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The Draft Pick Scouting Thread
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Eric Reid S LSU
What he brings: Reid's 2012 film was not quite as good as his 2011 tape, but he came on late in the season and showed how good he can be. He has great size and length, as well as excellent fluidity. He needs to clean up his angles in run support, though his range and closing burst provide him with a lot of upside both in coverage and as a run defender.
How he fits: This defense is very aggressive, and it also wants its safeties to be effective in sub packages and stay on the field for all three downs. The 49ers will play combo coverages. They are outstanding tacklers, and Reid is a guy who seems to fit the mold. San Francisco lost free safety Dashon Goldson in free agency, and strong safety Donte Whitner is entering the final year of his contract. The 49ers have a couple young guys they like as depth players, but they don't appear to be ready. So the coaching staff will likely expect Reid to step in and start at free safety. As mentioned, one of the unique qualities of the 49ers defense is to have guys that never have to come off the field. Because of that, they are tough to expose in matchup situations. That should be a strength of Reid's.
What he brings: Reid's 2012 film was not quite as good as his 2011 tape, but he came on late in the season and showed how good he can be. He has great size and length, as well as excellent fluidity. He needs to clean up his angles in run support, though his range and closing burst provide him with a lot of upside both in coverage and as a run defender.
How he fits: This defense is very aggressive, and it also wants its safeties to be effective in sub packages and stay on the field for all three downs. The 49ers will play combo coverages. They are outstanding tacklers, and Reid is a guy who seems to fit the mold. San Francisco lost free safety Dashon Goldson in free agency, and strong safety Donte Whitner is entering the final year of his contract. The 49ers have a couple young guys they like as depth players, but they don't appear to be ready. So the coaching staff will likely expect Reid to step in and start at free safety. As mentioned, one of the unique qualities of the 49ers defense is to have guys that never have to come off the field. Because of that, they are tough to expose in matchup situations. That should be a strength of Reid's.
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49ers get their safety after trading up
By Mike Sando | ESPN.com
LSU safety Eric Reid was an increasingly popular projection to the San Francisco 49ers as the 2013 NFL mock drafts piled up late this week.
The assumption was that the 49ers might get him at No. 31. But with New Orleans taking safety Kenny Vaccaro at No. 15, the 49ers put their considerable draft capital to use. They traded up to No. 18 and selected Reid in that spot, filling a need created when the team allowed Pro Bowl free safety Dashon Goldson to leave in free agency.
The 49ers traded the 31st and 74th overall choices to the Dallas Cowboys for the 18th pick. This trade favored San Francisco slightly on the traditional draft-value chart dating to the early 1990s. Dallas came out ahead by some of the more recently developed value charts, including those calculable on Steve Drake's site.
Value is in the eye of the beholder, of course. The 49ers obviously loved Reid, who projects as a player versatile enough to play either safety spot. Veteran strong safety Donte Whitner is entering the final year of his contract. With Goldson gone, the 49ers needed to address the position for the longer term, even with Craig Dahl arriving as insurance through free agency. Reid could start right away.
San Francisco entered this draft with a league-high 13 picks. That gave the 49ers ample flexibility to move up the board for a specific player. Reid was that player. He fills an immediate need. The 49ers still have two second-round choices, one third-rounder and two fourth-rounders. They could still use a defensive lineman; only two defensive tackles came off the board in the top 19 picks.
San Francisco is just getting started.
By Mike Sando | ESPN.com
LSU safety Eric Reid was an increasingly popular projection to the San Francisco 49ers as the 2013 NFL mock drafts piled up late this week.
The assumption was that the 49ers might get him at No. 31. But with New Orleans taking safety Kenny Vaccaro at No. 15, the 49ers put their considerable draft capital to use. They traded up to No. 18 and selected Reid in that spot, filling a need created when the team allowed Pro Bowl free safety Dashon Goldson to leave in free agency.
The 49ers traded the 31st and 74th overall choices to the Dallas Cowboys for the 18th pick. This trade favored San Francisco slightly on the traditional draft-value chart dating to the early 1990s. Dallas came out ahead by some of the more recently developed value charts, including those calculable on Steve Drake's site.
Value is in the eye of the beholder, of course. The 49ers obviously loved Reid, who projects as a player versatile enough to play either safety spot. Veteran strong safety Donte Whitner is entering the final year of his contract. With Goldson gone, the 49ers needed to address the position for the longer term, even with Craig Dahl arriving as insurance through free agency. Reid could start right away.
San Francisco entered this draft with a league-high 13 picks. That gave the 49ers ample flexibility to move up the board for a specific player. Reid was that player. He fills an immediate need. The 49ers still have two second-round choices, one third-rounder and two fourth-rounders. They could still use a defensive lineman; only two defensive tackles came off the board in the top 19 picks.
San Francisco is just getting started.
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Eric Reid
DS
Junior
6-1¼, 213 lbs
LSU
Scouts Grade87
Position Rank4
Overall Rank41
Arm Length33-1/2"
Hand Size10"
40-YD Dash4.59
ConferenceSEC
Overall Football Traits
Production 2 2010: (13/3) 32-1-2 2011: (13-13) 65-2-22012: (13/13) 91-7-2 Career: 4.5 TFL, 2 FF and 2 FR
Height-Weight-Speed 2 Above average blend of height, weight and top-end speed. Long arms (33.5) and big hands (10).
Durability 2 Played in all 13 games as a true freshman in 2010 and has started in 26 of 27 games the past two seasons (2011-'12). In 2011, he left the Ole Miss game with a thigh injury and missed the following game (Arkansas).
Intangibles 1 Hard worker on and off the field. Excellent student. Set to graduate with Business Administration degree in 3.5 years. Named to the 2011 SEC Academic Honor Roll. Emerged as a team leader the past two seasons. Parents are Eric Sr. and Sharon Reid. Father was a three-time All-American hurdler for LSU (1984-87).
1 = Exceptional2 = Above average3 = Average4 = Below average5 = Marginal
Safety Specific Traits
Instincts/Recognition 2 Plays under control. Has a FS mentality. Reads his keys and consistently gets an early jump on the ball. Very instinctive in coverage. Although took more risks in 2012 than he did off of 2011 film study. Generally understands leverage but will occasionally get caught gambling and needs to know his limitations vs. the personnel he is facing (See 1st QTR Alabama 2012 vs. Amari Cooper). Feels WRs coming through his zone but doesn't panic.
