tvturner's Scouting Report 2021: Edge Rushers Edition

[tvturner]

I'm going to be doing detailed positional scouting reports on certain players I pick and posting them here

This will be my 4th positional report

 

 

CBs, WRs, QBs, and DEs are done. OT is probably the last bunch I'll do

All of these are my personal opinions on the player from the games I watched of them, always up for feedback, questions, debate, and more

 

Contains 4 IDL, and 13 edge rushers

Phillips is EDGE1 if his medicals check out, Nixon is DT1.

 

 

Daviyon Nixon DT Iowa

Pros: 

Raw upside

Great burst at the line

Pad level is good

The ceiling as a pass rusher is very high

Hustle player

Great athlete at 305

Good processor and has great football IQ

Can wreck the backfield with a good jump

A good run defender

 

Cons:

Limited pass rush plan

Snap timing needs to improve

No versatility along the DL, will stick at 3T

 

Projection: Early 2nd

 

Christian Barmore DT Alabama

Pros: 

Has a variety of pass rush moves

Can win one on ones with a good burst

Flashes explosiveness off the line

Very powerful upper half

Long arms

Can play the 3T in a 4-3 or the nose in a 3-4

Upside

 

Cons:

Still raw

Inconsistent timing

Average athleticism 

 

Projection: 1st round

 

Alim McNeil DT NC State

Pros: 

Versatility system wise

Has great balance at 325

Incredibly strong 

Can anchor and pull double teams from the OL

Quickness and hand usage are good

Solid run defender

Flashed in gap penetration

Plugs downhill runs

 

Cons:

Not a great pass rusher

Limited pass rush move set

Average athlete

Won’t make many plays outside of the box

 

Projection: 3rd round

 

Marvin Wilson DT FSU

Pros: 

Good run defender

Great upper body strength

Decent athlete

 

Cons:

Stiff and top heavy

Shaky balance

Inconsistent leverage at the line

Struggles to shed lineman

Stuck as a NT in the NFL

Pass rushing moves are limited

Had a bad 2020

 

Projection: 4th Round

 

Gregory Rosseau EDGE Miami

Pros: 

Huge upside

Scheme versatility 

Decent run defender

Rip and bull rush moves are good

Long arms

Great vision and true read-react skills

Can chase down mobile QBs

Great length

 

Cons:

Very raw

Sat out 2020

Average burst and speed

Bend around the corner is average

Thin frame

Can get tall and blown up if his first move doesn’t work

Lacks explosiveness when turning the corner

Biggest bust potential of the top DEs in the class

 

Projection: 1st Round

 

Kwity Paye EDGE Michigan

Pros: 

Hustles until the whistle is blown

Versatility along the line

Scheme versatility 

Might have the best burst in the class

Great strength

Powerful hands

Has a variety of pass rush moves

Good length and uses it well

Double teamed a lot throughout college

Effective in the run game

 

Cons:

Bend around the corner needs to improve

Still raw

Can get stuck in blocks often

Eyes can get lost away from the play

 

Projection: Top 25

 

Carlos Basham EDGE Wake Forest

Pros: 

Has an explosive launch

Very active hands

Already has a good rip and spin move

Has a good bull rush

Can rush inside and out

Versatility along the line in a 4-3

Solid run defender, will stick downhill runs

Great QB closing speed

Great football IQ

 

Cons:

Inconsistent burst

Average athlete

Stiff hips

Speed needs to be better

Needs to trim weight

Could be functionally stronger 

 

Projection: 2nd Round

 

Joe Tryon 4-3 DE/3-4 OLB Washington 

Pros: 

Scheme versatile

Has a great mix of height, weight, and length

Has an idea and usage of different pass rush moves, swipes/chops, long arm, and a spin move

Strong enough to set the edge

Has a pass rush plan

Experience in man/zone coverage

Great closing speed on ball carriers

Hustles for the entire play

Upside is there

Good burst off the line

 

Cons:

Still raw

One year of production

Needs to develop his pass rush moves further

Needs to disengage blockers better

Gets caught standing tall

Bend is average

Weak run defender

 

Projection: 2nd round

 

Jayson Oweh 4-3 DE/3-4 OLB Penn State

Pros: 

Athletic freak

Has a great frame and length

Hustle player who will run after ball carriers until the whistle is blown

Shows occasional explosiveness

Good and willing run defender

Will fire inside gaps with ease

Sheds tight ends with ease

Good bend around the corner

Has very active hands

Great motor

Agile enough to dip under tackles and fluid enough to change direction quickly

Speed to power exchange is fluid

 

Cons:

