April 8, 2025 • 25 mins
In the sixth episode of "Bending the Edge with Beef and Lettuce," Ryan Coyle and Nick McClay look at the defensive backs ahead of the #NFLDraft.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Number one on your car radio preset hand, the new
and improved Diehard Radio wd AS and WD two seven
three D Philadelphia is Fox Sports Radio The Gambler. Well everyone,
(00:23):
and welcome.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
Back on Fox four Moors Ron and Toyle drawing.
Speaker 1 (00:27):
Alongside Draft guru Nick McLay.
Speaker 3 (00:31):
March Madness is behind us, Nick, NFL Draft is sneaking
up on us. We said, over these next couple of weeks,
we're gonna do two episodes a week and just trying
to get as much draft talk in in thirty minute
increments as we come over these next few weeks. Our
last position group to break down today, of all the
ones that we've touched on thus far, this one's a
defensive back. It's gonna be breaking down some corners, some safeties,
(00:53):
and some jack of all trades type of players. And
I was thinking about this today kind of leading up
to the episode.
Speaker 1 (00:58):
I mean, we saw first.
Speaker 3 (00:59):
Hand with the Eagles last season with Cooper Degene and
Quinnyon Mitchell. These dbs are getting thrown right into the
fire and having the play right away and contribute right away.
And those two guys were, you know, all pro level players.
I think is not an exaggeration in their first year
and looking at the list of defensive backs this year,
there's like three corners that I think are probably legit
(01:21):
top fifteen, top.
Speaker 1 (01:22):
Twenty picks, some safeties in there.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
We got a lot of high level defensive backs in
this draft as well, So looking forward to getting into
this breakdown.
Speaker 1 (01:30):
But Nick, overall kind of big picture thoughts on this
dB group.
Speaker 4 (01:35):
Yeah, As I kind of kept watching all these defensive back, safeties, corners,
whatever they may be, hybrid type of guys, I've learned
that this is like a lot deeper class than I
kind of felt. There's a lot of players, Like you said,
there's at least three that are top fifteen talents at least,
maybe even some sneak in the back end of the
(01:55):
first round. But I think there's a lot of value
here in this defensive I think there's a lot of guys,
like you said already, like you just throw him into
the fire, and I think there are a lot of
guys in this class that could could succeed in that.
And there were definitely a couple of guys that are
more developmental pieces. But still I think there's a lot
This is a very top heavy class, but at the same.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
Time you can get some value down the board.
Speaker 3 (02:20):
Yeah, and when when he kind of starts at the
top as well. I'm not saying a polarizing player, but
maybe the headliner just of the entire draft with with
Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. Is he a full time corner?
Is he a full time receiver? I think we're definitely
leaning into the direction of corner. Maybe play some receiver.
He was saying there the other day he could play
(02:40):
one hundred percent of the snaps at both We talked
about it back at the receiver spot. But just kind
of give your thoughts on him as a corner, and
then also the show heo tany potential role of him
actually playing both sides of the ball, and what do
you still make of that and the potential of that.
Speaker 4 (02:56):
Yeah, I mean I personally see him more of a corner,
but still with his athletic ability, I would not it
would not shock if he can play both sides of
the ball. I think what I would do is probably
keep him one hundred per on defense and if you
need him in a you know, fifteen to twenty plays
on offense, throw him in some gadget plays. I like that,
(03:18):
but you know, he's someone that if you know your
team needs to sparkle on offense, go send him out
there and it won't hurt you. He's that athletic, he's
that talented, he's got the you know, I approved it
this year being a two way player and being the heisman. So,
I mean, he's he's talented on both sides. He's an
elite athlete. Personal, he's just going to be a playmaker,
(03:39):
playmaker wherever he goes, wherever he plays. I mean in
press coverage last season, he only allowed ten catches on
twenty three targets, allowed no touchdowns. I mean, he proved
that he can play both sides of the ball, AP
Player of the Year and Derrik Award winner, Belinda Cuff winner.
Speaker 2 (03:58):
He can do it all.
Speaker 4 (03:58):
He's got the accolades, he's at the resume, So yeah,
I wouldn't be surprised if he plays both sides.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
Yeah, I think we're we're kind of looking more.
Speaker 3 (04:07):
You know, i'd say ninety percent chance that he's a
full time corner. And then, as you're saying, kind of
gets thrown in there. But we talked about it for
the Receiver episode. It was just like you're telling me
they're gonna see the ball in his hands at one
time at practice, and the offensive coordinator is not gonna
go over and be saying, you know, let's get him
some snaps and get him some touches, And it's sounding
more and more schefter saying like he's going to be
(04:29):
going to the Browns. Interesting kind of pairing there, I thought,
But Abdol Carter maybe more, especially with resigning Miles Garrett,
make those two guys line up because they still.
Speaker 1 (04:40):
Have greg Ward or not greg Ward.
Speaker 3 (04:43):
Denzel Wards and Newsome as well, So I think that's
kind of I guess Newsom is probably coming up on
a payday potentially, so put Travis Hunter in there.
Speaker 1 (04:51):
But gonna be interesting to see. That's definitely gonna be.
Speaker 3 (04:55):
You know, whether we like it or not, one of
the main talking points of the entire drafting, even the
entire offseason. It's going to be like a training camp
live and he gets a couple of snaps at on
the offensive side that some of the reporters seeing and
it gets pulling out of proportion. But I think we
definitely see him more of that corner full time and
touching the ball a little bit on the offensive end.
(05:16):
Who knows, maybe even playing at the summer return spots
as well.
Speaker 1 (05:20):
Just get the ball in his hands, but.
Speaker 3 (05:22):
Going to be a really cool and interesting career kind
of to follow. The number two I think consensus corner
and a guy that was top five really the whole year.
I think in terms of NFL draft prospects for this draft,
Will Johnson out of Michigan a bigger corner at six
to two, two hundred pounds. I think he's got a
little bit more on his frame than Travis Hunter. Going
to him and what you saw to him, especially competing
(05:44):
against some of those top caliber receivers at Ohio State
in the Big Ten.
Speaker 4 (05:48):
Yeah, he's like a very high floor, high upside corner.
Obviously a lot of potential. We saw it in the
twenty twenty three film. He was unbelievable in that twenty
twenty three season. Obviously national champion, he was MVP of
that ninety game two. He checks literally every single box
that you look for in the defensive back with the size,
the frame, the demeanor of the play style. He's very smooth,
(06:13):
good speed too. He won't blow you away with a speed,
but he's got, you know, adequate speed that you won't
you know, it won't harm him in stixual players got
nine picks. I think in the last two seeds three seasons.
