Scouting reports for 2021 NFL Draft prospects from the American Athletic Conference (AAC) from Tony Pauline, Pro Football Network’s Chief NFL Draft Analyst and Insider. To view overall and positional rankings, visit and bookmark Pauline’s Draft Board. Please note that the links below will open in a new tab.
Teams covered in this 2021 AAC Scouting Report:
Central Florida Knights, Cincinnati Bearcats, Connecticut Huskies & East Carolina Pirates – Page 1
Houston Cougars & Memphis Tigers – Page 2
SMU Mustangs, South Florida Bulls & Temple Owls – Page 3
Tulane Green Wave & Tulsa Golden Hurricane- Page 4
2021 NFL Draft | AAC Scouting Reports: Central Florida Knights
For information on UCF cornerback Aaron Robinson, check out his 2021 NFL Draft Profile.
Antwan Collier NFL Draft Scouting Report | Cornerback
Positives: Three-year starter who was dismissed from the Central Florida football program after being arrested for carrying a firearm. Nice-sized safety who is a forceful run defender. Explosive, hard-hitting, and drives his shoulders through ball handlers, forcing fumbles.
Breaks down well, wraps up ball carriers, and brings them down at the point of attack. Works well with cornerbacks to bracket receivers over the middle of the field. Keeps the action in front of him and takes good angles to the play. Physical and works to get involved in the action. Tracks the pass in the air and displays an explosive burst to the ball out of his plant.
Negatives: Plays to one speed and cannot recover. Struggles getting off blocks and easily gets taken from the action. Must improve his backpedal.
Analysis: Collier was a productive two-year starter who was not graded by scouts entering the season. He offers possibilities as a zone or strong safety but must get through legal issues before any team will consider him.
Greg McCrae NFL Draft Scouting Report | Running Back
Positives: Part-time starter who shared the ball at Central Florida. Patient, effectively follows blocks, and displays outstanding vision. Strong for his size, runs with lean, and keeps his feet moving. Quick-footed, sets up defenders, and makes them miss or creates yardage. Waits for blocks to develop and displays some swivel through the hole and the quickness necessary to bounce around piles or defenders.
Gets a lot of momentum going and falls forward when tackled. Keeps his head on a swivel, stays with blocking assignments, and squares into opponents or gets a shoulder on defenders picking up the blitz.
Negatives: Lacks true breakaway speed and cannot run to daylight. Does a bit of body catching and does not display himself as a natural pass catcher.
Analysis: McCrae was lowly rated by scouts, yet has the size, speed, and ball-carrying skills to be a situational runner at the next level if he improves his pass-catching skills.
Jacob Harris NFL Draft Scouting Report | Wide Receiver
Positives: Fifth-year senior coming off a career campaign after stepping into the starting lineup. Possesses a tall, gangly build, plays tough football, and takes a pounding yet holds onto the throw. Looks the pass into his hands, displays focus as well as concentration, and plays heads-up football.
Fights with his hands to separate from opponents, possesses strong hands, and plucks the ball from the air. Physically beats down opponents to come away with the catch. Solid downfield blocker who gets results.
Negatives: Only a short-to-intermediate-range target. Lacks quickness and overall playing speed. Timed 4.42 seconds in the forty at his pro day, but does not translate that speed onto the field. Shows stiffness in his game.
Analysis: Harris is a sure-handed possession receiver with a nice build as well as growth potential. He may be best served putting on 10 to 15 pounds and being used as a “move” tight end at the next level.
Jake Hescock NFL Draft Scouting Report | Tight End
Positives: Wisconsin transfer who flashed ability as a part-time starter the past two seasons. Tall, offers the quarterback a nice target, and adjusts to the errant throw, making the reception in stride. Shows excellent route discipline, stays with the action, and extends to make the reception away from his frame. Possesses strong hands with good eye/hand coordination and snatches the ball out of the air. Gives effort blocking and displays good blocking vision.
Negatives: One-speed tight end with almost no burst in his game. Occasionally slows into blocks or ducks his head.
Analysis: Hescock displayed consistent progress in his game, but the Central Florida offense was not best suited for his style. He has the size, pass-catching ability, and blocking skill to eventually develop into a third tight end at the next level.
