NCF's 2019 Top-32 Player First Round Board....

[NewColtsFan]

 

First off....   ths is NOT a mock.    Just my 32 best players.     I don't do mocks,  but I try to rate the top talent.   Very little film study.   Mostly going by the evaluators I respect most.    I've done as many as four rounds per year.   But this year, as I did last year,   I'll only do one.   Life has too many obsticles in the way.

 

As I always do,  I break down the round into a top-10,  a bottom-10,  and a middle-12.      I'm rarely satisfied getting the right names into the first round projection,  I'm tryng to get them into the right third of a round.    I've had as many as 28 of 32 right names and as few as 24.  

 

So....     here we go....

 

1.   Nick Bosa     DE      Ohio State

He's rated for me equally with Q. Williams, but gets the nod for the top spot based on the importance of the position he plays,  DE over DT.

 

2.   Quinnen Williams     DT     Alabama

Second String last year;   2nd overall pick this year.    Has anyone comes so far; so fast?

 

3.    Josh Allen      Edge       Kentucky

Can play OLB in a 3-4 or a DE in a 4-3.    Is he Kahlil Mack 2.0?

 

4.    Devin White       LB         LSU

Can reportedly play MLB or the Will.    Athletic and powerful. 

 

5.   Ed Oliver             DT        Houston

Been a roller coaster ride.    Start of the year; top-5.    Middle of the year;  top-15.    Wowed at the combine has him back in the top-10 and my top-5.

 

6.  Montez Sweat      DE        Mississippi State

6'6" 260;  nearly 36' arms;  10 1/2 hands;  36' vert;  125" broad;  7.0 3-cone,   And he has very good tape.    Wow!

 

7.   Kyler Murray       QB       Oklahoma

The size makes him Russell Wilson, but far, far more athletic.   Scary athletic.   Baker Mayfield's rookie year gives Murray even more credibility.   May go 1st overall.

 

8.   Dwayne Haskins    QB      Ohio State

Only one year as a starter.  (Same with Murray)  Always a big red flag.   But he's a pocker passer.  Pure arm talent.  Are recent reports of dipping stock a smoke screen?

 

9.   TJ Hockenson          TE      Iowa

6'5" 250     Best all around TE this year,  and in the last few years.   Comparison to Gronk may be somewhat overstated,  but TJ is still a top-10 player.

 

10.   Andre Dillard       OT  (LT)     Washington State

Consensus best LT in the draft,  yet many have him 5-10 spots lower than I do.    Whatever flaws he has are correctable.   Positional value trumps all.

 

 

 

11.    Devin Bush       Will OLB    Michigan

Can also play MIKE, but some teams will view him as too small for the inside.   Great athlete,  great backer.   And yet I often see him mocked lower.   Not sure why?

 

12.    Drew Lock         QB     Missouri

Some say he has the best arm of this class.   Others fear his 9" hands,  well below average.   Teams reportedly either love Lock,  or are meh on him.

 

13.    Jonah Williams     OL      Alabama

Started for 3 years for Alabama.   Played LT the last two years.   He's 6'4", 302,  and has 33 5/8" arms.   Too small for LT at NFL level for some teams.  But could play (start) any of the other 4 OL positions.   He's that good.    Many think he's the best OL in this draft.    Not for me,  but he's close.

 

14.    Brian Burns       DE/OLB      Florida State

One of my favorites this year.   He and Sweat are what Ballard is looking for to be his RDE.   Will Ballard trade up?   Not likely,  but we have reportedly shown considerable interest.

 

15.    Jawan Taylor       OT  (RT)    Florida

Big and powerful.   A pure right tackle and not a LT.   Could play G if need be.   His game is not finesse.   You run hard behind guys like him.

 

16.   Colin Ferrell        DE       Clemson

He was top-10 eight to ten months ago.   Not sure what he did wrong,  but now I mostly seem him in the teen's or the 20's.   But I think he's a RDE at the next level.   

