• Round 3.22 (Pick 86) – Jamaree Caldwell, DT (Oregon)
  • Background:
    • 24.6, 6’2”, 332 pounds, 32” (shorter) arms
    • Born in Newberry, South Carolina.
    • Father played for the Cleveland Browns as a DL (2001-2022). Uncle also spent time on an NFL roster.
    • Attended high school in North Carolina (as a RB) where he didn’t attract attention and was a no-star recruit in the 2019 recruiting class.
    • Started in JuCo at Hutchinson Community College in Kansas (2019; former Staley school). Walked away from football during COVID in 2020 but changed his mind and returned to Hutchinson in 2021.
    • Did enough to attract attention and the rest is history.
    • Attended the Senior Bowl. Gray Zabel said that Caldwell was the toughest opponent he faced in practice.
    • Five seasons
      • Hutchinson Community College (2019; 2021); Houston Louisiana Tech 2022-2023; Oregon (2024)
      • 38 games, 49 tackles, 9 sacks, 47 Run Stops.
    • Has two career blocked field goal attempts.
    • Played entire 2023 season with a hard cast after breaking his left hand in the opener.
    • Good confidence in Senior Bowl interview. Comes across as someone who knows himself (24yo, makes sense): “I don’t want to be someone who had an opportunity but didn’t take it.”
  • 2024 Stats:
    • 14 games, 1 sack, 2 hits, 22 hurries (283 pass rush snaps, 528 total snaps)
    • 80.3 Overall Grade
    • 71.5 Pass Rush Grade
    • 74.8 True Pass Set Pass Rush Grade
    • 81.6 Run Defense Grade
    • 9.3% Pass Rush Win Rate
    • 7.5% Run-Stop Rate
    • 20% Missed Tackle Rate (19% for Career)
  • 2025 Combine:
    • 5.16s 40-Yard Dash (16^th of 19)
    • 1.86s 10-Yard Split (17^th of 19)
    • 27” Vertical Jump (T-23^rd of 28)
    • 3.49 RAS (ranked 1,324 of 2,033 DTs from 1987 to 2025).
  • Tape:
    • Watched games v Boise State (2024), Ohio State (2024), Penn State (2024, Big Ten Championship) and Ohio State (2024, Playoffs – Rose Bowl).
    • Summary:
      • Caldwell is a 330-pound Nose Tackle with impressive quickness and bend for his size. After playing a more penetrating role for the Houston Cougars from 2022-2023 (with 6 sacks in 2023), he transferred to Oregon and changed roles to a two-gapping Nose next to Derrick Harmon on the Ducks’ push towards National Title contention. Capable of playing anything from true 0-tech to 3-tech, Caldwell has an exciting get-off, anchor, range and hands that remain active through the rep. He has some troubles finishing as a tackler, but he has the physique and skills to become a quality NFL interior Defensive Lineman in Jesse Minter’s multiple alignment front.
    • Strengths:
      • Low pad-level consistently gives him the leverage advantage against his opponent.
      • Possesses impressive bend for a nose tackle (eg, batted pass v Boise State (2024)) with strong lateral movement skills.
      • Facing double-teams, he has good ankle flexion to twist and maintain the Line of Scrimmage, including on one knee if necessary.
      • As a pass rusher, Caldwell keeps himself clean off the line with active hands (loves using swipes and swims).
      • Shows the ability to stack, peek and shed in the run game. Hands are strong.
      • Flashes the potential to forklift interior linemen and bull rush them into the QB’s lap.
      • More than a mere pocket pusher (had 6 sacks in 2023 as a 3-tech).
      • Conditioning looks good. Still playing with full intensity in Q4.
    • Question Marks:
      • Gets a little too upright out of his stance sometimes (as a pass rusher).
      • Core strength to hold the point of attack against double teams is enticing but also a work in progress.
        • He will need to build his strength profile to prevent the outside lineman on combo blocks from washing him across the line of scrimmage. A few examples of this on tape.
        • If linemen can get him on the move (eg, on outside zone) he can be worked away from his gap and past the play leaving cutback lanes for the RB (eg, long run allowed v Penn State (2024).
      • His bull rush isn’t consistent at this stage. He looks to win more often with finesse than power.
      • At his size, he’s likely to have some issues with finishing tackles (19.0% career missed tackle rate). Anything that requires lateral agility later in the rep is a problem and this shows up on tape.
      • Doesn’t always have eyes on the RB to tackle.
      • Older prospect turning 25 this season.
      • Needs to stay on top of his weight (admitted to playing too heavy in 2024).

