2025 Prospects I Like

[kccrow]

A bit of a play on what Direkshun put together the past couple of seasons. I'll reserve the round grading, especially as of now. I'll keep adding to this as I progress through.


QB Kurtis Rourke, Indiana - Prototypical size with a plus arm and great accuracy to the short and intermediate areas. Good pocket awareness and feet. Smooth mechanics. Can get caught watching the pressure at times and can be late with throws. Looks like a great backup with the chance to develop into more. Major negative is he'll be a 24-year-old rookie.

RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina - Extremely complete RB with great NFL size and enough speed to make teams pay. Great burst. Good contact balance, good vision. Can catch the football but not dynamic. Good blocker.

RB Devin Neal, Kansas - Patient yet decisive runner. Explosive off initial cut. Great burst and speed over initial 15-20 yards. Loses steam on long runs so might not be a game-breaker in the pros.

RB Kaleb Johnson, Iowa - Zone runner that finds the lanes (though pretty big at times at Iowa). Hits the hole with conviction. Has homerun speed at plus size. Solid contact balance. Good receiver when called upon.

RB TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State - Patient runner with excellent vision to find cutbacks. Decent wiggle in the open field to create misses. Burst and speed are good and can hit the corner on the outside zone. Excellent receiving back.

RB Jo'Quavious Marks, USC - A Bucky Irving-style of runner with great ability to work the perimeter and be a threat in the passing game. A bit on the small side with no defining characteristic and a lack of true homerun speed but effective at creating 10-20 yard chunks in both facets. He might find his calling as a 3rd down back but he could be more.

RB RJ Harvey, UCF - Outstanding speed and outstanding lateral agility to go with excellent vision make for a dangerous combination at all levels. Very good receiving back as well. A little on the small side and likes to bounce it outside a bit much for the NFL. Needs to learn to get going North in with more urgency. Get him in space, and he'll break off big ones for you.

WR Kyren Lacy, LSU - I love LSU WRs because they get taught the right way and Lacy is no exception. He beats man with a good release and quickness in/out of breaks. Attacks the defender. Good awareness and ball skills.

WR Tai Felton, Maryland - Outstanding route runner, excellent release. Sideline awareness. Can create after the catch. Lacks elite speed and has a smaller frame.

WR Elic Ayomanor, Stanford - Shows all of the tools with great hands and good route running. Worried slightly about his ability to consistently separate, especially when he makes the jump to the pros.

WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State - Extremely fluid with outstanding quickness and good, maybe great, speed. Excellent route runner, finds space in zone, and has shown he can win against press. Tracks the ball well and has great hands. Heavy usage from the slot is a concern but has outside wins.

WR Jack Bech, TCU - Great size has enough juice to create YAC. Great hands. Good route runner with excellent awareness to open up against zone coverage. Good body control. Not an elite athlete but solid speed and quickness will let him win in the pros and continue to be a possession type. Reportedly high-character.

WR Jaylin Noel, Iowa State - Outstanding quickness and lateral agility to make ankle-breaking cuts and instant separation. Good-to-great route runner. Plus hands and the attitude to get the ball in traffic. YAC monster. Versatile inside-outside ability. Lacks truly elite speed but it's good enough to get over the top of many corners. Will find immediate work as a slot, gadget player, and special teams return man.

WR Jalen Royals, Utah State - Speedster with a quick accelerator. Good hands and can make plays in traffic. Good at finding holes in zone. Runs a limited route tree but effective on slants and posts.

TE Mason Taylor, LSU - Move/Receiving TE that works the middle of the field and has good boundary awareness. Good ability to find holes in zones. Enough speed to threaten the seam and great size.

LT Josh Conerly, Jr., Oregon - Very athletic tackle with excellent lateral movement skills. Elite pass blocker. Good hands, a solid punch. Picks up the inside counter. Recognizes and picks up stunts. Reminds me a bit of Jason Peters. Might be the best pure pass-blocking LT in the draft.