 

17.  Jeff Simmons       DT       Mississippi State

Can you believe Simmons and Sweat were on the same Bulldog Defensive Line?!   Simmons has two strikes against him,  otherwise, he'd be top-10, and perhaps even top-5.    He blew up a knee in early February training for the combine.    And 3 years ago,  in high school,  he beat up a girl who was reportedly bullying his sister.  It's on videotape.   Everyone says he was a good kid before the incident, and he's been perfect for the last 3 years since then.    Saw a story this week saying everyone in the scouting community loves the kid and will back him as a great kid.  Called a culture changer for your program.   Jim Irsay, are you listening?     Please?

 

18.    Rashaan Gary     DE/DT      Michigan

One of my least favorite players.   Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane.   Tremendous tools and mostly under-achieving tape.   Where are the results?   Teams will gamble on his great,  raw,  and mostly untapped talent.

 

19.   Noah Font            TE           Iowa

Font and Hockenson,  the two top tight ends both on the same team.   Nice for Iowa.   If Hockenson is the pure tight end,  then Font is the more receving option.   He'd compare more to Ebron in style (minus the hands issue)   

 

20.   Christian Wilkins     DT      Clemson

Measured smaller and heavier than expected at the combine.  6'3" and 315.    Not 6'4" and 305.    Does that scare anyone?    Maybe.   But he didn't test as well as expected.    Does THAT scare anyone?    Maybe.    Read within the last week he's both a 3-tech AND now also a Nose Tackle.   Hmm?    Said by all to be great in the locker room.   A natural team leader.   A very Ballard-like guy.   Been mocked well into the 20's for the better part of a month.

Does he reach the Colts?

 

21.   Cody Ford           G/T       Oklahoma

Played at 340 this year,  but showed up at the combine 10-12 pounds lighter.   Can play both right tackle and inside at guard.   But he's not a LT.

 

22.   DK Metcalf          WR        Mississippi

My first wide receiver appears.   And I wouldn't be surprised if he falls to the 2nd round.   Incredible body,  incredible athlete EXCEPT,  he's more a straight line runner with blazing speed.   But he's not a sophisticaed rout runner.   Runs a more limited rout treet.   Raw.  Needs polishing.  

Boom or bust?

 

 

 

23.   Marquise Brown      WR     Oklahoma

Some think he could've gone top-15 if not for a foot injury in early January.   Very small.  5'9" and sub-170.   Said to  play bigger than his size.  Compared favorably to DeSean Jackson.    Can catch deep or take a short pass a long way.   Field changer.   Game changer.   Good hands.   

 

24.   Greedy Williams      CB       LSU

Best man corner in the draft.    Tall and lean.   Tested better than expected at the combine.    Was thought to be possible top-10 pick eight to ten months ago.    Stock has slipped by still a first round player for me.   But not for everyone.

 

25.     Demarcus Lawrence     NT     Clemson

6'4" 342 and that weight is down from his high in the 350's.   Vince Wilfork 2.0?   If he reaches us and we try to get him at 34,  will New England let him get past them?   Vince Wilfork 2.0!   Some have questioned whether he's a scheme fit for the Colts.   Said to be better in a 2-gap scheme, not our 1-gap.

 

26.    Garrett Bradbury         C      North Carolina State

Fast riser late in the draft process.    Said to be the top center in what is reported to be a very good class of centers.    

 

27.    Johnathan Abram         S       Mississippi State

Yet another stud defender from the 2018 Bulldog defense.    He has supporters and detractors on ths website.   But the Colts are reportedly high on him.  Will they take a safety in the first round for 2nd time in Ballard's 3-years?     Maybe.    He'd be the strong to Hooker's free.

 

28.    Chris Lindstrom           G       Boston College

Could also slip into the top of the 2nd round.   But I'm calling this the Quincy Nelson effect.   You can improve your o-line with high quality guard play. Lindstrom reportedly tested through the roof at the combine.   Advanced metrics off the chart.   Scouts ran back to double check the tape.   Colts said to be high on him too.

 

29.    Deandre Baker            CB      Georgia

High confident, highly competitive and highly successful corner.    Has a fearless attitude.    At 5'11" and 193,  is he big enough to play outside?    Or is he only an inside slot/nickle corner?   Teams will differ on this.   But he's an easy first round talent. 

