With the Bengals going on a long playoff run, what is usually the beginning of draft season has turned into a more exciting time for us fans. However, while the Bengals and Rams still have one game to go, the draft process does not stop. This past week, three collegiate all star games took place where NFL Draft prospects could put their talents on display for NFL scouts.
I will touch on the Senior Bowl in another article to be posted in a day or two, but here, I will touch on a few players that caught my eye in the other two games; the NFLPA Bowl and the East-West Shrine Game. Due to the extended playoff run, I have fallen behind on my scouting, compared to recent years, so these games were my first exposure to a lot of these players.
NFLPA Bowl:
– WR, Kalil Pimpleton (Central Michigan)
At first glance, the thing that stands out is his lack of size. He is quite small for the position. However, in the NFLPA Bowl, Pimpleton put his blazing speed, sudden movement skills, and strong hands on display. The great athletic traits are often benefits that come with undersized players, but his ability to make catches in traffic and elevate for the ball were both pleasant surprises. He is also a dynamic player in the return game.
In passing, I haven’t seen his name brought up at all. Perhaps he is someone the Bengals can look to in the late rounds as a diamond in the rough that can add some speed to the WR room and in the return game.
– WR, Jequez Ezzard (Sam Houston)
Also a smaller player. Seems to have good speed but it was his quickness that stood out to me. Lined up in the slot and was able to create separation with good route running. Saw decent volume in the passing game and took advantage. Also was used as a returner and had some good moments.
– WR, Dai’Jean Dixon (Nicholls State)
Unlike the other two, he possesses a big frame. He got a ton of volume in the passing game, and racked up a ton of yards. He displayed strong hands and the ability to win down the field.
– DE/OLB, Chauncey Manac (Louisiana Lafayette)
Lined up on the edge, Manac had some solid reps, with a few really nice flashes mixed in. He showed the ability to win around the edge with quickness. His bend was quite good, as well.
– DE/OLB, TD Moultry (Auburn)
Another edge rusher that had some good reps. Moultry showed good power at one point, pushing his guy straight back into the pocket.
– LB, Olakunle Fatukasi (Rutgers)
Need to watch his game film before I get in too deep here, but on the surface, it doesn’t seem like he has the athleticism of today’s style of LB’s. However, he showed ability to make plays against the run. He was quick and decisive when hitting his gaps and he tackles with good form. Seems to have a good motor as well. Might be a two down type of guy with a role as a run stopper.
– QB, Aqueel Glass (Alabama A&M)
Arm strength looked pretty solid and accuracy was generally good as well. Mobility also looked solid, and he seems to have the ability to extend plays. Was one of the better QB’s in the game and led his team on some good drives.
East-West Shrine Game:
– RB, Ty Chandler (North Carolina)
One of the better offensive performers in the game. Showed solid power, but also enough elusiveness and speed to evade tacklers. He performed well, not only as a runner, but also as a pass catcher.
– RB, Pierre Strong (South Dakota State)
Displayed a lot of power as a runner. Kept going even with defenders attempting to bring him down. Didn’t see a lot of twitchiness, but he seems like he sees the field well and can be a good downhill back.
– WR, Tyquan Thornton (Baylor)
Thornton showed nice speed and the ability to get open down the field. He is also not afraid to go all out to make a catch, showcasing this with a nice diving effort that came up just short.
– QB, Jack Coan (Notre Dame)
Coan had a nice day. Ball velocity was solid and his accuracy was good. He showed the ability to drive the ball, especially when he has the chance to step into it. He fit some passes into some pretty tight windows.
– CB, Kyler McMichael (North Carolina)
While he wasn’t perfect on every rep, McMichael demonstrated the ball skills necessary to succeed at the CB position. He had his timing down, knowing just the right time to extend out his hand to disrupt the pass. Even on one play where he couldn’t quite get his head turned, he was able to read the receiver and timed the breakup perfectly.
– LB, Nephi Sewell (Utah)
Seemed to have pretty good athleticism and range to make plays at various points on the field. Played with an aggressive nature and showed good tackling technique.
– DT, Thomas Booker (Stanford)
Not really technically refined, Booker is instead a big man who was able to take advantage of his size and strength. He demonstrated the ability to push the pocket, as he walked his opponent backwards, into the lap of the QB.
– P, Tommy Heatherly (Florida International)
Heatherly had a beautiful punt in the 3rd quarter. With the line of scrimmage at his own 30, the punt travelled through the air 65 yards before the returner caught it at his own 5.
