their 117th pick this year and a 2017 fourth-rounder to move up 8 slots.

[red]

Ragland to Buff

fuck us

[Rastak]

3. REGGIE RAGLAND | Alabama 6012|247 lbs|4SR Madison, Ala. (Bob Jones) 9/14/1993 (age 22) #19
YEAR (GP/GS) TKLS TFL SACK FF PD INT GRADE 1st-2nd 2012: (11/0) 8 0.0 0.0 1 0 0 MEASUREABLES Arm: 32 | Hand: 09 7/8 | Wingspan: 77 3/4 2013: (13/0) 17 0.5 0.0 0 0 0 COMBINE 40-YD: 4.72 | 10-YD: 1.65 | 20-YD: 2.75 | VJ: 31.5 | BJ: 09’08” | SS: 4.32 2014: (14/13) 95 10.5 1.5 1 4 1 PRO DAY N/A (positional drills only) 2015: (15/15) 102 6.5 2.5 2 7 0 Total: (53/28) 222 17.5 4.0 4 11 1

BACKGROUND: A four-star linebacker recruit out of high school, Reginald “Reggie” Ragland narrowed his recruitment focus on Alabama and Auburn, choosing the Crimson Tide during his junior year – also starred in basketball and track and field in high school. With a logjam at linebacker when he arrived in Tuscaloosa, Saban considered moving Ragland to tight end to get him on the field, which Ragland was open to, but he stayed at linebacker and was a valuable reserve and special teamer as a freshman and sophomore. With C.J. Mosley leaving for the NFL after the 2013 season, Ragland won the starting weakside inside linebacker job and finished second on the team with 95 tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss, earning First Team All-SEC honors. He returned for his senior season in 2015 and led the team in tackles (102) and was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, earning First Team All-SEC honors. Ragland accepted his invitation to the 2016 Senior Bowl.

STRENGTHS: Well-strapped together with tough body armor and long arms…not an elite speed player, but plays with excellent reactive athleticism, closing burst to finish and lateral quickness to avoid second level blocks…explosive striker, unlocking his hips and finishing – several jarring hits on his film to separate man from ball…technically sound wrap tackler with strong wrists and hands…garbage man in the run game, working well through the trash…quick eyes to diagnose and attack – very alert to see plays develop and plan accordingly…makes all the defensive calls and is the player on defense his teammates look to…disciplined and prepared, not falling for fakes and rarely making mental mistakes – loves watching film and has developed his football recognition skills…active blitzer and will put his hand on the ground in passing situations, shaving blocks and bending well around the corner…violent play style and doesn’t stay blocked for long…high effort player with a love for football – dirtiest jersey on the field and throws his body around like each snap is his last…didn’t play on special teams in 2015, but has extensive experience from previous seasons…high character person…named top defensive player in the SEC in 2015 with tremendous starting production.

WEAKNESSES: Overaggressive pursuit angles and needs to better throttle down in space to break down at the contact point…hyper-focused run defender and will leave his eyes in the backfield too long at times, causing him to be late in coverage – trusts what he sees, but often too patient…needs to widen his vision to protect from cut blocks, pick up crossers and better recognize routes…suspect intelligence and learns more by repetition…out-matched trying to stick with slot receivers down the field in coverage…violent play style leads to durability questions – several minor injuries in his career, including to his shoulder, but nothing serious.

SUMMARY: A two-year starter, Ragland lined up primarily at the weakside inside linebacker position, playing the same role as Dont’a Hightower and C.J. Mosley in Nick Saban’s scheme – also put his hand on the ground as an edge rusher when Alabama went to four-man fronts. He is an excellent point of attack player with good play speed and it’s no coincidence that he’s always around the ball with his diagnose skills. Ragland can be overaggressive at times, which leads to misses, but he is the hardest hitter in this class and flashes violence in his hands to detach himself from blocks. Since 2010, Saban has had three inside linebackers drafted top-25 (Rolando McClain, Hightower, Mosley) and Ragland should be the fourth, fitting best as an inside linebacker in a 3-4, but also fits in the middle of 4-3 schemes. He is a punishing, instinctive run defender with promising traits to hold up in coverage – high floor prospect who is at worst a two-down thumper.