 

30.    AJ Brown                   WR       Mississippi

A pro's pro.  Not flashy, but he just gets the job done.   I liken him to DeAndre Hopkins with Houston.   The guy you want to look for on key 3rd downs.

 

31.    Byron Murphy         CB        Washington

Another corner with a lot of support on this website.    He's another sub-6'0" corner who may only play in the slot.   But he shutdown whoever he faced, so maybe he can play outside?      Could slip into the 2nd round,  but he's only my third corner on my board.   Hard to see only two.

 

32.     Chauncy Gardner-Johnson      S     Florida

Just my second safety.    If you don't like this choice,  then pick someone else.   But so far, only Abrams makes my list.   And I don't see a draft with only one safety going in the first round.   Some team will take another,  and I picked CGJ for his all-around versatility.    But it could be someone else.

 

 

Close, but just missed:

Josh Jacobs           RB       Alabama

Jerry Tillery          DT       Notre Dame

kaleb McGary       OT      Washington

Erick McCoy         OL       Tex  A&M

Dalton Risner       OL       Kansas St

Parris Campbell   WR      Ohio State

N'Keal Harry        WR       ASU

Rapp/Savage/Adderly    S     Various schools

Rock Ya Sin            CB        Temple

Daniel Jones          QB        Duke     (Will someone trade up to take him at the bottom of the first round?    Entirely possible)

 

OK.....   there's my board....    feel free to vent and give me your opinions.   Happy to hear from all...    Thumbs up or down?      Bring it!

 

We're now inside a week....   the excitement grows!

 

I'll have more posts & threads in the next 6 days.....

 

Thanks for checking out my board....

 

NCF     

[DaveA1102]

I saw Stampede Blue mocked Simmons to us.  Seems he was a top 5/10 guy before the injury so it is just whether we would be willing to take the risk on the injury, I think the issue with the assault seems to be less of an issue than other prospects in recent years (ie Mixon), from what I can gather.

 

Matt Danely did mention his concern with the ACL is more the position he plays, coming up against 330lb linemen snap after snap and the strain that could put on an already tender body part.

 

Love the Board though @NewColtsFan. As someone with very limited draft knowledge, good snippets of information on all.

[MikeCurtis]

Good stuff.... thanks for putting together

 

Simmons seems logical..........

 

 

[stitches]

Very good summary of the players and it feels like a very good representation of what's likely to happen. Several notes - I didn't see it in his tape but it seems like Fant had similar hands issues to Ebron(high drop %). Also you've mistaken Dexter Lawrence's name... but other than that, great job. 

[gnet550]

When is Simmons expected back from the ACL? I haven’t seen anything on it, you guys?

[Matthew Gilbert]

27 minutes ago, gnet550 said:

When is Simmons expected back from the ACL? I haven’t seen anything on it, you guys?

November/December. Back in time for playoffs

[jskinnz]

Thanks for the solid list @NewColtsFan.  Well done.

 

I wonder if Simmons is really in play for Indy.  Ballard was with the Chiefs when they scouted and drafted a couple of guys with questionable pasts in Peters and Hill.  Now Peters worked his way out of KC and Hill has some serious allegations against him.  Do those situations give him pause with others who have past incidents?  Not saying they do or should but I am curious how he handles such players going forward. I also wonder about the fact that Indy has women high up in the organization - does that impact such decisions like there could be with Simmons?  Again, just my own musings.

 

[DaveA1102]

3 hours ago, stitches said:

Very good summary of the players and it feels like a very good representation of what's likely to happen. Several notes - I didn't see it in his tape but it seems like Fant had similar hands issues to Ebron(high drop %). Also you've mistaken Dexter Lawrence's name... but other than that, great job. 

 

I never even noticed that.  If we can get Demarcus Lawrence in this years draft, Ballard really would be the messiah!!! 

[MikeCurtis]

1 hour ago, jskinnz said:

Thanks for the solid list @NewColtsFan.  Well done.

 

I wonder if Simmons is really in play for Indy.  Ballard was with the Chiefs when they scouted and drafted a couple of guys with questionable pasts in Peters and Hill.  Now Peters worked his way out of KC and Hill has some serious allegations against him.  Do those situations give him pause with others who have past incidents?  Not saying they do or should but I am curious how he handles such players going forward. I also wonder about the fact that Indy has women high up in the organization - does that impact such decisions like there could be with Simmons?  Again, just my own musings.

