2021 NFL Draft | FCS Scouting Reports: Elon
Davis Cheek NFL Draft Scouting Report | Quarterback
Positives: Nice-sized pocket passer with a next-level arm. Patient, remains poised in the pocket, and has a big-time arm. Fires the ball through tight windows, hits receivers as they leave exits, and puts air under deep passes. Displays a sense of timing on throws and allows receivers to run to the pass. Throws a catchable ball.
Negatives: Not a fleet-footed quarterback or a threat to pick up yardage with his legs. Slow moving his head from the primary target. Must really improve his pass placement.
Analysis: Cheek possesses the physical skills for the next level yet needs to improve his pass placement and ball distribution. He’s a practice-squad prospect with a large upside.
2021 NFL Draft | FCS Scouting Reports: Grambling State
For information on Grambling state offensive lineman David Moore, check out his 2021 NFL Draft Profile.
2021 NFL Draft | FCS Scouting Reports: Holy Cross
Brian Foley NFL Draft Scouting Report | Offensive Line
Positives: Small-school college tackle who projects to guard. Starts with knee bend, stays square, and gets his hands into defenders. Quickly sets up off the snap, keeps his feet moving, and makes good use of angles in pass protection. Patient, stays square, and usually gets leverage on opponents. Shows ability as a position blocker.
Negatives: Does more stepping out than sliding off the edge. Lacks a strong base and gets pushed back off the line by lesser opponents. Must improve his playing strength and often grabs on to defenders for dear life.
Analysis: Foley possesses solid size and growth potential but must get stronger to have any shot of making the first round of cuts this summer.
2021 NFL Draft | FCS Scouting Reports: Idaho
Charles Akanno NFL Draft Scouting Report | Linebacker
Positives: Tough, hard-working linebacker with marginal physical skills. Breaks down well, plays hard, and is rarely off his feet. Displays good change-of-direction skills with the ability to immediately alter his angle of attack. Strong, gives effort defending the run, and plays with balance as well as body control.
Negatives: Possesses average quickness and speed, and shows limited burst. Slow transitioning off the line with running backs in coverage.
Analysis: Akanno is an effort player with middle linebacker size, but he has limited upside. His inability to make plays in reverse pigeonholes him as a two-down defender.
Christian Elliss NFL Draft Scouting Report | Linebacker
Positives: Smallish run-and-chase linebacker who sells out to make plays. Immediately reads and diagnoses plays, quickly locates the ball, and shows resilience. Fires upfield defending the run, sells out to make the tackle, and wraps up tackling. Smooth pedaling in reverse, gets depth on pass drops, and flies around the field. Keeps his head on a swivel and shows great awareness. Effectively quarterbacks the defense.
Negatives: Easily knocked from his angle of attack by the first block and gets caught up in the trash. Not a strong tackler. Plays a bit out of control on occasion.
Analysis: Elliss was a productive small-school linebacker who gets the most from his ability and offers possibilities as a nickel defender/special-teams player.
Dareon Nash NFL Draft Scouting Report | Cornerback
Positives: Underrated cornerback who transferred from Montana but did not play football in 2020. Stays with assignments, displays a terrific head for the ball, and explodes to the action out of his plant. Fires up the field, gives effort defending the run, and wraps up tackling.
Negatives: Prefers to side shuffle downfield. Must improve his open-field tackling. Has a very limited body of work at the college level.
Analysis: Nash possesses terrific size and flashed skill at Montana in 2019. He’s a developmental prospect who should get practice-squad consideration if he does not return to college this fall.
2021 NFL Draft | FCS Scouting Reports: Idaho State
Nelson Fuiava NFL Draft Scouting Report | Defensive Line
Positives: Nice-sized defensive line prospect who flashes athleticism and ability. Breaks down well, effectively uses his hands, and knocks blockers back with terrific punch. Rarely off his feet, works hard to get involved in the action, and plays off blocks getting to the ball handler. Displays a closing burst of speed, nicely redirects to the action, and gives effort against the run.
Negatives: Possesses average quickness and an average first step off the snap. Does not play with a sense of urgency. Poor pass rusher.
Analysis: Fuiava comes with desired next-level measurables but only occasionally plays to them. He offers possibilities in a variety of defensive schemes but really must elevate his game.
Tanner Conner NFL Draft Scouting Report | Wide Receiver
Positives: Game-controlling receiver who cannot be stopped. Quickly releases off the line into pass routes, shows great football intellect, and consistently finds ways to come free. Possesses tremendous focus and concentration, easily adjusts to the errant throw, and makes the reception in stride. Gets up in a crowd, tracks the pass in the air, and wins out in battles. Exposes himself to the big hit yet comes away with the difficult reception. Consistently extends and snatches the ball away from his frame.
Negatives: Plays to one speed and lacks burst. Cannot run to the deep throw. Average run-after-the-catch skill.
Analysis: Conner is a prototypical possession wideout with the size and hands to make a roster at the next level.
2021 NFL Draft | FCS Scouting Reports: Illinois State
Brady Davis NFL Draft Scouting Report | Quarterback
Positives: Nice-sized passer who effectively commands and controls the offense. Remains poised under the rush, knows where receivers are on the field, and buys as much time as necessary. Keeps his eyes downfield, eludes defenders, and takes off upfield when necessary. Goes through progressions and throws a catchable ball. Very effective with corner and fade patterns.
Negatives: Lacks a big-time arm. Late delivering throws.
Analysis: Davis was an efficient small-school quarterback who lacks great physical skills but shows enough wherewithal to be kept on a practice squad this fall.
For information on Illinois State safety Christian Uphoff, check out his 2021 NFL Draft Profile.
For information on Illinois State offensive lineman Drew Himmelman, check out his 2021 NFL Draft Profile.
2021 NFL Draft | FCS Scouting Reports: Jacksonville State
For information on Jacksonville State tight end Trae Barry, check out his 2021 NFL Draft Profile.