I mean, he's a ball howk he can go all
over first team All Big Ten, first Team All American.
Since twenty twenty three, he's had four hundred and seventy
(06:33):
eight coverage snaps, six picks, no touchdowns allowed. So production's
there and it's shown throughout all his career. I think
he should he shouldn't slide out of the top twenty
in this In this draft, I have him mocked. I
think thirteen I had him going to the Dolphins. So
I think I think he's a top fifteen player in
this class and that he may be even a top
(06:54):
ten talent.
Speaker 2 (06:55):
But I think he'll be a very.
Speaker 4 (06:56):
Productive corner even a lockdown at cornerback one in the future.
Speaker 3 (07:01):
Yeah, and something too that's kind of changed, you know,
in terms of I think, like I was saying at
the beginning with seeing Cooper and quinnyon just this year,
it's like I feel like it used to be outside
of quarterback, like corner was the hardest position to kind
of come into the league and.
Speaker 1 (07:18):
Adjust to right away.
Speaker 3 (07:20):
And now we're seeing, you know, potential, like you're saying
Will Johnson maybe going top ten, and it doesn't sound
like Travis will slip past five at the furthest two
potential top ten corners. There, pressure is going to be
on these guys day one to deliver you know, Ward
being on the other side of Ward, being on the
other side of Travis Hunter out there in Cleveland potentially
makes it a little bit easier for Hunter, But I
(07:41):
think Johnson might kind of get thrown into the fire
right away and be counted on as a number one corner.
Speaker 1 (07:46):
So pressures are going to be on these guys.
Speaker 3 (07:48):
The tape matches the production though for a lot of them,
and I don't think we should have much reason to
believe that these guys are going to struggle at the
next level. But you know, the draft's not a not
a perfect science, and that's what we've seen. This player
is something that I wanted to talk to you specifically about.
Matt Miller from ESPN Suite at this earlier he said
he's got Malachi Starks Safety out of Georgia as a
(08:10):
top fifty player.
Speaker 1 (08:12):
Scout that he.
Speaker 3 (08:12):
Talked to had a fourth round great on him and
it goes back to our I think our general discussion
of this entire draft.
Speaker 1 (08:18):
It's like, what is your preference?
Speaker 3 (08:20):
What is like? What do you like? There's no real
consensus in this draft. It's kind of all over the place,
and that's going to make it even crazier. Like I
think these mock drafts, this here might be as inaccurate
as we've ever seen, just because what one person believes
in this draft is could be completely different someone else
from someone else's. Malachi Starks as a name that you
know watching Georgia's defense, he's got that was all over
(08:42):
the field. I don't know why people are saying that
he might not have a great NFL career. I think
the track record of these Georgia guys is showing up
more and more to kind of take the player on
the really good, the really strong defense, and it seems
to work out.
Speaker 1 (08:58):
Give me your thoughts on Malachi Starts and why I.
Speaker 3 (09:00):
Think some people, I feel like more people than not
are kind of sleeping on this guy.
Speaker 2 (09:04):
Yeah, I'm with you.
Speaker 4 (09:05):
If you have a Georgia, you have that G on
your helmet, I think it's a safe pick on defense.
He's one of those guys that just does everything very well,
extremely well rounded, high floor, ice ceiling. Again, he's very smart,
great playwreck. I'm going to Georgia, you kind of got
to be you. That's just kind of built into you.
It's built into that system. He can run with any receiver.
(09:27):
He matches up well with tight ends too. I think
he'll be a very good safety. I got a first
round great on him into the first round. I kind
of think I think him and Iman Wurri, Like you said,
it's kind of pick your poison, whatever you kind of
prefer in your system. I think Starks as a guy
that will be a leader on the defensive side of
the ball. Coming from a team like Georgia, they breed leaders.
(09:47):
I think he's great athlete and like I said, I
think we're on the same page as he's a first
round talented I think will make a difference in the NFL.
Speaker 3 (09:57):
Yeah, I like his versatility and as you're saying, like
sometimes they talk about when we were talking about like
Mike Green from a North Texas is it yeah, it's
like Marshall, Yeah, excuse me, I new it was the
green color, but the like scouting the helmet, like how
do you value that I think he kind of just
(10:18):
throw that out the water when the g's on it, like,
I'm just gonna trust the track record and the history.
Maybe the offensive side of the ball, you know, a
little bit different of a story, but the defense of
like the hit rate, We've seen it in Philadelphia alone.
It's just it's just insane, and these guys are just
ready for day one to go and compete at the
next level. And Malchi starts a guy not scared at all.
(10:39):
I love the comparison there. Brian Branch and Brian Branch
kind of was in the same regard, Like dude was
a beast at Alabama, did nothing but produce, was a
little slow.
Speaker 1 (10:48):
I think that was kind of the knock on him.
Maybe his forty time wasn't as great.
Speaker 3 (10:51):
He calls him to fall, but he was one of
the best defensive players in the entire NFL this year
for the Lions, and we saw the Lions defense get
estimated with injuries, but when they were fully healthy, that
dude was a beast and maybe even the best safety
in the league at times this year. So I think
sometimes with the draft people just overthink it manages these
guys have proven the play and dominate at.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
The SEC level.
Speaker 3 (11:13):
Another guy that I want to talk about next, John A.
Barron out of Texas corner. I have seen some like
corner slash safety. Maybe one of those kind of chess
pieces on the defensive end.
Speaker 1 (11:23):
What are your thoughts on him?
Speaker 3 (11:25):
Do you see him strictly as a corner or kind
of a guy that can play all over the defensive backfield.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
I think he can play all over.
Speaker 4 (11:32):
I don't think he'll stick to one I think he's
too good to just stick him in one spot and
not you know, be able to run the field like
he did all at Texas. I mean, he's physical enough
to play in the box. He's great at tackling. He's
not afraid to get his nose dirty in the rung game.
He's very smart too. He's instinctual, play recks great. He's
(11:53):
not the quickest guy, but he makes it up with
the physicality. He was consensus All American this year, first
team a SEC. He's just one of those physical types
of defensive backs that you kind of won on your
team that you know he's not going to be afraid.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
To get his head cracked, you know, in the middle
of the box.
Speaker 4 (12:10):
He can play inside he can make tackles, He's not
afraid to go up to the line of scrimmage. He
had eleven pass breakups season led Texas had five picks
for the resident or the productions there resumes there. He
kind of reminds me of like a Devin Witherspoon with
the physicality.
Speaker 2 (12:26):
So I like that.
Speaker 4 (12:27):
You know, I would love a player like Jday Baron
on my team. I have him going top twenty. I
think he follows maybe to like the Bucks in the
nineteen twenty range.
