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New York Times
15-02-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
2025 NFL Draft roundtable: Reacting to Dane Brugler's latest top 100 board
After visits to the Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl, The Athletic draft expert Dane Brugler released his updated top 100 board for the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. As always, there was plenty to talk about, from which players made huge rises to how the quarterbacks stack to where NFL teams might be able to pinpoint potential 'steals' — those prospects who deserve more love than they're getting. What were the key takeaways from Brugler's latest board? Draft analysts Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman break it down … GO DEEPER 2025 NFL Draft order: Rounds 1 and 2 set after Eagles' Super Bowl LIX win Nick Baumgardner: It wasn't really a surprise to me (as I have similar thoughts), but seeing Jalon Walker at No. 3 still made me raise my eyebrows. That ranking says as much about the NFL's desire for players who can fill the Micah Parsons role as anything else, but frankly, Walker was one of the most consistently explosive front-seven hammers all season. He checks every box physically, and his testing won't be that far behind Abdul Carter's. Advertisement It feels a little bit like the Travon Walker situation from a few years ago, albeit at a different position — and with a player who is probably more ready for prime time. Jalon Walker only started one season at Georgia, but he was outstanding. The ability to take a defensive end and give him coverage and/or run responsibilities in the box when you want to is something NFL defensive coordinators covet now more than ever. Scott Dochterman: I feel the same about Walker — he was an impact performer on Georgia's defense, but he's someone I thought was more in the 10-20 range as a prospect. But he has the burst and physicality to do virtually anything as a blitzer, edge rusher or traditional linebacker. You can't have enough athletes on defense with that type of athletic ability. I was probably more surprised with a few prospects who fell out of the top 50. I've thought Texas A&M defensive end Nic Scourton (No. 53 in the rankings) was a potential first-rounder stretching to his days at Purdue. He has enough size and power to play a heavy five-technique, slide inside on passing downs, and enough skill and edge-rushing ability to stand up when required. SCOURTON SACK 😈 @NicCaraway3 📺 ABC#GigEm — Texas A&M Football (@AggieFootball) October 27, 2024 Another one was Arizona offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea (52), who likely will kick inside to guard in the NFL but can play tackle if necessary. Although he and Scourton are both just outside the top 50, I thought they would be a little higher. Baumgardner: Yes, absolutely — possibly more than one. I couldn't bring myself to put more than two that high during my latest three-round mock, though, because I don't think there are more than two QBs who belong inside the top 50 this year. There are significant questions about Ward and Sanders; there are larger questions about everyone else. Advertisement Jalen Milroe (61) is the guy who feels most likely to be over-drafted this year, simply based on potential. He's nearly 230 pounds with a gigantic arm and he's going to run in the 4.3s whenever he decides to line up for a 40. Some scouts see a potentially souped-up version of Jalen Hurts, and others wonder whether he can't wind up more like Lamar Jackson. All of this is guesswork, however, because — unlike Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr. last year — there are no stretches on Milroe's college resume that lead us to believe he's ready to start in the NFL next season. And though there's been plenty of recent hype surrounding Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart (57), I think it'd be wise to remember Louisville's Tyler Shough (59). I have a hard time seeing either player going in the first round — Round 2 might even be a reach — but as we've established many times, many teams need quarterbacks. GO DEEPER What I'm hearing: NFL insiders skeptical there's a franchise-caliber QB available in draft Dochterman: Yes, but only out of desperation. Nobody besides those two have first-round grades. In the first month of the 2024 season, I thought Milroe might emerge as a top-five selection — he was stunning against Wisconsin and Georgia. Then he became inconsistent, and his final analysis is incomplete. Ultimately, is he a bigger version of Russell Wilson and a long-term starter, or a Jake Locker-type? That's what will have scouts and GMs scouring every last second of tape. Some team that misses out on Sanders or Ward might move up to the late first round and take a flier. Dart has a case, based on his numbers and