Round 1, Pick 15 (from GB) Will McDonald IV, EDGE | Iowa State
Strengths: Will has an explosive first step with athletic ability to change direction on a dime. Plays with balance and is rarely off his feet. Has the tenacity wanted from an edge rusher who shows speed up the field with the ability in backside pursuit. McDonald plays with an excellent lean and has quick decisive hands to protect himself from grabby lineman.
Areas for improvement: Lacks the traditional bulk to stray off the initial block which puts him out of his rushing lane. Lack of complex defensive schemes at ISU makes it curious what he can handle at the next level.
Analysis: Will McDonald IV is an exceptional athlete. Can stand up in a 3-4 or hand in the dirt as a 4-3 defensive end. Some would say he could be that wide 9 rush end. He has enough athleticism to play in space. He comes with great upside but he will need proper coaching and development to fully complete his game.
Grade: B+ (with upside)
Round 2, Pick 43 Joe Tippmann, C | Wisconsin
Strengths: Tippmann plays with natural knee bend, and in pass protection, he very naturally recollects his base and leans into blocks while maintaining his center of gravity. Joe flashes fast hands at the start of reps to widen opponents, then attacks and latches inside the torso. He has a decent sense of timing and feels for synergy with his hands.
Areas for Improvement: Tippmann’s size also contributes to several drawbacks, most noticeably his leverage. While Tippmann has shown to acquire leverage off the snap, his tall frame can make it tough to manage it consistently. Shorter opponents can easily get under Tippmann’s pads, exploit superior leverage, and generate movement.
Analysis: Joe Tippmann grades out as a fringe first-round player who should field consideration late in Round 1. If he’s still available on Day 2, he’s a priority prospect at a position with scarcity. Few centers have the physical foundation that Joe has. Though his size could cause issues with leverage, his combination of size, athleticism, functional strength, and power capacity is rare. JT is explosive off the snap, rangy as a pulling blocker, and delivers great force and physicality at the point of attack.
Grade: A+ (Anchor on OL)
Round 4, Pick 112 Carter Warren, OT | Pittsburgh
Strengths: Carter is a 6’5″ and 311-pound OT with excellent length (over 35″ arms) and moves like a smaller man. Warren is nimble while moving both vertically and horizontally, with the foot speed to mirror quicker pass rushers. Additionally, his naturally wide base sets up his upper body for success, squaring up potential threats. He has impressive kick slide allows him to set the edge quickly. Paired with a powerful initial punch, pass rushers struggle to create pressure in a timely manner. It’s not often needed, but Warren has flashed the ability to reset his hands after getting out-leveraged to regain position. There are few instances on tape where he bends at the waist or gets walked back to the QB.
Areas for Improvement: Carter Warren is far from a mauler, seldom putting the opposition in the dirt. Building on his core and lower body strength will help, but it’s not just a power problem. Warren simply doesn’t have the “see target, destroy target” mentality. Warren will also bend at the waist, duck his head into engagement, and play with his weight over his toes, allowing defenders to wrench him off platform. He can also narrow his base heading into contact, sapping his effectiveness. It’s a starch difference to his balance as a pass blocker, but he isn’t perfect there, either.
Analysis: Warren has mid-level starter potential at either tackle position, but his age and recent injury will limit his draft ceiling. That said, His experience in true pass sets is unrivaled, and he looks the part as an NFL OT. If a team is willing to use their selection on a developmental swing tackle that will likely be ineffective in Year 1, Warren is worthy of early-to-mid Day 3 consideration.
Grade B- (with upside think Max Mitchell)
Round 5, Pick 143 Israel Abanikanda, RB | Pittsburgh
Strengths: Izzy is a 5’10”, 217 pounds, running back who has a very dense, compact frame with great overall mass and natural leverage in contact situations. Abanikanda is an instant accelerator with elite explosive capacity. He can surge into open space and immediately create distance. He also brings dangerous burst in congestion and can immediately escape and find daylight after shredding through tackles.