Cover Skills 2 Smooth athlete with good top-end speed but he's not very sudden or explosive. Does not show good initial burst out of pedal. Has adequate size for a FS but might struggle to match up one-on-one versus some athletic TEs in NFL. At his best in zone responsibility and breaking forward. Can hold up in deep-third when he diagnoses play properly, which is vast majority of time.
Ball Skills 2 Puts himself in position to make plays on the ball with good instincts and angles. Hands are adequate. Fails to high-point the ball at times. But has proven capable of attacking the ball in the air and taking it away from bigger targets. Not a threat with ball in hand.
Run Support 3 Average to slightly below average in run support. Will occasionally over-run a play and get burned by the cutback, and angles need to be cleaned up. Flashes willingness to fill the lane hard and attack the ball carrier. But more often than not he serves as 'last line of defense', which appears to be his preference. Can be a bit of a pile inspector at times. Has long arms and can wrap up in space. Also flashes a little bit of initial pop when he leads with his shoulder Will fail to wrap up at times in space and will bounce off some ball carriers when he doesn't get a clean shoulder pop. Struggles to bring down hard-charging RBs in the open field.
DS
Junior
6-1¼, 213 lbs
LSU
Scouts Grade87
Position Rank4
Overall Rank41
Arm Length33-1/2"
Hand Size10"
40-YD Dash4.59
ConferenceSEC
Overall Football Traits
Production 2 2010: (13/3) 32-1-2 2011: (13-13) 65-2-22012: (13/13) 91-7-2 Career: 4.5 TFL, 2 FF and 2 FR
Height-Weight-Speed 2 Above average blend of height, weight and top-end speed. Long arms (33.5) and big hands (10).
Durability 2 Played in all 13 games as a true freshman in 2010 and has started in 26 of 27 games the past two seasons (2011-'12). In 2011, he left the Ole Miss game with a thigh injury and missed the following game (Arkansas).
Intangibles 1 Hard worker on and off the field. Excellent student. Set to graduate with Business Administration degree in 3.5 years. Named to the 2011 SEC Academic Honor Roll. Emerged as a team leader the past two seasons. Parents are Eric Sr. and Sharon Reid. Father was a three-time All-American hurdler for LSU (1984-87).
1 = Exceptional2 = Above average3 = Average4 = Below average5 = Marginal
Safety Specific Traits
Instincts/Recognition 2 Plays under control. Has a FS mentality. Reads his keys and consistently gets an early jump on the ball. Very instinctive in coverage. Although took more risks in 2012 than he did off of 2011 film study. Generally understands leverage but will occasionally get caught gambling and needs to know his limitations vs. the personnel he is facing (See 1st QTR Alabama 2012 vs. Amari Cooper). Feels WRs coming through his zone but doesn't panic.
Cover Skills 2 Smooth athlete with good top-end speed but he's not very sudden or explosive. Does not show good initial burst out of pedal. Has adequate size for a FS but might struggle to match up one-on-one versus some athletic TEs in NFL. At his best in zone responsibility and breaking forward. Can hold up in deep-third when he diagnoses play properly, which is vast majority of time.
Ball Skills 2 Puts himself in position to make plays on the ball with good instincts and angles. Hands are adequate. Fails to high-point the ball at times. But has proven capable of attacking the ball in the air and taking it away from bigger targets. Not a threat with ball in hand.
Run Support 3 Average to slightly below average in run support. Will occasionally over-run a play and get burned by the cutback, and angles need to be cleaned up. Flashes willingness to fill the lane hard and attack the ball carrier. But more often than not he serves as 'last line of defense', which appears to be his preference. Can be a bit of a pile inspector at times. Has long arms and can wrap up in space. Also flashes a little bit of initial pop when he leads with his shoulder Will fail to wrap up at times in space and will bounce off some ball carriers when he doesn't get a clean shoulder pop. Struggles to bring down hard-charging RBs in the open field.
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The 49ers have fielded a tough, hard-hitting defense at all three levels in two years under head coach Jim Harbaugh. Eric Reid, meanwhile, was a great run-stopping safety as a junior last year who had the benefit of being surrounded by a slew of NFL-caliber talent at LSU. He helps the 49ers fill the hole left by the departed safety Dashon Goldson.
Read More: 2013 NFL Draft - SI.com
Read More: 2013 NFL Draft - SI.com
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Positives
Few safeties possess Reid's athleticism to be impact players in coverage and run support. Flashes quickness coming up field in run support, when Eric stays over feet and keeps his knees bent he can make violent hits while wrapping up with good technique. Reid has sideline range against the run, can avoid contact/blockers on the move and has a good closing burst to finish plays. He does a good job of reading the QB/Pass from deep alignment, closes fast on passes in front of him and is willing to make hard hit right after the catch. From approx. 10 yards off the LOS he flashes excellent read of quick hitting pass to receiver, closes explosively and makes violent hit right after the catch. He has experience covering receivers and shows the hips and speed to stay with him off the LOS and across the field on "drag" route.
Negatives
Reid is an elite talent, but does not play up to his talent consistently. While he flashes coming up the field fast in run support, at times he seems content to sit back and let teammates make the play. He is not a consistently good tackler - Too often he either stops feet and launches himself to make hard hit and ends up missing or he stops feet and waits for ball carrier to come to him and can be juked or trampled too easily. When lined up in deep coverage he has a tendency to go for the hit when he closes on receiver rather than trying to break-up pass.
Analysis
A junior who came out early for the 2013 NFL Draft, Reid definitely has first round physical talent, but his on field play is more of a second/third round player. At over 6'1, Reid's quick feet, loose hips and playing speed enable him to be effective covering receivers in man coverage and flashes the ability to reach in front of receiver to break up pass. When he is aggressive coming up the field on plays in front of him, stays over his feet, under control and uses proper technique he can be a strong, physical wrap-up tackler. He has experience making big plays on special teams coverage units and should be able to immediately contribute on them while he develops as a safety. Overall, Reid is a gifted safety who has the talent to not only be a versatile play-maker in the NFL, but would warrant a first round pick if he had been consistent at LSU. Some team will likely draft him in the second round because of his potential to become the player he has the physical talent to be. I think he will become a productive starting safety, but will always struggle with inconsistent tackling.