efficiency at Ole Miss, but there were times he didn't quite come through in clutch moments of close games — the Rebels were 0-3 in games decided by one score last fall, which kept them out of the College Football Playoff. The issues weren't all Dart's, but he shouldered some of the blame with a combined four touchdowns and three interceptions in those losses. He had 25 touchdowns and three interceptions in Ole Miss' 10 victories. But he's worth a second-round pick, for sure. Advertisement Baumgardner: Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (82). He was an elite defensive back in high school who transformed his body and turned himself into everything an NFL team looks for in a flex tight end. If he continues to get stronger, he could be an every-down starter. The 6-foot-3, 238-pounder blends elite length (33 1/8-inch arms) with even better athleticism and explosion. Fannin made 13 contested catches during last season's ridiculous 117-catch, 1,555-yard season and is a legit problem for defensive backs at all areas of the field. He's also just 20 years old. Though he's still on the thinner side now, he had his share of blocking wins during his run at the Senior Bowl. HISTORY. With this catch, BGSU's @fannin_jr became the new FBS single-season record holder for receiving yards by a tight end. Incredible season for the consensus All-American.@BG_Football | #MACtion — MACtion (@MACSports) December 27, 2024 It wouldn't surprise me to see as many as four tight ends go in the first round, as LSU's Mason Taylor (37) and Miami's Elijah Arroyo (39) will be tempting for several teams late. Dane has seven tight ends in the top 100 — and the class doesn't run dry there. Clemson's Jake Briningstool, Iowa's Luke Lachey, Syracuse's Oronde Gadsden II and Georgia Tech's Jackson Hawes are just a few of the other intriguing prospects, but this group is deep. Dochterman: There are several who come to mind, but if I had to choose one, it'd be Ole Miss defensive end Princely Umanmielen (75). The Rebels featured the best defensive line south of Columbus, Ohio, and several players received high accolades. But Umanmielen was Ole Miss' most disruptive player on the line of scrimmage this season. Umanmielen (6-4, 255) has incredible quickness and burst off the edge and can convert that speed to power like few players in the draft. He had the nation's fifth-highest pass-rush win rate, according to Pro Football Focus, and finished with a team-high 10.5 sacks. If I were drafting for Detroit at No. 28, or pretty much any team to start the second round, Umanmielen would enter my discussion. Among the others under consideration are Texas tight end Gunnar Helm (64), whom I would rank just slightly behind Michigan's Colston Loveland for the No. 2 tight end spot. Big 12 corners Jacob Parrish (86), Cobee Bryant (96) and Darien Porter (99) are very likable prospects and potential early contributors. GO DEEPER NFL Draft 2023 prospect tracker: Profiles, news and analysis of the top players by position Baumgardner: I don't know if I can get behind Oregon running back Jordan James (62) over Ohio State's Quinshon Judkins (70), but I understand why teams are interested in his profile as a tough runner who gets the job done without sacrificing his elusiveness. One player Dane could be too low on here is Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron (40). I thought he was ready to go to the NFL last year. And I know there are concerns about his body type and recovery speed, but he's one of the smartest, savviest defenders in this class and just finds the football. Advertisement Many people have cautioned teams not to overlook Georgia's Malaki Starks the same way they did former Alabama DB Brian Branch, but the same could be said about Barron — who probably could line up at safety in the NFL. Dochterman: I might be splitting hairs, but I thought Josh Simmons (17) was a bit high. He's a great prospect, but Ohio State's offensive line played at its highest level in the College Football Playoff when Donovan Jackson (34) replaced Simmons at left tackle. Simmons' injury prevented everyone from seeing him at his best. I'd have him a little lower (and Jackson much higher), but Simmons is still a first-rounder. Perhaps North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel (38) fits in the same category, although he's still a top-50 prospect. I was surprised UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger came in at No. 43, but stylistically, he was perfect in the Big Ten. Not too bad for a former walk-on. GO DEEPER Shrine Bowl takeaways: Which 2025 NFL Draft prospects have raised their stock? (Photo of Jalon Walker: John Adams / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
New York Times
30-01-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Shrine Bowl takeaways: Which 2025 NFL Draft prospects stood out during practices?
