Category: Scouting Reports – 2015

Noah Spence Scouting Report

Scouting Reports - 2015
Comments
Noah Spence DE/LB Ohio State #8
Ht: 6’3″
Wt: 252

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Size/Athleticism: Prototypical build and athleticism for an edge rusher, in ether a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. Has experience lining up in multiple fronts, so he should not be viewed as a player limited to any scheme.

Run Defense: Surprisingly effective holding his ground at the point of attack. Sheds blocks effectively and is fast enough to make plays in pursuit. Can continue to grow in this area with improved lower body strength.

Pass Rush: Explosive off the edge. Has the speed and initial acceleration to fly past offensive linemen – and not just slow-footed right tackles (see performance vs Jack Conklin of MSU in 2013 Big Ten title game). Does a decent job recovering once his initial speed rush is stopped. Shows a nice spin move as a counter. Does a great job lowering his shoulder to slip past offensive linemen on the edge.

Coverage: Occasionally drops into coverage but limited experience in this area.

Intangibles: Suspended twice for testing positive for ecstasy, and ultimately ruled permanently ineligible by the Big Ten. Parents have been involved and supportive throughout and have helped him seek help. He appears has a positive support group around him, which may help NFL teams look past his poor decisions in the past.

Durability: No known issues.

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Overview: Spence was suspended for the entire 2014 season due to multiple positive tests for ecstasy. But any team willing to give him a chance will get an instant-impact pass-rusher. He clearly has first-round caliber physical tools and could prove to be a steal if he slips and draft and stays out of trouble at the next level. He’s well spoken and comes across as sincere and intelligent during interviews, so there’s a good chance he’ll say the right things to make teams look past his issues and write them off as immaturity.

Justin Hardy Scouting Report

Scouting Reports - 2015
Comments
Justin Hardy WR East Carolina #2
Ht: 6’0″
Wt: 188

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Size/Athleticism: Adequate size, but certainly not an asset. Speed is average. Ability after the catch is an asset due to his sharp cuts and balance, which allows him to make defenders miss in the open field. Has experience returning punts.

Separation Skills: Lacks elite speed and is not a serious threat to break open over the top of the defense. Quick feet and great balance allow him to be gain separation with his breaks.

Ball Skills: Reliable hands. Does a nice job tracking the ball and coming down with difficult catches. Shows great timing and body control to compete for contested catches, although his lack of height certainly limits him in this area to a degree.

Intangibles: Nothing positive or negative of note.

Durability: No known issues.

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Overview: Justin Hardy is limited by his size and modest speed, but he has excelled in the slot receiver role at ECU and figures to be a nice fit in the same spot in the NFL. The best case scenario for him would be to develop into a Greg Jennings type receivers, but he likely fits into an NFL offense as a third option from the slot. His impressive stats at ECU are padded by their tendency to feed him the ball on quick passes, but his lack of speed and explosiveness limits his upside in this area.

Phillip Dorsett Scouting Report

Scouting Reports - 2015
Comments
Phillip Dorsett WR Miami FL #4
Ht: 5’10”
Wt: 185

[level-scouting-reports]

Size/Athleticism: Lacks ideal size to play on the outside but elite speed makes him a threat. Extremely quick feet. Gives a reasonable effort as a blocker.

Separation Skills: Capable of breaking free over the top against any defensive back. Pure speed is elite, and he does a nice job varying his speed and acceleration off the snap and out of his breaks to keep defensive backs guessing. Exceptionally quick in and out of his breaks. Limited experience as a route runner. Primarily used as a deep threat or on underneath routes at Miami and will need to develop the intermediate routes at the next level to become a complete outside receiver.

Ball Skills: Has been inconsistent throughout his career, but showed significant development in this area as a senior. Much more consistent extending his arms to pluck the ball from the air during his senior year.

Blocking: Gives a reasonable effort and shows flashes of impressive efficiency considering his size.

Intangibles: Somewhat limited experience. Only one full year as a starter.

Durability: Suffered a partially torn MCL in 2013. Slight frame raises some concern about his ability to remain consistently healthy.

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Phillip Dorsett Chart

Overview: Dorsett is undersized both in terms of height and bulk, so set your expectations accordingly, but his elite speed and athleticism make him a fascinating weapon. He’s more than just a guy with straight-line speed, which is what makes him so dangerous. His smooth quickness and acceleration makes him almost impossible to stay with one-on-one, and changes the way defenses line up.

Kevin White Scouting Report

Scouting Reports - 2015
Comments
Kevin White WR West Virginia #11
Ht: 6’3″
Wt: 210

[level-scouting-reports]

Size/Athleticism: Has nearly identical build to Dez Bryant (probably about five pounds lighter). Above average height, but quite elite in that area. An all-around great athlete with perfect size/speed/athleticism combination to develop into a well-rounded receiver.

Separation Skills: Lacks the speed to run away from defensive backs but wins with his size. A proficient route runner who knows how to position himself between the ball and the defender to ensure he has the first shot at the ball.

Ball Skills: Exceptional hands. Does a great job extending his arms to pluck the ball from the air, and is able to quickly secure it. Shows impressive concentration and balance when going after 50/50 balls.

Intangibles: Academic issues forced him to attend JUCO before transferring to West Virginia prior to 2013 season. A vocal leader in the locker room.

Durability: Missed time with a shoulder injury in 2013.

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Kevin White Chart

Overview: White showed some flashes in 2013, but was purely a developmental prospect until exploding onto the scene as a junior. He is one of the most physically gifted receivers in this class, and has polished route running and reliable hands to go with it. His ability to win contested battles makes him a dangerous weapon and a sure first-round pick. His ability to use his body to shield defenders and pluck the ball from the air reminds me of Dez Bryant and I expect to him to win in similar ways in the NFL.

Ronnie Stanley Scouting Report

Scouting Reports - 2015
Comments
Ronnie Stanley OT Notre Dame #78
Ht: 6’6″
Wt: 318

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Strengths: Prototypical size and strength. Very strong lower body allows him to anchor against the bull rush. Extremely physical run the run game. Capable of delivering a devastating punch to knock undersized speed rusher off balance.

Weaknesses: Plays a little high at times. Will lunge at edge-rushers. Limited experience; first year at left tackle.

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Overview: Stanley has emerged as a dominant left tackle for the Irish and is one of the most physical linemen in the nation. He has a rare combination of strength and agility, making him an ideal left tackle and a potential top-10 pick.