Read More: 2013 NFL Draft - SI.com
Few safeties possess Reid's athleticism to be impact players in coverage and run support. Flashes quickness coming up field in run support, when Eric stays over feet and keeps his knees bent he can make violent hits while wrapping up with good technique. Reid has sideline range against the run, can avoid contact/blockers on the move and has a good closing burst to finish plays. He does a good job of reading the QB/Pass from deep alignment, closes fast on passes in front of him and is willing to make hard hit right after the catch. From approx. 10 yards off the LOS he flashes excellent read of quick hitting pass to receiver, closes explosively and makes violent hit right after the catch. He has experience covering receivers and shows the hips and speed to stay with him off the LOS and across the field on "drag" route.
Negatives
Reid is an elite talent, but does not play up to his talent consistently. While he flashes coming up the field fast in run support, at times he seems content to sit back and let teammates make the play. He is not a consistently good tackler - Too often he either stops feet and launches himself to make hard hit and ends up missing or he stops feet and waits for ball carrier to come to him and can be juked or trampled too easily. When lined up in deep coverage he has a tendency to go for the hit when he closes on receiver rather than trying to break-up pass.
Analysis
A junior who came out early for the 2013 NFL Draft, Reid definitely has first round physical talent, but his on field play is more of a second/third round player. At over 6'1, Reid's quick feet, loose hips and playing speed enable him to be effective covering receivers in man coverage and flashes the ability to reach in front of receiver to break up pass. When he is aggressive coming up the field on plays in front of him, stays over his feet, under control and uses proper technique he can be a strong, physical wrap-up tackler. He has experience making big plays on special teams coverage units and should be able to immediately contribute on them while he develops as a safety. Overall, Reid is a gifted safety who has the talent to not only be a versatile play-maker in the NFL, but would warrant a first round pick if he had been consistent at LSU. Some team will likely draft him in the second round because of his potential to become the player he has the physical talent to be. I think he will become a productive starting safety, but will always struggle with inconsistent tackling.
Read More: 2013 NFL Draft - SI.com
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Cornellius (Tank) Carradine DE
Senior 6-4⅛, 276 lbs
Florida St
Scouts Grade 89
Position Rank 5
Overall Rank 31
Arm Length 34-5/8"
Hand Size 10-1/4"
40-YD Dash 4.85
Conference ACC
WHAT HE BRINGS
Carradine has an ideal frame, good length and natural strength and power. He plays with leverage setting the edge against the run, and is relentless as a pass-rusher. He will be most effective when turned loose to find the ball, where he can use his high motor to cause disruption. Carradine doesn't have ideal instincts, but he has upside to become an impact pass-rusher if he's coached up properly.
HOW HE FITS
Until this offseason, the edge of this defensive line was a position of strength. But age and durability could be issues with defensive ends Justin Smith and Ray McDonald, and San Francisco's best pass-rusher, Aldon Smith, needs a physical player next to him to eat up blockers. This is a versatile defense that can show a variety of 3-4 and 4-3 looks, and it will likely utilize Carradine as an edge pass-rusher -- either with his hand on the ground or coming off the edge in a two-point stance, depending on the scheme. This coaching staff loves versatility out of its pass-rushers.
Overall Football Traits
Production 2 2009-'10: Butler C.C. - 26 sacks in two years.2011: FSU (13/0) 38-8-5.5 2012: (12/11) - 80-13-11
Height-Weight-Speed 2 Chiseled frame with above-average length and bulk. Estimated top-end speed is adequate but not great. Has very long arms (34.6) and big hands (10.2).
Durability 4 Missed last two games of 2012 season with a torn right ACL. Did not participate at combine workouts.
Intangibles 1 Nicknamed 'Tank'. Failed to qualify academically out of high school, which forced him to take the community college route. Transferred from Butler C.C. to FSU prior to the 2011 season. Excellent work ethic and is regarded as one of the strongest players on the team.
Defensive End Specific Traits
Pass Rush Skills 2 Needs to anticipate the snap count better and cut down on initial wasted motion. However, he displays a quick first step and can be very effective when he keeps his pads low when coming off the ball. Flashes explosive upper-body power and can convert speed-to-power as a rusher. Displays quick hands to counter and does a nice job with his club move when working outside-in as a pass rusher. But needs refinement with rip and push-pull moves. Is a bit mechanical when redirecting on stunts/twists. Flashes innate feel for blockers leaning one way. Also flashes some torso flexibility when turning the corner. Closing burst is very good and can get home when gets into the clear. Can deliver a violent and heavy shot when able to line up the QB.
Versus the run 3 Possesses good core strength in this department. Comes off the ball with good leverage and can lock out to set the edge. Does a nice job of getting across OTs face and out in front on stretch runs. Like his hand usage versus the run. Has heavy hands and can control the point. Needs to become savvier with hands, though. Gets stuck on too many blocks. Recognition skills need to improve versus the run. Can be a second late finding the ball and will peek inside on occasion when having edge responsibility. Closes quickly and can factor into plays when pursuing from the backside. Possesses long arms and strong hands as a tackler.
Versatility 3 Lines up at both RDE and LDE but plays strictly with his hand in the dirt. Observed him dropping into coverage one time through six games of tape study. Appears to be at his best when playing forward and able to 'hunt'. Could occasionally move inside in nickel/dime situations as a rusher.
Instincts/Motor 1 Shows very good core strength and does not back down from challenges. Tough and will mix it up. Very good motor. Observed several second effort tackles or sacks during film study.
Senior 6-4⅛, 276 lbs
Florida St
Scouts Grade 89
Position Rank 5
Overall Rank 31
Arm Length 34-5/8"
Hand Size 10-1/4"
40-YD Dash 4.85
Conference ACC
WHAT HE BRINGS
Carradine has an ideal frame, good length and natural strength and power. He plays with leverage setting the edge against the run, and is relentless as a pass-rusher. He will be most effective when turned loose to find the ball, where he can use his high motor to cause disruption. Carradine doesn't have ideal instincts, but he has upside to become an impact pass-rusher if he's coached up properly.
HOW HE FITS
Until this offseason, the edge of this defensive line was a position of strength. But age and durability could be issues with defensive ends Justin Smith and Ray McDonald, and San Francisco's best pass-rusher, Aldon Smith, needs a physical player next to him to eat up blockers. This is a versatile defense that can show a variety of 3-4 and 4-3 looks, and it will likely utilize Carradine as an edge pass-rusher -- either with his hand on the ground or coming off the edge in a two-point stance, depending on the scheme. This coaching staff loves versatility out of its pass-rushers.