Kenny Turnier NFL Draft Scouting Report | Defensive Line
Positives: Two-year starter who was released from the Central Florida program in November after an altercation with police. Quick, explosive defensive lineman who projects as a 3-technique tackle. Plays with terrific pad level, consistently gets leverage on opponents, and fluidly moves down the line of scrimmage pursuing the action. Penetrates the gaps with an explosive first step, works his hands throughout the action, and keeps his feet moving. Flashes power as well as playmaking ability.
Negatives: Undersized, controlled at the point, or easily out-positioned by opponents. Must get the first step on opponents.
Analysis: Turnier is an explosive first-step lineman with growth potential, and he’s a solid developmental prospect if he passes background checks.
For information on UCF wide receiver Marlon Williams, check out his 2021 NFL Draft Profile.
Otis Anderson NFL Draft Scouting Report | Running Back
Positives: Quick-footed ball carrier with the ability to create yardage. Runs low to the ground, keeps his feet moving, and immediately gets back to balance off the initial hit. Runs behind his pads and gets lost behind blockers. Displays terrific short-area quickness as well as footwork with the ability to cut back against the grain and make defenders miss.
Effectively uses blocks. Displays good route discipline as a receiver out of the backfield. Helps the quarterback sell ball fakes and remains disciplined with blocking assignments.
Negatives: Small, lacks strength in his running, and doesn’t break many tackles. Rarely used as a pass catcher out of the backfield.
Analysis: Anderson is a small but swift ball carrier who could be a situational back at the next level if he steps up his pass-catching production.
For information on UCF safety Richie Grant, check out his 2021 NFL Draft Profile.
Tay Gowan NFL Draft Scouting Report | Cornerback
Positives: Junior college transfer who started 12 games in 2019 before opting out last season. Nice-sized corner with next-level speed. Quick reacting to receivers’ moves off the line, smooth flipping his hips, and loses nothing in transition. Stays with receivers on crossing patterns and quickly closes to the action.
Displays a burst to the ball out of his plant, has a nice move to the throw, and shadows receivers downfield. Displays good hands for the interception and quickly makes his way up the field defending screen passes or the run.
Negatives: Slow getting his head back around to locate the pass. Loses receivers out of breaks and does not show great awareness. Often finds himself trailing in coverage.
Analysis: Gowan is a talented athlete with solid ball skills and a large upside, but he really needed to play last season and further develop his game. He possesses a good amount of upside and offers potential in dime packages.
Tre Nixon NFL Draft Scouting Report | Wide Receiver
Positives: Three-year starter who struggled with a shoulder injury as a redshirt senior. An explosive receiver who plays faster than his 40-time and presents himself as a legitimate downfield threat. Very quick, comes back to the ball out of breaks and immediately turns it upfield running after the catch. Displays terrific focus as well as concentration, extends his hands, and looks the pass into his hands.
Consistently comes away with the difficult catch. Sneaky fast, has opposing cornerbacks playing back on their heels, and makes the over-the-shoulder reception at full speed without breaking stride. Follows the quarterback across the field to make himself an available target and easily adjusts to the errant throw. Effective when he makes the reception away from his frame. Displays soft and strong hands. Plays smart, instinctive football.
Negatives: Occasionally lets the pass get inside him. Possesses better play speed than timed speed and lacks a true second gear. Coming off a shoulder injury.
Analysis: Nixon was a consistent threat for Central Florida as an underneath receiver who took it deep on occasion. Medical exams, as well as testing results, will dictate where he is eventually drafted, but Nixon possesses the ability to make a roster as a fourth receiver at the next level.
2021 NFL Draft | AAC Scouting Reports: Cincinnati Bearcats
For information on Cincinnati safety Darrick Forrest, check out his 2021 NFL Draft Profile.
Elijah Ponder NFL Draft Scouting Report | Defensive Tackle
Positives: Underrated defensive tackle who was a two-year starter. Quick off the snap, works his hands throughout the action, and keeps his feet moving. Plays with proper pad level, easily changes direction, and moves well about the field. Works hard, stays with assignments, and remains disciplined.