Speaker 2 (12:36):
I wouldn't be surprised if he goes even earlier than that.
Speaker 4 (12:39):
So I'm a big fan of him. I think in
the right fit, he could be an immediate impact. Like
you said, throwing these guys in the fire. He's someone
that I could see being thrown in the fire and succeeding.
Speaker 3 (12:49):
All Right, next guy I want to talk on, similar
to Malachi Starks, Xavier Wats the safety out of Notre Dame,
an other player. It's like, all Right was on one
of the best teams in the country this year, went
to the National title game. Could probably make the argument
the best player on that defense. I mean, I've seen
his name kind of slandered a little bit. I thought
he was definitely a first round player. Watching him this year,
(13:09):
is he still in that first round mix? I feel
like I've seen him more kind of projected in the
second round mix. And when it comes to Xavier Watts
and Malachi Starks, who are you preferring because it seems
like those are the top.
Speaker 1 (13:20):
Two safeties on most people's boards.
Speaker 2 (13:23):
Yeah, like you.
Speaker 4 (13:24):
Said, he's kind of sliding down boards. And I think
the last couple of years, I mean we've saw it
with Kyle Hamilton slide to twelve or eleven. I think
it was twelve, we saw Branch slide down. I mean,
these teams don't really value safety that much, and I
don't really understand why because both those players are key
guys on key defenses.
Speaker 2 (13:42):
So I think both of these are I think at.
Speaker 4 (13:45):
Least three of these safeties could be first round picks,
and Starks, Watts, and Eman Warri. So personally, I think
I would go Starks one. I think I have Eman
Worri over Watts. I'd go Eman Worry two, then Watts three.
But three of those guys can be impact players immediately.
I mean Watson's production has in seeing the last two seasons,
(14:06):
I think thirteen picks in his four year career. He's
been the only player is to be All Americans both
twenty twenty three and twenty twenty four, him and Travis Hunter.
So that's just you know, he's in a great competition
right there, very instinctual. He reacts very well, great playwreck,
smart guy on a very you know, you gotta be
(14:28):
smart to be on a Notre Dame defense. So I
think he's one of those guys that will be productive
at the next level given his production in the college level.
Speaker 3 (14:38):
All right, let's go to a corner that probably for
people that are just kind of getting to the draft
discussion now, probably haven't heard of much this year towards
ACL so he missed a lot of the season, if
not all of it. I believe Shavon Revel Junior out
of East Carolina another corner here. Coming into the year,
(14:58):
I knew he had a lot of bas potentially sneaking
up into kind of that first upper half of the
first round. Is this still a guy that you're projecting
looking at a first round pick and another player where
it's like, all right, East Carolina, are we kind of
throwing the helmet out the window and just valuing what we've.
Speaker 1 (15:14):
Seen on tape from this guy, like Lene and Mitchell
sort of.
Speaker 4 (15:17):
Yeah, I've been seeing him kind of slide out of
the first round, maybe early second round. But I with
his frame and his tools, his traits, like, I wouldn't
be surprised if if a scouter GM sees what he
has and sees the potential and takes him at the
end of the first round. He's one of those long,
physical corners that could move. He's might be one of
the faster guys in this class. Even though he did
(15:40):
tarse c On only played I think three games this season,
but I mean in fifteen starts he had three picks
only allow of forty two percent completion rate allowed against him,
so and a fifty nine picks A rating. So I
think he's he's got the production. He's he's like you said,
with the ECU on the helmet. It's gonna be tough
to see that and compare it to other, you know,
(16:03):
high level schools, but I think he could be productive.
I think the injury is going to be the main
knock on him. This is going to be a guy
that can kind of more develop. You can draft him
maybe you don't throw him in right away. Let the
other guys were talking about he's a guy you kind
of put in your system, work his way up and
get more comfortable with his body, get more control over
the system. So I think down the road he could
(16:24):
be a very impactful player, but I don't know right away.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
All Right, here's a guy that I kind of had,
at least I thought coming into the year in that
mix with like Will Johnson as potentially the top corner.
Travis Hunter obviously played himself into that discussion as well,
but Benjamin Morris and another guy out of Notre Dame
missed a lot of the season last year, basically most
of it, but saw his name a lot today in
the news. Chefter tweeted this six hours ago. Missed much
(16:53):
of the season last year due to a hip labor
and repair and didn't participate in the Combine or Notre
Dame's pro day. But he will be doing your positional
workout for teams on Monday, April twenty first at his
high school in Arizona. So it sounds like he's getting
ready to come back. And I know a lot of
guys have really liked his twenty twenty three tape just
kind of fucked the injury bug this year. Obviously missed
(17:14):
most of the season with that injury. What are your
thoughts on him? Why isn't he being discussed more kind
of towards the top and are there kind of just
long term injury concerns because I believe coming into the
year he was viewers viewed as like a top ten
consensus pick.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
Yeah, it's got to be the injuries.
Speaker 4 (17:30):
I mean, if he can stay on the field, he's
got to be a first round pick. I think he's
bringing He's just does everything right. His fundamentals is his physicality,
is smart as IQ and he's not afraid to tackle either.
Speaker 2 (17:42):
Who'll go in there and get thirty I think.
Speaker 4 (17:46):
I mean he was a freshman All American and a
preseason All American in twenty twenty three and twenty twenty four,
So he's got the mix of you know, size, versatility,
the high IQ to be a very good corner at
the next level, which the injuries are gonna are gonna
nag in him. So I think he's got the ball skills,
he's got the intelligence to be that guy. Maybe, like
(18:09):
you said about Revel, if he can develop into a
good corner. I can see that, but I don't know
right away with the injuries. If they're saying if at
Chefter's saying that he's running before the draft, that's good.
That means he's probably ready by by OTA. So I
think he can be.
Speaker 2 (18:29):
I just don't know right away. That's that's pretty much
my take on more soon.
Speaker 4 (18:33):
All right.
Speaker 1 (18:34):
Here's a guy that I've seen his name.
Speaker 3 (18:35):
I wasn't that familiar with his game coming out of
the season. I didn't really hear his name much, but
he lit up the combine ran a four four point
two eight. I think that was one of, if not
the best times for a dB. Maxwell Harrison out of
Kentucky a little bit of a smaller corner five to eleven,
one eighty three. Give me a breakdown on him. Is
he a guy at that size? Is he gonna be
(18:57):
playing inside or do you think he can play outside
as well?
Speaker 4 (19:02):
I think he'll probably play outside from what he's played before,
I mean since the com or since the season then,
and he's only his stock has only Risen ran a
four to two eight and a one to five oh
ten yards foot which was first and second at the combine.