Israel’s long-track explosiveness can destroy tackling angles up-field. And with his elite explosiveness, he can make the most out of tight seams. His explosiveness is more important than long speed for RBs, but it doesn’t hurt that Abanikanda has both. He has legitimate field-stretching speed in space. He’s able to hit an extra gear and create separation against defenders with his long-stride speed.
Areas for Improvement: Izzy Abanikanda doesn’t quite have elite lateral twitch or movement speed, and he sometimes has to gather himself ahead of cuts. He doesn’t quite have the sheer mass to bowl through contact and drag defenders consistently. Izzy’s most notable area for improvement, however, might be his full-field vision, which is questionable. He has the athleticism to bounce runs outside, but he often lingers in the backfield when lanes are closed off.
Analysis: Abanikanda’s high-level physical skill set alludes to universal scheme versatility as a runner, and he’s already very comfortable working between the tackles with inside zone and gap schemes. Additionally, at under 21 years old, he still has a ton of tread left on the tires.
Grade A- (Speed, & More Speed)
Round 6, Pick 184 Zaire Barnes, LB | Western Michigan
Strengths: Zaire is an athletic linebacker who makes plays all over the field. Barnes is fluid flipping his hips in transition, goes sideline to sideline, and covers a lot of area. Gets depth on pass drops, easily runs downfield with ball carriers or tight ends, and has a closing burst. He quickly picks up coverage assignments, immediately gets into space to make plays, and takes proper angles.
Areas for Improvement: Small and gets controlled by tight ends and running backs. Lacks great growth potential.
Analysis: Barnes had a decent college resume. He possesses NFL-level athletic traits that could see several teams look to develop him within their system. To get his career started, he’ll likely need to contribute to special teams. For speed, Barnes is considered “elite.” His 4.56 40-yard dash time is also considered elite for the position and his size, as is his 10-yard split — showing a good burst out of his stance. He is a fierce and fast one-gap defender who makes plays in pursuit and in coverage. His ability to quickly get to the action and make the tackle is appealing
Grade: B+ (Has Upside)
Round 6, Pick 204 Jarrick Bernard-Converse, DB | LSU
Strengths: Jarrick is disciplined, effectively reads plays, and keeps the action in front of him. Tracks the pass in the air facing the action. Physical, works to get off blocks, and makes his way up the field to defend screen throws or running plays. Gives effort.
Areas for Improvement: Bernard-Converse gets turned, does a lot of trailing in coverage, and possesses an average closing burst. Really must face the action. Coming off a slightly disappointing season.
Analysis: Bernard-Converse possesses next-level size and speed and also has long arms. He struggled last year and never met the expectations of scouts, yet he comes with an upside. He offers possibilities as a ninth DB, but in a worst-case scenario, Bernard-Converse should be kept on a practice squad with the hopes of future development.
Grade C+ (Has Potential)
Round 7, Pick 220 Zack Kuntz, TE | Old Dominion
Strengths: Zack Kuntz was a Nittany Lions transfer who quickly releases off the line of scrimmage into pass routes, uses his hands to separate from defenders, and extends to make the reception away from his frame. Smooth and fluid moving about the field, remains focused, and gets vertical to snatch the ball from the air.
Areas for Improvement: Zack doesn’t show much burst. Not a true downfield threat. Gets average results as a blocker. Coming off an injury-shortened campaign.
Analysis: Kuntz has attributes that cannot be taught. His athletic abilities should keep him in the NFL, even if he’s never more than a team’s TE3. Kuntz checks many of the boxes NFL teams should look for when taking a shot on a Day 3 guy, particularly at tight end. In addition to displaying receiving chops and being involved in special teams, Kuntz has what cannot be taught — uber athleticism.