LT Wyatt Millum, West Virginia - Athletic left tackle. Elite pass blocker. Smart and durable, multiple academic All-Conference honors. A prototype for a passing offense like KCs IMO. Reminds me of Eric Fisher.

LT Josh Simmons, Ohio State - Prototypical size and length with outstanding power and athleticism. Explosive and physical blocker. Versatility at both tackle spots. Can overwhelm second-level targets in the run game. Poor hand placement and developing footwork lead to misses. Has a history of taking too many penalties.

OT Anthony Belton, NC State - Pretty solid at everything and has a thick frame. Shows displacing power. Aggressive. Lacks the agility and footwork to remain out a LT in my opinion, but would make an exceptional conversion project to LG.

LT Charles Grant, William & Mary - Outstanding athleticism and movement skills that will translate to the next level. Great arm length. Shows good depth on kick slide and great lateral agility. Consistently squares to his target. Gets to the second level and engulfs defenders. Outstanding zone blocker. Recognizes and communicates stunts and blitzes. All-State wrestler in HS. Concerns about weight, looks under 300 pounds, which could point to a move to Center. Senior Bowl invite could answer questions.

RG Connor Colby, Iowa - Solid all-around OG but is not an OT (spent some atrocious time at RT). Good pass sets with good hand placement. Adapts well to twists and stunts. Great on double-teams. Smart, Academic All-Big 10. Has some anchor. Needs to reduce waist-bending tendencies. Not a power blocker, won't generate great push upfield. A movement, zone run blocker.

RG Marcus Mbow, Purdue - Great size and versatility to play both OT and OG. Smooth mover with good slide and hand usage to keep the QB clean. Great snatch and trap technique. Plus anchor against power. Ability to reach the second level as a run blocker. Likely lacks the arm length, weight, and overall footwork to remain outside at OT in the NFL on the regular.

OG Jordan Williams, Georgia Tech - Fairly athletic RT but short arms and lack of kick slide depth will push him inside to OG in the NFL. Has good size. Shows movement ability and arm extension in pass pro to keep rushers at bay. Has mobility to get to the second level or pull out in space in the run game. Lacks block sustain and doesn't reset the LOS, more of a seal-off run blocker. Looks for additional work off double-teams. Tardy at times picking up delayed blitz.

DE J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State - Very complete, NFL-sized DE. You'll be able to trust this kid to lock down his lanes and shut down the run. He needs to improve his hand usage and pass-rush plan but he shows flashes of dominant ability.

DE Jack Sawyer, Ohio State - Much like his teammate, Tuimoloa, is very solid in all facets and sports an NFL-ready frame. Has a very solid first step off the line. Shows good power. Needs to develop more as a pass rusher but was much better this season. Similar to George Karlaftis.

DE Ashton Gillotte, Louisville - Explosive player with great burst off the snap. Strong and can hold the point against the run. Good quickness to close as a pass rusher. Versatility and size to line up inside and outside. Very high motor player. Lacks elite length and bend but can be a strong part of a pass rush arsenal in a Charles Omenihu type of role.

ER Mike Green, Marshall - Good get-off, good bend. Shows the ability to put the heat on the QB with regularity. A bit on the small side and an ankle-biter. Needs to bulk up but should end up a quality 3-4 OLB sooner than later. Reminds me a bit of Nik Bonitto.

DE Kyle Kennard, South Carolina - Good length. Good speed-to-power. Solid bend. Needs more strength and more consistency. Concerning lack of tackles compared to his last season at Georgia Tech. Going to be a 23-year-old rookie.

DE Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss - The Florida transfer shows good explosion and excellent bend, making it difficult on opposing tackles in pass protection. He has good, active hands and an outstanding spin move to win multiple ways. He lacks a great speed-to-power or power rush, which may end up being a function of time and development in the pros. He plays with high IQ and a strong motor. Lacks the sand in his pants to set a true anchor against the run but shows good effort and arm extension to try to keep offensive lineman off of him to make plays in that regard.

DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon - A bit tardy off the snap but once he gets moving he's an absolute freight train to slow down. Very solid in all facets. Looks like he can make a living in the backfield as a passing down disruptor. Thicker and shorter than former Ducks DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead but has a similar play style.

DT Walter Nolan, Ole Miss - Explosive off the snap with violent power into blockers. Extremely disruptive. Lacks a controlled rush at this point and will vacate gap responsibilities in pursuit. Disruption hasn't led to high sack numbers but has potential.

DT Deone Walker, Kentucky - Massive man with exceptional power and quickness to cause havoc at the point of attack. Strong tackler and elite run-stopping ability. High motor with good stamina, which is rare for a man of his stature. Brings memories of Dontari Poe.

DT Omarr Norman-Lott, Tennessee - Outstanding burst off the LOS. Shows the ability to be a one-man wrecking crew. Needs to learn to play under control and stay off the ground.

DT Yahya Black, Iowa - Space-eating NT. Good strength and impressive mass to lock down the interior against the run. Not much of a pass rusher. Might be a two-down player.

CB Denzel Burke, Ohio State - Good length and solid hips and transitional footwork. Great man/press skillset. Lacks elite speed. Not as physical as you want at times.

CB Jason Marshall Jr., Florida - See Burke above.

CB Jahdae Barron, Texas - An extremely versatile corner who can play press, off-man, and zone but is best at press or zone. Has great ball skills. An elite tackler who will come downhill with a safety mentality. Processes quickly and stays on top of all routes. Can lose to elite speed or quickness. Reminds a lot of L'Jarius Sneed.

LB Jalon Walker, Georgia - Might be a 1st round LB. Exceptional athlete with solid skills at almost everything and has the speed to play sideline-to-sideline. Needs more experience but he's just tipping the iceberg.

LB Jay Higgins, Iowa - Physical, downhill thumper with excellent instincts. Smart and the QB of the Iowa defense. Great tackler. Lacks high-end athleticism and true sideline-to-sideline speed. Adept at zone coverage but struggles in man-to-man. Very much in the mold of Nick Bolton.

LB Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma - Excellent size and athleticism for an NFL LB with the ability to close. Great production, good tackler, and good blitzer. Can play all three positions. Struggles at times with misdirection and play action. Needs to get stronger at the point of attack. Reminds me a bit of Germaine Pratt.

LB Jamon Dumas-Johnson, Kentucky - A downhill banger with enough speed and agility to play 3 downs. Playcaller, leader. Won't ever be great in coverage. Has some bouts with missed tackles. Similar to Nick Bolton but a little bigger.

LB Lander Barton, Utah - Rangy, sideline-to-sideline, coverage LB. Looks the part of a prototypical weakside LB. Playmaker. NFL bloodline. Needs to strengthen his ability against the run and put on some pounds.

FS Andrew Makuba, Texas - Clemson transfer with high-end athleticism and functioned as a Swiss Army knife at both stops. Can play nickel, high, box, and everywhere in between. Needs work on man coverage.

SS Jonas Sanker, Virginia - Versatile safety but at his best in the box in a Justin Reid role. Very good and aggressive tackler. Makes plays in the backfield. Disrupts the intermediate throwing lanes over the middle of the field. Not as good of a player the further off the line he gets. Loses the battle to shiftier WRs.

[kccrow]

Adding a big batch today for ya'll...
DE Jack Sawyer, DE Ashton Gillotte, DT Derrick Harmon, DT Walter Nolan, DT Deone Walker, WR Emeka Egbuka, WR Jack Bech, WR Jaylin Noel, WR Jalen Royals, LT Josh Simmons, RG Marcus Mbow, LB Jay Higgins, LB Danny Stutsman, and CB Jahdae Barron

[spanky 52]

Would our 2nd round pick be too early or too late for Mbow?