Will be a development project

Will start as a pass rush designate

Lacks a pass rushing plan

Lacks a stapled pass rush move

Trouble disengaging blockers

Average instincts on the field

Needs to add strength

Doesn’t have the power to bull rush

Has long stretches of being a nonfactor in games

 

Projection: Early 2nd

 

Patrick Jones 4-3 DE Pittsburgh

Pros: 

Good athlete

Very fast

Long arms

Upside is huge

Explosive burst off the line

Smart run defender

Change of direction is fluid

Can transfer from speed to power with ease

 

Cons:

Hand placement is inconsistent

Doesn’t have a true pass rushing plan

Can be fooled on run plays
Technique needs to be polished

Struggles when disengaging blockers

Needs to add weight

Gets knocked off his point of attack

Struggles against power offensive lineman

Will be a developmental project and a pass rushing designate

Needs to add more moves to his pass rushing set

 

Projection: 3rd Round

 

Rashad Weaver 4-3 DE Pittsburgh

Pros: 

Solid run defender, processes plays right

Has a great variety of pass rushing moves, rips, swipes, counters, clubs, and more

Powerful with his first touch

Fantastic length

Hands are always working

 

Cons:

Average burst

Gets knocked off his angle

ACL tear

Doesn’t bend well

First step is inconsistent

Plays too high

Poor motor

 

Projection: 3rd Round

 

Jaelen Phillips 4-3 DE Miami

Pros: 

Scheme and positional versatility

Football IQ and instincts are phenomenal

Great athlete with a good motor

Fantastic technician

Can rush from either side, with his hand in the dirt or standing up

Pulled a lot of double teams in college on a line with Rousseau and Roche 

Has a ton of pass rushing moves whether rushing inside or out, dips, rips, swipes, clubs, chops, swim, and spin moves

Active with his hands

Uses his feet and his hands very well

Impact against the OL, won’t get bottled up

Redirects runs

Upside

Explosive off the line

Long arms

Acceleration is quick

Fantastic bend, probably the best in the class

Sideline to sideline hustler

Change of direction is fluid

 

Cons:

One year of production

Pass rushing moves need more polish

Injury plagued past

Functional strength can be better

Needs to add a few counters

Medically retired to concussions before returning to football

 

Projection: 1st Round

 

Payton Turner 4-3 DE Houston

Pros: 

Hand placement and technique is good

Great length

Fluid in the field

Strong arms

Versatility along the line

 

Cons:

Slow processor

Needs to add to his move set

Developmental project

Average bend, burst, and speed
Struggles to set the edge

 

Projection: 4th Round

 

Shaka Toney EDGE Penn State

Pros: 

Athletic freak

Explosive off the line

Release and burst is great

Good motor

Uses strong hand placement to get leverage

Can fire through inside gaps 

Great bend

Good bull rush

Balance and body control is great

 

Cons:

Undersized

Limited to a pass rushing designate in the NFL

Liability in the run

Goes quiet often

Can get taken out of the play by one blocker

 

Projection: 4th Round

 

Joseph Ossai 3-4 OLB or 4-3 DE Texas

Pros: 

Good athlete

Has a great mix of play speed, strength, and explosiveness

Can rush standing up or with his hand in the dirt

Experience as an off ball backer

Has a boomstick
Sets the edge well

Burst and get off is excellent

Sideline to sideline player, one of the best motors in the class

Effective rip and chop move

Has experience being a spot dropper

 

Cons:

Needs to add weight

Overpursues in run defense

Inconsistent run defender

Doesn’t always have a pass rush plan

Raw in pass coverage

Not as fluid as he can be in coverage

Wins rushes with athleticism rather than technique

Angles are sloppy

Can drive too upfield

 

Projection: 1st Round

 

Azeez Ojulari 3-4 OLB Georgia

Pros: 

Has a great bend when turning the corner

Versatility position and scheme wise

Can disengage 1 on 1s easily

Has explosive power and a fast burst on the line

Will move through tight ends with ease

Hustle player

Motor doesn’t stop

 

Cons:

Seems to have no pass rushing plan

Guards will overpower him

Won’t split double teams

Linebacker reads need to be better at the next level

Needs to add a variety of moves to his pass rushing repertoire

Will be asked to do more in coverage if he plays in a 3-4

Inconsistent run defender

 

Projection: Early 2nd

Ronnie Perkins EDGE Oklahoma

Pros: 

Insanely strong for his size

Played against good competition

Very active hands to disengage blockers and control lineman

Hustle player

Was seen as the read key by several different offenses

Sideline to sideline player

Experience as a stand up rusher and hand in the ground

Has a powerful bull rush, combines it with pull and rip moves

 

Quick burst off the line

 

Cons:

Suspensions in ‘19 and ‘20

Struggles with his first plan fails

Undisciplined run defender

Limited to being in a 4-3 scheme

Frame needs to add weight

Lacks a variety of pass rushing moves

Struggles with edge containment

Average bend

 

Projection: Late 2nd-Early 3rd

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[NorthernColt]

Nice write up. Kind of sucks that we have such a need for Edge this year, I'm not super high on any of the edge rushers this year personally. I like Phillips the most, but the concussions scare the hell out of me.