 

 

Marcus Peters -

 

Important Quote

 

"the final straw in a SERIES of run-ins" - Important word SERIES ... (A PATTERN)

 

http://blogs.seattletimes.com/huskyfootball/2014/11/06/uw-star-cornerback-marcus-peters-dismissed-from-the-team/

 

Tyreek Hill

 

https://theundefeated.com/features/the-uncomfortable-reality-of-tyreek-hills-success/

 

IMHO, BOTH of these are WAY WORSE than what Simmons did

 

I don't see ANY quotes about what a locker-room leader that Peters or Hill were

 

I view Simmons as COMPLETELY different

 

There are no known instances of problems before the incident

There are no known instances of problems after the incident

 

The incident was had after the girl beat up his sister (from the news report)

 

Coaches say  "Model citizen"   ...... "Positive leader"

 

I dont see those comments EVER about Peters or Hill

 

 

I am SURE the Colts have asked MANY questions 

 

With the 26th pick....... The Colts Select ...... Simmons

 

The future Colts Pro bowler

(at least I hope)

[jskinnz]

2 minutes ago, MikeCurtis said:

 

Marcus Peters -

 

Important Quote

 

"the final straw in a SERIES of run-ins" - Important word SERIES ...or PATTERN

 

http://blogs.seattletimes.com/huskyfootball/2014/11/06/uw-star-cornerback-marcus-peters-dismissed-from-the-team/

 

Tyreek Hill

 

https://theundefeated.com/features/the-uncomfortable-reality-of-tyreek-hills-success/

 

IMHO, BOTH of these are WAY WORSE than what Simmons did

 

I don't see ANY quotes about what a locker-room leader that Peters or Hill were

 

I view Simmons as COMPLETELY different

 

There are no known instances of problems before the incident

There are no known instances of problems after the incident

 

Coaches say  "Model citizen"   ...... "Positive leader"

 

I am SURE the Colts have asked MANY questions 

 

 

With the 26th pick....... The Colts Select ...... Simmons

 

Perhaps you are right.  I have no clue and am not advocating one way or the other.  Just thinking out loud.

 

But throw in the ACL on top and it does give you pause.

 

Plus JMV, local radio guy in Indy, has some good sources within the team.  He has been on air the last couple of days suggesting his sources indicate that the team really likes their d'line personnel.  I believe Ballard is a BPA guy all the way and if the board says d'line at 26 when the moment comes, that is what he will do.

 

My two cents - I think they go another position in round 1.

[DougDew]

They may be viewed as players better than the rest, which is the point of this list and not necessarily reflective of a mock, but I don't see a power RT/G or a DT with an ACL being drafted 15 or 17.

[MikeCurtis]

1 hour ago, jskinnz said:

 

 

My two cents - I think they go another position in round 1.

You may be right

 

The question is..... what position, do they go in place of DL?

 

If there isnt a DL person available or even worth the 26th spot..... I want them to trade back.

 

The other positions WR, SS, CB, OL, should ALL be available in round 2....  There should be a decent amount of players that could contribute in 2019

 

If we get an additional 2nd AND a 3rd......... we could clean up

 

 

[NewColtsFan]

Just noticed that in addition to missing on DEXTER Lawrence with (DeMarcus) I also botched our own guy.  

 

I referenced Quintin Nelson with............   Quincy!?   DOH!      

 

That’s what I get for starting that post at midnight and finishing after 2a.

 

I hate typos like that!   My bad.    

 

Ps —. Thanks so much for all the comments one way or the other.   I also botched the reference on hands for Font.   What was I thinking?!?   

 

(Sigh....)

 

[MikeCurtis]

29 minutes ago, NewColtsFan said:

Just noticed that in addition to missing on DEXTER Lawrence with (DeMarcus) I also botched our own guy.  

 

I referenced Quintin Nelson with............   Quincy!?   DOH!      

 

That’s what I get for starting that post at midnight and finishing after 2a.

 

I hate typos like that!   My bad.    

 

Ps —. Thanks so much for all the comments one way or the other.   I also botched the reference on hands for Font.   What was I thinking?!?   

