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Click Here to view our NFL Draft Big Board with player rankings and analysis. Click here to learn more about our updated player grade scale and critical position factors. Player Profile Name: Sam Howell School: North Carolina Tar Heels Recruiting Profile: Click Here Position: QB Height: 6-1 Weight: 220 Year: JR Jersey Number: 7 Offensive Scheme: Spread/RPO Offensive Coordinator: Phil Longo Games Reviewed: Pittsburgh (2021), Notre Dame (2021), Florida State (2021), Miami (2021) Position Specific Critical Factors Arm Talent: (7) Good The QB position requires good accuracy at all levels of the field. The QB prospect must have control of the football to place the ball in tight windows and with the appropriate leverage on his throws. Ball placement is paramount when the targeted receiver is not open in the NFL. The ability to throw a receiver open (anticipatory throwing) can separate a good prospect from an elite prospect. The ability throws that are catchable and with good placement is paramount. A prospect's overall arm strength combined with the ability to change speeds based on throwing distance and situation is critical. The prospect's arm angles and ability to make difficult throws while off-platform or on the move are vital indicators of a QB's overall arm talent. Decision Making/Awareness: (6) Good The ability to make smart decisions on the field, with good judgment, and poise in the pocket, is fundamental at the highest level of football. Possessing the ability to process quickly on the fly can separate a prospect from being good or elite. The prospect's intelligence, field vision, understanding of coverage, and reading defenses are all critical. The prospect's ability to not break down as pressure builds is a key factor. Possessing the ability to recognize pre-snap and post-snap coverage is another trait that is paramount. Big Moments/Clutch: (7) Good Late game, tight game, playing from behind while under pressure; does the prospect rise to the occasion in the close games against better competition? Can the prospect deliver big-time plays under pressure in critical situations? Does the QB maintain composer and focus in key moments? Key Strengths Mobility Decision Making Progressions Key Weaknesses Ball Placement Decisiveness Progressions (a strength and a weakness) Pass Game Summary As a passer, Howell is accurate at all levels. He excels at the short to intermediate levels of the field while showing good anticipation and ball placement, allowing his receivers to make plays after the catch (an area he can still improve). Howell does a good job throwing the ball into the open areas of zone coverage, and he displays the ability to move through progressions which will be pivotal to his success at the NFL level. He possesses solid arm talent, he can throw with pop, and use multiple arm slots to make a throw. Howell is a little skittish at times in the pocket. There are moments he takes off too early instead of moving into the pocket or sliding away from pressure. Howell's decision-making will need to improve. The North Carolina offense supplied Howell with a lot of easy half-field reads and RPO's. He did improve his ability to go through a full field progression in 2021 and will need to continue to work on this aspect of his game at the NFL level. Howell will need to work on his mechanics and footwork in the NFL. He must improve in the pocket, stepping into the pocket, standing in the pocket in the face of pressure, or sliding away from pressure. If NFL teams know he can be affected by pressure, he will be consistently dictated to move off his spot and that's where his throw mechanics can be inconsistent. Run Game Summary Howell displayed his athleticism more in 2021 as a runner who displayed good balance and throwing ability on the run. In the NFL, he can be effective early in his career on the edge of the defense via designed rollouts with half-field reads and the option to run. He is a conflict-player that forces the defense to defend all 11. Final Analysis Before the 2021 college football season, we had Sam Howell ranked as the QB1 heading into the 2022 NFL Draft, but he dropped due to some inconsistent play in 2021. There were factors outside of Howell's control, starting with the loss of two of the top RB's drafted in the 2021 draft (Javonte Willams and Michael Carter) and his two favorite WR's, Dazz Newsome and Dyami Brown). His offensive line was not an issue for him in 2021; they graded out in the top 30 of college football in pass protection, and the Tar Heels found a very good replacement out of the backfield (Ty Chandler) while grading out as the top run offense according to PFF. Sam Howell did show that he could adapt to the changes after losing so much production from the year prior by utilizing his athleticism in multiple ways. His usage in the zone read, RPO, or by way of scrambling to keep plays and drives alive kept the Tar Heels offense on schedule. Howell ranked 2nd to Malik Willis in total first down runs in 2021 and 2nd to Malik Willis in runs of 10 or more yards. He proved that he could be a dynamic player who can put defenders in conflict, and that is an aspect that might be appealing to NFL coaches and GMs. At the NFL level, Howell will need to develop his game by improving his ability to go through progressions and not take off too early before routes develop. He can take a hit. He is a tough player, but stepping into the pocket, keeping his eyes down the field, or sliding from pressure to keep a throw alive are two ways he can thrive at the NFL level. Howell reminds me of a more athletic Baker Mayfield. When I first started evaluating Howell, I believed he could enter the NFL and start in an offensive system similar to Baker Mayfield's rookie season under then OC Freddie Kitchens. Kitchens incorporated easy half-field reads and RPO concepts. Final Grade Analysis Final Grade: (6.4) (Developmental Potential) (6.4) Starter Level Traits Ceiling Grade: (6.9) High Upside Potential (9.0-7.0) Solid Starter Level Floor Grade: (5.9) (Role Player Potential) (5.9) Career Backup Level