• Round 4.23 (Pick 125) – Kyle Kennard, Edge (South Carolina)
  • Background:
    • 23.3, 6’4”, 254 pounds, 34” arms
    • Born in Michigan but moved to Atlanta at age 9.
    • Lettered in basketball.
    • Three-star recruit (39^th ranked weakside DE in the 2020 recruiting class). He got offers from Virgina, Arkansas, Minnesota, Pittsburgh and Tennessee but chose Georgia Tech (local school).
    • Keion White and Jahmyr Gibbs were teammates and Keion was a ‘big bro’ from whom he learned how to improve his work ethic.
    • Took advantage of his extra year of eligibility and transferred to South Carolina (also considered Missouri). Voted a Gamecocks captain.
    • Attended the Senior Bowl.
    • Five seasons
      • Georgia Tech (2020-2023; South Carolina (2024)
      • 54 games, 82 tackles, 95 pressures, 25 sacks, 75 Run Stops
    • Already a father of two. Comes across as mature in interview. Enjoys photography.
  • 2024 Stats:
    • 12 games, 10 sacks, 6 hits, 23 hurries (310 pass rush snaps, 554 total snaps)
    • 77.0 Overall Grade
    • 80.7 Pass Rush Grade
    • 79.8 True Pass Set Pass Rush Grade
    • 72.3 Run Defense Grade
    • 13.1% Pass Rush Win Rate
    • 3.8% Run-Stop Rate
    • 15.4% Missed Tackle Rate (12.8% for Career)
    • SEC Defensive Player of the Year.
    • Bronko Nagurski Trophy as Nation’s Top Defensive Player (first Gamecock to win it).
  • 2025 Combine:
    • 4.73s 40-Yard Dash (14^th of 18)
    • 1.63s 10-Yard Split (8^th of 18)
    • 23 Bench Press Reps (10^th of 15)
    • 8.58 RAS (ranked 290 of 2,029 DTs from 1987 to 2025).
  • Tape:
    • Watched games v Alabama (2024), LSU (2024), Mizzou (2024) and Texas A&M (2024).
    • Summary:
      • Kennard is a tall, average-framed, pass rush specialist with long arms and a relentless motor. He transferred to South Carolina heading into the 2024 season as a fifth-year Senior and exited it as the SEC Defensive Player of the Year with 10 sacks. His game is based around his get-off, speed, athleticism, and an adequate collection of pass rush moves to threaten the outside shoulder of the tackle. An area of significant concern for NFL teams will be his power profile and the lack of an effective bull rush which could limit his NFL success. However, he sets a decent Edge and still finds ways to impact the run game, so with further development in a high-quality strength & conditioning program there is hope yet that Kennard may develop into an every-down pass rusher at the next level.
    • Strengths:
      • High-effort player from the snap to the whistle.
      • First-step quickness is apparent and has adequate bend to flatten. Also changes up the pacing of his rush nicely.
      • Good versatility to play all along the line, standing or with his hand in the dirt; from 9-tech, to 5-tech, to stand-up rusher over the Guard.
      • Has a developing pass rush tool kit (still learning to link moves together) and he obliterated LSU with it in 2024:
        • 7 pressures, 1 sack, 2 hits, 4 hurries
        • Push-pull move caused a Nussmeier INT.
        • Dip/rip sack against Will Campbell.
        • Long-arm moves and inside counter moves on display.
        • TFL on the RB on a failed RPO.
      • Finishing instincts are above average. He does a good job converting pressures into sacks.
      • Has 34” arms to hold the point of contact and set the Edge in the run game.
      • Flashes the ability to find his way into the backfield with a swim move, and chase down RBs from the back side of the play.
      • 5 Forced Fumbles in the past 2 seasons.
    • Question Marks:
      • Major concern is he lacks overall strength and a power-based pass rush move like a bull rush to base his counter moves around.
        • Always trying to win to the outside corner will make him predictable for quality NFL Offensive Tackles to defend. This can be a fatal problem for translating to the next level.
        • Kadyn Proctor (elite LT prospect from Alabama) handled him easily. The Missouri left tackle also controlled the battle.
        • Five years in college (23yo) so frame may be maxed out?
        • Ben Herbert will be extremely important for Kennard’s career arc.
      • Higher-cut frame makes his chest an easier target for Offensive Linemen.
      • Wham blocks from TEs and other styles of movement-based blocks can stifle him as a run defender.
      • Only 4 coverage reps in 2024 so not someone who’s shown he can drop into a throwing lane.
      • Hot start to the year but cooled off dramatically (18.1% pass rush win rate Wks 1-8; 7.8% from Wks 8-14).