Negatives: Controlled at the point by a single blocker. More of a first-step lineman. Average pass rusher.
Analysis: Ponder was a good defensive tackle for Cincinnati the past two seasons. He projects to the 3-technique spot at the next level based on his quickness, ability to play with leverage, and movement skills.
Gerrid Doaks NFL Draft Scouting Report | Running Back
Positives: Hard-charging downhill ball carrier who led Cincinnati in rushing last season. Sees the field, finds the running lanes, and effectively uses blocks. Strong, picks up a lot of yardage off initial contact, and uses a powerful stiff arm to keep runs alive. Aggressively lays his shoulders into defenders and falls forward when tackled. Solid pass catcher who goes over the middle of the field, adjusts to the errant throw, then extends his hands and snatches the ball away from his frame.
Negatives: Plays to one speed and has a limited burst. Gets in trouble when he runs east and west. Lacks the quickness necessary to turn the corner.
Analysis: After a brilliant redshirt freshman season, Doaks struggled with injuries before getting his game back together in 2020. He’s a terrific short-yardage runner and an underrated pass catcher who probably won’t be drafted, but he could make a roster as a fifth running back.
For information on Cincinnati offensive tackle James Hudson, check out his 2021 NFL Draft Profile.
For information on Cincinnati punter James Smith, check out his 2021 NFL Draft Profile.
For information on Cincinnati safety James Wiggins, check out his 2021 NFL Draft Profile.
Jarell White NFL Draft Scouting Report | Linebacker
Positives: Undersized college linebacker who projects to safety. Quick to read and diagnose, instinctive, and breaks down well. Scrapes to the action laterally, displays a good head for the ball, and moves well to every area of the field. Remains disciplined with assignments, flashes athleticism, and covers a good amount of area on the field. Gives effort and works to make plays.
Negatives: Possesses poor size for a linebacker and lacks the speed for the secondary. Inefficient and overpursues plays. Easily slowed by blocks.
Analysis: White is a hard-working defender who was out of position at Cincinnati, but he offers possibilities as a traditional strong safety/special-teams player.
2021 NFL Draft | Connecticut
Kevin Mensah NFL Draft Scouting Report | Running Back
Positives: Two-year starter who rushed for more than 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons. Patient, intelligent, and shows outstanding vision. Effectively uses blocks everywhere on the field, fluidly cuts back against the grain and keeps his feet moving. Works runs, breaks arm tackles, and picks up yardage off initial contact.
Negatives: Lacks a burst through the hole. Cannot beat defenders into the open field or run to daylight. Marginal production as a pass catcher.
Analysis: Mensah possesses the style and speed of a downhill ball carrier yet comes with scatback size. He offers limited upside, and his inability to catch the ball out of the backfield will result in a quick exit from camp this summer.
Ryan Van Demark NFL Draft Scouting Report | Offensive Tackle
Positives: Three-year starter primarily used at left tackle. Large offensive lineman with growth potential. Sets with a wide base, stays square, and strong. Turns defenders from the action and opens up running lanes.
Negatives: Lacks footwork off the edge and plays like an average athlete. Must do a better job sinking his butt at the line of scrimmage.
Analysis: Van Demark possesses next-level size as well as strength but is best in confined quarters and projects as a developmental right tackle.
2021 NFL Draft | East Carolina Pirates
For information on East Carolina offensive tackle D’Ante Smith, check out his 2021 NFL Draft Profile.
2021 NFL Draft | AAC Scouting Reports: Houston Cougars
Braylon Jones NFL Draft Scouting Report | Guard
Positives: Four-year starter who was used at both guard positions as well as center. Tough, small-area blocker with limited upside. Explosive at the point, blocks with good lean, and fires off the snap. Quickly gets his hands up, stays square, and shows strength at the point. Keeps his feet moving and works well with linemates.
Negatives: Lacks footwork and cannot slide in space. Struggles to adjust and cannot pick up the blitz. Really doesn’t sink his butt at the line of scrimmage. Not a natural knee bender.
Analysis: Jones possesses outstanding size as a small-area blocker but lacks agility, athleticism, and has limitations.