[kccrow]

Originally Posted by spanky 52

Would our 2nd round pick be too early or too late for Mbow?

I'd wager a bit early. I see him as a 3rd rounder. We'll have to see where things shake out with the consensus though.

[Couch-Potato]

Originally Posted by kccrow

Adding a big batch today for ya'll...
DE Jack Sawyer, DE Ashton Gillotte, DT Derrick Harmon, DT Walter Nolan, DT Deone Walker, WR Emeka Egbuka, WR Jack Bech, WR Jaylin Noel, WR Jalen Royals, LT Josh Simmons, RG Marcus Mbow, LB Jay Higgins, LB Danny Stutsman, and CB Jahdae Barron

Im right there with you on the bolded names.

Curious what you see in Ashton Gillotte? I’m not sure what to think about him, he’s not very tall or long, but has 80+ pressures over the last 2 seasons. Is he a situational pass rusher type like FAU?

[DrRyan]

Kyren Lacy, top NFL draft prospect, arrested on negligent homicide after deadly crash

https://abcnews.go.com/US/kyren-lacy...l&id=117563365

[kccrow]

Originally Posted by DrRyan

Kyren Lacy, top NFL draft prospect, arrested on negligent homicide after deadly crash

https://abcnews.go.com/US/kyren-lacy...l&id=117563365

Well, that doesn't look real good now does it...

[DrRyan]

Originally Posted by kccrow

Well, that doesn't look real good now does it...

For those thinking he could be another stud LSU WR available that wouldn't take a first round pick it does. It will be interesting seeing what plays out in court and if he gets drafted. Negligible homicide seems like a charge that could take him off some teams draft boards. Time will tell but it looks bad at this point.

So many young WRs finding themselves in trouble being incredibly reckless behind the wheel recently.

[kccrow]

Originally Posted by Couch-Potato

Im right there with you on the bolded names.

Curious what you see in Ashton Gillotte? I’m not sure what to think about him, he’s not very tall or long, but has 80+ pressures over the last 2 seasons. Is he a situational pass rusher type like FAU?

I like his power rush ability and that tends to translate well to the pros. I like that he gets off the ball. That's something that I get hung up on with guys. I miss sometimes but I think it's a good measure to look for. I think he's long enough but we'll see where he measures. I like his versatility to move up and down the line. He has some growing to do, especially in finding more ways to win at the LOS. He's not an elite guy who's going to bend the edge though. I'd be eyeballing him as an Omenihu replacement.

[Tribal Warfare]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

I honestly don't care much at all about 'pairing' Pacheco with anyone at this point.

I want a new, better RB1.

If Pacheco can forge a role as an RB2 in short-yardage situations, neat - so much the better. But he's not been any better than Hunt this season and in a lot of ways worse.

I'm not looking to supplement the RB room - I'm looking to upgrade on it.

With how Defense's are generally getting lighter so they can rush and defend the pass better a high volume carry power back is the way to go.

[Couch-Potato]

Originally Posted by kccrow

I like his power rush ability and that tends to translate well to the pros. I like that he gets off the ball. That's something that I get hung up on with guys. I miss sometimes but I think it's a good measure to look for. I think he's long enough but we'll see where he measures. I like his versatility to move up and down the line. He has some growing to do, especially in finding more ways to win at the LOS. He's not an elite guy who's going to bend the edge though. I'd be eyeballing him as an Omenihu replacement.

Thanks for the feedback, I’ll take a close look! 100% pass rush rating on DraftBuzz and 90th % on PFF!

The guy I’ve been eyeing as an Omenihu replacement is Oregon’s DE Jordan Burch, 6-6, 295 lbs:https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/...-SouthCarolina

He’s got size, can play the run and the pass, and is versatile like Omenihu where he can play inside or out.

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

With how Defense's are generally getting lighter so they can rush and defend the pass better a high volume carry power back is the way to go.

