Scouting The 2019 NFL Draft: Week 1B Scouting Guide

Week 1 is a little weird since it stretches to include two Saturdays. This post will be focused on the second Saturday’s (Sunday) matchups. There will be many good ones, but I will focus on my big 3. I will be prioritizing games with prospects that fit our primary needs. Those are as follows: Edge, T, RB, G, ILB, TE and CB. Here are just a few games to check out, and who you should keep a keen scouting eye on throughout.

N. Illinois Vs. Iowa (Sat 9/1, 3:30 PM EST, B1G Network)

Edge, Sutton Smith, N. Illinois (#15)

Sutton is the Woodhead of this year’s edge rushers. He doesn’t have the size we normally would like, but damn does he get the job done. He is so slippery and hard to block. This will be a great test for Sutton.

Edge, Anthony Nelson, Iowa (#98)

Nelson isn’t a flashy edge guy, but he does everything well. Anthony is very technically sound and gets the job done on all 3 downs.

OT/G, Max Scharping, N. Illinois (#73)

Max is as solid as they come. He has 3 years under his belt as one of the best tackles in the country. He just manhandles people. He has the size and productivity to stay at tackle, but some see him moving inside.

TE, Noah Fant, Iowa (#87)

Fant is a freakish athlete and a two-way tight end. He takes very good angles on blocks, and maintains them. As a receiver, Fant is a mismatch for any and everyone.

Other Notable prospects: QB, Nate Stanley, Iowa #4

Michigan Vs. Notre Dame (Sat 9/1, 7:30 PM EST, NBC)

Edge, Rashan Gary, Michigan (#3)

Gary is a raw slab of athletic ability and a motor that never runs cold. Give him some time to refine his technique and he will be a problem.

Edge, Chase Winovich, Michigan (#15)

Chase is a very heady player, that like Gary, has an endless motor. You won’t see Winovich caught out of position or chasing ghosts.

RB, Karan Higdon, Michigan (#22)

Karan is a explosive little back. Once he gets into the open field, he jumps into a 2nd gear that is hard to chase down. Higdon gets to the 2nd level by using his patience and understanding of how the blocks will develop.

G, Alex Bars, Notre Dame (#71)

Bars was part of a very good offensive line unit. Alex has a thick base and strong frame that are great at sealing off big running lanes. He pulls well, but might not have the athletic ability to make it in an outside zone scheme like ours.

Off-Ball LBer, Te’von Coney, Notre Dame (#4)

Coney is a rangey LBer and a reliable tackler. He can stand to pack on some muscles to be able to stack and shed blockers.

Off-Ball LBer, Devin Bush Jr., Michigan (#10)

Bush is a bit of a micro LBer. Where he struggles with disengaging with bigger blockers upfront, he makes up for with his ability to cover and chase down anyone anywhere.

Off-Ball LBer, Drue Tranquill, Notre Dame (#23)

Drue played 3 years playing SS at South Bend. In 2017, he made the switch to being a full time LBer. He took to the position very well. He is down hill player that is good when the play is in front of him.

TE, Alize Mack, Notre Dame (#86)

Mack has pretty good size and athleticism, but needs to get in the weight room. He put in a decent effort in blocking, but just gets shoved around by defenders.

CB, Lavert Hill, Michigan (#24)

Hill uses his hands very well to gain leverage in man coverage. In the run game though, he can stand to be a little less soft.

CB, David Long, Michigan (#22)

Long isn’t the tallest corner, and maybe that has helped him develop his quick hips. He has the physicality to jam receivers at the line, and fight for position down the sideline.

CB, Julian Love, Notre Dame (#27)

Love has the tools to do well in man coverage, but needs to be a little quick with his recognition and reaction. This leads to some separation. He does have the quickness to make up for it though.

Other Notable prospects: QB, Shea Patterson, Michigan #2 - DT, Jerry Tillery, Notre Dame #99 - S, Tyree Kinnel, Michigan #23 - C, Sam Mustipher, Notre Dame #53

Miami Vs. LSU (Sun 9/2, 7:30 PM EST, ABC)

Edge, Joe Jackson, Miami (#99)

At the college level, the combo of Joe’s effort and athletic ability have made him a terror for the Hurricanes. He will need to develop more pass rushing techniques. He has 3 down prospects.

RB, Travis Homer, Miami (#24)

I love watching RBs, and one thing I look at most is elusiveness. Making people miss is so important. Homes has this ability in spades.

G, Garrett Brumfield, LSU (#78)

Brumfield isn’t the biggest guy, but he plays with an anger and an edge. He is a smooth mover, and quick. He would look very good in a zone blocking scheme like ours.

Off-Ball LBer, Devin White, LSU (#40)

What seems to be a trend with the LBers in the spotlight here, White is very athletic and has great range. Like the others, he has a hard time getting off blocks. His coverage skills are a plus.

Off-Ball LBer, Shaq Quarterman, Miami (#55)

Shaq has some great production, but there are times he looks like a chicken without a head. He is also technically unsound when taking on blocks

CB, Greedy Williams, LSU (#29)

Greedy is one of if not the best defensive backs in this class. He has a near flawless resume, but does tend to be in chase mode a lot.

CB, Michael Jackson, Miami (#28)

Jackson moonwalked on the scene in a big way last year in an extended roll. Michael is more than just a great name. He is a very physical DB, who has that long bulky frame that teams love these days.

Other Notable prospects: WR, Ahmmon Richards, Miami #82 - DT, Rashard Lawrence, LSU #90 - DT, Breiden Fehoko, LSU (#91) - S, Jaquan Johnson, Miami #4 - S, Sheldrick Redwine, Miami #22