Category: Scouting Reports – 2015

Shaq Thompson Scouting Report

Scouting Reports - 2015
Comments
Shaq Thompson LB Washington #7
Ht: 6’0″
Wt: 228

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Size/Athleticism: Phenomenal natural athlete. Two-player player at linebacker and running back.

Run Defense: Elite range but take-on ability is lacking due to size. Does a nice job avoiding contact, but once he’s blocked he’s done. Fast enough to make plays in pursuit. Can fly into the backfield when given a lane, and has elite closing speed. Takes inconsistent angles—and got away with it too often in college which reinforced the mistakes. Not a wrap up tackler. Tends to go for the big hit and tries a little too hard to go for the strip, rather than just wrapping up the ball carrier.

Pass Rush: Capable of catching teams off-guard with an occasional blitz due to his impressive closing speed, but he’s not a consistent threat. Without a clean path to the quarterback, he’s a non-factor due to his size.

Coverage: Does a great job dropping into zone coverage. Capable of reading the quarterback and making adjustments based on his eyes. Occasionally lines up in coverage in the slot, but usually only when dropping in zone. Some limited experience at safety.

Intangibles: Lined up all over the field. Played inside and outside linebacker and even played some safety. Former minor league baseball player.

Durability: No known issues, but his lack of size certainly raises some concern.

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Shaq Thompson Chart

Overview: Thompson is a unique two-way player, who will likely be viewed strictly as a linebacker rather than a running back by NFL teams. His size will limit the number of teams interested in his services, but he could fill a valuable role at linebacker for certain teams due to his coverage skills and his ability to make plays in pursuit against the run. To bring him in with an early pick, a team will need to have a very specific role in mind for him. He isn’t the type of guy you can simply plug in as a three-down linebacker. Coaches will need to be certain that he fits their scheme and that they have a rotation in place for situations that may not fit his skill set.

Vic Beasley NFL Draft Scouting Report

Scouting Reports - 2015
Comments
Vic Beasley DE/OLB Clemson #3
Ht: 6’3″
Wt: 235

[level-scouting-reports]

Size/Athleticism: Plays defensive end at Clemson but lacks the size to excel at that position in the NFL. Can play outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, or strong-side linebacker in a 4-3 system. Speed is his best asset. Also shows all-around athleticism with balance and quickness.

Run Defense: Gives a great effort to fight with linemen when engaged and does a nice job keeping his eyes in the backfield. Struggles at the point of attack and doesn’t always play with the leverage necessary to hold his ground.

Pass Rush: Elite speed off the edge. Capable of flying past slow-footed offensive linemen. Typically lines up wide of the tackle in obvious passing situations and heavily favors trying to win with speed rather than engaging and winning with moves and/or power. Shows a variety of pass-rush moves which he will continue to develop has he refines them at the next level. Does a decent job converting speed to power.

Coverage: Occasionally drops in coverage in both zone and man situations. Shows great awareness in terms of knowing his assignment and reading the quarterback. Quick enough to handle running backs in the flat and wrap them up in space. Does a nice job getting arms up into passing lanes.

Intangibles: No major positives or negatives of note.

Durability: No known issues.

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Vic Beasley Chart

Overview: Beasley was a pure speed rusher through the majority of his career, but started showing an array of moves as a senior to help combat the extra attention he was seeing. He should make an immediate impact as a pass-rusher at the next level, and has the tools to develop into a more well-rounded linebacker. Despite playing defensive end at Clemson, he should be viewed as a better fit as 3-4 linebacker or even a strong-side linebacker in 4-3 schemes. Even if you view him as strictly a pass-rusher, in today’s NFL that’s such a significant part of the game that a top-10 pick could potentially be justified.

Clint Trickett Scouting Report

Scouting Reports - 2015
Comments
Clint Trickett QB West Virginia #9
Ht: 6’2″
Wt: 186
[level-scouting-reports]

Size/Athleticism: Vastly undersized. Height is average, but lacks the bulk to take a pounding at the next level. Has a very slight frame and doesn’t have the potential to add much more in terms of muscle. Moves well within the pocket but not a serious threat to make plays with his feet.