• 22 (Pick 158) – KeAndre “Dre” Lambert-Smith, WR (Auburn)
  • Background:
    • 23.5, 6’1”, 190 pounds, 32 5/8 ” arms
    • Born Norfolk, Virginia. Played QB and WR in high-school. Also lettered in track.
    • Four-star recruit. 37^th ranked WR in the 2020 recruiting class.
    • Collected 20+ offers after being named MVP at The Opening Washington, D.C. (ranking in the 99^th percentile of athletes). Committed to Penn State (over North Carolina and Virginia Tech).
    • Attended East-West Shrine Bowl and was a standout player.
    • Five seasons
      • Penn State (2020-2023); Auburn (2024).
      • 60 games, 176 catches, 2,702 yds, 19 TDs.
      • 2024: 79 targets, 50 catches, 981 yds, 8 TDs
      • 2023: 85 targets, 53 catches, 673 yds, 4 TDs
      • 2022: 38 targets, 24 catches, 389 yds, 4 TDs
    • His uncle is Kam Chancellor.
    • Highly competitive individual with a fair bit of confidence displayed in his interview and a chip on his shoulder. Thinks he’s been slept on during the draft process.
    • 4.37s 40-yard dash time is only one-hundredth of a second slower than Derius Davis’ despite being 6’1”, 190 pounds.
    • GSP tracking data info for Lambert-Smith from the Combine of 39 WRs tested:
      • WR Gauntlet: Top Speed (18.91 mph), 78^th percentile
      • WR Circus Route: Top Speed (17.93 mph), 100^th percentile
      • WR Dagger Route: Top Speed (17.57 mph), 77^th percentile
      • Over Shoulder Adjust: Top Speed (18.56 mph), 100^th percentile
      • WR Dagger Route: Top Speed (17.57 mph), 77^th percentile
    • 2024 Stats:
      • 12 games, 79 targets, 50 catches, 981 yds, 8 TDs
      • 80.4 Receiving Grade
      • 50.7 Run Blocking Grade
      • 5.7% Drop Rate (3 Drops) (8.8% Career)
      • 50.0% Contested Catch Rate (36.6% for Career)
      • 77.2 Grade v Man Coverage
      • 8 Missed Tackles Forced (T-217^th)
      • 19.6 Yards Per Reception (9^th)
      • 5 catches of 50+ yards (3^rd)
      • 100+ receiving yards in 4 of 12 games (Arkansas, La Monroe, Texas A&M & Alabama).
      • Second-team all SEC.
    • 2025 Combine:
      • 4.37s 40-Yard Dash (T-6^th of 39)
      • 1.53s 10-Yard Split (T-15^th of 39)
      • 34.5” Vertical (T-23^rd of 36)
      • 10’4” Broad (T-15^th of 33)
      • 9.03 RAS (ranked 372 of 3,816 WRs from 1987 to 2025).
    • Tape:
      • Watched games v Illinois (2023), Kentucky (2024), Georgia (2024) and Arkansas (2024).
      • Summary:
        • Lambert-Smith has the speed and versatility to be used in a variety of roles in the NFL. In college, he was used variously as a motion player, a smoke route target, a slot who could run fades, a Z receiver running drags and deep curls, and sometimes as an X receiver for post patterns and slants in the RZ. He does it all with minimal fuss, competent route savvy and decent hands. With his lighter frame, the challenges he is likely to face to make it as a WR3 or better in the NFL are working on his play strength when tasked with corners who’ll press him or redirect his routes, and proving he can be left on the field on running downs (since his run blocking is poor).
      • Strengths:
        • Great speed to catch a drag route or slant in stride and take it to the house (eg, two long completions v Arkansas (2024))
        • “Jack of all trades”.
          • He’s done a little bit of everything as a receiver in college in different Offenses. Can serve myriad functions in an NFL passing attack (gadget player, motion man, slot, Z, clear-out X).
        • Gets in and out of his breaks reasonably cleanly at the top of the route and can stop quickly on deep curls.
        • Creates good separation on deep vertical routes with his long speed.
        • Catching skills are above average for a “speed athlete”. Hands-catcher with the ability to bring in the ball cleanly with his long arms including low or outside his frame.
      • Question Marks:
        • Play strength likely to be an issue facing NFL corners.
          • Can struggle with route redirection and playing through contact (multiple examples on tape)
          • Can’t see him making many contested catches.
        • Overall, Lambert-Smith’s route running lacks some refinement and polish.
          • Too upright during drive phase and relies more on athleticism than technique.
          • Doesn’t run a full route tree yet (mainly Gos, Comebacks, Posts, Drag routes and Slants).
          • Straight-line athlete with minimal horizontal wiggle which limits YAC. Not many missed tackles forced.
        • Auburn’s QB wasn’t good but Lambert-Smith also could’ve worked harder to help him out on some scramble drills.
          • 2 INTs when targeted in the 4 games I watched, and one was his fault for not working back hard enough on a comeback route.
          • Overall, I didn’t like Auburn’s Passing Attack which took a lot of deep shots but didn’t utilise much of the intermediate middle of the field. Perhaps he can thrive with better opportunities and scheme.
        • Ball tracking could be better.
        • Lack of Special Teams experience.