Overall Football Traits
Production 2 2009-'10: Butler C.C. - 26 sacks in two years.2011: FSU (13/0) 38-8-5.5 2012: (12/11) - 80-13-11
Height-Weight-Speed 2 Chiseled frame with above-average length and bulk. Estimated top-end speed is adequate but not great. Has very long arms (34.6) and big hands (10.2).
Durability 4 Missed last two games of 2012 season with a torn right ACL. Did not participate at combine workouts.
Intangibles 1 Nicknamed 'Tank'. Failed to qualify academically out of high school, which forced him to take the community college route. Transferred from Butler C.C. to FSU prior to the 2011 season. Excellent work ethic and is regarded as one of the strongest players on the team.
Defensive End Specific Traits
Pass Rush Skills 2 Needs to anticipate the snap count better and cut down on initial wasted motion. However, he displays a quick first step and can be very effective when he keeps his pads low when coming off the ball. Flashes explosive upper-body power and can convert speed-to-power as a rusher. Displays quick hands to counter and does a nice job with his club move when working outside-in as a pass rusher. But needs refinement with rip and push-pull moves. Is a bit mechanical when redirecting on stunts/twists. Flashes innate feel for blockers leaning one way. Also flashes some torso flexibility when turning the corner. Closing burst is very good and can get home when gets into the clear. Can deliver a violent and heavy shot when able to line up the QB.
Versus the run 3 Possesses good core strength in this department. Comes off the ball with good leverage and can lock out to set the edge. Does a nice job of getting across OTs face and out in front on stretch runs. Like his hand usage versus the run. Has heavy hands and can control the point. Needs to become savvier with hands, though. Gets stuck on too many blocks. Recognition skills need to improve versus the run. Can be a second late finding the ball and will peek inside on occasion when having edge responsibility. Closes quickly and can factor into plays when pursuing from the backside. Possesses long arms and strong hands as a tackler.
Versatility 3 Lines up at both RDE and LDE but plays strictly with his hand in the dirt. Observed him dropping into coverage one time through six games of tape study. Appears to be at his best when playing forward and able to 'hunt'. Could occasionally move inside in nickel/dime situations as a rusher.
Instincts/Motor 1 Shows very good core strength and does not back down from challenges. Tough and will mix it up. Very good motor. Observed several second effort tackles or sacks during film study.
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Speedy, pass-rushing specialist who chalked up 16.5 sacks and 21.0 tackles for loss over the past two seasons. The 49ers have added two potential playmakers in the draft to shore up what was already a hard-hitting, championship-caliber defense. The tandem of Carradine and record-setting sack master Aldon Smith chasing down quarterbacks could devastate the rising NFC West.
Read More: 2013 NFL Draft - SI.com
Read More: 2013 NFL Draft - SI.com
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Cornellius Carradine
GRADE 8.00
DE 6-5 265 Florida State
Class: Sr 40 Time: 4.85
Round 2 Pick 9
Bill Frakes
Positives
Carradine's production in his first, and only, season as a starter at Florida State was impressive. You would never guess that he has limited starting experience when you see his variety of polished pass rush moves. He uses his hands extremely well to slap the pass blocker's hands down to stay free and can beat him inside or around the corner. Outstanding technique taking on run blocker at the POA, Carradine jolts blocker upright, holds ground, sheds and makes tackle consistently on runs at him. When left unblocked on the backside he does an excellent job of maintaining backside contain and making sure the play is going away before crashing down the LOS. When offenses try to @reach block@ him on the backside he gets inside blocker consistently, keeps blocker on back and has elite speed chasing down the play in pursuit. On the handful of snaps that Carradine dropped off the ball into coverage he looked surprisingly smooth and fluid moving out in space and seemed to have a good sense and awareness.
Negatives
Obviously, the most pressing question surrounds Carradine's recovery from the torn right ACL that he suffered in the fourth quarter against Florida. If NFL medical personnel determine that he will make a full recovery then he will likely be a first round pick. Despite being an elite pass rusher, Carradine lacks an explosive first step off the ball. In addition to his recovery from injury, Carradine's lack of playing experience is a concern because players who only started one year in college have a history of failure in the NFL. This is an even bigger concern because he did not even complete one full season as a starter after injuring his knee.
Analysis
In the first few games evalauting Florida State, Carradine impressed me and then the more film I evaluated he continued to jump off the film. For a player with limited experience, I was shocked at how instinctive, smart and technically sound he is. Displaying great competitiveness on every snap, Carradine made a ton of plays through sheer effort and hustle chasing down ball carriers 10+ yards down the field. Although he was often the last defensive linemen moving at the snap, he was by far the most productive of Florida State's defensive linemen in the five games evaluated - He was involved in 1 play out of every 7.31 snaps which is a rare ratio and usually that of a Top Five Overall Pick. In the end, Carradine's play on the field no doubt warrants being picked in the Top Ten, but the health of his right knee will be the primary determining factor in where he gets drafted. If his knee checks out and NFL medical personnel feel that he will return to 100% within a season or two then he will likely be a first round pick, but if there are any medical questions he will slide into the second round. I believe that while he will likely need a season to get back to 100%, by the 2014 season he will be a starting defensive end and eventually a high end starter.
Grading System
Read More: 2013 NFL Draft - SI.com
GRADE 8.00
DE 6-5 265 Florida State
Class: Sr 40 Time: 4.85
Round 2 Pick 9
Bill Frakes
Positives
Carradine's production in his first, and only, season as a starter at Florida State was impressive. You would never guess that he has limited starting experience when you see his variety of polished pass rush moves. He uses his hands extremely well to slap the pass blocker's hands down to stay free and can beat him inside or around the corner. Outstanding technique taking on run blocker at the POA, Carradine jolts blocker upright, holds ground, sheds and makes tackle consistently on runs at him. When left unblocked on the backside he does an excellent job of maintaining backside contain and making sure the play is going away before crashing down the LOS. When offenses try to @reach block@ him on the backside he gets inside blocker consistently, keeps blocker on back and has elite speed chasing down the play in pursuit. On the handful of snaps that Carradine dropped off the ball into coverage he looked surprisingly smooth and fluid moving out in space and seemed to have a good sense and awareness.
