INDIANAPOLIS. Draft season is in full swing right now and the NFL scouting combine is getting into training, and now is the time to find out the temperature of prospects by asking the people who will actually play a role in the selection.
Sportzshala Sports contacted seven NFL scouts who named their favorite prospects in each position. It is important to remember that these are not necessarily ratings and certainly do not reflect official draft boards; it’s just a survey of favorite prospects for each position.
defender
Bryce Young (2 votes), CJ Stroud (2), Anthony Richardson (2), Will Lewis (1)
This year’s quarterback discussion will bring many different favorites, and all four of the reputedly top quarterbacks were included in the poll.
Florida’s Anthony Richardson doesn’t seem as raw among NFL scouts as some other analysts. His rushing ability should give him a higher level to be a productive passer early on while he adjusts to the pace of NFL passing games.
Bryce Young from Alabama also has his fans, but there are legitimate reasons to fear his weight more than his height. At times, Young has been a master hitman for the Crimson Tide, but there’s a sort of “wait and see” approach as he transitions from running from college linemen to NFL linebackers.
On the way back
Sesame Robinson (7)
tight end
Michael Mayer (7)
Protective tackle
Jalen Carter (7)
The vote returned three consensus prospects to their positions: Texas running back Bijan Robinson, Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer, and Georgia guard Jalen Carter.
Even after Carter’s arrest, trip back to Athens, Georgia, and subsequent return to Indianapolis on two misdemeanor charges, he is still considered the best defense attorney.
wide receiver
Quentin Johnston (2), Zay Flowers (2), Jordan Addison (2), Jackson Smith-Njigba (1)
offensive line
Anton Harrison (3), Peter Skoronski (2), O’Cyrus Torrens (2)
Judging by the feedback, Oklahoma forward Anton Harrison could be closer to the top of the first round after this weekend. Harrison is a younger player as he will play his entire rookie season at age 21. He already has fans of his base game and has room to grow as he gets older and matures through the NFL’s strength and conditioning program. It is expected to be one of the most sporty tackle in the class.
Midfielder
Drew Sanders (5), Trenton Simpson (2)
The top of the linebacker class isn’t getting rave reviews, but Arkansas’ Drew Sanders is being looked at as a potential starter who may never become a superstar. Trenton Simpson, played by Clemson, is more perceived as a manifestation of athleticism and positivity.
There hasn’t been much excitement about where this class of linebacker ranks compared to past draft classes.
Edge Defender
Will Anderson Jr. (4), Tyree Wilson (3)
corner defender
Christian Gonzalez (2), Keli Ringo (2), Devon Witherspoon (2), Joey Porter Jr. (1)
Safety
Brian Branch (6), Chris Smith (1)
Alabama defenseman Brian Branch was grouped here with the safety because he’s not a cornerback type, but he will play a few snaps in the NFL slot. It is more like a hybrid type of DB prospectus.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