• Round 5.29 (Pick 165) <traded Picks 181 and 209 to the Eagles (both sixth-rounders) – Oronde Gadsden II, TE (Syracuse) 
  • Background:
    • 21.8, 6’5”, 243 pounds, 33 3/8” arms
    • Born Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
    • His father was an NFL WR with 3,252 career receiving yds playing with the Cowboys, Steelers and Dolphins.
    • Dan Marino was Gadsden II’s Pop Warner Offensive Coordinator. Jason Taylor was the DC.
    • Patrick Surtain (senior) was Gadsden II’s high school coach. Played on the same high school team as Patrick Surtain II, Tyson Campbell and Dallas Turner (went undefeated 14-0, won state championship).
    • Lettered in track with an 11.84s 100m.
    • Three-star recruit. 146^th ranked WR in the 2021 recruiting class.
    • Collected 20+ scholarship offers but chose Syracuse (over Arizona State, Penn State and South Florida).
    • Four seasons at Syracuse (WR from 2021-2022; TE from 2023-2024)
      • 36 games, 143 catches, 1,991 yds, 14 TDs.
    • Missed 4 games in 2021 with a groin injury.
    • Missed 11 games in 2023 with a right foot injury (Lisfranc).
    • Attended East-West Shrine Bowl.
    • Comes across in interview as a knowledgeable football enthusiast who’s grown up around the sport. Spoke about looking up to Keenan Allen as a route runner and had easy recall of the best players in the NFL when asked who he models his game after at the TE position.
  • 2024 Stats:
    • 13 games, 103 targets, 73 catches, 934 yds, 7 TDs
    • 82.6 Receiving Grade
    • 66.0 Run Block Grade
    • 3.9% Drop Rate (4.7% for Career)
    • 60.7% Contested Catch Rate (56.0% for Career)
    • 5 Missed Tackles Forced (T-49^th)
    • 228 Deep Yards (5^th)
    • 100+ receiving yards in 5/13 games.
  • 2025 Combine:
    • 34” Vertical Jump (T-8^th of 15)
    • 9’6” Broad Jump (T-12^th of 14)
    • 7.96 RAS (ranked 272 of 1,331 TEs from 1987 to 2025).
    • Ran a 4.65s 40-Yd and 1.62 10-Yd at his Pro Day.
      • Would’ve ranked 1^st of 15 and T-12^th of 15 respectively.
    • Tape:
      • Watched games v Clemson (2022) and Cal (2024).
      • Summary:
        • Gadsden is a 6’5” WR-to-TE convert who might have the best hands of his TE peers. However, his ‘tweener frame potentially makes projecting him to ‘full-time duties’ in the NFL a pipe dream. As a receiver, he has great hands, impressive body control and the long speed to threaten on seam routes down the field. But closer to the Line of Scrimmage will be where he must prove himself to coaches to see regular playing time. His initial movements can be a little clunky, his play strength will be challenged by NFL defenders, and despite developing as a blocker during his time at Syracuse, there are instances on tape where he struggles with block sustain or misses his assignment altogether. Gadsden will need to get stronger to become a three-down player at the next level, but he should be able to contribute right away in specialised packages with the potential to make some splash plays.
      • Strengths:
        • Ball tracking and body control have the potential to be elite for the position.
        • Hands accept the ball gleefully wherever the throw is located. Can go down low to get it and excels in back shoulder and contested catch situations.
        • Has all the tricks in the book when it comes to route nuance with subtle push-offs, shoulder shrugs and head fakes.
        • Uses his frame well to box out defenders and protect the catch point.
        • Blocking and pass protection technique improved each year at Syracuse. Some evidence on tape that he can be adequate from in-line snaps.
        • He can work from split flow, surprise a Defense off Y-Leak, live in the slot or do spot-duties as an outside WR.
        • Tough as nails. Takes hits and gets straight back up again.
      • Question Marks:
        • Get-off and movements are a little stiff through the initial route phase.
        • Play strength during the route can be hit or miss. Occasions where he gets re-directed and will stumble following subtle contact. This problem could be exacerbated at the next level.
        • In the games I watched, didn’t see as much evidence of Gadsden sitting in zones and finding soft spots at the short-to-intermediate level of the field as I did beating Man down field.
        • He can struggle with block sustain and shows some forward-lean issues on in-line blocking assignments.
        • Low Career YAC numbers. Not a lot of wiggle to make defenders miss after the catch.
        • Can he be more than a TE3 for an NFL Offense?