Damarion Williams NFL Draft Scouting Report | Cornerback
Positives: Community college transfer who started the past two seasons for Houston. Physical corner who is best facing the action. Jams receivers at the line of scrimmage, mixes it up throughout the route, and works hard defending the run. Battles opponents and works to break up throws. Displays good route recognition, quickly locates the ball, and possesses good hands for the interception.
Negatives: Plays to one speed, cannot recover, and gets beaten deep by fast receivers. Very slow getting his head back around to locate the pass and does a lot of face-guarding.
Analysis: Williams is a feisty cornerback who is best in a zone system or backed off the line of scrimmage where he faces the action.
David Anenih NFL Draft Scouting Report | EDGE
Positives: Two-year starter who primarily lined up at defensive end for Houston. Undersized but explosive college defensive end who projects to outside linebacker in the NFL. Plays with terrific pad level, keeps his feet moving, and effectively rushes the edge.
Breaks down well and is rarely off his feet. Tough, fights hard, and works his hands to protect himself. Flows laterally in pursuit of the action and gives effort defending the run. Possesses good change-of-direction skills and speed from the backside. Effective in pursuit and works to make plays in space.
Negatives: Undersized and must get the first step on opponents or he’s easily blocked from the action. Pass-rushing production was nothing outstanding.
Analysis: Anenih is a good athlete and is a developmental prospect who could be used as a situational pass rusher, but he must quickly produce if he wants a career at the next level.
Deontay Anderson NFL Draft Scouting Report | Cornerback/Safety
Positives: Mississippi transfer who started the past three seasons for Houston. Tough, run-defending safety who displayed little progress in his game. Explosive, displays a burst of straight-line speed, and fires up the field. Takes proper angles to the action, gives effort defending the run, and works hard to get involved. Sells out to make the tackle.
Negatives: Straight-line, downhill safety who struggles outside the numbers. Possesses marginal instincts. Bites on receivers’ moves and gets beaten like a drum in coverage.
Analysis: I projected Anderson as a legitimate Day 3 selection after his sophomore season, but his game leveled off and even regressed in some respects. He possesses the size and speed to line up as a strong safety or even a one-gap linebacker, but he needs to get his game back on track.
Grant Stuard NFL Draft Scouting Report | Linebacker
Positives: Two-year starter who was a tackling machine for Houston. Undersized but explosive and plays through the whistle. Instinctive, quick to read and diagnose, and displays a burst of speed bearing down on the play.
Fast in a straight line as well as laterally, rarely off his feet, and breaks down well. Fires upfield to fill gaps in run defense, sells out to make the play, and wraps up tackling. Physical, constantly flies around the action, and very intense. Gets depth on pass drops, quickly changes direction, and nicely redirects to the action. Effectively quarterbacks the defense.
Negatives: Inefficient, does not always take proper angles to the action, and removes himself from plays. Plays linebacker but possesses safety size.
Analysis: Stuard is an intense, hard-nosed run-and-chase linebacker with a special teams mentality. He offers potential as a situational defender, but his greatest value will come on coverage units.
Kyle Porter NFL Draft Scouting Report | Running Back
Positives: Texas transfer who started nine games in 2019. Explosive ball carrier who runs hard every time he takes a handoff. Quickly gets to top speed, displays a burst through the hole, and keeps his feet moving. Patiently waits for blocks to develop and effectively follows them everywhere on the field. Squares into opponents and gives effort blocking.
Negatives: Despite his size, not a strong ball carrier who picks up yardage off initial contact. Poor receiver out of the backfield.
Analysis: Porter has flashed ability and comes with decent size but is one-dimensional with limited upside.
For information on Houston wide receiver Marquez Stevenson, check out his 2021 NFL Draft Profile.
Mulbah Car NFL Draft Scouting Report | Running Back
Positives: Rotational ball carrier who was productive the past four years. Patiently waits for blocks to develop and displays outstanding vision and terrific instincts. Has a burst through the hole, squeezes through the small openings of the offensive line, and falls forward when tackled.
Terrific receiver out of the backfield who adjusts to the errant throw and extends his hands to snatch the ball from the air. Consistently keeps the play in bounds and runs north and south. Solid blocker who remains disciplined with assignments.