[Rastak]

Tyler Dunne ‏@TyDunne 16s17 seconds ago
Buffalo gave up a lot to move up for Reggie Ragland, too. Traded their 117th pick this year and a 2017 fourth-rounder to move up 8 slots.

[red]

sooooo?

kentrell brothers?

Dominique Alexander?

its a giant jump down in talent from the guys taken, to whats left

[wist43]

sooooo?

kentrell brothers?

I like Cravens and Jones better than Brothers.

[pittstang5]

I like Cravens and Jones better than Brothers.

Yep...Jones, then Cravens for me.

[Joemailman]

sooooo?

kentrell brothers?

Isn't he supposed to be a step slow? I like Blake Martinez in 3rd round.

[pbmax]

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet 17s18 seconds ago
The #Ravens select at No. 42 #BoiseSt LB Kamalei Correa. Tackle first, then pass-rusher.

[wist43]

Liked Correa better than Brothers too...

[Rastak]

7. KAMALEI CORREA | Boise State 6025|243 lbs|3JR Honolulu, Hawaii (Saint Louis School) 4/27/1994 (age 22) #8
YEAR (GP/GS) TKLS TFL SACK FF GRADE 2nd Round 2013: (13/0) 12 1.5 1.0 0 MEASUREABLES Arm: 31 5/8 | Hand: 09 3/8 | Wingspan: 75 5/8 2014: (14/14) 59 19.0 12.0 2 COMBINE BP: 40-YD: 4.69 | 10-YD: 1.62 | 20-YD: 2.72 | BP: 21 | VJ: 33 | BJ: 09’00” 2015: (13/13) 39 11.0 7.0 3 PRO DAY VJ: 34 | BJ: 09’09” | SS: 4.18 | 3C: 6.96 Total: (40/27) 110 31.5 20.0 5 PRONUNCIATION KAH-muh-lay // corr-AY-uh

BACKGROUND: A three-star defensive end recruit out of high school, Correa committed to Boise State over several Pac-12 programs like Arizona, Arizona State and Utah. He served as a true freshman back-up in 2013 and recorded 12 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and 1.0 sack. Correa became a starter in 2014 as a sophomore (14 starts) and led the team in tackles for loss (19.0) and sacks (12.0), earning First Team All-MWC honors. He again started every game as a junior in 2015 (13 starts) and led the team in tackles for loss (11.0), sacks (7.0) and forced fumbles (three), earning Second Team All-MWC honors. Correa elected to forego his final season of eligibility and enter the 2016 NFL Draft.

STRENGTHS: Quick-footed athlete with the flexible lower body to move laterally around blocks…above average short-area burst and balance, changing his speeds well in his movements to keep blockers guessing…bursts off the ball and gets upfield in a blink…fast eyes to make snap decisions on the fly, breaking down well in space…shows the ability to extend, snatch and toss with aggressive hands to jolt at the point of attack…moves well in reverse to drop and cover zones in the middle of the field…physical striker with lift-and-drive technique to be a finisher once he makes contact…high effort hustler with the competitive fire that sustains all four quarters…productive the past two seasons as a starter, leading the team in sacks and tackles for loss both years…durable and started all 27 games the past two seasons.

WEAKNESSES: Tweener size, length and growth potential…lacks the hand strength to rip through or overwhelm blockers…struggles to consistently stack and detach himself from blocks on the edge…relies on his lower body to penetrate the pocket, not his upper body mechanics or power – needs to develop his take-on technique…can be moved at the point of attack in the run game, especially by double-teams…unpolished pass rush moves and sequence…needs to recognize play designs and screens quicker.

SUMMARY: A two-year starter, Correa lined up as the “stud” defensive end in Boise State’s versatile 3-4 scheme, playing with his hand on the ground and standing up off the line of scrimmage – highly productive as a starter with 31.5 tackles for loss in 27 career starts. He is a loose-hipped athlete with the sudden quickness and lateral agility to work his way around bodies and threaten the pocket. Correa is aggressive at the point of attack, but he can be washed out of the hole due to his average size/strength for the trenches – needs to develop his hand use to better stack-and-shed. His pass rush arsenal lacks variety at this point in his development and his production is based more on effort and raw athleticism rather than technique and discipline. Although he needs space to be effective, Correa is an ascending edge rusher due to his athleticism and competitive toughness – ideally suited outside in a 3-4 scheme.