The QB's Strongest Arm Malik Willis Liberty Willis displayed his strong arm during Senior Bowl Practices this past week. Zebra Technologies, a company that designs microchips for the NFL that can be inserted into players' pads and the football to measure player speed and movement, and the speed of the football, air yards, and more, measured Malik Willis's initial throw speed at 75 MPH. By comparison, Josh Allen's initial ball speed was 66 MPH using the same tech at the Senior Bowl in 2018. The Deepest Throw Malik Willis Liberty Zebra Technologies also measured the longest air distance for all of the QB's, and Malik Willis led all QB's with a 65 yards toss. The question remains, can he improve his short and intermediate touch and accuracy? He already possesses excellent deep accuracy. The Fastest QB Malik Willis Liberty Once again, Malik Willis takes the cake. His athleticism is a known commodity, and according to Zebra Technologies, Willis measured a 20.5 MPH run. NFL teams considering Willis as a potential first-round possibility will undoubtedly need to structure their offense based on his ability to move the football with his legs. His stock increased through Senior Bowl practices, where he garnered a lot of attention from NFL Scouts and GM's, including Browns GM Joe Berry. The Other QB's Desmond Ridder Cincinnati- 17.99 MPH Sam Howell North Carolina- 16.50 MPH Carson Strong Nevada- 16.10 MPH Kenny Pickett Pittsburgh- 15.00 MPH Bailey Zappe- 10.44 MPH Other QB notes Kenny Pickett Pittsburgh On Wednesday, Kenny Pickett had issues handling the football in wet conditions, but he did bounce back on day three. He entered the Senior Bowl as our top QB prospect, with Malik Willis starting to pick up steam, and it would be necessary for Pickett to make a strong statement. Pickett displayed his solid short and intermediate accuracy throughout Senior Bowl Practices this week. He remains our number one QB for now. Sam Howell North Carolina Once considered a top prospect on our Big Board before the 2021 college football season, Howell displayed some inconsistent traits throughout the year. During Senior Bowl practices, Howell didn't do a lot to change the narrative. He still has to work on his footwork and patience in the pocket. We did a YouTube analysis on Howell. I discussed his inconsistencies on drop-backs of 2.5 seconds or longer being an issue and the importance of decisively getting the ball out. He has NFL-level starter traits if he can become a more decisive passer. Desmond Ridder Cincinnati The discussion about Ridder among scouts is that they like him and that he is a proven winner. I like his physical attributes, though he needs to put on some weight. His inconsistent accuracy needs to improve. The Prospects (Outside of QB) Whose Stock Rose The Highest Edge Jermaine Johnson II Florida State As we expected, Johnson is one of the top EDGE rushers, not just at the Senior Bowl but overall. Johnson displayed a combination of speed, power, and moves to go along with his size and length. We are in the process of moving Johnson into the top 15 of our big board, maybe the top ten, once we finish all evaluations. IDL Travis Jones UCONN Jones is the best IDL at the Senior Bowl. He consistently dominated in one-on-one drills throughout, playing with great leverage and excellent hand usage. He is on the rise, according to most scouts. IDL Perrion Winfrey Oklahoma If Travis Jones is the most dominant interior defender, Winfrey is not too far behind. Winfrey shined in one on one drills, and he consistently won battles with a quick first step. He is considered an interior 3-tech player, and his stock at a position that lacks depth is on the climb. WR Christian Watson NDSU The explosive WR proved as much during Senior Bowl practices. At 6-4, 211 lbs, Watson confirmed that he is more than just a big-play WR; he displayed quick feet and solid route-running chops this week. He had 57 plays of 20+ yards or more at NDSU, and he is on our radar. RB Dameon Pierce Florida The RB position is a challenging read in a practice-style combine event, but Pierce did well with his opportunities proving he has three-down chops as a pass blocker. WR Khalil Shakir Boise State Shakir displayed a high-level ability to get a free release and high-level short-area quickness during the week. He gets separation with relative ease, and his game translates well at the NFL level. CB Tariq Woolen UTSA Woolen is a 6-2, 205lb DB with fluid hips and solid body control. According to Zebra Technologies, Woolen clocked the fastest Senior Bowl time in practice sessions (22.45 MPH). WR Calvin Austin Memphis The 5-9, 162 LB receiver shined in Senior Bowl practices. According to Zebra Technologies, Austin hit a near 21 MPH speed, and I think he could be faster than that. Austin was impossible to cover, he was able to gain separation with ease, and he was a monster in the red zone. TE Greg Dulcich UCLA Dulcich had a great week at the Senior Bowl and was arguably the best TE during the practice sessions showing his ability to separate from defenders and showing the ability to make explosive plays.