Negatives: Plays to one speed and cannot beat defenders into the open field. Lacks any sort of lateral quickness when he tries to turn the corner. Not a creative ball carrier who makes defenders miss or improvises if plays break down.
Analysis: Car was a productive downhill ball carrier who also stood out as a pass catcher and blocker. He’s a bit one-dimensional but has the tools to make a roster as a fifth running back.
For information on Houston EDGE Payton Turner, check out his 2021 NFL Draft Profile.
2021 NFL Draft | AAC Scouting Reports: Memphis Tigers
Brady White NFL Draft Scouting Report | Quarterback
Positives: Three-year starter with limited next-level potential. Effectively commands and controls the offense, spreads the ball around, and uses all his targets. Remains poised under the rush, stays patient, and buys as much time as possible. Quickly identifies the open wideout, knows where receivers are on the field, and shows relatively good accuracy. Does not make receivers work hard to come away with the reception.
Negatives: Lacks arm strength and cannot drive throws. Passes arrive late. Not an elusive quarterback who will pick up yardage with his feet.
Analysis: White did a terrific job commanding the Memphis offense but lacks the physical skills to be anything other than a clipboard holder in the NFL.
Damonte Coxie NFL Draft Scouting Report | Wide Receiver
Positives: Three-year starter who was ultra-productive at Memphis. Stout at the point, uses his hands to get off jams, separates from defenders, and is tough to bring down running after the catch. Displays the ability to grab the errant throw out of the air in contorted positions.
Uses his large frame to shield away opponents and protect the pass. Extends his hands to make the reception away from his frame. Big, strong, and effective when he plays to his size. Takes a big hit but holds onto the throw.
Negatives: Gives half-hearted effort on occasion. Does not always come away with the difficult reception as you would expect from a bigger receiver. Lacks quickness and play speed and shows no burst in his game.
Analysis: Coxie is a large, game-controlling receiver who is effective when motivated. After terrific sophomore and junior seasons, he looked like he did not want to be on the field at times in 2020. The inability to separate from defenders will hurt him at the next level, but the size and previous film are enticing.
Joe Dorceus NFL Draft Scouting Report | Defensive Line
Positives: Three-year starter and the top pass rusher at Memphis since his sophomore season. Fires off the snap, plays with proper pad level, and keeps his feet moving. Gets leverage on opponents, works his hands, and fights hard to get off blocks. Easily changes direction, flashes athleticism, and displays the ability to pursue the action laterally. Rarely off his feet.
Negatives: Undersized, lacks strength, and gets annihilated at the point by opponents. He may not have a true position in the NFL.
Analysis: Dorceus was an undersized college defensive end who lacks the speed to be used at linebacker in the NFL. He’s a situational pass rusher who must immediately produce in camp this summer to have any chance of making an NFL roster.
For information on Memphis running back Kenneth Gainwell, check out his 2021 NFL Draft Profile.
O’Bryan Goodson NFL Draft Scouting Report | Defensive Tackle
Positives: Four-year starter for Memphis. Undersized defensive tackle who gets the most from his ability. Fires off the snap with a terrific first step, plays with proper pad level, and works his hands throughout the action. Explosive, relentless, and plays through the whistle. Keeps his feet moving and displays a variety of moves getting off blocks.
Negatives: Lacks size and bulk and gets smothered by opponents. Comes with limited growth potential.
Analysis: Goodson was a terrific college defensive tackle who does not project well to the next level. He could be used as a 3-technique tackle, but he has limitations.
2021 NFL Draft | AAC Scouting Reports: SMU Mustangs
Beau Morris NFL Draft Scouting Report | Offensive Tackle
Positives: Junior college transfer who started the past two seasons. Quickly sets up off the snap, stays square, and fights with his hands throughout the action. Smart, keeps his head on a swivel, and displays excellent blocking vision. Patient in pass protection and makes good use of body positioning as well as angles. Strong, knocks defenders from their angles of attack, and plays with a nasty attitude.
Negatives: Lacks footwork, agility, and the ability to slide laterally and protect the edge from speed rushers. An average athlete who is often off-balance, struggles to adjust and displays stiffness in his game.