So I think teams are going to see that, see
those straights, see the tools, and say I want him
(19:22):
in my locker room. I wouldn't be surprised if he
goes into the end of the first round, seats in
the end the first round. I haven't seen a couple
of months have that. He was two times second team
All a SEC this year and last year. Had five
picks last year, which was six in the country, and
took two of them back to the house. So he's athletic,
he knows what to do once he does get the ball.
(19:42):
Missed just eight percent of his tackles in twenty twenty
three to two. Missed a couple of games this year
with some injury, but overall, I think he's He does
have the instincts, he has the length, He's got the
frame to grow into it. I think he'll be a
good starting corner. Maybe not right away, but I think
it could be earlier than we all expect. I think
he could be be a good, impactful, play making corner
(20:03):
at the next level.
Speaker 3 (20:05):
Yeah, I mean everything you kind of just said about
him there, it's like, why wouldn't you want him?
Speaker 1 (20:09):
He's one of the faster corners in this draft. He
takes the ball away.
Speaker 3 (20:12):
He has good skills with the ball when he gets it,
and he tackles, he's willing to tackle. Maybe, like you said,
miss some games due to injury that that could be attributed.
Speaker 1 (20:22):
To the size as well.
Speaker 3 (20:23):
But this sounds like a player that you know, if
you're able to get him with your second round pick
and another guy like you were saying, with the ball
in his hands, he's shown the ability to succeed there.
Get him potentially in the return game, whether it's kick return,
part return, get him on the field somehow as well.
He's got the speed. It's a lot of these things
are just kind of like what are we what are
we doing?
Speaker 1 (20:43):
Guys? Are we just kind of overthinking this as well?
Speaker 3 (20:46):
But I guess last kind of thing I'd throw at
you and that kind of went just a big picture
the sleeper pick, sleeper corner dB out of this draft
that you think, you know, might go round three or something,
but you could see and a starter potentially as soon
as this upcoming season.
Speaker 4 (21:04):
I got a stick with my guys over at I
always stayed I'm going Darian Porter absolutely love him, man.
Speaker 2 (21:10):
He is a freak.
Speaker 4 (21:11):
Reminds me of Tarik Wall and me and Mark Henry
are talking about that.
Speaker 2 (21:15):
But Darian Porter is unbelievable.
Speaker 4 (21:17):
He's only been gaining, you know, stock, his stock since
the end of the season. He dominated the combine. Ran
a four three forty which was second at six three
one ninety five, had a one four nine ten yard split,
which was tied first at the combine at A player
with his size running like that is insane. He's got
the he's fluid, he's got the traits that you look for,
(21:39):
checks all the boxes. The only thing is he's a
six year senior with only one year of starting experience,
so he doesn't really have that you know, that much film,
that much tape. He can definitely improve in man coverage.
He's more of that zone guy that can kind of
run with you if you if you run along with him,
he doesn't really get beat and if he does, he's got.
Speaker 2 (21:58):
Great recovery speed.
Speaker 4 (22:00):
Overall, I think he's got the tools, he's got the
traits to develop into a nice cornerback two, maybe cornerback
three on the inside is that's where you want to
play him. But he's got the size, he's got the length,
he's got the traits that you know, I think can
be a very developmental piece into a solid cornerback at
the next level.
Speaker 3 (22:21):
All right, and last piece here kind of big picture wise,
on the defensive side of the ball. If we're going
to break this down into you know, interior defensive linemen,
edge rushers, linebackers, dbs, give me your positional ranking kind
of one through four there for this draft and wear
these dps sack up because I think I'm almost as high.
(22:41):
I'm much more higher on the defensive side of the ball,
I think than the offensive side of the ball. In
this draft, I'd probably go interior line, the dbs, the
edge rushers, and then the linebackers.
Speaker 1 (22:53):
Is it crazy to go with that order?
Speaker 2 (22:55):
No, I think I'm going edg rushers.
Speaker 4 (22:57):
One.
Speaker 2 (22:58):
I love ED the ED rushers in this I think
they're all going to be impactful.
Speaker 4 (23:01):
I don't know right away, but I think they're all
athletic and that we've got one of the more athletic
defensive line groups, edge rushers and defensive tackles that I
think we've seen in years. These guys are huge and
moving it, you know, like insant, like their combines are crazy.
I know that's you don't just look at a combine
and you say, oh, he's going to be a good player.
But the athletic ability of the players of these size
(23:22):
is crazy. But if I had to line them up
or rank these the positional groups, I think I'd go
edg rusher the tackle, corner, safety, or a linebacker. I
think linebacker. There's really only a couple that pop out
at me. Jalen Walker, whatever you listened to it can
play on ball off ball. Seod Campbell as well could
(23:43):
play on ball off ball. But like the middle linebackers,
you only have Carson Sweestionis or Demetrious light Like. You
won't have that many pure middle linebackers of this class.
I do like the cornerback class a lot more than
I thought I did going in coming into this episode.
But after watching the film, there's a couple of guys
down the board. Duran Strong from Virginia Tech. He's it
(24:06):
will be a good maybe day three pick. I think
Quincy Riley could be a good pick. Ez of Right
Thomas from Florida State. There's could be good good guys
down the board.
Speaker 2 (24:16):
Safety.
Speaker 4 (24:16):
I'm very high on Emay Moorey. I know another guy
that dominated the combine. But He also just checks all
the boxes. He doesn't miss tackles. He's physical, he can
play in in the box, he can play over the top.
I think he's someone that you get in the system,
you get you know, developed to what you want to
grow on the defensive side of the ball. He's someone
that can immediately impact the defense.
Speaker 3 (24:39):
Yeah, I'm excited about this group with the Eagles too.
I think showed the willingness to take some chances on
these young dbs last year.
Speaker 1 (24:47):
It panned out.
Speaker 3 (24:48):
Why not do it again, especially when you lost you know,
guys like Sligh, you go lost guys like Rogers, CJGJ.
Who knows how much longer, Reid, Blank and Ship kind
of in the mix.
Speaker 1 (24:58):
I could definitely see him targeting a guy here at
the end of the first round.
Speaker 3 (25:01):
But that'll do it for our defensive back preview. We'll
be back Wednesday, so record this Tuesday. We'll be back Wednesday.
I think we're gonna hit some mock draft action tomorrow
night and continue to hit on this. We just got
under a little under two and a half weeks or so,
three weeks to the told Draft, so we're almost here.