DENTON, Texas — The 100th edition of the Shrine Bowl kicks off at 8 p.m. ET Thursday (NFL Network) from the Dallas Cowboys' AT&T Stadium. Prospects taking part in the event have been in Texas for more than a week, though, with Shrine Bowl practices at North Texas running Saturday through Tuesday. Advertisement Which 2025 NFL Draft hopefuls stood out in front of the collection of general managers, coaches and scouts on hand? The Athletic draft experts Dane Brugler and Nick Baumgardner were in attendance throughout those workouts. Here's what they saw. Dane Brugler: Maryland defensive tackle Jordan Phillips didn't disappoint and played at a high level all week. But he wasn't the only interior defensive lineman who stood out to scouts. Indiana's CJ West plays with the power and active hands to go through blocks or around them. Ole Miss' JJ Pegues is an impressive mover, too, at 320 pounds, and lived in the backfield during one-on-ones. DT Jordan Phillips continuing to dominate EW Shrine practices. 📈📈📈 — Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 27, 2025 Kansas cornerback Cobee Bryant had several flags thrown his way during drills because of his aggressive play style, but he allowed very few catches and you could feel his energy while standing on the sideline. He is very lean (171 pounds) and needs to improve his discipline, but he came away from the week as a winner. So did North Carolina cornerback Alijah Huzzie. He might not be a burner, but he's a controlled athlete who can work himself into position and disrupt the catch point. And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Division III Middlebury center Thomas Perry — or 'Thomas the Tank,' as offensive line trainer Duke Manyweather calls him. Simply put, he is one of the strongest players in this draft class. His college tape is dominant (as it should be against that level of competition), which made Shrine practices paramount for NFL teams taking him seriously as a potential draft pick. Perry didn't disappoint, more than holding his own against SEC and ACC defensive linemen. His game resembles a more athletic version of A.Q. Shipley, and he can make it in the NFL with his talent and work ethic. Division-III Middlebury vs. Georgia 👀 Advantage: OG/C Thomas Perry@BigDuke50 calls him "Thomas the Tank" bc he's one of the strongest players in the draft. Tireless worker. Just needs reps and development. Has improved each day at EW practices. — Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 28, 2025 Nick Baumgardner: Phillips was Dane's pick to be the best player at the event before it started and, as usual, he was correct — the Maryland prospect was unblockable in one-on-ones. There are moments from Phillips when you're left wanting more, but his burst-power combination is impossible to ignore. Advertisement This is always a great event for receivers, not only because it showcases their skills, but also because it reveals who can adjust to bad throws. UNLV's Ricky White III has been one of the most productive non-power conference receivers in America the last two years. He's skinny, but his quickness, nuance at the top of routes and dependability underneath all feel real. I also thought Miami WR Jacolby George and Boston College OG/OT Jack Conley had big weeks. Ricky White (#UNLV) has absolutely wrecked people at the top of routes all week at Shrine. Stock firmly Up. 📈 [image or embed] — Nick Baumgardner (@ January 27, 2025 at 8:32 PM Two tight ends I found myself watching a lot: Iowa's Luke Lachey and Texas Tech's Jalin Conyers. Lachey is another do-it-all Iowa tight end who bends and blocks like a tackle, played defensive back in high school and showed strong hands in traffic this weekend. He has real three-down potential at 6-foot-5, 245 pounds. Conyers (6-3, 263) won't be for everyone, and his blocking needs to be better, but his potential as an H-back/fullback/TE2 is pretty fun. GO DEEPER 2025 NFL Mock Draft: What happens in Round 1 if Titans, Browns both pass on a QB? Brugler: Although I don't think it will hurt him, it's a missed opportunity. Sanders isn't universally loved among NFL teams, especially as a first-round prospect. I'd love to see him take advantage of any chance he has to sway doubters with his ability on the field. Give teams fewer reasons to doubt you, not more. Baumgardner: No team will make a decision based solely on what a QB does or doesn't do at any of these events, so we can start with that. Many scouts