Last weekend in Knoxville was an instant classic. It was the loudest stadium I’ve ever been in and that includes Arrowhead for an AFC Championship game against the Patriots.
The game and environment was top notch and your guy made sure he was down to the field after the winning FG. I heard Rocky Top no less than 50 times and by the end of the game, you would have thought I was an alum with my ability to hit the high notes…
Since I got a chance to watch these guys in person, and the Patriots like Alabama/SEC guys, a little deeper review below. But first, let’s start with 5 individual matchups of top 100 players that I am watching this weekend.
NORTHWESTERN AT MARYLAND, 12:00 p.m. on BTN
Northwestern LT #77 Peter Skoronski (6-4, 315 pounds) vs. Maryland LT #71 Jaelyn Duncan (6-6, 320)
The Patriots will be in the market for an offensive tackle, perhaps early, and I and I had both of these guys ranked in my top 3 to start the year. At least one of these guys will be a first-rounder, if not both.
Skoronski is technically very sound. He recovers well and stays low when run blocking. He’s good on the move and effective when he has to pull. He has good play strength and shows some anchor in the pass game. He reminds me a lot of former Patriot tackle, Matt Light.
I’m a fan of Duncan’s upside and his athleticism. He’s very good in the pass set and he’s been better in the run game this year. He gets to the point of attack well but he’s not necessarily a mover. I heard at one point that his arms may not be as long as his size would indicate (more below). That said, I think his potential could put him in the first 50 picks.
Sort of related, the Combine measurements will be important for both players. A big trait for NFL scouts evaluating OT, is arm length (ideal being 35 inches, under 33 is a concern). What that means is that pass rushers with length can get into their chest and dictate contact. At the NFL level that creates issues with a tackle then dealing with counter moves.
NO. 14 SYRACUSE AT NO. 5 CLEMSON, 12:00 p.m. on ABC
Syracuse RB #34 Sean Tucker (5-10, 210) vs. Clemson LB #22 Trenton Simpson (6-3, 240)
Tucker has averaged over 100 yards per game the last two seasons. He doesn't have the best footwork, but the combination of physicality and acceleration through the hole creates big plays. He’s on the smaller side for the NFL game but he’s very well-built. Like Kenneth Walker III, who is now with the Seahawks. He needs to improve his pass blocking, but he’s worked on his pass-catching this year. Tucker may not be completely healthy, but he needs to have a big game for the Orange to win.
When evaluating LBs for the next level, scouts care about instincts and physical tools over production. That’s what will put Simpson in the top 2 rounds. He has high-end athleticism and his profile (4.4 speed, looks like a big safety) is where the NFL game is going. This is his first year in the middle of the defense and he’s leading the Tigers with 45 tackles.
Syracuse RT #60 Matthew Bergeron (6-5, 322) vs. Clemson DE #5 KJ Henry (6-4, 255) & #98 Myles Murphy (6-5, 275)
Bergeron will have almost 40 career starts by the time he’s drafted. He’s played both tackle positions. He has the talent to be a future NFL starter, especially in a zone scheme that would really exercise his mobility and technique.
Henry is a team captain and well thought of within the program. He’s disruptive because of his quickness off the line of scrimmage. He’s far and away leading the Tigers in pressures, with 17 this season.
Murphy had his breakout game last week against Florida State. He had 6 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 2 sacks, and his 6th forced fumble of his career. He remains a top prospect.
NO. 9 UCLA AT NO. 10 OREGON, 3:30 p.m. on FOX
UCLA RB #24 Zach Charbonnet (6-1, 220) vs. Oregon LB #1 Noah Sewell (6-2, 253)
I think this is a really important game for Sewell. I had him coming into the season as a Patriots target for next year's draft. He’s a big, physical kid who can set the tone for a defense. To start the season I said, “I’d compare his body, style, and thump to Patriot legend, Dont’a Hightower.” That’s high praise and he has fallen off the standard I’ve seen him play. He may be playing too heavy, or not completely healthy, because he hasn’t been good. This is a solid matchup to get back on track. The UCLA RB may not be a star at the next level but he’s a legit NFL back and their offense has lots of eye candy to test defenders.
Charbonnet has over 2,500 career yards and 30 TDs. He’s not a top pick because he doesn't have NFL speed but he's a strong player, who will find holes (vision), can handle a workload, and has good balance on contact (YAC). He’s working on hands and blitz pick-up this year. He's a good addition to a roster late Day 2 or mid-Day 3.