• Round 6.23 (Pick 199) – Branson Taylor, OT (Pittsburgh)
  • Background:
    • 23.2, 6’6”, 321 pounds, 32 ¾” arms
    • Born in Lorain, Ohio. Father passed away when Branson was 4 yo.
    • Played basketball throughout high school earning first-team all-county honours. Started playing OL as a junior in high school.
    • Three-star recruit. 40^th ranked OT in the 2020 recruiting class.
    • Chose Pittsburgh because his mother is a diehard Steelers fan.
    • Graduated with a degree in law, criminal justice and society.
    • Unable to participate in any pre-draft all-star games because of a knee injury (left meniscus). Only played 6 games in 2024 as a result.
    • Five seasons at Pittsburgh from 2020-2024 (three as a starter):
      • 45 games. 1,470 total snaps (6 sacks allowed, 7 hits, 20 hurries from 792 pass blocking reps).
      • 1,228 snaps at Left Tackle.
      • 217 snaps at Right Tackle
      • 25 snaps as a 6^th OL (in-line TE)
    • Mature and likable in interview. Loyalty is a big thing for him. Never thought about transferring from Pitt and patiently waited for three years before getting the chance to start for his last two seasons ultimately becoming a team captain in 2024.
  • 2024 Stats:
    • 6 games, 2 sacks allowed, 1 hit, 6 hurries (230 pass block reps)
    • 57.9 Run Block Grade
    • 76.4 Pass Block Grade
  • 2025 Combine:
    • Didn’t test at the Combine. Not yet recovered from knee surgery.
    • Best Pro Day testing numbers were his 4.62s Short Shuttle and 7.40s 3-Cone Drill.
    • 8.49 RAS (ranked 229 of 1,507 OTs from 1987 to 2025).
  • Tape:
    • Couldn’t source proper All-22 tape (only 9 snaps v West Virginia in 2022). Watched YouTube broadcast full game v Cincinnati (2024).
    • Summary:
      • Taylor is a likeable NFL Guard prospect who’s best-suited to a Gap-heavy run scheme given his impressive combination of height, width, strength and leg drive. He plays with a pugnacious attitude and solid anchor in pass protection, but his average athleticism, shorter arms and technical limitations make him a developmental back-up for the timebeing. If he can eliminate some weaknesses, he has a chance to be a useful OL depth piece by the end of his rookie contract.
    • Strengths:
      • Good size at 6’6” with a thick frame and powerful hands.
      • Strong enough to seal off the Edge player comfortably on Gap runs (front and back side).
      • Maintains leg drive as a run blocker and can displace defenders from their gap on zone blocks.
      • Grip strength is impressive. If he latches correctly in pass pro he will usually anchor down well and win the rep.
      • Shows solid awareness of pass blocking schemes and when he needs to execute two blocks on a play.
      • Evidence on tape of a “snatch-and-trap” win or two against overly aggressive rushers.
      • Plays with the right mentality for a Jim Harbaugh football player. Sprung open a 50 yd run with a key block executed while on his knees after falling over v Cincinnati (2024).
    • Question Marks:
      • Arm length is below the standard 33” NFL threshold and professional career probably hinges on being able to make the move inside to Guard.
      • Kickslide can be a little sluggish and he doesn’t gain adequate vertical depth off the snap leaving his outside shoulder vulnerable or, when he jump-cuts, susceptible to bull rush and inside counter opportunities.
      • Engages blocks in pass protection with excessive forward-lean reaching for initial contact.
      • A little slow to prime hands. There are run blocking reps where he tries to clear out the defender using his shoulder as a result.
      • Doesn’t always complete his assignment when asked to pull or block in space. Athleticism is adequate but target radar isn’t great.
      • Too many reps where he ends up on the ground (core strength issues).
      • Missed the second half of 2024 with a knee injury (meniscus tear).

