2017 NFL Draft - Pro Football Rumors

Miller’s Latest: Walker, Watson, Trubisky, Kizer

November 18th, 2016 at 8:35pm CST by Dallas Robinson

When reports surfaced earlier this week that defensive tackle Charles Walker would leave Oklahoma immediately in order to prepare for the 2017 draft, Matt Miller of Bleacher Report predicted that the move wouldn’t be well-received by NFL front offices, which already had reason to doubt Walker’s work ethic. In the days since, Miller has spoken with scouts and coaches around the league, and opinions have certainly not changed.

“We’ll put up with a lot of s–t, but not quitters,” one NFL man told Miller. “Talk to anyone [at OU] and they’ll tell you he’s not even hurt,” said another. “He doesn’t want to get hit anymore.” While Miller cautioned that some NFL staffers might have different views, every observer he talked to shared the same outlook. However, Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com recently reported that other scouts/coaches might believe that Walker chose the correct path, especially given that he recently suffered the third concussion of his collegiate career.

Let’s take a look at the other highlights from Miller’s notebook, which — as always — is well worth a full read:

A “longtime NFL GM” reached out to Miller to discuss the 2017 quarterback class, and the former executive offered some interesting observations on the top signal-callers. Clemson’s Deshaun Watson‘s size worries the ex-GM, who compared him to Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. The exec also put forth concerns about UNC’s Mitch Trubisky, but was more complementary of Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer, predicting he “could be the one we all fall in love with between now and April.” Meanwhile, the former GM called Miami’s Brad Kaaya — whom the Bears are already researching — the “smartest of the crop.”
Miller posed several questions to an AFC scout, whose most insightful responses were on the topic of domestic violence. Some scouts — such as the one in question — have a hardline stance toward DV, but the staffer admitted that the risk versus reward debate takes place higher up the organizational hierarchy. A team’s owner, general manager, or head coach may be more willing to accept a player with domestic violence background if he is extremely talented, meaning such a decision is more likely to be made on a first-round prospect.
Alabama’s defense figures to boast several first-round draft picks, but at least one NFL scout isn’t a fan of cornerback Marlon Humphrey, per Miller. “I think he’s overrated,” said the evaluator. “You guys don’t see how stiff he is or that he can’t turn and run.”

Mort & Schefter On Norv Turner, C-Mike, Rams

November 17th, 2016 at 9:49am CST by Zachary Links

After stepping down as Vikings offensive coordinator, Norv Turner is not looking for work at this moment. However, he is still interested in coaching, according to Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com. Once his Vikings contract runs out this winter, Turner would like the opportunity to help mold an up-and-coming quarterback.

“I just enjoy it too much,” Turner said. “I really enjoy teaching the players.”

Turner says he’ll only return to the sidelines for the right opportunity or, as Schefter and Mortensen put it, “the right team in the right city with the right quarterback.” Given the Vikings’ offensive struggles under Turner, he is probably a stronger candidate as a quarterbacks coach than an offensive coordinator. Turner has had several stops as an OC in the NFL, but serving as strictly a QB coach at the professional level would be a first for him. The only time he ever held that title was with USC from 1981-1983.

Here’s more from Mortensen and Schefter:

Christine Michael‘s release was about his regression as a runner and also a statement about the Seahawks‘ confidence in rookie C.J. Prosise, Mortensen writes. At Notre Dame, there were doubts about Prosise’s ability to grind out tough yards because of his soft-spoken personality. However, the Seahawks saw a warrior underneath his reserved demeanor and had enough faith to use a third-round pick on him. Going forward, Mortensen writes that Prosise is expected to be the main ball carrier with Thomas Rawls eased back into action.
Case Keenum will move into a backup role behind No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff, but it’s actually possible that he’s bumped all the way down to No. 3 and made inactive on gamedays if the Rams fall out of the playoff hunt. Keenum is headed for free agency at the end of the year and L.A. will likely want to gauge what they have in Sean Mannion, a 2015 third-round choice.
There has been a lot of talk about Oklahoma defensive tackle Charles Walker and his controversial decision to leave the team in advance of the 2017 NFL Draft. The popular view is that NFL teams will not look favorably upon Walker’s decision to abandon the Sooners, causing him to slide in the draft. However, Mortensen isn’t certain that clubs will concur with Oklahoma defensive coordinator Mike Stoops‘ framing of the situation. Walker suffered the third reported concussion of his career in early October and cutting his season short may benefit him on multiple levels. From a talent perspective, Walker is viewed as a first- or second-round pick for the spring.