A high volume rushing game should NEVER be 'the way to go' for this team.

Especially not a power back -- someone that's likely to get you 4 YPC and just grind things works in a pinch, but it's not how this team SHOULD be looking to win games.

Let every team in the league that DOESN'T have Patrick Mahomes go get their heavy backs and force defenses to adjust back. We don't need to be the trendsetters there and shouldn't want to be.

There are 31 other football teams that aren't the Chiefs. 25 of those have middling or worse QB play. Those guys can go get their thunderbacks and convince opposing DCs that they need to change the way they construct their defenses.

I'll take the dude with the speed off the edge instead.

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by Couch-Potato

Thanks for the feedback, I’ll take a close look! 100% pass rush rating on DraftBuzz and 90th % on PFF!

The guy I’ve been eyeing as an Omenihu replacement is Oregon’s DE Jordan Burch, 6-6, 295 lbs:https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/...-SouthCarolina

He’s got size, can play the run and the pass, and is versatile like Omenihu where he can play inside or out.

I think Veach will LOVE Burch.

I like him as well. Not sure I'd want to use a 1st on him, but we could potentially get him with our 2nd and that would be a sweet spot for him.

Former big shit HS prospect who was good but never great in college. Those guys are often music to Brett's ears. Gimme that sweet sweet pedigree and the measurables for days.

Ducks in the 1st and 2nd with Conerly and Burch would be just fine by me.

[Tribal Warfare]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

A high volume rushing game should NEVER be 'the way to go' for this team.

Especially not a power back -- someone that's likely to get you 4 YPC and just grind things works in a pinch, but it's not how this team SHOULD be looking to win games.

Let every team in the league that DOESN'T have Patrick Mahomes go get their heavy backs and force defenses to adjust back. We don't need to be the trendsetters there and shouldn't want to be.

There are 31 other football teams that aren't the Chiefs. 25 of those have middling or worse QB play. Those guys can go get their thunderbacks and convince opposing DCs that they need to change the way they construct their defenses.

I'll take the dude with the speed off the edge instead.

Chiefs are going to win games and championships through Mahomes, but if you look at Defenses in general they are built to stop speed. If you look at said successful running attacks they have a smashmouth running game. Henry,Dobbins, Cook, Saquon has it all, Montgomery, and Robinson.

[kccrow]

Originally Posted by Couch-Potato

Thanks for the feedback, I’ll take a close look! 100% pass rush rating on DraftBuzz and 90th % on PFF!

The guy I’ve been eyeing as an Omenihu replacement is Oregon’s DE Jordan Burch, 6-6, 295 lbs:https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/...-SouthCarolina

He’s got size, can play the run and the pass, and is versatile like Omenihu where he can play inside or out.

I like Burch on the surface. I want to do a bit of a deeper dive on him and see why the ultra-low solo tackle numbers the past two seasons in Oregon. The traits are there though for him to be a fit in that role.

[kccrow]

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

A high volume rushing game should NEVER be 'the way to go' for this team.

Especially not a power back -- someone that's likely to get you 4 YPC and just grind things works in a pinch, but it's not how this team SHOULD be looking to win games.

Let every team in the league that DOESN'T have Patrick Mahomes go get their heavy backs and force defenses to adjust back. We don't need to be the trendsetters there and shouldn't want to be.

There are 31 other football teams that aren't the Chiefs. 25 of those have middling or worse QB play. Those guys can go get their thunderbacks and convince opposing DCs that they need to change the way they construct their defenses.

I'll take the dude with the speed off the edge instead.

I agree with you, largely. I think we need a thunder-and-lightning approach. I think our primary back should be an explosive guy like Henderson with a power back in the mold of Hunt as his alternate. Hunt transformed our ability to convert 3rd/4th and short and put the ball in the endzone from 2-3 yards out. You gotta have that guy. But your "workhorse" in this offense needs to be a guy that can house it from anywhere IMO.