Carlos Hyde Scouting Report

CARLOS HYDE – RB – OHIO STATE

Strengths:

Powerful build with good thickness. Runs with good balance and does a great job of keeping his feet moving on contact. The type of back that falls forward more often than not. Good north/south runner who can pick up tough yards. Shows the ability to catch away from his frame. Has the size to stand his ground as a pass-blocker.

Weaknesses:

Lacks explosiveness and he’s very much a 1 speed runner. Doesn’t have an impressive burst and takes longer than most to reach his top speed. Not shifty and lacks any lateral explosion. Lacks the speed to routinely turn the corner. Can be too hesitant at times and lacks the burst to escape closing defenders. Not experienced as a pass-catcher. Still needs a lot of work on blitz pick-ups. Suspended for 3 games as a senior.

Skills:
1-poor, 2-weak, 3-above average, 4-very good, 5-elite

Athleticism: 2.0
Power: 3.0
Vision: 2.5
Hands: 2.5
Blocking: 2.0
Intangibles: 2.0

Verdict: Hate him

There’s nothing special about Carlos Hyde and it speaks of a poor running back class if he’s near the top of most peoples rankings. He’s a tough inside runner who can be a workhorse at the next level. However, he won’t excel. For a team needing a quick starting option at running back he is ideal. However, I anticipate his prime to be short and his overall career to be average at best.

Grade: 4th Round

Bishop Sankey Scouting Report

BISHOP SANKEY – RB – WASHINGTON

Strengths:

Good straight-line runner who gets to full speed quickly. Impressive burst through the hole. Remains patient and usually does a good job of finding open lanes. Has the speed to turn the corner and bust runs to the outside. Has great balance and runs through more tackles than you’d expect at his size. Great pass catcher who can make difficult catches. Willing blocker who is not afraid of contact.

Weaknesses:

Linear and doesn’t have great lateral agility. Looks stiff at times, especially in the open field. Lacks the ability to stop and cut on a dime. Smaller than most running backs and is especially small through the lower body. Doesn’t possess natural power and won’t be breaking too many wrap-up tackles. Can be too patient at times and his indecisiveness will lead to runs for losses. Had a huge workload as a senior and looked gassed at times in games.

Skills:
1-poor, 2-weak, 3-above average, 4-very good, 5-elite

Athleticism: 3.0
Power: 2.0
Vision: 3.0
Hands: 4.0
Blocking: 2.5
Intangibles: 2.5

Verdict: Meh

Bishop Sankey is a run-of-the-mill back who doesn’t really stand out in anyway save for his pass catching ability. He’s a little bit too linear to warrant a higher grade but I think he can be a nice #2 back in the NFL. I doubt he’ll ever be a bell-cow or if he’d ever succeed in that role but it seems like teams are shying away from that type of system anyways.

Grade: 3rd Round

Timmy Jernigan Scouting Report

TIMMY JERNIGAN – DT – FLORIDA STATE

Strengths:

Nimble tackle who moves well. Is quicker than most and occasionally beats lineman off the snap with his quickness. Can get penetration in the run game. Displays violent use of hands and upper body strength necessary to shed blocks. Shows good pursuit and will chase ball-carriers down-field. Tackles well and delivers a pop when he hits.

Weaknesses:

Doesn’t have great quickness and lacks a burst off the snap. Gets caught hand fighting too much and still needs to work on using his hands better to shed. Occasionally gets too high and he struggles to anchor. Needs to continue to add strength through his lower body. Doesn’t offer much as a pass-rusher and lacks a repertoire of moves. If he doesn’t win right off the snap he rarely impacts the play. Best suited in a 4-3 defense in a 1-gap scheme.

Skills:
1-poor, 2-weak, 3-above average, 4-very good, 5-elite

Pass Rush: 1.5
Strength: 2.5
Quickness: 3.5
Point of Attack: 3.0
Tackling: 4.0
Intangibles: 3.0

Verdict: Meh

Timmy Jernigan still needs some seasoning but he has a lot of the tools necessary to be successful. He can be a starter from day one although he likely won’t be more than average until he develops further. I think he can have success in a 1-gap scheme where he can win with his quickness and penetrate into the back-field. Size and playing style is similar to that of Jonathan Babineaux.

Grade: 2nd Round

Aaron Donald Scouting Report

AARON DONALD – DT – PITTSBURGH

Strengths:

Rarely seen first step for a defensive tackle. Has the quickness to beat lineman right off the snap. Is a penetrating and very disruptive tackle. Has violent and quick hands and sheds blocks well. Has shown the ability to split double teams. Plays with great leverage and is naturally helped by his shorter stature. Generates good power and can be disruptive with a bull-rush. Tackles well.

Weaknesses:

Shorter and lighter than your typical defensive tackle. Will struggle with his anchor at times if he pops up too quickly. Is a very scheme specific player and is likely only a fit in the 4-3 in a one-gap system. Pursuit could be better.

Skills:
1-poor, 2-weak, 3-above average, 4-very good, 5-elite

Pass Rush: 3.5
Strength: 3.0
Quickness: 5.0
Point of Attack: 3.0
Tackling: 3.5
Intangibles: 2.5

Verdict: Love him

Here’s a comparison I’ve heard that I actually agree with. Geno Atkins. Donald has a similar playing style to Atkins and both were doubted for their size. Both are also damn good football players. Atkins has since developed into the best defensive tackle in the league. Donald may or may not be on his level, but he is certainly a great player worth a 1st rounder.

Grade: 1st Round

Louis Nix III Scouting Report

LOUIS NIX III – DT – NOTRE DAME

Strengths:

Massive size with great strength. At the very least occupies space and blockers. Moves fairly well for his size. Is difficult to move around when he keeps his pad level low. Is able to beat weaker lineman with his strength. Flashes a great bull-rush and is able to push the pocket. Shows flashes of using his hands well to shed.

Weaknesses:

Plays too tall and often negates his strength. Is pushed around by stronger lineman that can get under his pads. Struggles against double teams. Doesn’t have the quickness to beat lineman and is limited to making plays in a short area. Struggles to get off blocks and doesn’t use his hands well enough. Offers little as a pass-rusher. Has had issues maintaining his weight more than once. Has questions about the durability of his knee going forward.

Skills:
1-poor, 2-weak, 3-above average, 4-very good, 5-elite

Pass Rush: 1.5
Strength: 4.0
Quickness: 2.0
Point of Attack: 2.5
Tackling: 3.0
Intangibles: 2.0

Verdict: Hate him

I get that he’s a nose tackle and isn’t supposed to make plays but Nix is so average to me. I don’t see an elite lineman who can stand up to doubles routinely or make impact plays against the run. Combine that with his history of weight issues and a bad knee and I see a low-floor with limited upside. I’ve seen B.J. Raji comparisons but maybe his ex-teammate Ron Brace is the closer comparison.

Grade: 3rd Round