[richard pallo]

We need an ER every year come draft time.  I'm not really excited about any of these players considering who will be there when we draft.  I'm not interested in a project with our first pick.  I want a player who has a strong chance to make an immediate impact.  Nice write up though.  Thanks for the analysis.  

[Dr. T]

What do you think about small school players like Tarron Jackson and Jordan Smith?

[2006Coltsbestever]

At the OP, hell of a break down. Love it man 

[NewColtsFan]

Question for @tvturner    Is the round drafted projection yours, or what you’re reading from other websites?    Just asking. 

[BluesGirl]

Still liking Oweh.  

[krunk]

Rashad weaver I like

[tvturner]

3 hours ago, NewColtsFan said:

Question for @tvturner    Is the round drafted projection yours, or what you’re reading from other websites?    Just asking. 

It's a mix of both but for the most part it's what I've read from different scouts

[tvturner]

3 hours ago, Dr. T said:

What do you think about small school players like Tarron Jackson and Jordan Smith?

I haven't watched a ton of either of them

[Hark]

Outstanding breakdown. Really well done.

[OhioColt]

On 3/28/2021 at 11:47 AM, BluesGirl said:

Still liking Oweh.  

Still think he will be a draft bust 

[OhioColt]

On 3/28/2021 at 11:03 AM, Dr. T said:

What do you think about small school players like Tarron Jackson and Jordan Smith?

Two edge players (Ronnie Perkins and Jordan Smith) whom I think will be automatically removed from the Colts draft boards due to past character issues.  Perkin's drug suspension and Smith's credit card fraud scheme that got him kicked out of Florida.

 

Tarron Jackson looks like a solid Houston build replacement.  Jackson would be a bit of a devlopmental player but am starting to like the risk/reward projection.

[NorthernColt]

On 3/28/2021 at 11:03 AM, Dr. T said:

What do you think about small school players like Tarron Jackson and Jordan Smith?

I've watched tape on both, personally, I'm not big on either of them, even late rounds. I think Tarron likely ends up as an undersized DT, would probably do better in a 3/4. Smith is an athlete, thats about it from what I've seen. Very raw as a rusher, looks lost alot of time on the field. Just very raw overall. 

 

Imo the colts dont need more of these high upside, raw rushers. We have 3 of those in Turay, Banogu, and Lewis to an extent. We need a technician.

[krunk]

9 hours ago, OhioColt said:

Still think he will be a draft bust 

He will be good eventually if he goes to a team with a scheme like ours. One where he can just play on one side, not think too much and just use his speed, technique and athleticism. I like his chances although im not big on him going high in Rd 1. I think he should be drafted lower than that. Wouldnt mind him on the Colts if it happens.

[BProland85]

I’m starting to really warm up to selecting Jaelen Philips with our 1st pick, so long as his medical issues are cleared by the Colts and this front office doesn’t foresee any long term implications there. If Ballard could trade down a bit and still land him, due to other teams being concerned with his medicals, he could be a steal pick in the way Jeff Simmons was a steal for the Titans a few years ago. 

[OhioColt]

10 hours ago, BProland85 said:

I’m starting to really warm up to selecting Jaelen Philips with our 1st pick, so long as his medical issues are cleared by the Colts and this front office doesn’t foresee any long term implications there. If Ballard could trade down a bit and still land him, due to other teams being concerned with his medicals, he could be a steal pick in the way Jeff Simmons was a steal for the Titans a few years ago. 

Was high oh Jaelen as well until learned of his medical history and that he retired from football very briefly.  Big risk, one am not sure the Colts can take with a first round pick.

[OhioColt]

12 hours ago, krunk said:

He will be good eventually if he goes to a team with a scheme like ours. One where he can just play on one side, not think too much and just use his speed, technique and athleticism. I like his chances although im not big on him going high in Rd 1. I think he should be drafted lower than that. Wouldnt mind him on the Colts if it happens.

His film never impressed me against lower level OL even against some good Big 10 competition.  Just didn't "wow" me and appeared to struggle.  Do got to love Oweh's 4.39 mark in the 40 at his Pro-Day.  Given the option would rather have Joseph Ossai who's 4.40 in the 40 yard was equally impressive and to me has a better all around skill set.

