The Colorado Buffaloes finished the 2021 season with a disappointing 4-8 record, resulting in only a small number of prospects heading towards the 2022 NFL Draft. Here are the Colorado scouting reports for those players, including Carson Wells and Mustafa Johnson.
Colorado 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
The Colorado scouting reports include some late-round defensive prospects.
Carson Wells, LB
Positives: Athletic linebacker with the potential to be a three-down player. Breaks down well, uses his hands to protect himself, and immediately recognizes the action. Stays with assignments, gets depth on pass drops, and fires upfield to defend the run. Flows well to the action and wraps up tackling. Fast getting downfield in coverage and gets depth on pass drops.
Negatives: Lacks bulk and gets out-positioned from the action. Primarily used up the field last season and struggled.
Analysis: Wells possesses the size, speed, and athleticism to play in space and has flashed ability the past two seasons. He’s a developmental prospect with an upside. At the very least, he should make a practice-squad roster this fall.
Kary Kutsch, OL
Positives: Nice-sized, small-area blocker who stays patient, bends his knees, and anchors in pass protection. Keeps his feet moving, stays square, and has a nice build. Fires off the snap into blocks and plays through the whistle.
Negatives: Stiff and gets upright as the play proceeds. Gets minimal movement run blocking.
Analysis: Kutsch is a hard-working blocker but comes with limited upside, as he lacks the strength for a power-gap system and the athleticism to be used in a zone-blocking scheme.
Mustafa Johnson, DL
Positives: Hard-charging defensive lineman who projects as a 3-technique tackle. Explodes off the snap with a tremendous first step, plays with great pad level, and consistently gets leverage on opponents. Works his hands throughout the action, easily changes direction, and pursues down the line chasing plays. Moves well around the field and makes plays in every direction.
Negatives: Lacks bulk and growth potential. Easily turned from plays or out-positioned by opposing linemen. Gets smothered at the point.
Analysis: Johnson was a hard-charging defensive lineman for Colorado, but he comes with limited size and growth potential. His first step off the snap and ability to play with leverage as well as move in any direction gives him a chance to make a roster as a 3-technique tackle.
Nate Landman, LB
Positives: Instinctive two-down run defender with average size and speed. Quickly diagnoses plays, remains disciplined, and stays with assignments. Breaks down well, gets his hands up, and fights throughout the action. Immediately locates the ball handler and fires upfield or outside the box. Wraps up tackling and brings opponents down at the point. Patient and takes proper angles. Gives effort with coverage assignments.
Negatives: Does not get depth on pass drops and struggles moving in reverse. Lacks pursuit speed. Struggled with injuries the past two seasons.
Analysis: As a sophomore in 2018, Landman displayed the makings of a next-level middle linebacker prospect with his tenacity and instincts. Injuries slowed Landman, who was never a great athlete to begin with, and he moves towards the draft as someone who will have to make it as a free agent.