Negatives
Obviously, the most pressing question surrounds Carradine's recovery from the torn right ACL that he suffered in the fourth quarter against Florida. If NFL medical personnel determine that he will make a full recovery then he will likely be a first round pick. Despite being an elite pass rusher, Carradine lacks an explosive first step off the ball. In addition to his recovery from injury, Carradine's lack of playing experience is a concern because players who only started one year in college have a history of failure in the NFL. This is an even bigger concern because he did not even complete one full season as a starter after injuring his knee.
Analysis
In the first few games evalauting Florida State, Carradine impressed me and then the more film I evaluated he continued to jump off the film. For a player with limited experience, I was shocked at how instinctive, smart and technically sound he is. Displaying great competitiveness on every snap, Carradine made a ton of plays through sheer effort and hustle chasing down ball carriers 10+ yards down the field. Although he was often the last defensive linemen moving at the snap, he was by far the most productive of Florida State's defensive linemen in the five games evaluated - He was involved in 1 play out of every 7.31 snaps which is a rare ratio and usually that of a Top Five Overall Pick. In the end, Carradine's play on the field no doubt warrants being picked in the Top Ten, but the health of his right knee will be the primary determining factor in where he gets drafted. If his knee checks out and NFL medical personnel feel that he will return to 100% within a season or two then he will likely be a first round pick, but if there are any medical questions he will slide into the second round. I believe that while he will likely need a season to get back to 100%, by the 2014 season he will be a starting defensive end and eventually a high end starter.
Grading System
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Vance McDonald TE Senior
6-4⅛, 267 lbs Rice
Scouts Grade 78
Position Rank 5
Overall Rank 69
Arm Length 34-1/4"
Hand Size 10-1/8"
40-YD Dash 4.85
ConferenceC- USA
Draft Analysis
WHAT HE BRINGS
McDonald has trouble separating from man coverage at times because he's tight changing directions, but his burst is impressive both when attacking the seam and after the catch. There are concerns about his hands after an underwhelming Senior Bowl week, but he's not afraid to work the middle and can make tough catches. He just needs to become more consistent in that area.
HOW HE FITS
We knew the 49ers would address this position early in the draft with the loss in free agency of Delanie Walker to Tennessee. More than any other offense in the NFL, they love multi-tight end packages and the ability to be exotic in personnel groupings. While McDonald doesn't have the athleticism and big-play capability of Vernon Davis, he can certainly help as either an in-line or motion player. He can also be a good contributor in the short-to-intermediate passing game. What may be a sneaky strength of this pick is that it will allow the 49ers to use multiple tight ends to force defenses to play sub packages -- then they can come back and run the ball. Those are the kinds of things this coaching staff loves to do.
Overall Football Traits
Production 2 2008: Redshirt. 2009: (10/1)-12-118-9.8-02010: (10/6)-28-396-14.1-8 2011: (12/11)-43-532-12.4-52012: (10/10)-36-458-12.7-2
Height-Weight-Speed 2 Average height and above average bulk. Above average arm length (34.4) and slightly above average hand size (10) for tight end. Top-end speed is well above-average. Near the top of the TE class with VJ(33.5) and BJ (9'11).
Durability 4 Missed three games with a toe injury in 2012. Sustained shoulder injury against North Texas in 2010 and missed two games. Sustained undisclosed injury against Tulsa in 2009. Missed next two games.
Intangibles 2 Voted most improved player during 2011 season. Hard worker and adequate student. Uncle Christian Fauria played TE at Colorado and for 13 seasons at the NFL level.
Tight End Specific Traits
Separation Skills 3 Above average feel for coverage and has the potential to develop into zone buster at the NFL level. Does a nice job of sitting then uncovering working against zone looks. Adjusts and improvises when quarterback gets flushed out of the pocket. Big target that can shield defenders from the ball but a straight-line player that struggles to sink and change directions quickly at the top of stem.
Ball Skills 3 Potential is above average considering arm length and hand size but ball skills are just average despite tools. Doesn't field the ball cleanly on a consistent basis. Bobbles and double clutches frequently. Passes thrown above head can go off hands. Took eye off the ball and dropped passes the week of the Senior Bowl. Lost a fumble in the second quarter of the 2012 Louisiana Tech.
Big Play Ability 2 Above average release and can slip defenders at the line of scrimmage. Above average burst and fast enough to challenge downfield but doesn't have the second gear of an elite vertical threat. Reaches top-end speed quickly and dangerous when gets a crease after the catch. Flashes the ability to make the first defender miss even though isn't overly elusive. Runs with narrow base and not as productive after contact as size would suggest.
Competitiveness 2 Aggressive and above average effort.as a blocker. Always looking for someone to hit. He doesn't back down when defenders try to get in his face. Production after contact a matter of running style more than effort. Runs hard and fights for yards after contact.
Blocking 2 Frequently lines up on the outside and can cover defenders in space. Has the potential to be an effective in-line blocker. Flashes strong punch and gets into sound position. Athletic enough to seal front side and cut off backside as a zone blocker. Gets to the second level quickly and can cover up linebackers but body control is adequate and can whiff in space however.
6-4⅛, 267 lbs Rice
Scouts Grade 78
Position Rank 5
Overall Rank 69
Arm Length 34-1/4"
Hand Size 10-1/8"
40-YD Dash 4.85
ConferenceC- USA
Draft Analysis
WHAT HE BRINGS
McDonald has trouble separating from man coverage at times because he's tight changing directions, but his burst is impressive both when attacking the seam and after the catch. There are concerns about his hands after an underwhelming Senior Bowl week, but he's not afraid to work the middle and can make tough catches. He just needs to become more consistent in that area.
HOW HE FITS
We knew the 49ers would address this position early in the draft with the loss in free agency of Delanie Walker to Tennessee. More than any other offense in the NFL, they love multi-tight end packages and the ability to be exotic in personnel groupings. While McDonald doesn't have the athleticism and big-play capability of Vernon Davis, he can certainly help as either an in-line or motion player. He can also be a good contributor in the short-to-intermediate passing game. What may be a sneaky strength of this pick is that it will allow the 49ers to use multiple tight ends to force defenses to play sub packages -- then they can come back and run the ball. Those are the kinds of things this coaching staff loves to do.