• Round 6.38 (Pick 214) – R.J. Mickens, S (Clemson) 
  • Background:
    • 23.8, 6’0”, 199 pounds, 32 ¼” arms
    • Born in Southlake, Texas.
    • Father, Ray Mickens Sr, played 11 years in the NFL as a CB for the Jets (9 seasons), Browns and Patriots (3^rd round pick, 1996-2006, 283 tackles, 6 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 11 INTs, TD)
    • Played both sides of the ball in high school and caught 61 passes as a WR with Quinn Ewers as his QB.
    • Four-star recruit. 23^rd ranked Safety in the 2020 recruiting class.
    • Committed to Clemson over Ohio State (and the multiple other offers he got).
    • Five seasons at Clemson from 2020-2024 (two as a starter):
      • 2,186 total snaps (38 DL, 740 Box, 1,021 FS, 362 Slot, 22 CNR)
      • 60 games, 148 tackles, 72 targets, 48 catches allowed, 292 yds, 2 TDs, 7 INTs, 7 PBUs, 13 pressures, 1 sack
    • Took advantage of the extra year of eligibility because of COVID and returned for a fifth season at Clemson.
    • Attended the East-West Shrine Bowl.
    • Engaging personality in interview and well-spoken. After listening to him talk about his football preparation (particularly watching tape), the intelligent way he plays on the field makes sense.
  • 2024 Stats:
    • 751 total snaps (3 DL, 312 Box, 338 FS, 88 Slot, 10 CNR)
    • 13 games, 29 targets, 21 catches allowed, 100 yds, TDs, 2 INTs, 59.6 Passer Rating allowed when targeted
    • 87.5 Overall Grade
    • 89.9 Coverage Grade
    • 69.2 Run Defense Grade
    • 13.1% Missed Tackle Rate (10.00% for career)
  • 2025 Combine:
    • 4.49s 40-Yard Dash (T-8^th of 15)
    • 1.55s 10-Yard Split (T-11^th of 15)
    • 41.5” Vertical Jump (T-2^nd of 15)
    • 10’1” Broad Jump (10^th of 12)
    • 8.59 RAS (ranked 171 of 1,209 Safeties from 1987 to 2025).
  • Tape:
    • Watched games v Duke (2023), Florida State (2023) and Texas (2024).
    • Summary:
      • Mickens is a versatile and highly experienced Defensive Back who spent time playing a variety of coverages in Clemson’s Defense at both safety spots and occasionally as a nickel defender. He’s tall but with a moderate-sized frame and only average athleticism, so in the Box he can struggle to avoid blockers and tackle the RB. His best work comes in coverage where he uses well-developed instincts and efficient movement skills to close passing lanes from a variety of perches. His tackling technique is good in one-on-one situations with the ball carrier. Mickens may lack the overall traits to become an above-average starter on Defense, but his solid all-around game should allow him to see the field in sub-packages early in his NFL career.
    • Strengths:
      • Calm operator on the field. Whether he’s a deep center fielder, split safety or in the box manning up a TE, his movements are lithe and deliberate with neat footwork.
      • Reads the game well with good eyes and quick reactions whether it’s anticipating route combinations or charging into the box with immediacy to assist with run support. Plays like a student of the game.
      • Feisty in Man coverage within 10-15 yards of the line with good length and very impressive in Zone coverage. Comfortable using ‘catch technique’ and covering TEs from the Nickel.
      • Good tackling form in the open field if he doesn’t have to sift too much through traffic (eg, forced fumble v Duke (2023)).
      • Only 2 career penalties from 2,186 snaps (and none from 2023-2024). I thought he pushed the line though on grabbiness and will need to watch out in the NFL when 5 yards downfield.
    • Question Marks:
      • “Fast twitch” to close space is below average if he doesn’t see it early. Misses some PBU opportunities and is languid in coverage to the point of sometimes being caught flat-footed.
      • Frame is undersized for block take-on. Struggles to make tackles in the box consistently with some timid moments on tape. TEs too often wash him out of the play.
      • Not a standout sudden athlete. Coverage range is limited as a single-high and makes him better suited to a split safety system or playing the nickel.
      • Closer to being “Just a guy” than a playmaker at the position. Apart from the pick six v Texas in the College Football Playoff (which was more about being in the right place at the right time) he closed passing lanes more than he made plays on the ball or the ball carrier.
      • For a likely back-end-of-the-roster player, I didn’t see much that would indicate he can be a plus Special Teamer (and his college career ST PFF grades reflect that). However, he has a lot of experience on punt return coverage.