As always, everyone to keep it locked here on Fox
(25:22):
Sports The Gambler, and we'll be talking to you shortly
Number one on your car radio preset hand, the new
and improved Diehard Radio wd AS and WD two seven
three D Philadelphia is Fox Sports Radio The Gambler. Well everyone,
(00:23):
and welcome.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
Back on Fox four Moors Ron and Toyle drawing.
Speaker 1 (00:27):
Alongside Draft guru Nick McLay.
Speaker 3 (00:31):
March Madness is behind us, Nick, NFL Draft is sneaking
up on us. We said, over these next couple of weeks,
we're gonna do two episodes a week and just trying
to get as much draft talk in in thirty minute
increments as we come over these next few weeks. Our
last position group to break down today, of all the
ones that we've touched on thus far, this one's a
defensive back. It's gonna be breaking down some corners, some safeties,
(00:53):
and some jack of all trades type of players. And
I was thinking about this today kind of leading up
to the episode.
Speaker 1 (00:58):
I mean, we saw first.
Speaker 3 (00:59):
Hand with the Eagles last season with Cooper Degene and
Quinnyon Mitchell. These dbs are getting thrown right into the
fire and having the play right away and contribute right away.
And those two guys were, you know, all pro level players.
I think is not an exaggeration in their first year
and looking at the list of defensive backs this year,
there's like three corners that I think are probably legit
(01:21):
top fifteen, top.
Speaker 1 (01:22):
Twenty picks, some safeties in there.
Speaker 3 (01:24):
We got a lot of high level defensive backs in
this draft as well, So looking forward to getting into
this breakdown.
Speaker 1 (01:30):
But Nick, overall kind of big picture thoughts on this
dB group.
Speaker 4 (01:35):
Yeah, As I kind of kept watching all these defensive back, safeties, corners,
whatever they may be, hybrid type of guys, I've learned
that this is like a lot deeper class than I
kind of felt. There's a lot of players, Like you said,
there's at least three that are top fifteen talents at least,
maybe even some sneak in the back end of the
(01:55):
first round. But I think there's a lot of value
here in this defensive I think there's a lot of guys,
like you said already, like you just throw him into
the fire, and I think there are a lot of
guys in this class that could could succeed in that.
And there were definitely a couple of guys that are
more developmental pieces. But still I think there's a lot
This is a very top heavy class, but at the same.
Speaker 2 (02:16):
Time you can get some value down the board.
Speaker 3 (02:20):
Yeah, and when when he kind of starts at the
top as well. I'm not saying a polarizing player, but
maybe the headliner just of the entire draft with with
Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. Is he a full time corner?
Is he a full time receiver? I think we're definitely
leaning into the direction of corner. Maybe play some receiver.
He was saying there the other day he could play
(02:40):
one hundred percent of the snaps at both We talked
about it back at the receiver spot. But just kind
of give your thoughts on him as a corner, and
then also the show heo tany potential role of him
actually playing both sides of the ball, and what do
you still make of that and the potential of that.
Speaker 4 (02:56):
Yeah, I mean I personally see him more of a corner,
but still with his athletic ability, I would not it
would not shock if he can play both sides of
the ball. I think what I would do is probably
keep him one hundred per on defense and if you
need him in a you know, fifteen to twenty plays
on offense, throw him in some gadget plays. I like that,
(03:18):
but you know, he's someone that if you know your
team needs to sparkle on offense, go send him out
there and it won't hurt you. He's that athletic, he's
that talented, he's got the you know, I approved it
this year being a two way player and being the heisman. So,
I mean, he's he's talented on both sides. He's an
elite athlete. Personal, he's just going to be a playmaker,
(03:39):
playmaker wherever he goes, wherever he plays. I mean in
press coverage last season, he only allowed ten catches on
twenty three targets, allowed no touchdowns. I mean, he proved
that he can play both sides of the ball, AP
Player of the Year and Derrik Award winner, Belinda Cuff winner.
Speaker 2 (03:58):
He can do it all.
Speaker 4 (03:58):
He's got the accolades, he's at the resume, So yeah,
I wouldn't be surprised if he plays both sides.
Speaker 1 (04:05):
Yeah, I think we're we're kind of looking more.
Speaker 3 (04:07):
You know, i'd say ninety percent chance that he's a
full time corner. And then, as you're saying, kind of
gets thrown in there. But we talked about it for
the Receiver episode. It was just like you're telling me
they're gonna see the ball in his hands at one
time at practice, and the offensive coordinator is not gonna
go over and be saying, you know, let's get him
some snaps and get him some touches, And it's sounding
more and more schefter saying like he's going to be
(04:29):
going to the Browns. Interesting kind of pairing there, I thought,
But Abdol Carter maybe more, especially with resigning Miles Garrett,
make those two guys line up because they still.
Speaker 1 (04:40):
Have greg Ward or not greg Ward.
Speaker 3 (04:43):
Denzel Wards and Newsome as well, So I think that's
kind of I guess Newsom is probably coming up on
a payday potentially, so put Travis Hunter in there.
Speaker 1 (04:51):
But gonna be interesting to see. That's definitely gonna be.
Speaker 3 (04:55):
You know, whether we like it or not, one of
the main talking points of the entire drafting, even the
entire offseason. It's going to be like a training camp
live and he gets a couple of snaps at on
the offensive side that some of the reporters seeing and
it gets pulling out of proportion. But I think we
definitely see him more of that corner full time and
touching the ball a little bit on the offensive end.
(05:16):
Who knows, maybe even playing at the summer return spots
as well.
Speaker 1 (05:20):
Just get the ball in his hands, but.
Speaker 3 (05:22):
Going to be a really cool and interesting career kind
of to follow. The number two I think consensus corner
and a guy that was top five really the whole year.
I think in terms of NFL draft prospects for this draft,
Will Johnson out of Michigan a bigger corner at six
to two, two hundred pounds. I think he's got a
little bit more on his frame than Travis Hunter. Going
to him and what you saw to him, especially competing
(05:44):
against some of those top caliber receivers at Ohio State
in the Big Ten.
Speaker 4 (05:48):
Yeah, he's like a very high floor, high upside corner.
Obviously a lot of potential. We saw it in the
twenty twenty three film. He was unbelievable in that twenty
twenty three season. Obviously national champion, he was MVP of
that ninety game two. He checks literally every single box
that you look for in the defensive back with the size,
the frame, the demeanor of the play style. He's very smooth,
(06:13):
good speed too. He won't blow you away with a speed,
but he's got, you know, adequate speed that you won't
you know, it won't harm him in stixual players got
nine picks. I think in the last two seeds three seasons.
I mean, he's a ball howk he can go all
over first team All Big Ten, first Team All American.