 

(Sigh....)

 

The "Corrector" falls on his sword!

 

How ya doin NCF?

[NewColtsFan]

24 minutes ago, MikeCurtis said:

The "Corrector" falls on his sword!

 

How ya doin NCF?

 

Ugh...    I hope the "Corrector" title doesn't stick!    Yuk!

 

All in all, I'm OK.....   but things are getting both busy and crazy out here....    I'm getting too old for both of things.    It's enough when it's just one of those things.    But both?!?     Yuk!

 

Thanks for asking....   and for being a good friend here!     

[MikeCurtis]

10 minutes ago, NewColtsFan said:

 

Ugh...    I hope the "Corrector" title doesn't stick!    Yuk!

 

All in all, I'm OK.....   but things are getting both busy and crazy out here....    I'm getting too old for both of things.    It's enough when it's just one of those things.    But both?!?     Yuk!

 

Thanks for asking....   and for being a good friend here!     

I am looking forward to next week

 

This will be a fun draft

 

MANY ways it COULD go!!

[WarGhost21]

I know I'm in the minority here, but Simmons tape comes across as just average to me. He has little to no pass rush moves outside of a bull rush, and he is slow of the lines on tape. Personally I think Tillery has a higher ceiling and would much prefer him, but it's just from my opinion and I fully trust Ballard's judgement in the draft if he does decide Simmons is the best option.

[MikeCurtis]

1 hour ago, WarGhost21 said:

I know I'm in the minority here, but Simmons tape comes across as just average to me. He has little to no pass rush moves outside of a bull rush, and he is slow of the lines on tape. Personally I think Tillery has a higher ceiling and would much prefer him, but it's just from my opinion and I fully trust Ballard's judgement in the draft if he does decide Simmons is the best option.

 

 

Sorry for the language on the highlights tapes........ 

If this is what young people listen to today, God help us.

 

Watch both tapes.

 

In 2018, he drew constant double teams. ...... And he played quite a few downs as NT

 

The guy has a very high TFL and is constantly in the backfield. These will show up as pressures in the NFL......... We will get MANY 3 and outs with a guy likes this

 

There is a reason why MOST draft evaluators have him top 6-15 BEFORE injury.... An injury that he is SUPPOSED to heal 100% from

 

2018 Highlights - 18 TFL

 

 

2017 Highlights - 12 TFL

 

 

[WarGhost21]

17 minutes ago, MikeCurtis said:

 

 

Sorry for the language on the highlights tapes........ 

If this is what young people listen to today, God help us.

 

Watch both tapes.

 

In 2018, he drew constant double teams. ...... And he played quite a few downs as NT

 

The guy has a very high TFL and is constantly in the backfield. These will show up as pressures in the NFL......... We will get MANY 3 and outs with a guy likes this

 

There is a reason why MOST draft evaluators have him top 6-15 BEFORE injury.... An injury that he is SUPPOSED to heal 100% from

 

2018 Highlights - 18 TFL

 

 

2017 Highlights - 12 TFL

 

 

Not to be rude, but even though these show some good things, they are "highlight" tapes. I've talked with a few scouts in the past few years, and every single one of them says that they never watch highlights because it only shows the good. If you look at the good plays only of every single player, they would all seem like first round players. What needs to be done is to go through and watch tape of full games, so you can see all of the ups and downs of players. For every good play Simmons makes, I see a bad play as well in which he does something poorly enough that he looks like he should go undrafted. Here is a link to one of the game tapes I watched on him. He has impressive strength in it, but he also lacks polish and only seems to have one move, a bull rush. Sure, he is a good player, but in my honest opinion from seeing what I have, he grades out as a second rounder, not top 10.

 

 

 

[shasta519]

6 hours ago, jskinnz said:

 

Perhaps you are right.  I have no clue and am not advocating one way or the other.  Just thinking out loud.

 

But throw in the ACL on top and it does give you pause.

 

Plus JMV, local radio guy in Indy, has some good sources within the team.  He has been on air the last couple of days suggesting his sources indicate that the team really likes their d'line personnel.  I believe Ballard is a BPA guy all the way and if the board says d'line at 26 when the moment comes, that is what he will do.