Oregon CB #0 Christian Gonzalez (6-2, 201) vs. UCLA WR #9 Jake Bobo (6-5, 215)
The Patriots could be in the market for a bigger, outside corner to complement the Jones family in the secondary. Christian is a transfer from Colorado previously and the Oregon coaches have been impressed with him since his arrival. He struggled against Georgia, but he's been very good since. He’s one of the best corners in the PAC-12, combined with his size and freakish athletic traits will put him in the conversation to be one of the top 5 corners. A potential first-rounder.
Bobo is the leading WR for the Bruins and he has 4 TDs in the last 2 games. The Duke transfer and local product (North Andover, MA) was previewed a few weeks ago. Tough kid who has good footwork and he’s effective in the red zone. He will play a big slot role or maybe even put on some weight to be a move TE. Effective games against a talent last Gonzalez will get him drafted. He could be a late Day 3 pick and will need to contribute on ST to make a roster.
Recapping Last Week
NO. 3 TENNESSEE: QB Hendon Hooker was outstanding against Alabama. He finished 21 for 30 for 385 yards and 5 TDs. He also added 56 yards on the ground which really important in keeping their offense balanced. I was impressed with him in person. His wind-up may be a touch long but he has a smooth release, good accuracy and throws a nice ball. Plus, he’s tough which is an underrated but important trait for a QB. Finally, I had confidence he’d deliver. It’s an “it” factor but I believe it’s critical when evaluating a QB. I’ve been on his bandwagon all year but haven’t had him as a Round 1 guy because of his age (he’ll be 25 next season) but now I am keeping an open mind. He’s now the Heisman front-runner… We mentioned WR Jalin Hyatt last week (who I expected to declare next year) but 6 catches for 207 yards and 5(!) TDs is the game of a lifetime. He mostly lines up in the slot and he has plus speed…RT Darnell Wright earned himself a lot of money on Saturday night. He stood tall against LSU’s talented rushers two weeks ago and he was VERY effective against top prospect Will Anderson. We called it a key of the game and he delivered. He’s yet to give up pressure this season. Wright is firmly in the Day 2 conversation and perhaps rising…S Trevon Flowers led both teams with 11 tackles. He was all over the field. He had a number of missed tackles, but it was because they asked him to go against Gibbs multiple times…LB Jeremy Banks had one of his best games of the year. He’s good coming forward. Six tackles but he really made an impact blitzing, with 4 pressures of QB Young…Edge Byron Young was largely held in check other than 2 tackles and a key pressure.
NO. 6 ALABAMA: QB Bryce Young was ultra-impressive in the loss. He did everything he could to keep Alabama in the game and bring home a win. There were many throws that were so impressive in person. A great throw beats great defense and he has the arm and accuracy needed at the next level. While he’s small, he’s a tough kid who played injured and kept answering the bell in the face of consistent pressure. He finished the day with 455 yards and 2 TDs. I knew he was good, and I left believing that he deserves the hype as a potential number 1 overall selection…Edge Will Anderson Jr. is a great player and I’ve seen him plenty to have confidence in that. To Tennessee’s credit, they limited his effectiveness. He only had 3 tackles, 1 TFL, and 1 pressure that led to an INT…RB Jaymyr Gibbs is also a certified top 45 prospect and might sneak into the first round. He’s fast even for the NFL game. It’s a real weapon. He had over 150 yards and 3 TDs. He’d look good in a Patriots uniform if they’re not convinced RB Pierre Strong is the answer. His angle routes would make a cheerleader out of QB Mac Jones…TE Cameron Latu was the leading receiver for the Tide (6 for 90 yds, 1 TD). Last week we said that the Tide would look to get him more involved and when Young needed it, he looked for Latu…DT Bryon Young was the best defensive lineman for the Tide. He had 5 tackles…S Brian Branch has strong tackling technique for a DB. He finished with 9 tackles and 1 TFL. He got beat by Hyatt for a TD and had 1 DPI…S Jordan Battle had 7 tackles and was good in run support. But he got beat by Hyatt for a TD and he was a tick late on the game's last completion (to set-up the GW FG)…S DeMarcco Hellams was the leading tackler for the Tide and he had 1 INT (first INT on Hooker this season). We said last week, “he shows up in big games” and he did with a Jekyll and Hyde performance. He was active all day, but he was beaten by Hyatt on multiple TDs. He’s best in the box…G #55 Emil Ekiyor was good in the run game but struggled at times with anchoring in pass sets…LB Henry To’oTo’o finished with 8 tackles. Mixed bag in the game. I have him in Round 4…LB Jaylen Moody was coming off injury and I only saw him on the field once…WR Jermaine Burton had a bad night. He had 1 drop and only had 2 catches for 49 yards. A video has since surfaced of him pushing a female as he was leaving the field. Dumb move. Alabama is now investigating the incident and when you’re not having a good season, you don’t want to give NFL teams a reason to favor the next guy.