Kansas City Chiefs #63rd pick
Travis Kelce
Position: Tight End
Height: 6’5 Weight: 255 Arms: 33 3/4 Hands: 9 5/8
Strength:
+ Strong upper body. Will not get knocked off his route.
+ Good footwork in his blocking skills, able to stay in front of the defender.
+ Disguises run and pass very well so defenses can’t key on what his assignment is.
+ Great understanding of his blocking assignment. Really effective in the running game. Can be on the field for all 3 downs.
+ Comes back for the football instead of waiting for it, to come to him.
+ Played a lot of H back in college and really was effective as a lead blocker. Makes him flexible to move him all over the field.
+ For a big guy, he is very elusive and can make tacklers miss.
Needs Improvement:
– Work on his route running and his footwork with the coaches.
– Pass blocking skills are a little weak. His base can get too wide so he is unable to stay in front of the pass rusher.
– Hands tends to slip outside of the defender. He has to punch his hands inside, to the chest.
– Stops his feet when he makes contact. Must gain the mentality of being aggressive and drive his legs.
– Need to watch game tape and understand zone defenses. You must find the soft part of the zone instead of running right into coverage.
– Catch the ball with your hands, not your body.
Summary:
Nothing better than to end your college career with a game winning touchdown to win a bowl game. The Bearcats used Travis Kelce in many ways, like tight end, h back, slot and even fullback at times. Which will help him in the NFL because now teams can move him all over the field and defenses can’t just peg him in one area. In his college career, he was very consistent and teams need that. Coaches need to know what to expect from 11 guys out there so he can put them in the best position. Now with more teams running two tight ends set, (copycat from the Patriots) the Kansas City Chiefs already have Tony Moeaki, now adding another weapon for Alex Smith. I don’t think Kelce can be a MAIN guy but give him pieces to work around and he can be successful for your team.
Jacksonville Jaguars #64th pick
Dwayne Gratz
Height: 5’11 Weight: 201 Arms: 32 1/8 Hands: 10 1/2 40 time: 4.47
Strength:
+ Fluid hips so is able to turn his body quickly.
+ Good in run support. Very sound tackler.
+ Shed blocking skills are way above average for a corner.
+ Has great size and speed so he can cover a number 1 or number 2 receiver but also a tight end.
Needs Improvement:
– Gives too much cushion in zone coverage. Don’t give up the big play but also don’t let them make an easy play either.
– Slow to break on the ball.
– Way out of control when taking on blocks. Can not have your head down or you won’t be effective against the run.
Summary:
I was kind of shocked with this pick but there were so many corners in 2013 NFL draft so everyone had different thoughts. He was a little lower on my board, lower then his teammate in college, Blidi Wreh-Wilson. Gratz is a good tackler but his coverage skills are kind of lacking. If anyone can coach this secondary, it is Gus Bradley. Coach Bradley got the Seattle Seahawks to be the best defense in the NFL last year with 1st in points per game and 6th in passing yards per game. So he must see something i don’t. All i see out of Dwayne Gratz is a nickleback corner who will play a lot of special teams. Maybe i will be wrong. Wouldn’t be the first time!
Detroit Lions #65th pick
Larry Warford
Position: Guard
Height: 6’3 Weight: 332 Arms: 33 3/8 Hands: 91/2
Strength:
+ Unloads on a linebacker when he pulls. Not someone you want to see if he is pulling.
+ Able to work the double team very well. Pushes the d lineman back than moves to the linebacker.
+ Really good on the hook block. Clears his hips and gets outside of the defender, allowing the run happen behind him.
+ He is a mauler. Sticks his nose right into the defender chest and doesn’t stop charging.
+ Played on a bad SEC team but stood up against tough SEC defenses.
Needs Improvement:
– Work on his pass blocking. Seems to get pushed back and struggles to reload.
– Looks uncomfortable with his slide step. Not very smooth sliding, sideline to sideline.
– Must put two hands on the pass rusher instead of using one hand from what i see on the tape.
– Struggles to stay low throughout the block. Needs to continue to keep his knees bent instead of popping up.
Summary:
I heard reports that the Lions were jumping with glee when Warford fell to them. After seeing their roster…..i can see why! I would be too. I love Larry Warford. He is a tough nose player who loves to finish off blocks. Very athletic for the size which really helps in the screen plays. Detroit needed to add beef to that line and they did with this pick. Not the best in pass protection and is kind of a concern with their offense being a shotgun most of the time. I think he can get better at it though. In a couple of years, I think Warford will be a staple of this offensive line.
Oakland Raiders #66th pick
Sio Moore
Position: DE/OLB
Height: 6’1 Weight: 245 Arms: 33 5/8 Hands: 10 1/4 40 time: 4.65
Strength:
+ Does a good job if he doesn’t create a pass rush then gets his hands up in the passing lane.
+ Takes on blocks so he can be effective against the running game.
+ Reads the quarterback eyes in zone coverage. Making him able to react quickly.
+ Tackling skills are really good. Once he has you in his grasp then you are going down.
+ Feet are always moving. Never stops his feet after contact.