Analysis: Morris is a nice-sized offensive tackle with growth potential, but he has athletic limitations. He’s a right tackle prospect who could kick into guard at the next level yet is nothing other than a backup.
Brandon Stephens NFL Draft Scouting Report | Cornerback
Positives: UCLA transfer who was a productive two-year starter at SMU. Fluid flipping his hips, battles larger opponents, and works to break up passes. Has a burst to the ball out of his break, shows the ability to stay on the receiver’s hip out of routes, and effectively reads and diagnoses the action. Shows good recognition of coverage assignments and gives effort against the run. Physical in all aspects.
Negatives: Must improve the consistency of his backpedal. Does not play to his forty time and lacks range in the field.
Analysis: Stephens is a terrific football player who aggressively defends the run and shows solid ball skills, as he broke up a lot of throws the past two years. He has strong-safety size and could line up in a zone system. Stephens also comes with a special teams mentality.
Richard McBryde NFL Draft Scouting Report | Linebacker
Positives: Auburn transfer who started the past two seasons at SMU. Smart, instinctive linebacker with athletic limitations who plays faster than his 40-time. Quick to read and diagnose plays, breaks down well, and effectively uses his hands. Fluid getting to the action, takes good angles, and chases hard. A tough run defender who also sells out on the blitz. Wraps up tackling.
Negatives: Lacks lateral speed and a closing burst. Easily blocked from the action by a single opponent.
Analysis: McBryde is a hard-working linebacker who primarily makes plays with his head but has physical limitations. His instincts and wherewithal could help him find a spot on the roster as a backup on the inside of a 3-4, but McBryde must do well on special teams.
For information on SMU tight end Kylen Granson, check out his 2021 NFL Draft Profile.
For information on SMU quarterback Shane Buechele, check out his 2021 NFL Draft Profile.
Trevor Denbow NFL Draft Scouting Report | Linebacker
Positives: Three-year starting safety who projects to linebacker at the next level. Quick to read and diagnose, gives a lot of effort, and works hard to make plays. Breaks down well, immediately locates the ball handler, and takes proper angles to the action.
Negatives: Easily slowed by blocks. Lacks long speed and does not possess a closing burst.
Analysis: Denbow was a productive college defender who got the most from his ability, but he lacks upside and a true position at the next level.
Tyler Page NFL Draft Scouting Report | Wide Receiver
Positives: Part-time starting receiver the past three seasons who also made a major impact on special teams. Plays smart football, knows where he is on the field, and uses the sidelines well or comes back to the ball. Possesses soft and strong hands, uses his frame to shield away defenders, and consistently snatches the ball away from his frame.
Nicely adjusts to the errant throw. Keeps the play in bounds whenever the ball is in his hands, displays outstanding vision, and does a terrific job using downfield blocks.
Negatives: Has a limited route tree. Never captured or secured a starting receiver position at SMU. Lacks a deep burst and true second gear.
Analysis: Page has shown enough skill to make an NFL roster as a fifth receiver/return specialist. Underrated in scouting circles, I don’t expect Page to be selected in the draft, and he’ll have to make his way through the ranks as a free agent.
2021 NFL Draft | South Florida Bulls
K.J. Sails NFL Draft Scouting Report | Cornerback
Positives: North Carolina transfer who started the past two seasons for South Florida. A nice-sized cornerback who adds value as a punt returner. Physical, mixes it up with receivers, and voluntarily defends the run. Tracks the pass in the air, stays with assignments, and works to get his head back around and locate the pass. Possesses a closing burst of speed and good hands for the interception.
Negatives: Deep speed is a major concern. Gets a little grabby at times and not a strong wrap-up tackler.
Analysis: Sails is a zone corner whose greatest value at the next level will be returning punts.
Mike Hampton NFL Draft Scouting Report | Cornerback
Positives: Three-year starter for South Florida. A well-built cornerback who flashes ability. Smooth flipping his hips in transition off the line, displays a closing burst of speed, and dives around the field working to break up passes. Physical, battles receivers throughout the route, and shows ability facing the action.
Negatives: Slow getting his head back around and does a lot of face-guarding. Deep speed is a concern and loses out to bigger receivers.