[HarveyWallbangers]

After you get past Jones and Perry, I have a bunch of ILBs rated similarly. In that case I think they'll bypass need for BPA. I'm not big Cravens fan.

[pbmax]

Ian Rapoport ‏@RapSheet 29s30 seconds ago
The #Titans, hunting CBs and DTs, grab #PennSt DT Austin Johnson at No. 43.

[Rastak]

Titans take:

9. AUSTIN JOHNSON | Penn State 6043|314 lbs|4JR Galloway, N.J. (St. Augustine Prep) 5/8/1994 (age 21) #99
YEAR (GP/GS) TKLS TFL SACK FF GRADE 2nd Round 2012: Redshirted MEASUREABLES Arm: 32 3/4 | Hand: 09 7/8 | Wingspan: 77 3/8 2013: (12/2) 27 3.0 1.0 0 COMBINE 40-YD: 5.32 | 10-YD: 1.85 | 20-YD: 3.07 | BP: 25 | VJ: 26 | BJ: 08’03” | SS: 4.75 | 3C: 7.84 2014: (13/13) 49 6.0 1.0 0 PRO DAY N/A (positional drills only) 2015: (13/13) 78 15.0 6.5 1 Total: (38/28) 154 24.0 8.5 1

BACKGROUND: A three-star defensive tackle recruit out of high school, Austin “A.J.” Johnson was also an all-state performer in basketball so he went underrecruited. He picked up offers from Boston College and Rutgers, but the moment Penn State (his favorite childhood team) offered a scholarship, Johnson accepted, redshirting in 2012. He started a pair of games in 2013 as a redshirt freshman, recording 27 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss and 1.0 sack. Johnson became a full-time starter in 2014 as a sophomore and collected 49 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss and 1.0 sack. He had his best season as a junior in 2015 (13 starts), finishing third on the team with 78 tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks to earn Third Team All-Big Ten honors. Johnson decided to skip his senior season and leave school for the 2016 NFL Draft. He was eligible for the 2016 Senior Bowl and accepted his invitation.

STRENGTHS: Thick body type with broad shoulders and meaty lower body…core strength and flexibility to stack and anchor double-teams…moves well for his size with natural body control and smooth hip action…carries his weight well to mirror up and down the line of scrimmage, offering pass rush value due to his lateral agility to sidestep blockers…balanced feet in space and through congestion…heavy-handed to generate push and work his way through bodies, making him tough to contain…active with his limbs to snatch and stash, playing with violence to press blockers from his frame…improved ball awareness to quickly locate and hustle in pursuit…plays pissed off and known as a lunch pail worker…highly productive in 2015, finishing third on the team in tackles (78) and was one of only three interior defensive linemen at the FBS level who tallied at least 15.0 tackles for loss on the season…durable and started every game the last two seasons, rarely leaving the field….graduated with a degree in Broadcast Journalism (Dec. 2015).

WEAKNESSES: Only average initial quickness and snap anticipation…inconsistent pad level and plays too high, struggling to routinely sink…overaggressive in pursuit and needs to play more controlled in small spaces…requires mechanical development, especially with his hand placement and reach to keep separation from blockers…effort isn’t a question as a pass rusher, but needs to better mix up his moves and put more thought into his sequence – needs a better counter move…not a rangy player and has a small radius of impact…productive tackler and strong finisher, but needs to better reset and break down in motion.

SUMMARY: A two-year starter in Penn State’s four-man front, Johnson lined mostly as a nose and one-technique tackle and while his defensive line teammates Carl Nassib and Anthony Zettel would often rotate in and out, Johnson rarely left the field. He has well-distributed mass on his frame and holds up well vs. multiple blockers to clog the middle of the field and mirror ballcarriers. Although not a rangy player, his motor is always revving and he moves well in small areas with strong hands to stack and create movement. A player whose production matches the tape, Johnson has an impressive blend of power, quickness and awareness to fit both even and odd fronts – 1st round skill-set and ideally suited as a starting one-technique tackle in a 4-3 base.

[Joemailman]

Why is A'Shawn Robinson sliding?