Today we round out our edge series with some small school prospects with some big time potential. Unheralded, these players may not have the name recognition among the, Kiper's and McShay's of the draft circle but I guarantee you they do among the NFL scouts. With that, let's take a peek at who we're sleeping on.
DeAngelo Malone, Western Kentucky, 6'-3" 228 lbs. Conference USA Defensive Player Of The Year 2019 winner, 8 tackles, 3.5 for loss, a sack and a forced fumble against probably their toughest opponent on the 2020 schedule, Louisville
No known medical concerns
Traits include, speed, athleticism, length, hand strength, fluidity
Current grade 7
Potential grade 9
The immediate concern right off the top is his size at only 228 lbs., but don't let that fool you. I'm not aware of him missing a game, and he's improved considerably this year setting the edge. Watching the tape he reminds me of Yannick Ngakoue lite. Technique is above average, tool kit includes, chop, cross-chop, arm over, swipe, club, rip and spin. Runs the arc with excellent cornering and able to flatten, bend. Good ankle flexion. He's a situational pass rusher until he proves otherwise, but I wouldn't bet against him making a name for himself at the next level.
Elerson Smith, Northern Iowa, 6'-6" 260 lbs. Sat out 2020
Traits include, long, lean, with a good combination of athleticism, lower body flexion, and play strength
Current grade 6
Potential grade 8
Not overly sudden or explosive but uses his length quite well. Has a ways to go to be effective against the run on the front side but is strong in backside pursuit. Not easily fooled, plays smart, with good leverage for his height. He's got some bend around the edge. Not an every down player yet, but has a high ceiling. Could be part of a strong rotational pass rush.
Vaughn Taylor, Morehead State, 6'-3" 245 lbs. 2019 Pioneer League 1st Team with 18 tackles for loss
No known medical concerns
Traits include, speed, quickness, power and technique
Current grade 7
Potential grade 8
Gets off blocks pretty well. Good change of direction and pursuit. Has a nose for the football. Hips look a little stiff. I like his combination of speed, power and technique at the next level.
Malcolm Koonce, Buffalo, 6'-3" 250 lbs. 2019/2020 1st Team All-Mac, Had the highest pass rush win rate according to PFF in 2019
No known medical concerns
Traits include, length, good get off, balance, got some ability to bend the edge and dip without slowing down
Current grade 6
Potential grade 7
Not overly explosive or sudden but plays with good anchor against the run. Lots of his sacks come by way of effort instead of athleticism. Has a stab, rip-n-dip along with some other tools but he needs to expand his arsenal. If he can show consistent explosion to go along with his length and bend, he could carve out a role for himself.
Alani Pututau, Adams State, 6'-2" 240 lbs. 2019 1st Team All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
No known medical concerns
Traits include, speed and violent, quick big hands, great bend
Current grade 6
Potential grade 8
High motor player. Plays fast with good play recognition. Another situational pass rusher due to his size. Needs to show he can hold up against the bigger blocking OT's he'll face in the NFL. Overall he's a good athlete with a nice combination of speed, bend, lateral movement and balance.
Raymond Johnson III, Georgia Southern, 6'-3" 270 lbs. All-Sun Belt Conference 1st Team 2nd Team All-American
No known medical concerns
Traits include, big, powerful, explosive
Current grade 6
Potential grade 7
The expression, disruption equals production applies to this player. He's extremely disruptive in the backfield. Plays with a monster like demeanor. Big enough to move inside.
Speaking of small school pass rushers. Has anyone heard anything about Ronald Blairs health? If the 9ers can resign Kerry Hyder, Ronald Blair (if healthy), and Jordan Willis along with the return of Bosa, I don't think they will draft an edge player until late in the draft.
ReplyDeleteI think that would be a mistake, OldCoach. If I'm, Lynch I'm taking one in round 2(sweet spot where value meets potential), and one late. Can't depend on, Blair or Bosa this year and Hyder will probably cash in somewhere else. Willis is average as part of a rotation but I didn't see anything to suggest he'll be anything more than that.
DeleteWTG Razor, so far your articles have been informative and easy to read.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Under. I'm just trying to be a good host. Can I get you something to drink?😎
DeleteRazor,
ReplyDeleteI have always had a great liking to players from small schools.
In the early days of the old AFL, they had a hard time competing with the established NFL for big name players. Many of these AFL organizations built their franchises with small school players.
Thanks for recognizing some of these players in this article.
You're welcome, AES. If I'm not mistaken, didn't Mr. Irrelevant play in this years Super Bowl?
DeleteNot sure, but it wouldn't surprise me if he did.
ReplyDeleteGreat players like Bret Farve, Willie Brown and of course Jerry Rice are just a few of many small school players that have had great contributions to the game.
Yep, it was the Bucs kicker, Ryan Succop. First Mr. Irrelevant to ever play in a Super Bowl and win.
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