Click Here to view our NFL Draft Big Board with player rankings and analysis. Click here to learn more about our updated player grade scale and critical position factors. Player Profile Name: Desmond Ridder School: Cincinnati Bearcats Recruiting Profile: Click Here Position: QB Height: 6-4 Weight: 215 Year: SR Jersey Number: 9 Offensive Scheme: Spread/RPO, hybrid offense, that blends play-action and a moving pocket. Offensive Coordinator: Gino Guidugli Games Reviewed: 2021 Georgia (Peach Bowl), 2021 Alabama (CFP) 2021 Notre Dame, 2019 Ohio State, 2021 Indiana Position Specific Critical Factors Arm Talent: (7) Very Good The QB position requires good accuracy at all levels of the field. The QB prospect must have control of the football to place the ball in tight windows and with the appropriate leverage on his throws. Ball placement is paramount when the targeted receiver is not open in the NFL. The ability to throw a receiver open (anticipatory throwing) can separate a good prospect from an elite prospect. The ability throws that are catchable and with good placement is paramount. A prospect's overall arm strength combined with the ability to change speeds based on throwing distance and situation is critical. The prospect's arm angles and ability to make difficult throws while off-platform or on the move are vital indicators of a QB's overall arm talent. Decision Making/Awareness: (6) Very Good The ability to make smart decisions on the field, with good judgment, and poise in the pocket, is fundamental at the highest level of football. Possessing the ability to process quickly on the fly can separate a prospect from being good or elite. The prospect's intelligence, field vision, understanding of coverage, and reading defenses are all critical. The prospect's ability to not break down as pressure builds is a key factor. Possessing the ability to recognize pre-snap and post-snap coverage is another trait that is paramount. Big Moments/Clutch: (6) Very Good Late game, tight game, playing from behind while under pressure; does the prospect rise to the occasion in the close games against better competition? Can the prospect deliver big-time plays under pressure in critical situations? Is the QB composed and focused in key moments? Key Strengths Arm Talent Mobility Protects The Football Key Weaknesses Accuracy Decision Making Progressions Pass Game Summary Desmond Ridder displays inconsistent accuracy as a passer, but there are moments you can see his arm talent shine through. Teams will pressure Ridder to get him off his spot to force inaccurate throws. When teams are not applying pressure, Ridder does a good job of staying in the pocket and using his height and solid field vision to identify open targets and make an accurate throw. His most significant area for improvement as he moves into the NFL is his ball placement and anticipatory throws. Placing the football in front of his intended receiver or before they make their break, allowing them to maximize yards after the catch. Ridder does not put the football in harm's way very often. Still, he has moments where his coverage recognition and decision-making can lapse, which is another critical area he must improve in as a passer in the NFL. Ridder does display good poise under pressure, but there are moments where he might be better off relying on his athleticism to extend a play instead of hanging in the pocket. Regardless, he is consistently keeping his eyes up and down the field, looking to make a throw rather than relying on his legs to bail him out. Desmond Ridder has improved as a passer in his four years at UC. His mechanics, release, and overall arm talent is the area I am keeping an eye on with Ridder. He has a strong arm, and the ball jumps out of his hand. At the 2021 Senior Bowl, Ridder recorded an initial ball speed of 74 MPH, which was second to Liberty QB Malik Willis, who registered a 75 MPH initial ball speed. He can make some fantastic throws at all levels and deploy different arm angles and make off-platform throws which are vital traits that NFL scouts and GM's are looking at when evaluating the QB position. Run Game Summary As a runner, Ridder is what I call a conflict player that pressures all 11 defenders. His dual-threat running ability allows a coach to open up his playbook and get creative. He can operate using the zone read and RPO concepts. He can extend a drive with his legs in critical 3rd down moments. Final Analysis Desmond Ridder is a player that certainly possesses some key characteristics that you are looking for in an NFL-level QB. He has improved in multiple areas as a passer while at Cincinnati, and he is a proven winner. His leadership is also a valuable trait that can help him move forward into the NFL. He possesses good NFL size at 6-4, 215 lbs. I liken him to a poor man, Trevor Lawrence, in terms of size and athleticism. He has arm talent; he just needs to clean up his accuracy and decision-making. Overall, I think if he lands in a spot where he can sit for a season or two behind an established NFL starter, he can develop into an NFL-level starter. Ridder's best fit will be in a run-first offense that uses a lot of play-action and roll-out style plays that can get him out on the edge of the defense. Final Grade Analysis Final Grade: (6.1) (Role Player Potential) (6.1) High-Level Backup/Developmental Starter Traits Ceiling Grade: (6.8) High Upside Potential (9.0-7.0) Solid Starter Level Floor Grade: (5.9) (Role Player Potential) (5.9) Career Backup Level