Arm strength/Accuracy: Decent arm strength considering his size, but lacks the power to drive the ball down the field. Accuracy is adequate. Shows a good feel for putting touch on his passes and throws a catchable ball.

Footwork/Release: Solid fundamentals. Quick release. Maintains strong fundamentals on the move and does a nice job keeping his eyes downfield.

Decision making: Inconsistent, and greatly aided by the play of his wide receivers. Struggled to grasp the offense in 2013 and made far too many mistakes. Made significant improvements as a senior, but benefitted from the development of Kevin White who bailed him out on many deep throws.

Intangibles: Viewed as a team leader. Improvement from junior to senior year showed his commitment and ability to learn a system.

Durability: Played through a shoulder injury in 2013.

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Overview: Trickett looked like an undraftable prospect in 2013 after transferring from Florida State, but he showed significant development under Dana Holgorsen and appears ready to be given an opportunity in the NFL. His upside is limited, primarily due to his size, but he has a chance to carve out a role for himself as a backup due to his intelligence on the field.

David Cobb Scouting Report

Scouting Reports - 2015
Comments
David Cobb RB Minnesota #27
Ht: 5’11”
Wt: 229

[level-scouting-reports]

Size/Athleticism: Impressive build but has maintained NFL speed and agility. A natural athlete who still moves well for his size.

Vision: Patient and decisive. Bides his time waiting for the hole to develop and then turns on the jets. Displays great timing, hitting holes as they break open.

Power: Primarily a north/south runner who builds momentum and is tough to bring down. Strong legs and is capable of pushing the pile for the tough yardage. Almost always falls forward.

Speed/Agility: Does not have elite breakaway speed, but displays an excellent burst. He hits the hole hard and quickly builds up momentum. Does not have elite ankle-breaking moves but does have quick feet and displays great timing with his moves in the open field. Not your typical power runner who simply looks to run people over—he’s very much capable of shaking free from would-be tacklers with a stutter step or a juke. Great balance allows him to make these moves and maintain momentum.

Passing Game: Limited experience as a receiver (34 career receptions). Generally shows good hands but did have some focus drops. Pass protection is somewhat disappointing considering his size. Awareness in pass protection needs to be improved.

Intangibles: Hard worker and a favorite of the coaching staff.

Durability: Played through a hamstring injury at end of 2014 season.

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David Cobb Chart

Overview: Cobb is a powerful between the tackles runner who reminds me of a young Marshawn Lynch (maybe a little less explosive). He can pick up the tough yardage, but his start-and-stop ability and vision make him much more than just a short-yardage back. The devaluing of the running back position likely pushes him into the late 2nd or 3rd round, but Cobb certainly has the ability to carry the load in the NFL.

Shane Ray Scouting Report

Scouting Reports - 2015
Comments
Shane Ray DE/LB Missouri #56
Ht: 6’3″
Wt: 245

[level-scouting-reports]

Size/Athleticism: Impressive athlete with a nice blend of size, strength and speed.

Run Defense: Strong enough to do a decent job holding his ground at the point of attack, especially when compared to players of his size who are more pass-rush specialists. Does a great job remaining patient and staying in his zone on read-option plays.

Pass-Rush: Extremely active hands, giving him the ability to shed blocks and fight his way into the backfield. Capable of winning with speed off the edge, but so much more than just a pure speed-rusher. Shows the ability to get into the backfield from the interior line as well with a strong bull-rush and a variety of pass-rush moves. Has a strong swim move which he utilizes often.

Versatility: Plays all along the Missouri defensive line, including a a surprising number of snaps at defensive tackle. Although to be fair, Missouri frequently lines up with the defensive ends in a wide nine position, which allows the tackles to line up wider as well in more of a four- or five-technique spot. Occasionally drops in zone coverage, showing he has the potential to play outside linebacker at the next level.

Intangibles: Intelligent player and seems to be well liked by teammates. Coaches praise his work ethic. Father played at Missouri and was drafted by Vikings.

Durability: No known issues.

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Shane Ray Chart

Overview: Ray has the potential to develop into a special player at the next level. He combines strength, athleticism and technical ability as well as any pass-rusher in this class. He profiles as a 4-3 end or 3-4 outside linebacker and has the tools to be a true three-down player.