Charles Walker Leaving OU For NFL Draft Prep

November 15th, 2016 at 9:35pm CST by Dallas Robinson

2017 draft prospect Charles Walker is leaving the University of Oklahoma in order to prepare for next year’s NFL draft, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Walker informed Sooners head coach Bob Stoops of his decision today, per Rapoport.

The reaction to Walker’s decision has been swift and unkind, both from within the team and from outsiders. “Quitting on your teammates is hard to take as a coach,” said Oklahoma defensive coordinator Mike Stoops in perhaps the sternest rebuke of Walker’s move to leave school (Twitter link via Ryan Abers of the Oklahoman). Meanwhile, Walker’s work ethic had already been questioned by scouts, according to Matt Miller of Bleacher Report (Twitter link), who guesses that Walker’s decision won’t be well-received.

Walker drew praise for his 2015 campaign, during which he posted six sacks and 36 tackles in 11 games. This season, however, he’s been limited by a concussion, and has played in only four contests. Draftniks differ on his valuation, as well, as Miller ranks Walker as the No. 35 overall player, while CBSSports.com places Walker just 91st overall as the ninth-best defensive tackle.

Bears Researching Miami QB Brad Kaaya

November 15th, 2016 at 7:24pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Bears are already expressing interest in University of Miami quarterback Brad Kaaya, according to Matt Miller of Bleacher Report (video link), who adds that Chicago is doing “extensive research” on the Hurricanes signal-caller. In addition to attending multiple Miami contests, the Bears staff has been speaking with those close to Kaaya as they continue to look into acquiring a franchise quarterback.

Of course, selecting a quarterback during the early rounds of the 2017 draft would likely signal the official end of the Jay Cutler era in Chicago, and it’s been clear that a divorce has been coming for some time. The Bears had planned to continue starting Brian Hoyer over Cutler until Hoyer suffered a season-ending injury, and as of late October, were still planning to move on from Cutler after the season. Head coach John Fox has reportedly seen enough, as well, and is apparently “done” with Cutler, who can be released next offseason without Chicago incurring much salary cap damage.

Kaaya, a junior, has completed 61.5% of his passes for Miami this season, posting more than 2,500 yards, 19 touchdowns, and seven interceptions through 10 games. He’s the fourth-ranked quarterback on both Miller and CBSSports.com‘s big boards, behind (in varying order) Notre Dame’s DeShone Kizer, UNC’s Mitch Trubisky, and Clemson’s Deshaun Watson.

Scouts See Chad Kelly As Day 3 Prospect

November 11th, 2016 at 12:51pm CST by Zachary Links

After quarterback Chad Kelly suffered an unfortunate injury, it’s not clear where the Ole Miss could go in this year’s NFL Draft. There were already questions about Kelly’s inconsistent play on the field and questionable decisions off the gridiron and his recent setback only complicated things further.

Now, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link) hears that execs still like him as a Day 3 prospect. Kelly, despite all of the question marks, could go as high as the fifth round, Cole hears. NFL officials say that they are high on Kelly in some respects because of his fearless approach to the game and his performance against high-level opposition, like Alabama.

As Kelly deals with a torn ACL and lateral meniscus, it’s unlikely that he will be able to workout for teams prior to the spring draft.

Clemson Stars To Enter Draft

November 9th, 2016 at 5:01pm CST by Ben Levine

A pair of Clemson stars are expected to enter the 2017 NFL draft. Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney announced yesterday that quarterback Deshaun Watson and receiver Mike Williams will be honored during this weekend’s Senior Day, an indication that the two players are scheduled to graduate in December. Two other Clemson juniors, running back Wayne Gallman and wideout Artavis Scott, are also expected to graduate this winter.

“They are seniors. Those guys indicated to me back in the summer that this was going to be it for them and they were graduating in December,” Swinney said (via Matt Connolly of TheState.com). “All of those guys are planning on moving on. We definitely want to honor them while we have the opportunity. They’ve earned it.”