Overall Football Traits
Production 2 2008: Redshirt. 2009: (10/1)-12-118-9.8-02010: (10/6)-28-396-14.1-8 2011: (12/11)-43-532-12.4-52012: (10/10)-36-458-12.7-2
Height-Weight-Speed 2 Average height and above average bulk. Above average arm length (34.4) and slightly above average hand size (10) for tight end. Top-end speed is well above-average. Near the top of the TE class with VJ(33.5) and BJ (9'11).
Durability 4 Missed three games with a toe injury in 2012. Sustained shoulder injury against North Texas in 2010 and missed two games. Sustained undisclosed injury against Tulsa in 2009. Missed next two games.
Intangibles 2 Voted most improved player during 2011 season. Hard worker and adequate student. Uncle Christian Fauria played TE at Colorado and for 13 seasons at the NFL level.
Tight End Specific Traits
Separation Skills 3 Above average feel for coverage and has the potential to develop into zone buster at the NFL level. Does a nice job of sitting then uncovering working against zone looks. Adjusts and improvises when quarterback gets flushed out of the pocket. Big target that can shield defenders from the ball but a straight-line player that struggles to sink and change directions quickly at the top of stem.
Ball Skills 3 Potential is above average considering arm length and hand size but ball skills are just average despite tools. Doesn't field the ball cleanly on a consistent basis. Bobbles and double clutches frequently. Passes thrown above head can go off hands. Took eye off the ball and dropped passes the week of the Senior Bowl. Lost a fumble in the second quarter of the 2012 Louisiana Tech.
Big Play Ability 2 Above average release and can slip defenders at the line of scrimmage. Above average burst and fast enough to challenge downfield but doesn't have the second gear of an elite vertical threat. Reaches top-end speed quickly and dangerous when gets a crease after the catch. Flashes the ability to make the first defender miss even though isn't overly elusive. Runs with narrow base and not as productive after contact as size would suggest.
Competitiveness 2 Aggressive and above average effort.as a blocker. Always looking for someone to hit. He doesn't back down when defenders try to get in his face. Production after contact a matter of running style more than effort. Runs hard and fights for yards after contact.
Blocking 2 Frequently lines up on the outside and can cover defenders in space. Has the potential to be an effective in-line blocker. Flashes strong punch and gets into sound position. Athletic enough to seal front side and cut off backside as a zone blocker. Gets to the second level quickly and can cover up linebackers but body control is adequate and can whiff in space however.
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McDonald rose quickly in pre-draft workouts after putting up relatively humble numbers for the Owls: 36 catches, 458 yards and two touchdown catches as a senior. Scouts liked his large frame and great reach. If he lives up to potential, he adds greatly to an exciting collection of pass catchers to counterbalance San Francisco's already elite defense.
Read More: 2013 NFL Draft - SI.com
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Vance McDonald
GRADE 7.30
TE 6-5 260 Rice
Class: Sr 40 Time:
Round 2 Pick 25
Stephen Lance Dennee/Icon SMI
Positives
He has a wide, thick build with very good arm length and big hands to consider for the position at the NFL level. McDonald is a good overall athlete with solid agility, body control and balance in his play. At Rice, he was a highly productive receiver in the underneath to middle area of the field, showing a big wing-span and making for a big target for his quarterback. He aligned in multiple positions within his college scheme, but mainly out of the slot. He does a nice job of creating separation out of his breaks with good, sudden movements to gain separation from his defender. When he gets a free release, he eats up the cushion immediately and gets on top of the defense quickly. He has not been used as an in-line blocker but more out of the slot, but he is a very willing blocker who does a very nice job of blocking out in space. He is a tough competitor with a big body and he plays an aggressive brand of football. He has great functional strength as shown by the 31 repetitions he benched at the combine. McDonald was also the team's long snapper and gives added value on special teams.
Negatives
He has above average height with only average long speed and explosiveness in his movements. He is not a player with great lateral agility and isn't overly quick in short areas. While he looks comfortable catching the ball, there are times when his hands look out of sorts and he fights the ball through the catch, and this shows up almost every game. He doesn't catch the ball at its highest point and doesn't make full use of his long arms because of it. McDonald's size is his greatest route running strength as he isn't quick out of his breaks, but the combination of size and quickness he does have is enough to get the job done. He is not a vertical threat and lacks elusiveness in his run-after-catch ability. He is an inconsistent in-line blocker, but he was rarely used this way in the Rice offense and he does a nice job of blocking out in space.
Analysis
Rice's Vance McDonald is a big tight end with very good athletic traits with an intriguing NFL future. McDonald is a one-speed player who is fast, but not quick to change directions or out of his breaks as a route runner. He needs a step or two to get up to full speed and can surprise cornerbacks by eating up cushion quickly to run past them. McDonald is a very good route runner as he finds a way to get open, but he lacks short area quickness to separate from defenders and does it using his big body. He is a very smart route runner who understands the system he plays in, and exploits defenses with his understanding of soft areas in zone coverage. McDonald tends to fight the ball at times and can have inconsistent hands that cause him to drop the ball. While McDonald is fast, he possesses one speed and if defenses can disrupt his momentum, he will struggle to finish the route. He isn't elusive and won't hit the homerun, but he will move the chains because of his ability to put his head down and run through contact. At Rice, he wasn't used as an in-line blocker but he was good out in space, bullying the smaller players he went against. He looks to be a very willing blocker but teams will have to develop him from an in-line perspective. McDonald was used in a variety of ways at Rice, and he could be seen lining up out wide, or taking a hand-off and running a tight end reverse. However, he was lined up in a majority of the time out of the slot and that's where he is best suited in the NFL. He has been a very productive tight end in college because of his mismatch ability and his size/speed combination. He also can contribute early on special teams and it gives added value to his selection. McDonald warrants consideration starting in the middle-to-late part of the second-round.