The Matchup: Alabama Offense vs. Cincinnati Defense Alabama Offense Overview The Alabama offense is explosive, led by Sophomore QB and Heisman Trophy Winner Bryce Young; they are 5th nationally in plays of 20+ yards (84) and average 42.5 points per game. Alabama took a step back in the run game in 2021, amassing 1919 yards (75th). They rank 6th nationally in passing offense with 4523 yards, 44 TD's, and 4INT's. Alabama averaged 495 yards of offense per game (6th). Bryce Young Displaying his deep accuracy Heisman Winner and Sophomore QB Bryce Young Is The Engine That Propels The Alabama Offense The Alabama offense took a slight step back in 2021 after a record-breaking 2020. Sophomore QB Bryce Young took the reigns from the departed 2021 1st round NFL Draft pick Mac Jones, posting incredible numbers for a first-year starter. His 4300 passing yards, 44/4 TD/INT ratio, and 2nd highest NFL QB rate won him the Heisman Trophy. His performance in the SEC title game sealed the Heisman, Young went 26 of 44 for 421 yards and three scores. If Young were draft-eligible, many believe he would go number one overall in 2022. The Alabama Run Game Powered By a Senior RB That Waited His Turn Brian Robinson is a solid RB who possesses good size and plays with good vision and patience. He doesn't wow you in any particular area, but he is versatile. As a runner, Robinson picked up 1071 yards in 2021. Robinson then added another 268 yards as a receiver. He has a combined 16 TD's in 2021. Alabama's WR Factory Continued In 2021 With Ohio State Transfer Jameson Williams Leading the Way The Ohio State transfer arrived in Tuscaloosa perceived as the 4th best WR at Ohio State before transferring. In 2021, Williams became the best WR in college Football, snagging 68 catches for 1445 yards and 15 TD's. Jameson Williams is an instant impact player and the top WR on our NFL Draft Board. Williams provides a spark whenever the Crimson Tide offense needs a big-time play. He can attack a defense at all levels and is one of the best route runners in college football. Jameson Williams with the stop and go double move displaying his explosive speed The Alabama OL Has Been Inconsistent You might have expected better with Bill O'Brien as the Alabama OC and Doug Marrone coaching the OL (LOL for Bill O'Brien). But, the Alabama OL has been inconsistent in 2021, yet put together their best game of the season against the best defensive front in college football (Georgia) in the SEC title game. The week prior, they surrendered seven sacks vs. Auburn in the Iron Bowl. In 2021, Bryce Young has faced the second-most total pressures in the country, and Young has been sacked 30+ times on the year. Alabama OL Graded Average to Below Average In 2021 According to PFF, Alabama has received a below-average grade in pass blocking and an average grade in run blocking for 2021. They are among the worst in total-blown run blocks in college football. Still, they have Football Scout 365's top-rated OT prospect in the 2022 NFL Draft (Evan Neal) bolstering their OL. Cincinnati Defense Overview The Bearcats defense allows 16 points a game (4th) and allows the 2nd fewest pass yards per game (168). Their run defense is a bit more susceptible, giving up 147 yards per game (44th) but a respectable 3.3 yards per rush attempt (11th). The Bearcats are 3rd in the nation in turnover margin, and they rank 12th in tackles for loss. They give up the nation's 5th fewest explosive plays. They rank 12th overall in yards allowed in 2021. The Bearcats DL is Quick And Can Create Havoc; the LB's Play Fast The Bearcats defensive line is led by Curtis Brooks, a 285 lb interior player who has picked up 7.5 sacks and 11.5 TFL's in 2021. Brooks is not the 300lb giants you see at Georgia or Alabama, but he brings a blue-collar attitude to the middle of the Bearcats defense. The Bearcats also have an athletic edge defender (Myjai Sanders), a solid pass rusher who can set the edge. In addition, the second-level speed at LB has been a significant key to the Bearcats' success in 2021. None of the LB's stand out, but they do a good job in coverage and playing downhill vs. the run. LB's Joel Dublanko and Darrian Beavers lead the Bearcats in tackles. Havoc creates turnovers, Sauce Gardner INT The Bearcat Secondary Is Very Good Led By Sauce Gardner and Coby Bryant Most people will write off or overlook the Bearcats secondary because of "Bama" but they are an excellent group that plays at an elite level. Sauce Gardner is a long-armed corner at 6-2 188 who is getting a lot of NFL draft attention. The game against Alabama is a big game for Gardner's draft stock as he will likely shadow Alabama's Jameson Williams. On the other side is Coby Bryant. Bryant is a 6-1, 198lb corner who is also lengthy. He is the less heralded of the two, but he is also garnering a lot of attention from NFL scouts. At safety, the Bearcats are led by Bryan Cook, a 6-1 210lb split safety, who can play in the box and get physical when needed. The