 

My two cents - I think they go another position in round 1.

 

That's interesting. Could be a smoke screen...but could also be that they know the DL guys they like will be gone...and they are going to cash in on other position groups (this has been what I have thought for a while). I think a trade down is very possible as well.

[MikeCurtis]

3 hours ago, WarGhost21 said:

Not to be rude, but even though these show some good things, they are "highlight" tapes. I've talked with a few scouts in the past few years, and every single one of them says that they never watch highlights because it only shows the good. If you look at the good plays only of every single player, they would all seem like first round players. What needs to be done is to go through and watch tape of full games, so you can see all of the ups and downs of players. For every good play Simmons makes, I see a bad play as well in which he does something poorly enough that he looks like he should go undrafted. Here is a link to one of the game tapes I watched on him. He has impressive strength in it, but he also lacks polish and only seems to have one move, a bull rush. Sure, he is a good player, but in my honest opinion from seeing what I have, he grades out as a second rounder, not top 10.

 

 

 

Its A-OK to disagree

 

I dont know any actual scouts......  Im a "civilian"  

 

Just an old dude in front of the computer.......

 

 

[WarGhost21]

1 hour ago, MikeCurtis said:

Its A-OK to disagree

 

I dont know any actual scouts......  Im a "civilian"  

 

Just an old dude in front of the computer.......

 

 

Haha, same here pretty much, just younger with some connections

[Jdubu]

15 hours ago, DaveA1102 said:

I saw Stampede Blue mocked Simmons to us.  Seems he was a top 5/10 guy before the injury so it is just whether we would be willing to take the risk on the injury, I think the issue with the assault seems to be less of an issue than other prospects in recent years (ie Mixon), from what I can gather.

 

Matt Danely did mention his concern with the ACL is more the position he plays, coming up against 330lb linemen snap after snap and the strain that could put on an already tender body part.

 

Love the Board though @NewColtsFan. As someone with very limited draft knowledge, good snippets of information on all.

My take on this is we wouldn’t take the risk on Simmons at 26 unless maybe there was a prior run on the defensive line and he was left. What I could see though is at 34, we roll the dice with that pick if he is still on since that pick is an add on anyways.  I also wouldn’t be shocked if we went Tillery too if both are there at 34. I’d like to see Ferrell and/or Wilkins at our pick come 26. 

[pacolts56]

Good list @NewColtsFan.....  and I must admit, seeing Burns at #14 along with your comment, stokes my hopes that Ballard will indeed trade up for him if Burns reaches the 10-15 range.

 

The talking heads are all over the place with his projection.... I'd love for us to have a shot at drafting him.

 

It would likely cost us the #26 and #59 picks and then some.... or some sort of Brissett package to get there, but I'd be fine with a trade-up if it's going to solidify our pass rush.

 

Anyways.... thanks for the effort... 5 days and counting! 

[ColtsBlueFL]

On 4/19/2019 at 10:16 AM, jskinnz said:

Thanks for the solid list @NewColtsFan.  Well done.

 

I wonder if Simmons is really in play for Indy.  Ballard was with the Chiefs when they scouted and drafted a couple of guys with questionable pasts in Peters and Hill.  Now Peters worked his way out of KC and Hill has some serious allegations against him.  Do those situations give him pause with others who have past incidents?  Not saying they do or should but I am curious how he handles such players going forward. I also wonder about the fact that Indy has women high up in the organization - does that impact such decisions like there could be with Simmons?  Again, just my own musings.

 

 

Ballard now has Brian Decker to lean on here as well.

 

On 4/19/2019 at 3:23 PM, WarGhost21 said:

Not to be rude, but even though these show some good things, they are "highlight" tapes. I've talked with a few scouts in the past few years, and every single one of them says that they never watch highlights because it only shows the good. If you look at the good plays only of every single player, they would all seem like first round players. What needs to be done is to go through and watch tape of full games, so you can see all of the ups and downs of players. For every good play Simmons makes, I see a bad play as well in which he does something poorly enough that he looks like he should go undrafted. Here is a link to one of the game tapes I watched on him. He has impressive strength in it, but he also lacks polish and only seems to have one move, a bull rush. Sure, he is a good player, but in my honest opinion from seeing what I have, he grades out as a second rounder, not top 10.