Grade A- (Interesting He is a Big Dude)
Overall Grade B- (With some interesting upside)
After two years this draft group could easily be Incomplete or (A-)
Strengths: Will has an explosive first step with athletic ability to change direction on a dime. Plays with balance and is rarely off his feet. Has the tenacity wanted from an edge rusher who shows speed up the field with the ability in backside pursuit. McDonald plays with an excellent lean and has quick decisive hands to protect himself from grabby lineman.
Areas for improvement: Lacks the traditional bulk to stray off the initial block which puts him out of his rushing lane. Lack of complex defensive schemes at ISU makes it curious what he can handle at the next level.
Analysis: Will McDonald IV is an exceptional athlete. Can stand up in a 3-4 or hand in the dirt as a 4-3 defensive end. Some would say he could be that wide 9 rush end. He has enough athleticism to play in space. He comes with great upside but he will need proper coaching and development to fully complete his game.
Grade: B+ (with upside)
Round 2, Pick 43 Joe Tippmann, C | Wisconsin
Strengths: Tippmann plays with natural knee bend, and in pass protection, he very naturally recollects his base and leans into blocks while maintaining his center of gravity. Joe flashes fast hands at the start of reps to widen opponents, then attacks and latches inside the torso. He has a decent sense of timing and feels for synergy with his hands.
Areas for Improvement: Tippmann’s size also contributes to several drawbacks, most noticeably his leverage. While Tippmann has shown to acquire leverage off the snap, his tall frame can make it tough to manage it consistently. Shorter opponents can easily get under Tippmann’s pads, exploit superior leverage, and generate movement.
Analysis: Joe Tippmann grades out as a fringe first-round player who should field consideration late in Round 1. If he’s still available on Day 2, he’s a priority prospect at a position with scarcity. Few centers have the physical foundation that Joe has. Though his size could cause issues with leverage, his combination of size, athleticism, functional strength, and power capacity is rare. JT is explosive off the snap, rangy as a pulling blocker, and delivers great force and physicality at the point of attack.
Grade: A+ (Anchor on OL)
Round 4, Pick 112 Carter Warren, OT | Pittsburgh
Strengths: Carter is a 6’5″ and 311-pound OT with excellent length (over 35″ arms) and moves like a smaller man. Warren is nimble while moving both vertically and horizontally, with the foot speed to mirror quicker pass rushers. Additionally, his naturally wide base sets up his upper body for success, squaring up potential threats. He has impressive kick slide allows him to set the edge quickly. Paired with a powerful initial punch, pass rushers struggle to create pressure in a timely manner. It’s not often needed, but Warren has flashed the ability to reset his hands after getting out-leveraged to regain position. There are few instances on tape where he bends at the waist or gets walked back to the QB.
Areas for Improvement: Carter Warren is far from a mauler, seldom putting the opposition in the dirt. Building on his core and lower body strength will help, but it’s not just a power problem. Warren simply doesn’t have the “see target, destroy target” mentality. Warren will also bend at the waist, duck his head into engagement, and play with his weight over his toes, allowing defenders to wrench him off platform. He can also narrow his base heading into contact, sapping his effectiveness. It’s a starch difference to his balance as a pass blocker, but he isn’t perfect there, either.
Analysis: Warren has mid-level starter potential at either tackle position, but his age and recent injury will limit his draft ceiling. That said, His experience in true pass sets is unrivaled, and he looks the part as an NFL OT. If a team is willing to use their selection on a developmental swing tackle that will likely be ineffective in Year 1, Warren is worthy of early-to-mid Day 3 consideration.
Grade B- (with upside think Max Mitchell)
Round 5, Pick 143 Israel Abanikanda, RB | Pittsburgh
Strengths: Izzy is a 5’10”, 217 pounds, running back who has a very dense, compact frame with great overall mass and natural leverage in contact situations. Abanikanda is an instant accelerator with elite explosive capacity. He can surge into open space and immediately create distance. He also brings dangerous burst in congestion and can immediately escape and find daylight after shredding through tackles.
