2017

Strengths: Cover corner who rarely allows separation Excellent in bump-and-run Can run with receivers in and out of breaks Plus speed Has some ball skills and slaps lots of passes away Play-maker; the capacity to make clutch game-changing plays Can flip his hips to turn and run Good tackler Quality height, bulk Not a gambler…

Strengths: Road-grading run-blocker Very powerful Ability to sustain blocks Extremely physical Has a mean streak Bullies defenders Raises his level of play in big games Athletic Has good length Has some quickness to the second level Perfect for a man-blocking scheme Lots of experience against first-round talents Fiery leader Weaknesses: Poor pass-blocking technique Heavy feet…

Strengths: Elite athleticism Explosive speed Extremely fluid Phenomenal playing in space Dangerous pass-rusher Extremely fast rushing off the edge Excellent ability to drop in coverage Very fast Quick twitch; sudden athlete Good tackler Excellent in pursuit Closes quickly Great length Frame to get bigger Has some ball-skills in pass coverage Intelligent; can learn multiple positions…

Strengths: Natural pass-rush ability Phenomenal in pursuit Repertoire of pass-rushing moves Enough speed to get around the corner Decent bull rush Ability to shed blocks Active hands Agility to sink his hips/shoulders Splash plays Fantastic motor, goes balls to the wall for 60 minutes Plays with good pad level Does well as a pass-rushing defensive…

Strengths: Elite run-blocker Absolute road grader, and devastating on the ground Tremendous short-area quickness Great at hitting blocks on the second level Excellent pass-protector Mirrors speed-rushers Anchors well Stonewalls bull rushes Powerful drive-blocker Great at pulling Intelligent Great technique with hand placement Textbook knee bend Rock-solid pass-protector Winner at collegiate level Excellent in short yardage…

Strengths: Consistently gets separation Route-running Quickness Sudden out of his breaks Beats defensive backs for contested catches Quick feet Can work as a possession receiver Has some strength Makes plays downfield Good body control to make tough sideline catches Adept at finding soft spots in zone Effective operating in all levels of the defense Third-down…

Career Recap: Thomas has been an impact defender for the Cardinal since his freshman season. He started his career in 2009 as a defensive end and made eight starts at the position. The freshman had 36 tackles and four sacks. Thomas was moved to outside linebacker in 2010 in Stanford’s 3-4 defense, and that position…

Strengths: Ball skills Absolute ballhawk Dangerous with the ball in his hands Elite, rare hands for a cornerback Takeaways Splash plays Great at jumping routes Reaction skills Should be a good zone corner Straight-line speed Can be physical with offensive players Good run defense Potential to develop some man-coverage skills Upside Weaknesses: Bites on double…

Strengths: Explosive Toughness, unafraid of hard hits Routinely comes down with difficult catches Great combination of size and speed Excellent run after the catch ability Plays with an attitude Good route-runner Scheme versatility Extremely athletic Very good body control Makes highlight-reel catches Quickness to get separation Physical with cornerbacks Scheme versatility Weaknesses: Character concerns Drug…

Career Recap: Brown entered the starting lineup for the Illini as a sophomore in 2011 and became an immediate playmaker. He flew around the field and consistently generated splash plays. Brown had 108 tackles, 20.5 tackles for a loss, six sacks, four passes broken up, a forced fumble and an interception. He was tied for…