Matchup: Cincinnati Offense vs. Alabama Defense Cincinnati Offense Overview The Bearcats average 39 points per game; they ranked 52nd in pass offense, 49th in rush offense, and 46th overall. They are a balanced offense that uses RPO and play-action. Ridder shows his touch and deep accuracy Desmond Ridder Is The Straw That Stirs The Drink The Bearcats are led by their senior QB Desmond Ridder, a player considered by many to be a first-round NFL talent. Ridder has been a steady force the last few years in Cincinnati. In 2021, Ridder completed 66% of his throws for 3190 yards with a 30/8 TD/INT ratio. Ridder adds versatility as a runner where he amassed 361 yards and six more TD's. Jerome Ford Wants You To Know He Is Not "The Alabama Transfer, He Is The Cincinnati RB" The Bearcats lead back is a former member of the Alabama Crimson Tide; he doesn't want you to talk about that, and he is vocal about it. Ridder and Ford show why they are tough to defend in zone-read situations Jerome Ford has had a great 2021 season picking up 1243 yards on the ground scoring 19 TD's, and adding another 209 yards and a score as a receiver. He averaged 6.22 yards per rush attempt in 2021. At 5-11 220 lbs, Ford is a bowling ball-style back who picked up 578 of his 1243 rush yards after contact. The Bearcat OL Is Solid, But Face Their Toughest Test vs. Alabama The Bearcats surrendered 92 pressures, ranking the 7th lowest nationally in 2021. And their 20 sacks allowed is 30th nationally. They have surrendered the 5th fewest TFL's (45). Bearcat Receivers Led By Alec Pierce Are Solid, But Not Overly Dynamic Led by Alec Pierce, the Bearcats are not dynamic on paper. But do not be fooled; they are a solid unit, and Pierce, who is 6-3 208 lbs, can be a matchup problem for opposing defenders. Pierce has good hands and excellent ball skills. He can gain separation as a good route runner and has good speed. Bearcats TE Josh Whyle Provides A Matchup Problem For Alabama At 6-6 235, Whyle is a hands catcher with good size that can body a defender. He posted 25 catches for 320 yards and six TD's in 2021. Alabama Defense Overview Not one of the better versions of a Saban defense, the 2021 edition allows a respectable 20 points per game. They rank 8th in total defense and give up the 63rd most pass yards per game (223). They possess a stout run defense, ranking 4th, allowing 83 yards per game. They give up the 7th fewest plays of 20+ yards but give up a significant number of (chunk) 10-19 yard plays, ranking 32nd nationally. The Bearcats will have an issue containing Edge Will Anderson Will Anderson Is a Top Five NFL Draft Talent in 2023 If eligible in 2022, Anderson would have a case to be number one overall. His talent off the edge is undeniable. He ranked 3rd in total pressures with 13 sacks in 2021. Anderson is not just a pass rush asset; he can drop into coverage when needed. Josh Jobe and Jordan Battle Bolster A Solid and Improving Alabama Secondary The Physical 6-1, 210lb Jordan Battle plays physical. He is a versatile player that Alabama will line up deep, in the box, or the nickel. His 3 INT's lead the team. Josh Jobe has had a subpar 2021, but he is still a solid NFL draft prospect with a high ceiling. Jobe has 2 INT's on the year. If Alabama Wins: It will be because....They assert themselves early in the run game to take pressure off the offensive line in passing situations. As noted earlier, the Bearcats run defense looks a little susceptible. If Alabama can play physically up front, they may be able to control the line of scrimmage against an undersized Bearcats defensive front. This season, Cincinnati has surrendered 121 first downs in the run game, ranking 72nd nationally. In addition, they have allowed nearly 1100 yards after contact (63rd). With or Without A Run Game, The Bearcats Have Their Hands Full Vs. Bryce Young And Jameson Williams. For the Bearcats defense, it will be a pick your poison scenario. I expect the Bearcats will play to keep everything in front, allowing the Crimson Tide to have a lot of access underneath. If the Bearcats are getting gashed in the run game and decide they want to stop the run, they will have a hard time locking down the Alabama WR's. Jameson Williams leads the charge, and even without Metchie, the Tide can target several options outside of Williams, including one of the top TE prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft Jahleel Billingsley. Sauce Gardner vs. Jameson Williams The Bearcats play a man-heavy defensive scheme, but against Alabama, they may want to try to play a little more zone. Regardless, the matchup to watch will be Sauce Garner vs. Jameson Williams. If Cincinnati Wins: It will be because....The Alabama Offense Struggles and Bryce Young Faulters under Pressure The Bearcats defense will need to do whatever is necessary to keep Alabama from hitting the explosive plays, which means they may have to play out of their comfort zone and line up in less man to man and more zone coverage. The one problem is that if the Bearcats want to exploit the inconsistent Alabama OL play, they will need to bring an extra defender from time to time which takes away from their coverage on the back end. If Desmond Ridder And Jerome Ford Have Success In The