Pretty underwhelming UDFA class so far. Think we were a bit spoiled with Rick in this department. Quite a few players I would’ve liked Gaine to give a shot.
Houston Texans Davin Bellamy, DB, Georgia Davin Coleman, RB, Washington Anthony Coyle, OT, Fordham Trevor Daniel, P, Tennessee Mason Gentry, DE, SMU Jaryd Jones-Smith, OL, Pitt KJ Malone, OT, LSU Kingsley Opara, DL, Maryland Vyncint Smith, WR, Limestone Terry Swanson, RB, Toledo Jester Weah, WR, Pitt Jaryd has some really long arms. Insiders Draft Digest take... 23 Jaryd Jones-Smith #55 6-6 315 Pittsburgh – Sp. 5.25 Rating 60 Massive powerful fifth year senior has been a valuable member for the Panthers over his injury riddled career. Started 9 of 12 games at right tackle in 2017 with 13 starts in 33 career games. Prototypical right tackle and projects there as a pro. Huge frame and strong throughout his body especially through his trunk with very long arms (36 1/4”) and wide shoulders. Uses his fine size and good raw strength to create movement when run blocking. Capable of driving defenders off the line when he plays with proper pad level, though sloppy in his overall technique especially as a drive blocker. Appears to have the ideal tools for left tackle, though played on the right-side due to the presence of fellow bookend Brian O’Neill, another prototypical left tackle specimen. Jaryd is able to use his size and reach to effectively mirror and wall off as a run blocker. Takes forever to get around due to his rare wingspan and quick feet. Shows good balance in his kick-slide and can take the speed rushers on past the pocket when they try to run the arc. When a pass rusher tries to bull rush him by converting speed to power, he has the core strength, knee bend and ability to anchor to usually keep them at bay. Improved as a senior when pass blocking, especially his footwork and awareness. Shows a wide base with decent footwork for his size. Slides fairly well laterally considering his size, but too often can let his pads rise in his setup. Needs to use his strength and power better. Must show he can sustain blocks and stop inside counter moves. Probably stays at right tackle at the next level. Handles power rushers on the right side when he bends his knees. At the NFL Combine, he came in 6’6” and 317 lbs. and had 36 1/4” arms and 10” hands. He ran a 5.22 time, did 16 reps with a 27” VL and a 9’1” BJ. Added a 4.94 shuttle and 8.10 three cone. As a drive blocker, he must bend his knees to effectively take advantage of his big frame and utilize his power consistently. When he comes off the ball high, he lacks a strong push at the LOS and can struggle to adjust and redirect when beaten early. With some development, he should settle into the right tackle spot and play there with key development. Marginal top 250 prospect with a potential and the package and intangibles to be a late bargain to take the next step up. Baby Malone... 15 K.J. Malone #63 6-4 305 LSU – Sp 5.30 Rating 65 Physical wide body senior was starting lineman in the SEC the past two seasons, earning some conference honors. Projects to a hog guard role with ideal size and long arms after experience at virtually every line position in a pro-style offense. Four star recruit out of Louisiana. Son of NBA HOF Karl Malone. Missed time in 2017 with a leg injury that cost him critical game action. Comes quick off the snap and is efficient getting into his pass set with good balance and is able to shuffle side to side well to mirror pass rushers. Uses his girth to engulf defenders and can get consistent movement as a drive blocker. At times, plays with a narrower than ideal base and can get knocked off balance. Sometimes is slow off the snap and allows the defender to get underneath him. Tough to separate from once he gets his hands on an opponent early and can be difficult to get around him in pass protection due to his size and reach. Occasionally, appears to lack a sense of urgency or the nasty streak in his play. Lateral and overall foot quickness is adequate along with his ability to sustain blocks. Needs to make better use of his hands to lock on and control. Wins consistently early on the down when he uses hand technique. As a blocker, his initial contact is inconsistent with a shoulder or forearm rather than firing out and locking on with his hands creates problems. Adequate foot speed in the open field, though always looking for the next defender. Sound technique allows him to overcome average tools. Marginal flexibility, though plays with sound knee bend. Deceptive blocker to effectively and consistently gets the job done. Has strong quick hands that enable him to lock on and control defenders. Learning to use his powerful frame and basic technique. Better suited in a zone blocking scheme. Powerful blocker lacks technique at times and fails to utilize his natural skills. Underrated prospect with potential and definite make it grade, though needs time to further discipline his game and show he is committed to conditioning and technique details. At the NFL Combine, he came in at 6’4” and 319 lbs. with 33 1/2” arms and 9 1/4” hands. He ran a 5.29 time with 15 reps in the lifting and a 29.5” VL and a 8’7” BJ. Probable later round choice and a marginal top 200 prospect with a NFL skill set. Powerful blocker graded out highly over his short SEC career. Handled some top ranked DL in games and team drills consistently with sound technique and the ability to anchor. Prospect needs basic work to realize his potential. Sleeper late choice with skills to surprise. Discipline in his complete game along with good conditioning and technique details. Fine late round addition.
My brother was a kicker/punter for SWT in the mid-to-late 90's. For his pro day, a scout from the Jets told him that he had a good leg...but he was too small (at 5'8"). Never understood that. He did have one claim to fame, though. In the EA Sports 1998 NCAA Football game, he was the sound of the ball being kicked.
Talent is only part of the equation--head, heart and the desire to be great is what makes the great ones. I really liked Desmond Harrison the OT, but even though he had probably the best kick slide and some outstanding measureables, no team was willing to invest even a 7th round pick in him. That tells me that there are more to those red flags than what us fans know. I wanted Holton as well and had hoped having a guy like JJo mentoring him on how to be a pro would have been perfect situation. However, Gaine talked about bringing in guys with character and from what I read that's what he appears to be doing. With that said, I would have still taken a chance on FAs like Harrison and Hill, maybe you have to give them a few thousand guaranteed, but they're both from Houston and worse case is you cut them if they don't perform.
Basically you agree. Should’ve taken the more talented player with better chance of actually making the team. Some players are going to have a background but that’s why you get them help if you’re going to invest millions. Some just need a mentor. Upsetting Texans don’t take risk on players like that but will take risk on a project that’s not as athletic
Mancz, Drummond, and Lamm just to name a few more. Not world beaters but contributors none the less. Than there is obviously Bouye and Foster going further back. Wish we could’ve gotten Hill and Harrison to name a few. Favorable depth chart for both guys and Hill obviously being a hometown kid. Chris Warren is another former Longhorn that might be worth a look. A massive RB that got some work at H-Back last season.
