With each subsequent NFL draft, Scouts Inc. finds its most bendable talents in Corner and Receiver. They have been especially pleased with their cornerbacks and tight ends. For the fourth straight year, the analytical firm gave first-round grades to three cornerbacks. This does speak to the exciting depth and quality of this year’s defensive class though.
The tackles in this class are unequivocally good. Texas’ Cameron Williams and William and Mary’s Charles Grant are the only players in the class with arm lengths over 34 inches, the most important measurement to OL, but both rank in the top 100. Their otherworldly dimensions arguably make them draft-day currency now, as teams look more and more at size and arms in their scouting reports.
For the past few years, teams have been taking a ton of edge rushers off the board early. This year is no exception. Scouts Inc. as the tyke over edge rushers are only average four first-round grades each of the last five years. On average, only 14 of them get a sniff into the top 100 over that span. The trend speaks to the ever-growing need for pass rushers within the league.
Buffalo’s recent signing of Larry Ogunjobi has raised concerns due to his impending six-game suspension related to a violation of the NFL’s performance-enhancing drugs policy. Beyond what could be their biggest addition, this development will impact the team’s overall defensive strategy going into next season.
Weaver, the defensive coordinator, conjures up his time with the Baltimore Ravens. He’s possibly using that new knowledge to test talent better, too. On the defensive side of the ball, he was instrumental in getting 6-foot-4 Kyle Hamilton drafted with their first-round pick. This smart investment has already been reaping dividends for Baltimore.
As strong as outside receiver is, the tight end position might be even stronger. First-round grades from Scouts Inc. for two tight ends. This is up dramatically from the five-year average of only 4.4. Seven TEs are the top 100 right now. It’s a great class that will likely have a handful of players come off the board in the first few rounds.
Miami’s Elijah Arroyo and LSU’s Mason Taylor are two of the more intriguing tight ends. In Matt Miller’s most recent mock draft he has both going in the second round. Collectively, this year’s tight end prospects should reflect an ever-increasing value of the position. In actuality, 2023 was the first time there were two tight ends with first-round grades.
Both Dalton Kincaid and Michael Mayer were first-round grades last year, although neither ranked among the top 10. This year’s class might be the exception as teams look to diversify and supercharge their offensive attacks with explosive, game-changing playmakers.
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