Run Game, The Bearcats Have A Shot The best defense is a good offense, and in Cincinnati's case, they may want to try to sustain drives and keep the ball away from Bryce Young. They can do this by running the football successfully. Ridder is a good athlete who can use his legs to add pressure to a defense. His ability to run can force Alabama to defend all eleven and open things up in the RPO and zone-read game. Ridder will have to play a significant role as a runner to beat Alabama Jerome Ford's role is also vital; he will have to play well between the tackles for Ridder to find success on the edge of the Alabama defense. Early down success in the run game will give Ridder more manageable late down passing opportunities to use his legs when Bama decides to play man. Alabama Key 2022 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch Alabama has nine players ranked on our current NFL Draft Big Board. They have 2nd most players ranked on our board. OT Evan Neal (3rd on our board) WR Jameson Williams (6th on our board) DB Josh Jobe (27th on our board) Cincinnati Key 2022 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch The Bearcats have three players currently ranked on our current NFL Draft Big Board. CB Ahmad Gardner (43rd on our board) QB Desmond Ridder (47th on our board) DL Myjai Sanders (83rd on our board)

The Matchup: Michigan Offense vs. Georgia Defense Michigan Offense Overview In 2021, the Michigan offense relied heavily on its ability to run the football. Defenses have tried stacking the box, and Michigan Offensive Coordinator Josh Gattis ran the football anyway. They were determined all year to have an established identity as a team that wants to wear a defense down in multiple ways via the run game. Josh Gattis admitted that in 2020 he gave up on the run too often and that in 2021, he committed to relying on the run game more. Michigan Run Game Uses a Dynamic Body Blow Style The core of the 2021 Michigan offense is their use of gap scheme style runs to get a pulling lineman out in front of one of their three talented RB's the most notable being Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum, with a sprinkle of star true freshman RB Donovan Edwards. The Michigan offense averages 223 yards rushing per game, ranking 10th nationally while running behind their Joe Moore award-winning offensive line. Their coach (Sherrone Moore) has never coached an OL before, yet his unit is one of the top units in college football. The Michigan offense averages 5.3 yards per rush attempt in 2021. Hassan Haskins and the Michigan run game will wear on you fast The QB Situation At Michigan Provides a One-Two Punch And a Steady Hand As It's Starter At the QB position, Michigan has a steady, efficient player in Cade McNamara. McNamara has had the luxury of being the starter ahead of a true freshman (J.J. McCarthy), that possesses many high-level attributes that Cade does not possess. In short, Cade is the leader and efficient player who does not take a risk or put the ball in harm's way. Cade McNamara does not "wow" as a runner like McCarthy, and that's why J.J. enters the game on occasion. McCarthy adds the threat of run from the QB position in the drop-back passing game and the zone-read game. McNamara has made some critical plays in critical moments but ultimately is not expected to go out and win a game down multiple possessions. Michigan has brilliantly sprinkled in J.J. McCarthy All Season Georgia Defense Overview Where should I begin? The Georgia defense gives up 9.5 ppg (1st) and 253 total yards per game, 2nd nationally to Wisconsin, a team Michigan-dominated in Madison back in October. Georgia is also 3rd nationally behind Wisconsin and Alabama in rush yards per attempt, allowing 2.61 yards per attempt. The Georgia Defense Can Get You Behind Schedule With TFL's Furthermore, the Georgia defense ranks 37th nationally in TFL's on the season, which I was confident Georgia would be more dominant before my research in this category. I then analyzed the number of plays run against the Georgia defense vs. the total TFL's might be a better way to interpret this stat, and they are 6th nationally in TFL rate (11%). Jordan Davis Is a massive problem on the interior Georgia's Elite Defensive Line Led By Jordan Davis The Georgia defensive line is led by a behemoth of a human (Jordan Davis) who is 6-6, 340lbs. Davis is a true space-eater in the middle of the Georgia defense who often requires a double team. If you choose to single block Davis, he will wreak havoc in the middle of your offensive line, and that's the dilemma teams face every week against a Georgia defense loaded with blue-chip talent. Double Team Jordan Davis All You Want, The Bulldogs Defensive Front Thrives From The Consistent Jordan Davis Double Teams Once you get past Jordan Davis, the Bulldogs have another stout IDL that deserves a double team (Devonte Wyatt). Devonte Wyatt is a 6-3, 315lb anchor who is hard to move in the run game. Doubling Wyatt is a rob Peter to pay Paul scenario because they also have a 6-5, 290lb edge in Travon Walker. Walker is an edge setter who is often lined up to the wide side of the field and counted on heavily as an edge-setting run defender. Georgia Is Athletic and Deep At Linebacker