 

 

 

 

I agree about not trusting cutup tape.  One needs to watch at least 2 full games, with coaches tape (all 22) view (not TV).

 

From Chris Landry, NFL scout and paid consultant-

 

"Like the frame, Like the athleticism, like the explosiveness, great first step. Unleashes hips into blockers. Good upper body strength to throw blockers to the side. Really good in his timing on twists and stunts. Explodes and works his hands and arms against the run, can peek and toss guys aside to get in position to make a play. Exhibits a lot of the characteristics Fletcher Cox demonstrated.

 

Has medical and character flags. Without these, the tape says he is top 8 in this draft (values). Because of these issues though, he can easily fall to late 20's. Strong at point of attack, occupies blockers. Can fight through double teams, good pursuit player.

 

Could be a little bit quicker and better at finding the ball. His pass rush could be (should be) better, he doesn't finish quite well because he can get a little bit tall and let guys get into his body. Hand quickness is average and hand use can improve, but he has very heavy hands. He might be slightly undersized for a NT, (but I like him there) and once he improves his leverage and hand use, he will be a disruptive, penetrating, power rusher who can also play the run.

 

He's a shade technique, or right on the nose of a 4-3 defense (or a 5 technique in a 30 front).  Can be more than a 2 down DL with a powerful bull rush pressure, once he improves leverage/hands. He's an outstanding player, and from a football standpoint, worthy of a top ten.  but medical and character flags will likely have him drop."

 

A short report from my connection...

[NewColtsFan]

30 minutes ago, ColtsBlueFL said:

 

Ballard now has Brian Decker to lean on here as well.

 

 

I agree about not trusting cutup tape.  One needs to watch at least 2 full games, with coaches tape (all 22) view (not TV).

 

From Chris Landry, NFL scout and paid consultant-

 

"Like the frame, Like the athleticism, like the explosiveness, great first step. Unleashes hips into blockers. Good upper body strength to throw blockers to the side. Really good in his timing on twists and stunts. Explodes and works his hands and arms against the run, can peek and toss guys aside to get in position to make a play. Exhibits a lot of the characteristics Fletcher Cox demonstrated.

 

Has medical and character flags. Without these, the tape says he is top 8 in this draft (values). Because of these issues though, he can easily fall to late 20's. Strong at point of attack, occupies blockers. Can fight through double teams, good pursuit player.

 

Could be a little bit quicker and better at finding the ball. His pass rush could be (should be) better, he doesn't finish quite well because he can get a little bit tall and let guys get into his body. Hand quickness is average and hand use can improve, but he has very heavy hands. He might be slightly undersized for a NT, (but I like him there) and once he improves his leverage and hand use, he will be a disruptive, penetrating, power rusher who can also play the run.

 

He's a shade technique, or right on the nose of a 4-3 defense (or a 5 technique in a 30 front).  Can be more than a 2 down DL with a powerful bull rush pressure, once he improves leverage/hands. He's an outstanding player, and from a football standpoint, worthy of a top ten.  but medical and character flags will likely have him drop."

 

A short report from my connection...

 

You're not the first person to say this,  but I don't know where it's coming from?

 

Jeffrey Simmons....    is not a Nose Tackle.    He's a 3-tech.  

 

Not sure what position he played for Mississippi State,  but he projects as a 3-tech at the next level.     Exactly like Quinnen Williams,  who played the Nose for Bama this year,  but at 303, will play the 3-tech on the next level.     I've never heard otherwise for either player....

 

I see that you've cut and pasted material from Chris Landry saying he likes him as a Nose....   I just find it baffling....

 

 

[ColtsBlueFL]

24 minutes ago, NewColtsFan said:

 

You're not the first person to say this,  but I don't know where it's coming from?

 

Jeffrey Simmons....    is not a Nose Tackle.    He's a 3-tech.  

 

Not sure what position he played for Mississippi State,  but he projects as a 3-tech at the next level.     Exactly like Quinnen Williams,  who played the Nose for Bama this year,  but at 303, will play the 3-tech on the next level.     I've never heard otherwise for either player....