+ Full array of pass rush moves like swim, speed and his favorite, the bull rush.
+ Always maintains outside leverage and prevent the big plays from happening.
Needs Improvement:
– Head is down at times which makes him late to the play or miss the play all together.
– Has to use his hands more. Work with the coaches on how to use his hands to elude the blockers.
– Struggles with staying squared and makes him off balance.
– Doesn’t have the greatest get off the line of scrimmage, you would want in a speed rusher. His stance needs to be lower and more bunch so he can shoot out like a cannon.
Summary:
I love this pick. i mean i LOVE this pick. did i tell you???? i L-O-V-E this pick!!!!! I think Moore is a special player and for the Raiders to get him this late, is a steal. He can do so much for your team, play speed rusher or OLB in coverage or even middle linebacker and be a leader of your defense. UCONN was in a lot of games because of him. Their offense was terrible and that defense was keeping it close. My favorite thing about him and more pass rushers need to do it, is if he doesn’t get to quarterback then he has his hands in the passing lane. That drives a quarterback crazy! The Oakland Raiders have found someone they can build their defense around.
Philadelphia Eagles #67th pick
Bennie Logan
Position: Defensive Tackle
Height: 6’2 Weight: 309 Arms: 34 Hands: 10 1/4
Strength:
+ Great job against a double team. Does not let them get to the second level.
+ Seems to know the snap count since he gets a great jump off the snap.
+ Was coached well on stunt plays, knowing what he had to do and being successful in it.
+ Creates a great push up the middle with his bull rush. Puts a lineman on their heels.
+ Could be used in a 4-3 DT but also work as a NT in 3-4 or DE in 3-4. Teams can be really creative with him.
Needs Improvement:
– Seems out of control at times and will take himself out of the play.
– Tends to wear down late in the game. Got to work with the strength and conditioning coach.
– Often on the ground and you can not help your defense if you are on the ground. Keep your knees up and don’t let your base get too wide.
Summary:
This was a nice pick. Someone you can plug in a rotation and have a fresh defense. Everyone is talking about Chip Kelly bringing an up tempo offense into the NFL. That means either the team is going to score quickly or go 3 and out quickly. So you have to have a defense that can stay fresh. Logan is not a starter or a pro bowl bound but someone who, you can put on second string and produce for you. He won’t blow you with number of sacks or tackle for loss but to add in there to make an offense work for all 4 quarters.
Cleveland Browns #68th pick
Leon McFadden
Position: Cornerback
Height: 5’10 Weight: 193 Arms: 32 3/8 Hands: 9 40 time: 4.54
Strength:
+ Can really break on the ball so well. Disturbs the receiver many times with how quick he is.
+ Hips are so fluid and can change directions smoothly. He makes it look so easy when playing zone defense.
+ Has no quit in his game. Keeps playing until the whistle is blown.
+ Reads the receivers body movement so well. Always matching them, step for step.
+ Knows how to get around the receiver to defect the football without getting called for pass interference.
+ Does not over react to a double move or window dressing. Stays at home and sticks with his assignment.
Needs Improvement:
– Not the best in one on one jump ball situations.
– Must work in the weight room and add some bulk to his frame.
– Weak in run support. Takes poor angles and lacks good shed blocking skills.
– Below average in playing the ball in the air. Always seems to mistime his jump or can not see the ball quick enough.
Summary:
With this pick, Cleveland needs to manage expectations when it comes to Leon McFadden. He is a good player but don’t expect a shutdown corner or someone you can match up against the best receiver. McFadden is a nickle corner and will be a good one. He can match up with anyone at the slot position. Now, with the league a passing league, you need a good nickle corner. Look at the great teams, New England: Wes Welker, the Giants: Victor Cruz. You have to have someone to cover those guys. I think he can do that. Just knowing the Browns franchise…..they might screw him up.
Arizona Cardinals #69th pick
Tyrann Mathieu
Position: Cornerback/Safety
Height: 5’9 Weight: 186 Arms: 31 1/8 Hands: 9 3/8 40 time: 4.50
Strength:
+ A playmaker on special teams. If you punt the ball to him then he will make something happen.
+ Was taught the route tree at LSU and that lets him recognize and cut off the route.
+ Amazing in run support. Not afraid to hit and go after the blocker.
+ The best ball skills, i have seen in a long time.
+ Turnover machine! Creates turnovers with relentless tenacity.
+ Football IQ is above average. Reads screen or draws very well and stops it.
Needs Improvement:
– Tries to go for the BIG hit instead of wrapping up and tackling.
– Can not get physical on the line of scrimmage. He gets over powered at times.
– His techique is all over the place when he is in coverage. Hips fly open and footwork is a mess.
– Take on cut blocks better. Don’t allow them to get you on the ground.
