NFL News & Analysis

Draft Daily: Just how strong is this edge defender class?

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.


Who has the ‘edge’ in this year’s draft class?

This week we begin to unveil our position rankings for this year’s draft class, starting with quarterbacks Monday and moving to edge defenders Tuesday. The edge group is so deep that we expect all 15 players highlighted to be selected before the end of day two of the draft. Here is Mike Renner’s list of the top edge rushers, along with their advanced statistics and positional superlatives. We will reveal one new position group each day over the course of the next two weeks.


PFF scouting report: Dede Westbrook, WR, Oklahoma

For some reason, Westbrook seems to be lost in the sea of receivers in this year’s class. While he certainly isn’t the standard ‘X’ weapon that will consistently come down with contested catches on the outside, he can win anywhere else on the field with his athleticism and skilled route-running. Here is our draft report on the former Sooner standout, as well as his advanced statistics, as seen in PFF Draft Pass.


PFF Draft Board

The latest installment of our draft board is in, and it should be no surprise to see how SEC-heavy it is at the top. Check back weekly for further updates, as we will continue to adjust as we get closer and closer to day one of the draft.


PFF “My Guys”

The series continues this week with one of Wes Huber’s favorite players, Tennessee RB Alvin Kamara. Here’s what Wes had to say about the multi-faceted game of the former Volunteer:

Simply quantifying the dynamic dual-threat impact imparted by backs such as David Johnson and Devonta Freeman to their respective franchises will provide a relatively close presumption of the future impact of Alvin Kamara. Some have likely forgotten that Kamara originally joined Alabama as a part of the 2013 class that included RB Derrick Henry, TE O.J. Howard, DI Jonathan Allen and LB Reuben Foster. Kamara earned a highly touted reputation for his excellent high school results. Recording multiple touchdowns in 11 of 15 senior games, Kamara racked up 2,615 total yards, and had at least 175 total yards in nine.

Kamara accumulated 303 rushing attempts during that senior season and, after redshirting the 2013 season, transferred to Hutchinson Community College in 2014, where he was handed 172 carries. The heavy workload would serve Kamara well, as he’d only receive 209 carries the next two seasons with Tennessee. The decreased involvement could be considered a negative, but it may simply have preserved the tires of one of the most electrifying players in college football. The combination of Kamara’s low center of gravity and natural playmaking equate to an early first-round talent at a late-first/early-second price.


PFF Podcast

Check out the latest PFF Draft Podcast as Steve Palazzolo and Mike Renner kick off the Draft Short series with two of the top safeties in the 2017 draft class. They discuss why LSU’s Jamal Adams is such a versatile weapon, as well as highlight the reasons Ohio State’s Malik Hooker is sure to be a high pick despite deficiencies against the run.

Be sure to download and subscribe to the PFF Draft Podcast from your favorite provider.


PFF Draft Pass

If you have not already done so, please take the time to subscribe to the 2017 PFF Draft Pass. For just $19.95 you’ll gain access to over 250 player profiles, passing charts on our top QB, WR, TE and CB prospects, PFF signature stats and much more. The first version of our PFF Draft Guide rolled out next week, and the next update is due April 3. Did I mention you’ll have our signature stats? Keep your eyes peeled for much, much more draft content as we head into the final month of draft prep. Also, signature stats; you want them. Yes, you do.

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