and GMs won't care … but I hate it and doubt I'm alone. Sanders committed to the Shrine Bowl quite a while ago, then decided at the last minute not to throw. Meanwhile, Miami QB Cam Ward — Sanders' closest competition to be QB1 in this class — didn't commit to any of the all-star events. I'm always going to default a tiebreak to the guy who competes harder, but the second criteria is whose word means the most. Advertisement Neither Sanders nor Ward has enough on tape to make a team's doubts about those topics go away. Both are talented, but either player would be a sizable risk inside the top 10 (though they're clearly better than the next tier of QBs in this draft). Given that, and that multiple teams are desperate to find a quarterback again, it makes business sense to hold all your cards close to the vest. In the end, though, if you commit to one of these games, you should compete. GO DEEPER Browns not worried Deion would intervene if they draft Shedeur Sanders Baumgardner: I really thought North Dakota State's Cam Miller was as good, or maybe even a tick better, than Kyle McCord for stretches during the second day of padded practices. Miller showed a live, accurate arm in team and seven-on-seven periods. He also wasn't afraid to challenge over the middle, and his mobility was a factor throughout the week. He definitely could be bigger (210 pounds at weigh-in), but his feet in the pocket, mobility and arm talent make him a draftable prospect. A two-time captain and three-time college starter who showed improvement each year, Miller is absolutely the type of player in which teams like to invest. Brugler: Among the prospects who competed, McCord will be the first quarterback drafted in April — and he played well for the majority of the week. But I was impressed with Miller and agree with Nick that you could make the argument he was the more consistent of those two QBs. Miller is small in the pocket and won't wow anyone with his physical traits, but he is a confident passer who sees the field well and doesn't second-guess his decision-making. On the West team, Minnesota's Max Brosmer was the most consistent of the quarterbacks. He is trying to convince NFL teams that he is worth a draft pick and only helped himself with his play. Baumgardner: West is one for me. He had some impressive wins with his hands and power in one-on-ones. He's built like a fire hydrant and has sub-32-inch arms with only one year of Big Ten experience (after spending four years at Kent State), but he was consistently disruptive in practices. Advertisement Perry is another guy I wanted to watch again but found it difficult — not because he struggled or anything, but because most of what you see is him just completely overpowering DIII competition to the point where it sometimes looks like high school tape. Perry also has a length problem and might be a center-only on some boards. But if this guy gets a combine invite, he'll challenge the bench-press record. A third I'd add, though I've seen plenty already: George. It was easy to forget about him with Xavier Restrepo, Sam Brown, et al., in that Hurricanes offense, but George was very smooth here and got open as much — or more — than anyone. Brugler: Rutgers cornerback Robert Longerbeam played with much better consistency throughout the week than expected. In off coverage, he stayed patient and showed his redirect skills to plant, drive and disrupt the catch. In press-man, he worked himself into position and turned his head to find the football. He has my attention. Gimme that 💯 Robert Longerbeam is making waves at the @ShrineBowl. — Rutgers Football 🪓 (@RFootball) January 27, 2025 Several wide receivers stood out and will require more tape study to fully figure them out. I already knew Auburn's KeAndre Lambert-Smith was fast, but he is more than just speed. His tape is a heavy dose of hitches and go routes, but he showed the short-area quickness and footwork this week to quickly uncover on a variety of underneath routes during drills. San Jose State's Nick Nash was OK on contested-catch opportunities in college, but he was particularly strong finishing through traffic during practices. He's not going to be a burner in the 40-yard dash, so it was important for him to show he can consistently win over defenders. GO DEEPER 2025 NFL Draft consensus Big Board: Which players have climbed into the top 50? (Top photo of Jordan Phillips: Chris Bernacchi / Diamond Images via Getty Images)