[krunk]

8 hours ago, OhioColt said:

His film never impressed me against lower level OL even against some good Big 10 competition.  Just didn't "wow" me and appeared to struggle.  Do got to love Oweh's 4.39 mark in the 40 at his Pro-Day.  Given the option would rather have Joseph Ossai who's 4.40 in the 40 yard was equally impressive and to me has a better all around skill set.

Oweh is sort of like Leonard Floyd to me and i hated Leonard Floyd coming out of college bc he had no sack production. At the time however i wasnt as in tune with people being drafted on nothing else but pass rusher Traits. I think hes got a lot of traits that can be coached up. Im not stuck on him though.

[DownHillRunner]

So in other words, Kitty Pryde I mean Kwity Paye is the most polished pro ready pass rusher in this draft class. At least with the least question marks of how his game will translate to the next level. There is no way he falls to 21. 

 

 

[tvturner]

4 hours ago, DownHillRunner said:

So in other words, Kitty Pryde I mean Kwity Paye is the most polished pro ready pass rusher in this draft class. At least with the least question marks of how his game will translate to the next level. There is no way he falls to 21. 

 

 

I'd say that goes to Phillips 

[MikeCurtis]

On 3/28/2021 at 10:47 AM, BluesGirl said:

Still liking Oweh.  

IDK, I hate to disagree with a fellow Colts fan, 

 

But.... I RESPECTFULLY do....

 

The guy has unheard of speed...... 

 

but...

 

The tape on him against any decent OT is really sad

 

He wont come up against 'tomato can" OTs in the NFL.  

 

He has ZERO strength to break up the OTs hands.  He just gets blocked ....Owned is a better word.

He would be great in stunts, but he is a few years away of strength training to become effective IMHO

 

If he turns out its not going to be for a few years as he starts to add functional strength to go along with the sprinters speed

 

That time period would keep me from drafting him until round 3 or 4.

[MikeCurtis]

Tryon, Perkins or Turner seem like decent picks for the Colts in round 2 (I would be happy with any of the 3)

 

None are blue chips, but each seems like they have some room to grow

 

Perkins and Turner can also play DE and move inside on passing downs

 

Cam Sample may be available in round 3 (If we do the expected CB "special" of trading for extra picks)

 

 

 

 

[tvturner]

30 minutes ago, MikeCurtis said:

IDK, I hate to disagree with a fellow Colts fan, 

 

But.... I RESPECTFULLY do....

 

The guy has unheard of speed...... 

 

but...

 

The tape on him against any decent OT is really sad

 

He wont come up against 'tomato can" OTs in the NFL.  

 

He has ZERO strength to break up the OTs hands.  He just gets blocked ....Owned is a better word.

He would be great in stunts, but he is a few years away of strength training to become effective IMHO

 

If he turns out its not going to be for a few years as he starts to add functional strength to go along with the sprinters speed

 

That time period would keep me from drafting him until round 3 or 4.

Yeah I'm really not a fan of Oweh in Indy at all

 

He's incredibly raw and drafting him to team that:

1) Needs an impact edge

2) Has a bad history of developing edge talent

 

Doesn't seem too smart to me

[MikeCurtis]

35 minutes ago, tvturner said:

Yeah I'm really not a fan of Oweh in Indy at all

 

He's incredibly raw and drafting him to team that:

1) Needs an impact edge

2) Has a bad history of developing edge talent

 

Doesn't seem too smart to me

I wouldnt touch the kid until after round 3.

[OhioColt]

My list of best of the best in this year's draft class.

 

Autry clone replacements:

• Kwity Paye
• Payton Turner
• Cameron Sample
• Chauncey Golston
• Adetokunbo Ogundeji

Either not impressed or injury history with likes of Jaelan Phillips, Davo Odeyingbo, Joshua Kaindoh or Malik Herring.

 

Houston clone replacements:

• Gregory Rousseau
• Joseph Ossai
• Elerson Smith
• Patrick Johnson
• Tarron Jackson

Doubt the Colts will have either Ronnie Perkins or Jordan Smith listed on their Draft Big Board due to Perkins' drug suspension and Smith getting kicked out of Florida for credit card fraud scheme.

 

[tvturner]

I will add that if not for medical concerns Phillips would be a top 12 pick in this draft

 

He compares favorably if not better than multiple previous top 10 drafted ends

 

He's the most dominant and pro ready edge in the class and the only one that's even close is Kwity Paye

 

It's really not a great year for NFL ready edge talents like the Colts need