Analysis: Hampton has flashed ability the past three seasons but never really pulled together a complete game or elevated his play. He’s worth bringing into camp this summer but is a long shot to make it.
2021 NFL Draft | Temple Owls
Branden Mack NFL Draft Scouting Report | Wide Receiver
Positives: Three-year starter for Temple. Large, strong possession receiver with reliable hands. Tracks the pass in the air, nicely adjusts to the errant throw, and uses his frame to shield away defenders. Plays to his size and comes away with the difficult reception when defenders are draped on him.
Does a terrific job locating the pass in the air and making the deep reception in stride. Consistent target who pulls the fastball out of the air, gets vertical in a crowd, and comes down with the difficult reception. Outstanding downfield blocker who gets results.
Negatives: Lacks a quick release off the line of scrimmage, displays no burst in his game, and plays to one speed. Struggles separating from opponents.
Analysis: Mack was a productive three-year starter and a really good college receiver who will struggle separating in the NFL. He offers potential as a red zone or third-down target, but his lack of speed and quickness will hamper him.
Danny Archibong NFL Draft Scouting Report | Defensive Line
Positives: Three-year starter who also made an impact as a freshman. Athletic and versatile defensive line prospect who must improve his strength at the point of attack. Plays with good knee bend and proper pad level, covers a lot of area on the field, and works hard to get involved in the action.
Fluid moving laterally and shows the ability to pursue out to the sidelines and make plays. Keeps his feet moving and penetrates the gaps behind the line of scrimmage. Works his hands throughout the action and possesses outstanding length.
Negatives: Inconsistent getting off the snap and does not possess a great first step. Marginally strong and struggles to take on blocks.
Analysis: Archibong is an athletic defensive line prospect with nice length as well as versatility. He must fill out his frame and significantly improve his strength, but at the very least he’s a practice-squad prospect who could make an active NFL roster in a year or two.
2021 NFL Draft | AAC Scouting Reports: Tulane Green Wave
For information on Tulane defensive tackle Cameron Sample, check out his 2021 NFL Draft Profile.
Cory Dublin NFL Draft Scouting Report | Offensive Line
Positives: Two-year starter used at both guard and center. Tough, strong blocker who is best in a small area. Keeps his head on a swivel, works well with linemates, and stays square. Explosive at the point and turns defenders from the action run blocking. Controls opponents once engaged at the point and anchors in pass protection. Bends his knees, sinks his butt, and starts with terrific leverage.
Negatives: Consistently overextends into blocks, which hurts his balance. Labors out to the second level and is ineffective blocking in motion. Struggles to adjust.
Analysis: Dublin was a productive starter and showed versatility at Tulane, but he has average size, limited athleticism, and minimal upside for the next level.
Jaylon Monroe NFL Draft Scouting Report | Cornerback
Positives: Two-year starter at cornerback for Tulane who was also productive on special teams. Tough, instinctive and works hard. Runs downfield with opponents, works to get his head back around, and positions himself against receivers to defend the throw. Effectively works with safeties to bracket receivers over the middle of the field. Displays good route recognition in zone coverage, plays within the system, and gives effort defending the run.
Negatives: Possesses poor size/speed numbers. Lacks a second gear and deep speed. Lack of size creates mismatch problems for him.
Analysis: Monroe is a feisty defensive back who gets the most from his ability, but he lacks great upside and comes with minimal physical skills. He could make it as a dime back if he continues to play well on special teams.
Mykel Jones NFL Draft Scouting Report | Wide Receiver
Positives: Athletic receiver who flashed big-time ability on occasion. Quickly releases off the line of scrimmage, sells routes, and tracks the pass in the air. Displays himself as a solid vertical receiver, makes the over-the-shoulder reception in stride, and possesses eye/hand coordination. Nicely makes the catch on crossing patterns, adjusting to the errant throw, and grabbing the ball from the air.
Negatives: Displays only average run-after-the-catch skill. Marginally productive throughout his college career.
Analysis: Jones has flashed big-time ability the past couple of years yet never really took his game to the next level or consistently produced on the field. He possesses a good amount of upside potential but must learn to play at a high level on a consistent basis.
For information on Tulane EDGE Patrick Johnson, check out his 2021 NFL Draft Profile.