Grading System
Read More: 2013 NFL Draft - SI.com
GRADE 7.30
TE 6-5 260 Rice
Class: Sr 40 Time:
Round 2 Pick 25
Stephen Lance Dennee/Icon SMI
Positives
He has a wide, thick build with very good arm length and big hands to consider for the position at the NFL level. McDonald is a good overall athlete with solid agility, body control and balance in his play. At Rice, he was a highly productive receiver in the underneath to middle area of the field, showing a big wing-span and making for a big target for his quarterback. He aligned in multiple positions within his college scheme, but mainly out of the slot. He does a nice job of creating separation out of his breaks with good, sudden movements to gain separation from his defender. When he gets a free release, he eats up the cushion immediately and gets on top of the defense quickly. He has not been used as an in-line blocker but more out of the slot, but he is a very willing blocker who does a very nice job of blocking out in space. He is a tough competitor with a big body and he plays an aggressive brand of football. He has great functional strength as shown by the 31 repetitions he benched at the combine. McDonald was also the team's long snapper and gives added value on special teams.
Negatives
He has above average height with only average long speed and explosiveness in his movements. He is not a player with great lateral agility and isn't overly quick in short areas. While he looks comfortable catching the ball, there are times when his hands look out of sorts and he fights the ball through the catch, and this shows up almost every game. He doesn't catch the ball at its highest point and doesn't make full use of his long arms because of it. McDonald's size is his greatest route running strength as he isn't quick out of his breaks, but the combination of size and quickness he does have is enough to get the job done. He is not a vertical threat and lacks elusiveness in his run-after-catch ability. He is an inconsistent in-line blocker, but he was rarely used this way in the Rice offense and he does a nice job of blocking out in space.
Analysis
Rice's Vance McDonald is a big tight end with very good athletic traits with an intriguing NFL future. McDonald is a one-speed player who is fast, but not quick to change directions or out of his breaks as a route runner. He needs a step or two to get up to full speed and can surprise cornerbacks by eating up cushion quickly to run past them. McDonald is a very good route runner as he finds a way to get open, but he lacks short area quickness to separate from defenders and does it using his big body. He is a very smart route runner who understands the system he plays in, and exploits defenses with his understanding of soft areas in zone coverage. McDonald tends to fight the ball at times and can have inconsistent hands that cause him to drop the ball. While McDonald is fast, he possesses one speed and if defenses can disrupt his momentum, he will struggle to finish the route. He isn't elusive and won't hit the homerun, but he will move the chains because of his ability to put his head down and run through contact. At Rice, he wasn't used as an in-line blocker but he was good out in space, bullying the smaller players he went against. He looks to be a very willing blocker but teams will have to develop him from an in-line perspective. McDonald was used in a variety of ways at Rice, and he could be seen lining up out wide, or taking a hand-off and running a tight end reverse. However, he was lined up in a majority of the time out of the slot and that's where he is best suited in the NFL. He has been a very productive tight end in college because of his mismatch ability and his size/speed combination. He also can contribute early on special teams and it gives added value to his selection. McDonald warrants consideration starting in the middle-to-late part of the second-round.
Grading System
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Corey Lemonier
GRADE 8.00
OLB 6-4 246 Auburn
Class: Jr 40 Time: 4.65
Round 3 Pick 26
Jim Dedmon/Icon SMI
Positives
Lemonier has very good height, length and bulk for the position and with time in an NFL weight room, should be able to pack on additional muscle to his frame. He consistently demonstrates explosive speed off the snap, and flashes the agility and quickness to be a constant pass rush threat on the edge. He looks comfortable and fluid dropping into coverage, and does an excellent job of reading his keys and locating the ball quickly.
Negatives
While he consistently defeats his man on the edge, Lemonier tends to get upright once free, which limits his ability to change directions and finish at the QB. His upright play also causes him to miss high on too many tackles that he should be able to lower his shoulder and explode through. He is not aggressive with his hands, which makes it too easy for blockers to lock onto him and sustain blocks, in particular against the run.
Analysis
Corey Lemonier is certainly not without his faults as a prospect, but he has outstanding potential as an edge rusher and the natural instincts to help him transition to a new position at the NFL level. His combination of speed, agility and explosiveness makes him a constant edge threat, and he possesses the quickness needed to employ a wide array of moves in space. While he constantly pressured the QB in games I graded, he did not finish as often as he is clearly capable of in large part to his bad habit of getting upright and a bit rigid. However, he displays enough fluidity at the LOS and dropping into coverage to lead me to believe this is a very coachable issue. He must also improve his hand usage, as he does not do a good job of fighting off blockers at the LOS and can be particularly exposed on inside runs. While his flaws may be enough to scare some teams into waiting for him to fall to day two, I expect others to fall in love with his explosiveness off the ball as well as his read and react skills. He would be an outstanding fit in Pittsburgh or San Francisco, with teams that run 34 fronts and will be patient with his development.
Grading System
Read More: 2013 NFL Draft - SI.com
GRADE 8.00
OLB 6-4 246 Auburn
Class: Jr 40 Time: 4.65
Round 3 Pick 26
Jim Dedmon/Icon SMI
Positives
Lemonier has very good height, length and bulk for the position and with time in an NFL weight room, should be able to pack on additional muscle to his frame. He consistently demonstrates explosive speed off the snap, and flashes the agility and quickness to be a constant pass rush threat on the edge. He looks comfortable and fluid dropping into coverage, and does an excellent job of reading his keys and locating the ball quickly.
Negatives
While he consistently defeats his man on the edge, Lemonier tends to get upright once free, which limits his ability to change directions and finish at the QB. His upright play also causes him to miss high on too many tackles that he should be able to lower his shoulder and explode through. He is not aggressive with his hands, which makes it too easy for blockers to lock onto him and sustain blocks, in particular against the run.
Analysis
Corey Lemonier is certainly not without his faults as a prospect, but he has outstanding potential as an edge rusher and the natural instincts to help him transition to a new position at the NFL level. His combination of speed, agility and explosiveness makes him a constant edge threat, and he possesses the quickness needed to employ a wide array of moves in space. While he constantly pressured the QB in games I graded, he did not finish as often as he is clearly capable of in large part to his bad habit of getting upright and a bit rigid. However, he displays enough fluidity at the LOS and dropping into coverage to lead me to believe this is a very coachable issue. He must also improve his hand usage, as he does not do a good job of fighting off blockers at the LOS and can be particularly exposed on inside runs. While his flaws may be enough to scare some teams into waiting for him to fall to day two, I expect others to fall in love with his explosiveness off the ball as well as his read and react skills. He would be an outstanding fit in Pittsburgh or San Francisco, with teams that run 34 fronts and will be patient with his development.