Since twenty twenty three, he's had four hundred and seventy
(06:33):
eight coverage snaps, six picks, no touchdowns allowed. So production's
there and it's shown throughout all his career. I think
he should he shouldn't slide out of the top twenty
in this In this draft, I have him mocked. I
think thirteen I had him going to the Dolphins. So
I think I think he's a top fifteen player in
this class and that he may be even a top
(06:54):
ten talent.
Speaker 2 (06:55):
But I think he'll be a very.
Speaker 4 (06:56):
Productive corner even a lockdown at cornerback one in the future.
Speaker 3 (07:01):
Yeah, and something too that's kind of changed, you know,
in terms of I think, like I was saying at
the beginning with seeing Cooper and quinnyon just this year,
it's like I feel like it used to be outside
of quarterback, like corner was the hardest position to kind
of come into the league and.
Speaker 1 (07:18):
Adjust to right away.
Speaker 3 (07:20):
And now we're seeing, you know, potential, like you're saying
Will Johnson maybe going top ten, and it doesn't sound
like Travis will slip past five at the furthest two
potential top ten corners. There, pressure is going to be
on these guys day one to deliver you know, Ward
being on the other side of Ward, being on the
other side of Travis Hunter out there in Cleveland potentially
makes it a little bit easier for Hunter, But I
(07:41):
think Johnson might kind of get thrown into the fire
right away and be counted on as a number one corner.
Speaker 1 (07:46):
So pressures are going to be on these guys.
Speaker 3 (07:48):
The tape matches the production though for a lot of them,
and I don't think we should have much reason to
believe that these guys are going to struggle at the
next level. But you know, the draft's not a not
a perfect science, and that's what we've seen. This player
is something that I wanted to talk to you specifically about.
Matt Miller from ESPN Suite at this earlier he said
he's got Malachi Starks Safety out of Georgia as a
(08:10):
top fifty player.
Speaker 1 (08:12):
Scout that he.
Speaker 3 (08:12):
Talked to had a fourth round great on him and
it goes back to our I think our general discussion
of this entire draft.
Speaker 1 (08:18):
It's like, what is your preference?
Speaker 3 (08:20):
What is like? What do you like? There's no real
consensus in this draft. It's kind of all over the place,
and that's going to make it even crazier. Like I
think these mock drafts, this here might be as inaccurate
as we've ever seen, just because what one person believes
in this draft is could be completely different someone else
from someone else's. Malachi Starks as a name that you
know watching Georgia's defense, he's got that was all over
(08:42):
the field. I don't know why people are saying that
he might not have a great NFL career. I think
the track record of these Georgia guys is showing up
more and more to kind of take the player on
the really good, the really strong defense, and it seems
to work out.
Speaker 1 (08:58):
Give me your thoughts on Malachi Starts and why I.
Speaker 3 (09:00):
Think some people, I feel like more people than not
are kind of sleeping on this guy.
Speaker 2 (09:04):
Yeah, I'm with you.
Speaker 4 (09:05):
If you have a Georgia, you have that G on
your helmet, I think it's a safe pick on defense.
He's one of those guys that just does everything very well,
extremely well rounded, high floor, ice ceiling. Again, he's very smart,
great playwreck. I'm going to Georgia, you kind of got
to be you. That's just kind of built into you.
It's built into that system. He can run with any receiver.
(09:27):
He matches up well with tight ends too. I think
he'll be a very good safety. I got a first
round great on him into the first round. I kind
of think I think him and Iman Wurri, Like you said,
it's kind of pick your poison, whatever you kind of
prefer in your system. I think Starks as a guy
that will be a leader on the defensive side of
the ball. Coming from a team like Georgia, they breed leaders.
(09:47):
I think he's great athlete and like I said, I
think we're on the same page as he's a first
round talented I think will make a difference in the NFL.
Speaker 3 (09:57):
Yeah, I like his versatility and as you're saying, like
sometimes they talk about when we were talking about like
Mike Green from a North Texas is it yeah, it's
like Marshall, Yeah, excuse me, I new it was the
green color, but the like scouting the helmet, like how
do you value that I think he kind of just
(10:18):
throw that out the water when the g's on it, like,
I'm just gonna trust the track record and the history.
Maybe the offensive side of the ball, you know, a
little bit different of a story, but the defense of
like the hit rate, We've seen it in Philadelphia alone.
It's just it's just insane, and these guys are just
ready for day one to go and compete at the
next level. And Malchi starts a guy not scared at all.
(10:39):
I love the comparison there. Brian Branch and Brian Branch
kind of was in the same regard, Like dude was
a beast at Alabama, did nothing but produce, was a
little slow.
Speaker 1 (10:48):
I think that was kind of the knock on him.
Maybe his forty time wasn't as great.
Speaker 3 (10:51):
He calls him to fall, but he was one of
the best defensive players in the entire NFL this year
for the Lions, and we saw the Lions defense get
estimated with injuries, but when they were fully healthy, that
dude was a beast and maybe even the best safety
in the league at times this year. So I think
sometimes with the draft people just overthink it manages these
guys have proven the play and dominate at.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
The SEC level.
Speaker 3 (11:13):
Another guy that I want to talk about next, John A.
Barron out of Texas corner. I have seen some like
corner slash safety. Maybe one of those kind of chess
pieces on the defensive end.
Speaker 1 (11:23):
What are your thoughts on him?
Speaker 3 (11:25):
Do you see him strictly as a corner or kind
of a guy that can play all over the defensive backfield.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
I think he can play all over.
Speaker 4 (11:32):
I don't think he'll stick to one I think he's
too good to just stick him in one spot and
not you know, be able to run the field like
he did all at Texas. I mean, he's physical enough
to play in the box. He's great at tackling. He's
not afraid to get his nose dirty in the rung game.
He's very smart too. He's instinctual, play recks great. He's
(11:53):
not the quickest guy, but he makes it up with
the physicality. He was consensus All American this year, first
team a SEC. He's just one of those physical types
of defensive backs that you kind of won on your
team that you know he's not going to be afraid.
Speaker 2 (12:06):
To get his head cracked, you know, in the middle
of the box.
Speaker 4 (12:10):
He can play inside he can make tackles, He's not
afraid to go up to the line of scrimmage. He
had eleven pass breakups season led Texas had five picks
for the resident or the productions there resumes there. He
kind of reminds me of like a Devin Witherspoon with
the physicality.
Speaker 2 (12:26):
So I like that.
Speaker 4 (12:27):
You know, I would love a player like Jday Baron
on my team. I have him going top twenty. I
think he follows maybe to like the Bucks in the
nineteen twenty range.