Once you get past the DL, the Georgia defense has a bevy of high-caliber talent at the LB position led by ILB and top 20 NFL Draft prospect Nakobe Dean. Dean is a player who bats clean up in the run game. He is often playing clean at the 2nd level, and once teams find their way to the edge of the Georgia defense, they often find themselves one on one vs. Nakobe Dean. Nakobe Dean reads and reacts at a high level, displays his lateral quickness Versatile Safety Lewis Cine leads the Georgia Secondary At the third level of the Georgia defense, they have a leader in safety, Lewis Cine. Cine is second on the team in tackles and is a good run defender with great instincts. The Matchup: Michigan Defense vs. Georgia Offense Georgia Offense Overview The Georgia offense is similar to the Michigan offense. They want to establish the run and use play-action to catch opposing defenses off guard. They play pretty close to the vest led by a former walkon at QB (Stetson Bennett). Like Michigan, The Georgia Run Game Uses a Body Blow Approach With A One, Two Punch At RB they have an excellent combination similar to Michigan with Zamir White and James Cook. White is a between tackles body blows back who possesses NFL traits and size identical to Josh Jacobs. Both of the backs are good receivers; Cook is the better receiver of the two in terms of routes down the field, wheel, angle routes, and isolating LB's in space. Zamir White displays his jumpcut, contact balance, and power Georgia Offensive Line, Deep and Talented The Georgia offensive line is talented from left to right. They are not giants upfront, but they are not undersized. They are an agile group that, similar to Michigan, can effectively mix both zone and gap schemes. They will run a lot of Duo, and when teams shoot gaps, they will throw a counter or a trap at your defense, thwarting your plans. Georgia Receivers Talented, But No One Stands Out (Well, Maybe) The Georgia receivers are talented, but they don't have anyone outside of George Pickens that strikes fear. George Pickens is an NFL-caliber X receiver with a big frame. He is a matchup problem outside the numbers, but he has only been available for one game this season after sustaining an ACL injury in the spring. He is also one of the players who reportedly tested positive for Covid inside the ten-day quarantine window. Georgia's TE's Are Their Best Asset In The Pass Game Led By A True Freshman All-American The TE position is where Georgia has been solid. They are led by 6-4, 230lb freshman All-American Brock Bowers. His 47 catches and 747 yards with 11 TD's led the Bulldog's offense in 2021. Brock Bowers looks like the next Travis Kelce Michigan Defense Overview The Michigan defense led by All-American and Heisman finalist Aidan Hutchinson had a resurgence under new defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. Macdonald is a former LB coach at the NFL level under Jim's Brother John for the Baltimore Ravens. Macdonald replaced the departed Don Brown, whose defense imploded in 2020, allowing 35 pts and 429 yards per game. Aidan Hutchinson & company can wreak havoc in a variety of ways New Defensive Coordinator Mike Macdonald Has Revived The Michigan Defense in 2021 In 2021, the Michigan defense is statistically at or near the top in almost every category. The change in the defensive scheme from a man-to-man approach to a more one-high cover three (zone) scheme has paid dividends. Michigan is 11th nationally in total yards allowed per game (311) and 4th in points allowed (16). The Michigan Defense Thrives Off Of Edge Pressure The Michigan defensive scheme thrives on getting pressure off the edge. Opposite of Aidan Hutchinson is another talented Edge rusher David Ojabo. Ojabo is a projected top ten pick, in our opinion, and will likely find himself mocked by other draft pundits in the top ten consistently as we move forward into NFL Draft season. Hutchinson and Ojabo combined for 25 total sacks in 2021. Both players are critical run stoppers on the edges of the Michigan defense. Michigan Interior Defensive Line is Average With Solid Rotation The rest of the Michigan defensive line is average to good (not Georgia level). Led by Mazi Smith, they use a rotation of different players up front, but the drop-off among depth players is significant and something I expect Georgia will try to exploit. The Michigan Linebackers Are Talented, Led By High IQ Linebacker Josh Ross At the second level of the Michigan defense, they are led by a senior LB who has a lot of experience (Josh Ross). He is in the midst of his best season at the position. He is not a burner, and he is a player who can be a liability in pass coverage, but his leadership and football IQ has been a key component to Michigans success. Outside of Ross, Michigan rotates several talented players at LB. Junior Colson is a notable player, and Michael Barrett is a guy who can come in and help with pass coverage at the LB position. Michigan Secondary No Longer The Liability The Michigan secondary has long separated itself from the liability it became in 2020, where Michigan as a team ranked 90th, allowing 250 yards per game. Dax Hill is a versatile playmaking nickel/Safety, look at the ground he covers In 2021, the Michigan