The PFF Draft Daily will hit on a number of NFL Draft-related topics including recent news, scouting reports, PFF draft takes, and much more on a daily basis.
Breaking down the pass-rushers by side
Much is always made about left tackles and right tackles needing to be separated by skillset, and despite the growing numbers of elite edge rushers who rush from the left side against right tackles, most NFL and college teams still use their best pass protector at left tackle. This should actually change our view of those edge rushers who rush from the right side and in turn, go up against the better pass protector (in theory).
When looking at the draft class, we can break down the production of the nation’s top edge-rushers based on where they rushed.
Florida Atlantic’s Trey Hendrickson shows well in a number of PFF metrics, but his 20.3 pass-rush productivity from the right side (often against the left tackle) is outstanding. Auburn’s Carl Lawson also states a strong case for his first-round bid and other top prospects – Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett and Tennessee’s Derek Barnett – find themselves sharing space on a number of these lists.
From the left side, Barnett leads the way, as he took advantage of right tackles with 21 pressures on only 79 attempts. Temple’s Haason Reddick is getting plenty of first-round love and he was explosive off the edge as he did most of his damage off the left side. Alabama’s Tim Williams shows up on both lists as he showed the ability to maintain his elite production regardless of alignment.
Scouting report for Virginia Tech TE Bucky Hodges:
Our analysts have mixed reviews on Hodges, with some thinking he’s the next great mismatch option at tight end while others think a lack of an ideal fit at tight end may end up hurting his value. There’s no denying his athleticism, and he does a nice job of using his big frame to create mismatches in the pass game. The question will be how well he can develop as a blocker and if he can, he’ll do just enough to keep defensive coordinators honest by keeping linebackers and safeties in the game to stop the run.
PFF Podcast
The latest PFF Draft podcast is up and running as I teamed up with Josh Liskiewitz this week to discuss various draft news. We get into Josh’s start in the business and how working with PFF has changed enhanced his views on player evaluation and we also tackle one of the draft’s most difficult questions: who is the favorite to go No. 2 overall? Also be sure to check out our risers and fallers, new scouting terms, and Josh makes his bet as to which wide receiver will be first off the board.
Be sure to download and subscribe to the PFF Draft Podcast from your favorite provider.
PFF Draft Board
Be sure to check out our draft board and surf through the player profiles. Draft Pass subscribers not only have access to a downloadable PDF of our profiles and unique stats, but they can get all of the same goodies right on the profile page on the site. Cornerbacks and safeties are dominating our initial top 100.
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