Speaker 2 (12:36):
I wouldn't be surprised if he goes even earlier than that.
Speaker 4 (12:39):
So I'm a big fan of him. I think in
the right fit, he could be an immediate impact. Like
you said, throwing these guys in the fire. He's someone
that I could see being thrown in the fire and succeeding.
Speaker 3 (12:49):
All Right, next guy I want to talk on, similar
to Malachi Starks, Xavier Wats the safety out of Notre Dame,
an other player. It's like, all Right was on one
of the best teams in the country this year, went
to the National title game. Could probably make the argument
the best player on that defense. I mean, I've seen
his name kind of slandered a little bit. I thought
he was definitely a first round player. Watching him this year,
(13:09):
is he still in that first round mix? I feel
like I've seen him more kind of projected in the
second round mix. And when it comes to Xavier Watts
and Malachi Starks, who are you preferring because it seems
like those are the top.
Speaker 1 (13:20):
Two safeties on most people's boards.
Speaker 2 (13:23):
Yeah, like you.
Speaker 4 (13:24):
Said, he's kind of sliding down boards. And I think
the last couple of years, I mean we've saw it
with Kyle Hamilton slide to twelve or eleven. I think
it was twelve, we saw Branch slide down. I mean,
these teams don't really value safety that much, and I
don't really understand why because both those players are key
guys on key defenses.
Speaker 2 (13:42):
So I think both of these are I think at.
Speaker 4 (13:45):
Least three of these safeties could be first round picks,
and Starks, Watts, and Eman Warri. So personally, I think
I would go Starks one. I think I have Eman
Worri over Watts. I'd go Eman Worry two, then Watts three.
But three of those guys can be impact players immediately.
I mean Watson's production has in seeing the last two seasons,
(14:06):
I think thirteen picks in his four year career. He's
been the only player is to be All Americans both
twenty twenty three and twenty twenty four, him and Travis Hunter.
So that's just you know, he's in a great competition
right there, very instinctual. He reacts very well, great playwreck,
smart guy on a very you know, you gotta be
(14:28):
smart to be on a Notre Dame defense. So I
think he's one of those guys that will be productive
at the next level given his production in the college level.
Speaker 3 (14:38):
All right, let's go to a corner that probably for
people that are just kind of getting to the draft
discussion now, probably haven't heard of much this year towards
ACL so he missed a lot of the season, if
not all of it. I believe Shavon Revel Junior out
of East Carolina another corner here. Coming into the year,
(14:58):
I knew he had a lot of bas potentially sneaking
up into kind of that first upper half of the
first round. Is this still a guy that you're projecting
looking at a first round pick and another player where
it's like, all right, East Carolina, are we kind of
throwing the helmet out the window and just valuing what we've.
Speaker 1 (15:14):
Seen on tape from this guy, like Lene and Mitchell
sort of.
Speaker 4 (15:17):
Yeah, I've been seeing him kind of slide out of
the first round, maybe early second round. But I with
his frame and his tools, his traits, like, I wouldn't
be surprised if if a scouter GM sees what he
has and sees the potential and takes him at the
end of the first round. He's one of those long,
physical corners that could move. He's might be one of
the faster guys in this class. Even though he did
(15:40):
tarse c On only played I think three games this season,
but I mean in fifteen starts he had three picks
only allow of forty two percent completion rate allowed against him,
so and a fifty nine picks A rating. So I
think he's he's got the production. He's he's like you said,
with the ECU on the helmet. It's gonna be tough
to see that and compare it to other, you know,
(16:03):
high level schools, but I think he could be productive.
I think the injury is going to be the main
knock on him. This is going to be a guy
that can kind of more develop. You can draft him
maybe you don't throw him in right away. Let the
other guys were talking about he's a guy you kind
of put in your system, work his way up and
get more comfortable with his body, get more control over
the system. So I think down the road he could
(16:24):
be a very impactful player, but I don't know right away.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
All Right, here's a guy that I kind of had,
at least I thought coming into the year in that
mix with like Will Johnson as potentially the top corner.
Travis Hunter obviously played himself into that discussion as well,
but Benjamin Morris and another guy out of Notre Dame
missed a lot of the season last year, basically most
of it, but saw his name a lot today in
the news. Chefter tweeted this six hours ago. Missed much
(16:53):
of the season last year due to a hip labor
and repair and didn't participate in the Combine or Notre
Dame's pro day. But he will be doing your positional
workout for teams on Monday, April twenty first at his
high school in Arizona. So it sounds like he's getting
ready to come back. And I know a lot of
guys have really liked his twenty twenty three tape just
kind of fucked the injury bug this year. Obviously missed
(17:14):
most of the season with that injury. What are your
thoughts on him? Why isn't he being discussed more kind
of towards the top and are there kind of just
long term injury concerns because I believe coming into the
year he was viewers viewed as like a top ten
consensus pick.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
Yeah, it's got to be the injuries.
Speaker 4 (17:30):
I mean, if he can stay on the field, he's
got to be a first round pick. I think he's
bringing He's just does everything right. His fundamentals is his physicality,
is smart as IQ and he's not afraid to tackle either.
Speaker 2 (17:42):
Who'll go in there and get thirty I think.
Speaker 4 (17:46):
I mean he was a freshman All American and a
preseason All American in twenty twenty three and twenty twenty four,
So he's got the mix of you know, size, versatility,
the high IQ to be a very good corner at
the next level, which the injuries are gonna are gonna
nag in him. So I think he's got the ball skills,
he's got the intelligence to be that guy. Maybe, like
(18:09):
you said about Revel, if he can develop into a
good corner. I can see that, but I don't know
right away with the injuries. If they're saying if at
Chefter's saying that he's running before the draft, that's good.
That means he's probably ready by by OTA. So I
think he can be.
Speaker 2 (18:29):
I just don't know right away. That's that's pretty much
my take on more soon.
Speaker 4 (18:33):
All right.
Speaker 1 (18:34):
Here's a guy that I've seen his name.
Speaker 3 (18:35):
I wasn't that familiar with his game coming out of
the season. I didn't really hear his name much, but
he lit up the combine ran a four four point
two eight. I think that was one of, if not
the best times for a dB. Maxwell Harrison out of
Kentucky a little bit of a smaller corner five to eleven,
one eighty three. Give me a breakdown on him. Is
he a guy at that size? Is he gonna be
(18:57):
playing inside or do you think he can play outside
as well?
Speaker 4 (19:02):
I think he'll probably play outside from what he's played before,
I mean since the com or since the season then,
and he's only his stock has only Risen ran a
four to two eight and a one to five oh
ten yards foot which was first and second at the combine.