2021 NFL Draft | AAC Scouting Reports: Tulsa Golden Hurricane
For information on Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins, check out his 2021 NFL Draft Profile.
Allie Green NFL Draft Scouting Report | Cornerback
Positives: Nice-sized corner who was a consistent starter the past two years. Instinctive, plays heads-up football, and quickly reads and diagnoses coverage assignments. Effective facing the action, fires up the field, and wraps up tackling.
Negatives: Possesses average play speed and quickness. Shows little burst to the ball out of his plant. Possesses suspect deep speed and does a lot of chasing downfield.
Analysis: Green is a physical defensive back with nice size but poor speed. His wherewithal and physicality could lead to a move inside to safety.
Corey Taylor NFL Draft Scouting Report | Running Back
Positives: Nice-sized running back who was the primary ball carrier at Tulsa last season. Displays excellent vision and finds the hole then turns it upfield. Works runs, uses an effective straight arm, and gets a lot of momentum going up the field. Tough to bring down, rarely tackled by a single opponent, and falls forward for extra yardage. Shows a burst through the hole. Stays with blocking assignments and gives effort.
Negatives: Struggles running east and west or trying to turn the corner. Not a smooth or quick cutback runner. Rarely used as a receiver out of the backfield.
Analysis: Taylor comes with limitations and is a bit one-dimensional, but he could make an NFL roster as a fifth back used in short-yardage situations.
Cristian Williams NFL Draft Scouting Report | Safety
Positives: Two-year starter and one of the best run defenders on the Tulsa defense. Quick to read and diagnose, instinctive, and fires up the field. Wraps up ball handlers. Stays with coverage responsibilities and does a good job recognizing assignments.
Negatives: Lacks recovery speed and shows a limited burst. Only effective facing the action and does a lot of face-guarding in man-coverage situations.
Analysis: Williams was a solid college safety who plays best when he’s facing the action but has physical limitations.
Keylon Stokes NFL Draft Scouting Report | Wide Receiver
Positives: Three-year starter with experience returning kicks. Reliable pass catcher with the ability to consistently separate from defenders. Runs good routes, comes back to the ball, and extends to make the reception away from his frame.
Nicely adjusts to the errant throw and displays strong hands. Fights with his hands to separate from opponents. Possesses solid eye/hand coordination as well as focus and concentration. Has a smooth and fluid style.
Negatives: Struggles in battles and isn’t a big-bodied receiver. Lacks deep speed and a second gear.
Analysis: Stokes was a consistent receiver at the college level but possesses no outstanding physical element to his game. His reliable hands and ability to consistently get separation could help him get drafted in the late rounds and find a spot in the NFL as a fifth receiver.
TieNeal Martin NFL Draft Scouting Report | Cornerback
Positives: Junior college transfer who moved into the starting lineup last season and has gone unnoticed in scouting circles. Possesses good size, plays physical football, and gives effort defending the run or covering screen throws. Keeps the action in front of him, defeats blocks, and displays a decent burst to the ball.
Wraps up tackling and brings opponents down in the open field. Quick to read and diagnose the action, breaks down well, and works to get his head back around to locate the pass in the air. Effectively tracks the ball and works well with teammates in the secondary.
Negatives: Possesses average deep speed and does not have a closing burst. May not have the natural quickness to stay at cornerback.
Analysis: Martin was ungraded by scouts coming into the year but possesses the size and ball skills to be used in dime packages at the next level.
Zach Smith NFL Draft Scouting Report | Quarterback
Positives: Baylor transfer who started the past two seasons for Tulsa. Patient in the pocket, scans the field, and possesses a quick release. Puts speed on passes and throws with good velocity. Goes through progressions and possesses the ability to drive deep passes in front of receivers and lets them run to the ball. Remains poised under the rush as the pocket collapses around him and keeps his eyes downfield looking for open wideouts.
Negatives: Does not consistently follow through over his top foot and sprays throws. Passes can be all over the place. Makes some questionable decisions under the rush.
Analysis: Smith possesses the arm talent to play at the next level but needs a lot of work on his overall game. More than anything else, he must improve his accuracy and pass placement.
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