 

If you have a link saying otherwise,  I'd love to read it....

 

 

Chris Landry  disagrees, and says he is a NT in a 43 (shade or on the nose), and a 5 technique in a 30 front.  (a DE in a 3-4)

 

Here is the link.

 

https://landryfootball.com/listen-to-draft-room-scouting-reports-on-first-round-value-players/

 

But his site is a pay site, so it may not work for you. I've been a member for a couple of years.  And these reports are not written, they are mostly verbal podcasts for members to listen to.

 

Oh, here is his credentials-

 

https://landryfootball.com/about-landry-football/

[wig]

On 4/19/2019 at 9:38 AM, NewColtsFan said:

Just noticed that in addition to missing on DEXTER Lawrence with (DeMarcus) I also botched our own guy.  

 

I referenced Quintin Nelson with............   Quincy!?   DOH!      

 

That’s what I get for starting that post at midnight and finishing after 2a.

 

I hate typos like that!   My bad.    

 

Ps —. Thanks so much for all the comments one way or the other.   I also botched the reference on hands for Font.   What was I thinking?!?   

 

(Sigh....)

 

 

*Quenton

[NewColtsFan]

12 minutes ago, wig said:

 

*Quenton

 

Great.    

 

So glad to see you're keeping score.

 

 

[NewColtsFan]

14 minutes ago, ColtsBlueFL said:

 

Chris Landry  disagrees, and says he is a NT in a 43 (shade or on the nose), and a 5 technique in a 30 front.  (a DE in a 3-4)

 

Here is the link.

 

https://landryfootball.com/listen-to-draft-room-scouting-reports-on-first-round-value-players/

 

But his site is a pay site, so it may not work for you. I've been a member for a couple of years.  And these reports are not written, they are mostly verbal podcasts for members to listen to.

 

Oh, here is his credentials-

 

https://landryfootball.com/about-landry-football/

 

That may be what he did in college,  but let me ask you this....

 

How many high level, quality nose tackles do you see in the NFL playing that position at 300 pounds?      Any?      I'm not aware of one....

 

[ColtsBlueFL]

8 hours ago, NewColtsFan said:

 

That may be what he did in college,  but let me ask you this....

 

How many high level, quality nose tackles do you see in the NFL playing that position at 300 pounds?      Any?      I'm not aware of one....

 

 

I do not know, could be Simmons may play at 3 tech, but maybe he doesn't appear to be a prototypical B gap shooter.  He plays great against the run, and can handle/penetrate double teams.  The 3 tech alignment avoids double teams. His pass rush move is a bull rush, that needs work.  I feel Ed Oliver is a lot closer to Aaron Donald than Jeffrey Simmons. 

 

A real NFL scout / paid consultant read in a podcast what I wrote in a higher above post, this was just like he was reporting to a GM setting up a draft board.  What else can I say?

[EastStreet]

I like Simmons a lot, just not a fan of waiting a year. His off the field issue bothers me, but not enough to keep me from picking him (assuming his interview covered it well). While the injury itself is not a show stopper, it's much harder rehabbing a 300ish lb guy as opposed to someone leaner. And getting back in game shape takes longer.

 

As for him at NG/DT, he officially played NG at MSU. He was moved around a lot though. Most project him to DT. He like Tillery can both be moved around the interior. 

 

Another thing that concerns me a bit, is how much of his success was because teams were focusing on Sweat. Whenever you have multiple high achieving guys in any unit, their play is raised because of others. 

 

[Hoose]

NCF, a belated but heartfelt thank you for all the work you put into this. 

My quick thoughts: 

1. Wikins and Lawrence just might drop to us. I doubt Ferrell does. Either of those DTs would be a great addition to the line. 

2. It’s also very possible that Gardner-Johnson and AJ Brown are both there at 34. That would be a tough choice, but I would go with Brown. He reminds me of Reggie Wayne, and that kind of impact would do absolute wonders for the Colts’ offense. There will be other, comparable Safeties available at 59. 

3. I just don’t like Simmons at 26, not because he isn’t talented, but because he’s damaged goods and it’s not worth taking the chance he doesn’t heal.