So I think teams are going to see that, see
those straights, see the tools, and say I want him
(19:22):
in my locker room. I wouldn't be surprised if he
goes into the end of the first round, seats in
the end the first round. I haven't seen a couple
of months have that. He was two times second team
All a SEC this year and last year. Had five
picks last year, which was six in the country, and
took two of them back to the house. So he's athletic,
he knows what to do once he does get the ball.
(19:42):
Missed just eight percent of his tackles in twenty twenty
three to two. Missed a couple of games this year
with some injury, but overall, I think he's He does
have the instincts, he has the length, He's got the
frame to grow into it. I think he'll be a
good starting corner. Maybe not right away, but I think
it could be earlier than we all expect. I think
he could be be a good, impactful, play making corner
(20:03):
at the next level.
Speaker 3 (20:05):
Yeah, I mean everything you kind of just said about
him there, it's like, why wouldn't you want him?
Speaker 1 (20:09):
He's one of the faster corners in this draft. He
takes the ball away.
Speaker 3 (20:12):
He has good skills with the ball when he gets it,
and he tackles, he's willing to tackle. Maybe, like you said,
miss some games due to injury that that could be attributed.
Speaker 1 (20:22):
To the size as well.
Speaker 3 (20:23):
But this sounds like a player that you know, if
you're able to get him with your second round pick
and another guy like you were saying, with the ball
in his hands, he's shown the ability to succeed there.
Get him potentially in the return game, whether it's kick return,
part return, get him on the field somehow as well.
He's got the speed. It's a lot of these things
are just kind of like what are we what are
we doing?
Speaker 1 (20:43):
Guys? Are we just kind of overthinking this as well?
Speaker 3 (20:46):
But I guess last kind of thing I'd throw at
you and that kind of went just a big picture
the sleeper pick, sleeper corner dB out of this draft
that you think, you know, might go round three or something,
but you could see and a starter potentially as soon
as this upcoming season.
Speaker 4 (21:04):
I got a stick with my guys over at I
always stayed I'm going Darian Porter absolutely love him, man.
Speaker 2 (21:10):
He is a freak.
Speaker 4 (21:11):
Reminds me of Tarik Wall and me and Mark Henry
are talking about that.
Speaker 2 (21:15):
But Darian Porter is unbelievable.
Speaker 4 (21:17):
He's only been gaining, you know, stock, his stock since
the end of the season. He dominated the combine. Ran
a four three forty which was second at six three
one ninety five, had a one four nine ten yard split,
which was tied first at the combine at A player
with his size running like that is insane. He's got
the he's fluid, he's got the traits that you look for,
(21:39):
checks all the boxes. The only thing is he's a
six year senior with only one year of starting experience,
so he doesn't really have that you know, that much film,
that much tape. He can definitely improve in man coverage.
He's more of that zone guy that can kind of
run with you if you if you run along with him,
he doesn't really get beat and if he does, he's got.
Speaker 2 (21:58):
Great recovery speed.
Speaker 4 (22:00):
Overall, I think he's got the tools, he's got the
traits to develop into a nice cornerback two, maybe cornerback
three on the inside is that's where you want to
play him. But he's got the size, he's got the length,
he's got the traits that you know, I think can
be a very developmental piece into a solid cornerback at
the next level.
Speaker 3 (22:21):
All right, and last piece here kind of big picture wise,
on the defensive side of the ball. If we're going
to break this down into you know, interior defensive linemen,
edge rushers, linebackers, dbs, give me your positional ranking kind
of one through four there for this draft and wear
these dps sack up because I think I'm almost as high.
(22:41):
I'm much more higher on the defensive side of the ball,
I think than the offensive side of the ball. In
this draft, I'd probably go interior line, the dbs, the
edge rushers, and then the linebackers.
Speaker 1 (22:53):
Is it crazy to go with that order?
Speaker 2 (22:55):
No, I think I'm going edg rushers.
Speaker 4 (22:57):
One.
Speaker 2 (22:58):
I love ED the ED rushers in this I think
they're all going to be impactful.
Speaker 4 (23:01):
I don't know right away, but I think they're all
athletic and that we've got one of the more athletic
defensive line groups, edge rushers and defensive tackles that I
think we've seen in years. These guys are huge and
moving it, you know, like insant, like their combines are crazy.
I know that's you don't just look at a combine
and you say, oh, he's going to be a good player.
But the athletic ability of the players of these size
(23:22):
is crazy. But if I had to line them up
or rank these the positional groups, I think I'd go
edg rusher the tackle, corner, safety, or a linebacker. I
think linebacker. There's really only a couple that pop out
at me. Jalen Walker, whatever you listened to it can
play on ball off ball. Seod Campbell as well could
(23:43):
play on ball off ball. But like the middle linebackers,
you only have Carson Sweestionis or Demetrious light Like. You
won't have that many pure middle linebackers of this class.
I do like the cornerback class a lot more than
I thought I did going in coming into this episode.
But after watching the film, there's a couple of guys
down the board. Duran Strong from Virginia Tech. He's it
(24:06):
will be a good maybe day three pick. I think
Quincy Riley could be a good pick. Ez of Right
Thomas from Florida State. There's could be good good guys
down the board.
Speaker 2 (24:16):
Safety.
Speaker 4 (24:16):
I'm very high on Emay Moorey. I know another guy
that dominated the combine. But He also just checks all
the boxes. He doesn't miss tackles. He's physical, he can
play in in the box, he can play over the top.
I think he's someone that you get in the system,
you get you know, developed to what you want to
grow on the defensive side of the ball. He's someone
that can immediately impact the defense.
Speaker 3 (24:39):
Yeah, I'm excited about this group with the Eagles too.
I think showed the willingness to take some chances on
these young dbs last year.
Speaker 1 (24:47):
It panned out.
Speaker 3 (24:48):
Why not do it again, especially when you lost you know,
guys like Sligh, you go lost guys like Rogers, CJGJ.
Who knows how much longer, Reid, Blank and Ship kind
of in the mix.
Speaker 1 (24:58):
I could definitely see him targeting a guy here at
the end of the first round.
Speaker 3 (25:01):
But that'll do it for our defensive back preview. We'll
be back Wednesday, so record this Tuesday. We'll be back Wednesday.
I think we're gonna hit some mock draft action tomorrow
night and continue to hit on this. We just got
under a little under two and a half weeks or so,
three weeks to the told Draft, so we're almost here.
As always, everyone to keep it locked here on Fox
(25:22):
Sports The Gambler, and we'll be talking to you shortly
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