Israel’s long-track explosiveness can destroy tackling angles up-field. And with his elite explosiveness, he can make the most out of tight seams. His explosiveness is more important than long speed for RBs, but it doesn’t hurt that Abanikanda has both. He has legitimate field-stretching speed in space. He’s able to hit an extra gear and create separation against defenders with his long-stride speed.
Areas for Improvement: Izzy Abanikanda doesn’t quite have elite lateral twitch or movement speed, and he sometimes has to gather himself ahead of cuts. He doesn’t quite have the sheer mass to bowl through contact and drag defenders consistently. Izzy’s most notable area for improvement, however, might be his full-field vision, which is questionable. He has the athleticism to bounce runs outside, but he often lingers in the backfield when lanes are closed off.
Analysis: Abanikanda’s high-level physical skill set alludes to universal scheme versatility as a runner, and he’s already very comfortable working between the tackles with inside zone and gap schemes. Additionally, at under 21 years old, he still has a ton of tread left on the tires.
Grade A- (Speed, & More Speed)
Round 6, Pick 184 Zaire Barnes, LB | Western Michigan
Strengths: Zaire is an athletic linebacker who makes plays all over the field. Barnes is fluid flipping his hips in transition, goes sideline to sideline, and covers a lot of area. Gets depth on pass drops, easily runs downfield with ball carriers or tight ends, and has a closing burst. He quickly picks up coverage assignments, immediately gets into space to make plays, and takes proper angles.
Areas for Improvement: Small and gets controlled by tight ends and running backs. Lacks great growth potential.
Analysis: Barnes had a decent college resume. He possesses NFL-level athletic traits that could see several teams look to develop him within their system. To get his career started, he’ll likely need to contribute to special teams. For speed, Barnes is considered “elite.” His 4.56 40-yard dash time is also considered elite for the position and his size, as is his 10-yard split — showing a good burst out of his stance. He is a fierce and fast one-gap defender who makes plays in pursuit and in coverage. His ability to quickly get to the action and make the tackle is appealing
Grade: B+ (Has Upside)
Round 6, Pick 204 Jarrick Bernard-Converse, DB | LSU
Strengths: Jarrick is disciplined, effectively reads plays, and keeps the action in front of him. Tracks the pass in the air facing the action. Physical, works to get off blocks, and makes his way up the field to defend screen throws or running plays. Gives effort.
Areas for Improvement: Bernard-Converse gets turned, does a lot of trailing in coverage, and possesses an average closing burst. Really must face the action. Coming off a slightly disappointing season.
Analysis: Bernard-Converse possesses next-level size and speed and also has long arms. He struggled last year and never met the expectations of scouts, yet he comes with an upside. He offers possibilities as a ninth DB, but in a worst-case scenario, Bernard-Converse should be kept on a practice squad with the hopes of future development.
Grade C+ (Has Potential)
Round 7, Pick 220 Zack Kuntz, TE | Old Dominion
Strengths: Zack Kuntz was a Nittany Lions transfer who quickly releases off the line of scrimmage into pass routes, uses his hands to separate from defenders, and extends to make the reception away from his frame. Smooth and fluid moving about the field, remains focused, and gets vertical to snatch the ball from the air.
Areas for Improvement: Zack doesn’t show much burst. Not a true downfield threat. Gets average results as a blocker. Coming off an injury-shortened campaign.
Analysis: Kuntz has attributes that cannot be taught. His athletic abilities should keep him in the NFL, even if he’s never more than a team’s TE3. Kuntz checks many of the boxes NFL teams should look for when taking a shot on a Day 3 guy, particularly at tight end. In addition to displaying receiving chops and being involved in special teams, Kuntz has what cannot be taught — uber athleticism.
Grade A- (Interesting He is a Big Dude)
Overall Grade B- (With some interesting upside)
After two years this draft group could easily be Incomplete or (A-)