Summary:
We know about the troubled past of Tyrann Mathieu. It is well documented but lets talk about him as a football player. The last year at LSU in 2011, he was a menace on the field, causing turnovers and creating big plays. One of his big moment came in the SEC championship game when his team was down, he picked them up with an amazing punt return for a touchdown. LSU didn’t look back from there and wound up winning the game. Now he is not perfect because with tenacity comes “out of control”. He doesn’t wrap up on his tackles because he always trying to go for the big hit and his footwork in coverage is a mess but all can be improved upon. This pick for this team, will work out in the end. There is no risk taken by the Arizona Cardinals because they got him late in the 3rd round. If he works out then great! If not then ok because they didn’t waste a high pick on him.
Tennessee Titans #70th pick
Blidi Wreh-Wilson
Position: Cornerback
Height: 6’1 Weight: 195 Arms: 32 Hands: 8 5/8 40 time: 4.53
Strength:
+ Strong in zone support. Reads the quarterback eyes well and makes a play on the ball.
+ Great understanding of route running and cuts off many routes.
+ So long and lengthy, that he can cover big receivers like Calvin Johnson or Brandon Marshall.
+ Has good situational awareness by playing the right defense on 3rd and long or 2nd and short.
+ He does not face guard. Able to play his man and the ball at the same time.
+ Does a good job using the sideline as part of his defense.
+ Plays the ball so well and racks up a lot of deflections.
Needs Improvement:
– Must drive his legs through the tackle. Stops his feet and misses a lot of tackles.
– Takes poor angles on tackles. Puts himself in the worst position.
– You have to take on blocks better then he does. Attack the block, don’t try to go around them.
– Don’t pick up the fumble and run. You must fall on the ball to assure that your defense gets that turnover.
– Weak hands. Drops easy interceptions.
Summary:
I was actually really high on Blidi through out this draft process. Mostly it was because of his size. You can teach anyone how to play football but you can’t create at 6’1 corner with great speed. Yes, he has MUCH work to do in run support and his tackling but if he is focus then i am sure he can iron that out. With these receivers getting stronger and faster, you need to find a corner who can play against that. Blidi Wreh-Wilson is that guy. His coverage skills are way above average. He has the instincts to play the receiver and the ball at the same time. The Titans got someone who can be a difference maker on their defense. It would not surprise me if Wreh-Wilson would be named to multiple pro bowls.
St. Louis Rams #71st pick
T.J McDonald
Height: 6’2 Weight: 219 Arms: 33 1/8 Hands: 9 1/4 40 time: 4.59
Strength:
+ USC played him all over the field and was a headache for offensive coordinators.
+ Effective in blitzing and getting to the quarterback.
+ Has all the physical tools, you would want in a safety. Strong and fast.
+ Shadows a receiver really well. Always step for step with the receiver.
Needs Improvement:
– Launches into the air when he makes a tackle and can not be an effective tackler if your feet are in the air.
– Weak in pass coverage. The reason why he was in the box all the time.
– Lacking football IQ. Does not recognize screens and over runs some plays.
– Always trying to go for the big hit and it will cause him to whiff at times.
– Going around blocks instead of taking them on. He has to attack the block right into the chest then use his strength to shed the block.
– Very weak ball skills. Seems lost when the ball is in the air.
Summary:
Here is another Jeff Fisher pick. He doesn’t care what you did in the past, if you can play football and have the body type to play then he will pick you. Besides the Tavon Austin pick, all of the Rams selection have been sketchy at best. The reason McDonald fell this far, is because his LOW stats don’t match his HIGH physical numbers. The way he is built……he should dominate the game but you don’t see it on tape. I don’t know if he doesn’t have the will or never got the right coaching. I haven’t seen anything in college, that makes me think he will do better in the NFL.
New York Jets #72nd pick
Brian Winters
Position: Guard
Height: 6’4 Weight: 320 Arms: 32 3/4 Hands: 9 3/4
Strength:
+ Amazing job at not giving away the screen or draw plays. Doesn’t allow opposing coaches to key on anything.
+ He has a powerful punch. Makes it look like he could have been a boxer.
+ Such a strong upper body. Creates many pancake blocks.
+ Can sustain his block like the best of them. Does not give up on the assignment.
+ Reanchors very well. When he gets pushed back, he is able to reload his hips and drive the defender back.
+ Perfect for the zone blocking scheme. Good understanding of flow blocking.
+ Legs never stop moving. Always driving a defender or moving to his target at the second level even after contact.
Needs Improvement:
– A little slow off the snap and can be beat on the inside move at times.
– Slide step is a little too high and slow. Speed rushers can give him some trouble.
– Tight at the hips. Struggles to turn his body.
– Head is down at times and causes him to get out of control.
– Cut blocking needs some work. Seems to be diving at the feet instead of driving through the legs to cut them.
Summary:
After all the circus on the New York Jets team…….this was the one pick, they did get right. They seem to understand that for ANY quarterback to be successful in the NFL, you must protect him which they failed to do last year. Winters is that guy who can hold this offensive line together. His ceiling is very high and from the tape i watch, he gets better everyday. Rex Ryan is famous for saying, “ground and pound.” Well they got the right player to add to that. Now he played tackle at Kent State and will have to move to guard but i don’t think that will be a problem for him. Finally a draft pick that Jets fan can be proud about.
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