• Round 7.40 (Pick 256) – Trikweze Bridges, CB (Florida)
  • Background:
    • 24.6, 6’2½”, 196 pounds, 33 ¼” arms
    • Name pronounced TRY-Kwez.
    • Born in Lanett, Alabama.
    • Basketballer and Safety in high school.
    • Three-star recruit who spurned several SEC offers (including one from Alabama) to sign with Oregon.
    • Six seasons from 2019-2024 (one as a redshirt, and one pandemic shortened season):
      • Oregon (2019-2023), Florida (2024)
      • 1,849 total snaps (19 DL, 238 Box, 151 FS, 82 Slot, 1,358 Cnr)
      • 60 games, 120 tackles, 135 targets, 71 catches allowed, 838 yds, 5 TDs, 6 INTs, 12 PBUs, 65.6 Passer Rating allowed when targeted, 6 pressures
    • Justin Herbert’s teammate in 2019. Faced Ladd McConkey (and held his own) when Oregon played Georgia in 2022.
    • Doesn’t have much to say in interview.
  • 2024 Stats:
    • 659 total snaps (6 DL, 122 Box, 138 FS, 40 Slot, 353 CNR)
    • 13 games, 35 targets, 14 catches allowed, 154 yds, 2 INTs, 29.9 Passer Rating allowed when targeted
    • 70.4 Overall Grade
    • 69.5 Coverage Grade
    • 77.7 Run Defense Grade
    • 16.0% Missed Tackle Rate (15.3% for career)
  • 2025 Combine:
    • Not invited to NFL Combine
    • Pro Day testing (and ranking against Combine attendees):
      • 4.45s 40-Yard Dash (T-13^th of 25)
      • 1.51s 10-Yard Split (T-6^th of 25)
      • 34.5” Vertical Jump (T-13^th of 23)
      • 10’7” Broad Jump (7^th of 22)
      • 7.02 3-Cone Drill (4^th of 4)
      • 4.39s 20-Yd Shuttle (5^th of 5)
    • 9.17 RAS (ranked 231 of 2,761 CBs from 1987 to 2025).
  • Tape:
    • Watched games v Georgia (2022), BYU (2022), Kentucky (2024), Miami (2024) and Tennessee (2024).
    • Summary:
      • Bridges is a tall, long and physical DB who mainly played as an Outside Man cover CB for Oregon from 2021-2023, but was also given opportunities at both Safety spots for the Florida Gators in 2024 before finishing the season, once again, as an outside CB. Although he never quite established himself as a consistent College-level starter on Defense, Bridges possesses intriguing tools to contribute to an NFL squad, at a minimum, as a strong Special Teamer. His tackling effort and closing speed from anywhere on the field is excellent and, although his instincts and technique in Zone are sometimes found wanting, he has the traits to be an effective DB in Man. His best position from the tape I watched may be Strong Safety.
    • Strengths:
      • Ideal size, physicality and length to play bump and run corner from press man.
      • Adequate make-up speed in trail technique when his initial jam at the line misses.
      • Shows coverage potential as a strong safety in Cover 3 Buzz and is an imposing presence when assisting with Run Defense in the Box.
      • Flips hips well for a larger corner.
      • Good tackler who goes out of his way to make them. Great trait for a DB to have and should also help him on Special Teams (performed solidly in this area during college).
    • Question Marks:
      • From press Man, his initial strike is sometimes inaccurate and allows a free release to the WR. Also not great at matching /mirroring routes.
      • From Off Man as a CB or Zone as a CB/Safety he can get caught out of position and/or be late to recognise and react to route combinations. Sometimes gets made to ‘baseball turn’ after reacting late to an assignment.
      • Short area quickness and change of direction skills aren’t a strength.
        • Not going to be able to defend pivot or option routes as a Nickel (examples on tape of him struggling with this v Tennessee (2024).
      • Playing style borders on being too aggressive.
        • He is generally susceptible to double-moves (eg, v Kentucky (2024)).