Watson and Williams will be of particular interest to NFL teams, as the pair of offensive weapons are both projected to be first-round picks. Watson has connected on 64.4-percent of his passes this season, throwing for 2,497 yards and 24 touchdowns through nine games. The speedy third-year player has also rushed for 370 yards and a pair of touchdowns. A recent mock draft by Rob Rang of CBSSports.com projected Watson to go third overall to the Bears.

After having appeared in only one game in 2015, Williams has bounced back nicely this season. The wideout has hauled in 52 catches for 754 yards and five
touchdowns. Rang had Williams as the second wideout off the board (behind Washington’s John Ross), going 13th to the Chargers.

The other two offensive weapons are a bit tougher to project, as Connolly predicts Gallman and Scott will go in the third and fourth round, respectively. Gallman has run for 634 yards and eight scores this season, averaging a robust 5.3 yards per carry.

“Wayne is definitely ready. He’s going to make a great, great NFL player for somebody,” Swinney said. “People have no idea what they’re getting in that guy. He is something special.”

Meanwhile, Scott has 38 catches for 329 yards and three touchdowns. The wideout led the 2015 Tigers with 93 catches for 901 yards and six touchdowns.

“This is one of the best football players we’ve had come to Clemson since I’ve been here. He is a great football player that just happens to play wide receiver,” Swinney said. “This kid is dynamite and so dependable, tough, hard to tackle, great special teams guy, fast. … He’s going to be a great pro. There’s no question he’s going to be a great player at the next level. He’s like the Swiss army knife. He’s got a lot of options.”

NFL QB Prospect Chad Kelly Suffers ACL Tear

November 7th, 2016 at 9:50am CST by Zachary Links

All year, scouts have been having a hard time grading Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly. Now, it’s not clear if the nephew of Bills great Jim Kelly will be drafted at all. Kelly will miss the remainder of the season after he suffered a torn ACL and lateral meniscus on Saturday, Antonio Morales of The Clarion-Ledger writes.

Kelly was leading the SEC in total offense with 2,758 passing yards. He also threw for 19 touchdowns against eight interceptions and added 332 yards on the ground with five rushing TDs. In a weak year for quarterbacks, Kelly was considered to be one of the best at the position, despite his off-the-field issues and on-field inconsistency. Now, he has a long way to go before he can get back on the football field.

Before coming to Ole Miss, Kelly was tossed out of Clemson’s program for conduct detrimental to the team and had to spend a year at East Mississippi Community College. Last month, Kelly had to be restrained on the field during a brawl at a high school football game. It turns out that those red flags will not be his biggest barrier to entry as he looks to go pro.

Draft Notes: Garrett, Kizer, Davis, Sutton, TEs

October 22nd, 2016 at 7:37pm CST by Sam Robinson

A surefire candidate to be picked in the top five of the 2017 draft, Myles Garrett has drawn widespread praise and descriptive comparisons. The Texas A&M junior pass-rusher has been likened to Von Miller, a more explosive Joey Bosa, or an upgraded Jevon Kearse who’s 25 pounds heavier, Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com reports of various league personnel’s opinions of the Aggie superstar.

“Generational player. Nothing he can’t do. Scheme-wrecker. Complete player,” one area scout told Breer regarding Garrett, who looks like the clubhouse favorite to go No. 1 overall in the event a quarterback does not.

Although he didn’t improve on the four sacks he’s notched this season today in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Garrett registered 3.5 tackles for loss in No. 1 Alabama’s 33-14 win over No. 6 Texas A&M. At least one edge-rushing talent has gone off the board in the top five in five of the past six drafts, and Garrett looks like the next in that line.

Here’s more on the draft, beginning with the positions that appear to be the strongest and weakest.