Grading System
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WHAT HE BRINGS
Lemonier has a prototypical 3-4 OLB build. He plays with a great motor and is relentless as a pass rusher, and flashes an explosive first step and ability to bend and shave the edge. However, he must continue to improve his strength both as a counter-puncher and setting the edge in run support.
HOW HE FITS
In the 49ers' base 3-4 scheme he probably fits best as an OLB rush guy, in an Aldon Smth-type role. Lemonier is quick off the edge, good in space, and gives them some insurance for Smith, whose production seemed to slip late in the 2012 season. The Niners never sacrifice athleticism.
Overall Football Traits
Production 2 2010: (14/1) - 17-5-2 2011: (13/13) - 47-13.5-9.52012: (12/10) 34-5.5-5.5 Career: 7 FF, 2 FR
Height-Weight-Speed 2 Height is exact average of all defensive ends to attend the combine the last five years and weight is a few pounds shy. Excellent straight-line speed; ran third-fastest 40 time (4.60) and 10-split (1.60) of DL at combine. Has big hands (10 1/8') and long arms (34 ½').
Durability 1 Played in all 39 games (24 starts) during three seasons (2010-12) at Auburn.
Intangibles 2 Pronunciation: Lemon-wah. No off the field issues to our knowledge. Good football character and intelligence. Works hard in practice and in weight room. Son of Henry and Francoise Lemonier.
Defensive End Specific Traits
Pass Rush Skills 2 Very good initial burst and straight-line speed. Has some stiffness in his movements and lacks elite torso flexibility but still bends the edge relatively tightly. Has long arms and above average hand quickness. Flashes effective slap and rip moves but needs refinement. Can be much more effective with hands if he takes to coaching in NFL. Displays a powerful upper body on tape (backed up by 27 bench reps at combine). At his best when coming from a wide-9 in a two-point stance, because when he builds a little momentum he can be very effective turning speed to power. Struggles to counter if he doesn't gain an advantage from initial contact. Shows very good closing burst to the QB and flashes explosive power.
Versus the run 3 Fires off the ball. Gets into blockers pads and can stand blockers up with initial pop. Can hold his ground and set the edge when he keeps pads low. Can be late diagnosing at times and seems a bit mechanical as a run defender. Flashes quick and violent hands but does not use them effectively enough. Too often fails to disengage in time to get back involved. Change-of-direction skills are average to slightly below average. Shows good closing burst and flashes explosive power at the point of attack as a tackler. But will come in high on occasion and fail to wrap up.
Versatility 2 Has experience playing RDE and LDE in a four-man front. Has experience rushing off both sides but appears much more natural from the right edge. Does not drop into coverage often but appears to have enough burst and awareness to do so on occasion in NFL. Looked comfortable working underneath zone the handful of times we witnessed on tape.
Instincts/Motor 3 Effort was good in six games we studied in 2012, but he was pursuing harder and more often vs. Mississippi State on September 8th than he was in tape we studied of him vs. Ole Miss on October 16th. Faced far more double teams during second half of 2012 and was frustrated at times. Worked hard to fight through most blocks and did not 'check out' mentally, but did not play with same ferociousness that we've seen on past tapes. Also, was late getting into stance and late off snap of ball too often in 2012, which is not something we noticed in four games studied from 2011.
Lemonier has a prototypical 3-4 OLB build. He plays with a great motor and is relentless as a pass rusher, and flashes an explosive first step and ability to bend and shave the edge. However, he must continue to improve his strength both as a counter-puncher and setting the edge in run support.
HOW HE FITS
In the 49ers' base 3-4 scheme he probably fits best as an OLB rush guy, in an Aldon Smth-type role. Lemonier is quick off the edge, good in space, and gives them some insurance for Smith, whose production seemed to slip late in the 2012 season. The Niners never sacrifice athleticism.
Overall Football Traits
Production 2 2010: (14/1) - 17-5-2 2011: (13/13) - 47-13.5-9.52012: (12/10) 34-5.5-5.5 Career: 7 FF, 2 FR
Height-Weight-Speed 2 Height is exact average of all defensive ends to attend the combine the last five years and weight is a few pounds shy. Excellent straight-line speed; ran third-fastest 40 time (4.60) and 10-split (1.60) of DL at combine. Has big hands (10 1/8') and long arms (34 ½').
Durability 1 Played in all 39 games (24 starts) during three seasons (2010-12) at Auburn.
Intangibles 2 Pronunciation: Lemon-wah. No off the field issues to our knowledge. Good football character and intelligence. Works hard in practice and in weight room. Son of Henry and Francoise Lemonier.
Defensive End Specific Traits
Pass Rush Skills 2 Very good initial burst and straight-line speed. Has some stiffness in his movements and lacks elite torso flexibility but still bends the edge relatively tightly. Has long arms and above average hand quickness. Flashes effective slap and rip moves but needs refinement. Can be much more effective with hands if he takes to coaching in NFL. Displays a powerful upper body on tape (backed up by 27 bench reps at combine). At his best when coming from a wide-9 in a two-point stance, because when he builds a little momentum he can be very effective turning speed to power. Struggles to counter if he doesn't gain an advantage from initial contact. Shows very good closing burst to the QB and flashes explosive power.
Versus the run 3 Fires off the ball. Gets into blockers pads and can stand blockers up with initial pop. Can hold his ground and set the edge when he keeps pads low. Can be late diagnosing at times and seems a bit mechanical as a run defender. Flashes quick and violent hands but does not use them effectively enough. Too often fails to disengage in time to get back involved. Change-of-direction skills are average to slightly below average. Shows good closing burst and flashes explosive power at the point of attack as a tackler. But will come in high on occasion and fail to wrap up.
Versatility 2 Has experience playing RDE and LDE in a four-man front. Has experience rushing off both sides but appears much more natural from the right edge. Does not drop into coverage often but appears to have enough burst and awareness to do so on occasion in NFL. Looked comfortable working underneath zone the handful of times we witnessed on tape.
Instincts/Motor 3 Effort was good in six games we studied in 2012, but he was pursuing harder and more often vs. Mississippi State on September 8th than he was in tape we studied of him vs. Ole Miss on October 16th. Faced far more double teams during second half of 2012 and was frustrated at times. Worked hard to fight through most blocks and did not 'check out' mentally, but did not play with same ferociousness that we've seen on past tapes. Also, was late getting into stance and late off snap of ball too often in 2012, which is not something we noticed in four games studied from 2011.