Great podcast - Appreciate the time you guys put into this. Jack, the personalized musical player introductions...Awesome mate!

On Hampton:

• I agree that Omarion is going to be a very productive member of the Chargers for the next 5+ years. Unlike other late 1st round Charger picks, this picks makes the Chargers significantly better
• I do agree with Al's point on the process - My counter-point; If the previous regime needed an RB, they would trade multiple picks to move up in the draft. Would I have rather taken the trade and moved back? Absolutely, but I think picking what I think most of us agree was BPA at that point was not a bad use of draft capitol. Another argument against the usage: Picking up the 5th round option is going to be expensive. If you hit on a player with your first round pick, you want to be able to lock that player down for 5 years. If Zion Johnson was an all-pro guard, would/could the Chargers pick up his 5th year option (and make him the highest paid Guard in the NFL)? Using 1st round picks on positions you cannot afford to pick up the 5th round option on is not smart
• As far as usage, this year, the Chargers should give Najee the majority of the snaps early in the season (and even work in RB3 in games). Heading into the playoffs, having a healthy, rested Hampton in addition to Tre Harris getting comfortable at WR2, will make the Charges a much more difficult opponent

Tre Harris & Dre Lambert-Smith:

• I think both picks were good use of draft capitol. A for process
• The WR room is now very crowded. I think Rick will be lucky to make the PS.
• The biggest question in my mind is what happens to QJ. I think there's chance he does not make the team. Jalen Reagor was picked with the 21st pick in the 2020 draft. The Eagles cut his ass after 2 seasons. QJ was drafted with the 21st pick 2023 draft. Good teams move on from bad decisions. After seeing his limitations on full display in the Texans game, I think he's on the bubble.
• Last offseason, I was questioning if Davis could make the roster. I thought Davis made some good catches and showed some potential. I put his odds of making the roster higher than QJ
• Prediction for WR room: McConkey, Harris, Lambert-Smith, MWill, Davis, Reagor, with Rice and Fitzpatrick to the PS

Caldwell:

• Like the pick & use of draft capitol. Great pick at this spot.
• I still wish the Chargers would have used one of their day-3 picks on another interior DL. Just like the center position, the Chargers have not done enough in the center of their lines - the one thing that could hold them back in 2025.

Kennard:

• Not a fan of this pick. He screams Chris Rumph to me.
• This is definitely a project for the coaching staff. He has the motor/attitude. If he can learn how to play the position and spends all his off time with Ben Herbert, he could be valuable in 2026

Gadsden:

• Loved this pick, both the move up to get him and the pick.
• This brings something different (and needed) to the TE room. Very excited to see how Gadsden looks in Roman systems

Branson Taylor:

• The Chargers are acquiring very large humans to play OL
• Joe Alt is 6'8" 322
• Taylor is 6'6", 322
• Becton is 6'7", 363
• Tyler McLellan is 6'8", 355 - by the way, I think Tyler makes the team
• These are all large men that can move. I like the direction
• I still have no idea who's going to play center. I hope it's going to be James. I can't take another year of Bozeman calling protections.
• Side note - The Chargers did not pick up the 5th round option on Zion - this was the right decision. I know that everyone gave Telesco kudos for this pick and blame Zion for failing, but I think the worst part of his game is mental, and the center has to be accountable for that. With a quality center, I think Zion would be much better.

Bridges/Mickens:

• Guys with traits and productivity - good value for the picks
• Will be interesting to see how each of these players fit into the roster. I think both have a long way to make the 53, but both should develop on the PS. I think Leonard and especially Tailor are going to struggle to make this roster.

Sorry for not being very engaged. Our company is growing like crazy and I'm the single point of failure on far to many fronts. Hope to hire some reinforcements before the season starts.

Already listed Kenard and Gadsden as my 2 value picks. Seems Popper agrees regarding Gadsden.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6329917/2025/05/05/nfl-draft-best-value-picks-shedeur-sanders-2025/?campaign=13432614&source=athletic_targeted_email&userId=12566676