Wide receivers may not be the plentiful commodity they’ve been in the recent past, with this prospect pool not proving to be deep thus far, NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks and Daniel Jeremiah note. While the duo views the latest wide receiver named Mike Williams as a top-flight talent out of Clemson, a bevy of similar players has yet to emerge for the 2017 draft. Although, it’s still early, and over the past few years receivers have proven to be more NFL-ready than they’ve ever been. Jeremiah categorizes edge defender, running back, safety and tight end as the deepest in next year’s projected draft pool, based on conversations with NFL personnel, with safeties and tight ends being particularly plentiful. “If you need a safety, there’s no excuse for you to leave this draft without one,” an NFC scout told Jeremiah. As for offensive linemen in an era where the lack of NFL-ready blockers has become commonplace as practice reps have shrunk, a league exec told Jeremiah the next crop of tackles is among the shallowest in years.
One quarterback scouts have been impressed with comes out of Notre Dame, with DeShone Kizer garnering interest as a franchise passer-type prospect, Brooks writes. “He has all of the traits that you look for at the position: size, athleticism, IQ and arm talent,” an AFC personnel executive said, via Brooks. “But you have to see if he is ready for the jump. Is he ready to be the guy?” The 6-foot-4 junior has completed 58 percent of his passes — down four percentage points from 2015 — and thrown for 14 touchdown passes and seven interceptions. Kizer’s blend of arm strength and just enough athleticism intrigues teams, per Brooks.
Brooks envisions Western Michigan wideout Corey Davis as a player ready to become the next in a line of standout MAC-produced targets, behind Randy Moss, Greg Jennings and Antonio Brown. His conference’s all-time receiving leader, the senior 6-3, 213-pound player’s advanced route-running ability will make him “a nightmare” to guard professionally, Brooks writes. In four years with the Broncos, Davis has totaled 278 receptions for 4,430 yards and 43 aerial TDs. Davis already has 10 end zone grabs in seven games this season, and Brooks uses his impressive sample against Big Ten teams as evidence the skill set isn’t limited to feasting on mid-major secondaries.
Another small-school wideout drawing praise as a potential No. 1 NFL receiver: SMU’s Courtland Sutton, whom Breer describes as a physical pass-catcher capable of becoming a No. 1 target in the league. Although, the 6-4, 215-pound redshirt sophomore is far more raw than Davis due to his limited experience and injury-delayed career. “He’s a big, explosive receiver with a great catch radius,” said one AFC personnel exec. “He’s been flying under the radar because the quarterback is bad, but we all know about him.”

Alabama LB Tim Williams Arrested

September 29th, 2016 at 10:40am CST by Zachary Links

Early this morning, Alabama linebacker Tim Williams was arrested on a gun charge, as Kelvin Reynolds of WBRC writes. Williams is (or was) a potential first round candidate in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Authorities say that Williams was carrying a Glock 41 without a permit when they found him in the parking lot of a Publix supermarket around 2 a.m. ET. Cops smelled burned marijuana and found a bag of pot in the center console of the Chevy Impala. When asked about the weed, Williams said that his his friend “Brandon Chicken” gave it to him to hold. Williams, it seems, has badly damaged his draft stock while also introducing the best alias we’ve heard since Carlos Danger.

Williams told officers that he bought the gun in his native Louisiana and had a temporary permit, though he didn’t have it on his person at the time of the arrest. The linebacker was taken to jail, but he was later released on a $300 bond.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Alabama’s Cam Robinson Won’t Face Charges

June 20th, 2016 at 12:44pm CST by Zachary Links

One of the country’s top NFL Draft prospects received some huge news today. Alabama left tackle Cam Robinson was previously facing a felony weapons charge after being arrested in May, but the district attorney in Monroe, Louisiana has decided not to pursue prosecution, Michael Casagrande of AL.com writes.

Police arrested Robinson and Alabama defensive back Laurence “Hootie” Jones for the illegal possession of stolen firearms, a misdemeanor charge of possession of a controlled substance, and an additional charge of carrying a weapon in the presence of illegal narcotics. According to the police report, there was a bag of marijuana and a handgun in plain sight in addition to a stolen handgun found under the passenger seat.

The 6-foot-6, 327 pound rising junior is universally considered to be one of the ten best talents eligible for the 2017 draft. Today’s development is good news for Robinson’s draft stock, though he will certainly face questions from concerned NFL teams. Robinson’s performance on the field and behavior off the field will be critical for his future prospects. If Robinson can demonstrate that his May arrest was a one-off error in judgement – and that he doesn’t have a predilection for carrying illegal firearms – he could very well keep his status as a top 10 pick.

One of two returning starters for the Tide last season, Robinson has blocked for second-round pick T.J. Yeldon and Heisman winner Derrick Henry, helping guide those respective ball-carriers to 17 100-yard rushing performances over the last two seasons. Jones, meanwhile, is not a starter, but he does hold some NFL potential.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

2017 NFL Draft News & Rumors