secondary is one of the better groups in the Big Ten. Michigan as a team ranks 29th nationally, allowing 195 yards passing per game. They are led by safety/nickel Dax Hill who has instant impact potential at the NFL level; he is primarily their nickel corner and a player who can line up outside if asked. Dax Hill's versatility is key against Georgia. Hill possesses 4.3 forty speed and will match up against Georgia's talented freshman TE, Brock Bowers. I repeat, Dax Hill is a versatile, playmaking nickel/safety, he intercepts this If Michigan Wins: It will be because.... They Don't Give Up On The Run On Friday night, the Michigan run game will face a stiff test against a deep and athletic Georgia defensive front. Michigan has already faced two of the top run defenses in college football in 2021, Wisconsin and Iowa. Michigan Has Faced Two Of The Top Run Defenses In CFB Already With Mixed Results On the road in October vs. Wisconsin, the Michigan run game rushed the football 44 times for 112 yards (2.55 Yds Per Att.) and a single TD. The Badgers successfully stopped the run, but Michigan never gave up on running the football. The Wolverines would throw for 250 yards and three scores. Michigan Dominates Iowa On the Ground In Big Ten Championship Against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten title game, the Wolverines rushed the football 34 times, amassing 211 yards, 6.21 yards per attempt, and 4 TD's. Michigan was able to find success on the edge of the Iowa defense in this game, popping some big runs, including a 67 yarder by Blake Corum that opened up the eventual onslaught of scoring by the Michigan offense. Blake Corum has been the lightning to Haskins thunder J.J. McCarthy Will Have a Role Michigan cannot give up on the run and expect to beat Georgia on the shoulders of Cade Mcnamara. One of the other ways Michigan can add pressure to the Georgia defense is with J.J. McCarthy's athleticism. McCarthy has been brought into games throughout the season to add a run dimension from the QB position. McCarthy is Not Just A Run Threat, He Displays Elite Level QB Traits as A Passer McCarthy has a live and accurate arm, he throws with a lot of zip, and he is the future of the Michigan offense. The Michigan staff has brought him along slowly and allowed him to develop behind McNamara. Throughout the season, McCarthy has come into games and thrown the football more and more. He can be a surprise X-factor in this game. Not just a runner, McCarthy can sling it with touch and accuracy Michigan Run Game Is Most Explosive In CFB One of the key components to Michigan's success in 2021 is that they have an explosive offense. They lead college football in run plays of 50+ yards, with 8 in 2021. If Michigan struggles to run between the tackles, they will try to work the edges of the Georgia defense, and if they can hit a big play or two, it can make all the difference in a game that could be low scoring and that hinges on the outcome of one or two plays. The Michigan Defense Must Be Stout Against The Run, Forcing Stetson Bennett Into 3rd And Obvious Situations. The Michigan defense matches up well against the Georgia offense, but the concern will be how well they handle the RB's out of the backfield as receivers and their use of the TE. Georgia likes to keep defenses guessing using a lot of play-action. Georgia will do all they can to get the ball out quick, protecting Stetson Bennett from getting hit, taking a strip-sack, or throwing a pressured pass into harm's way. Getting Pressure On Stetson Bennett Bennett is an above-average athlete who can escape pressure and move the sticks with his legs. But he is by far and away less efficient when under pressure completing 50% (adjusted) of his throws and accumulating a 38.4 NFL QB rating (PFF). According to PFF, Bennett completes 79% (adjusted) of his throws when he is kept clean, and his NFL QB Rating is 137.5. Mixing and Disguising Blitz Looks Pre And Post Snap Michigan can overload protection or use a delayed blitz to confuse the protection. Mike Macdonald has shown creativity in the past, and it's a staple in the Ravens defense he brought with him to Michigan. When teams work to double Aidan Hutchinson, you can send the extra LB, and don't forget about David Ojabo opposite of Hutchinson. Creative blitz scheme, Hutchinson draws a double, and no one home to take LB If Georgia Wins: It will be because.... Michigan cannot run the football effectively enough to get into manageable passing situations. I went back and watched Georgia against Florida to see how Florida hung in the game for so long before eventually getting the expected beatdown. Florida had success running the ball early, mixed in a decent amount of inside and outside runs, had success with a moving pocket and easy reads for their QB. Then the turnovers started to happen, and this is Georgia's game. Georgia will be patient and wait for their opponents to get greedy and make a mistake in a critical moment. If Michigan gets behind the chains, they may try to take a few more risks through the air. That’s where Georgia’s opportunistic defense can make plays. How the onslaught of turnovers began vs. Florida (strip fumble) Georgia Will Wait For You To Make Mistakes And Then Capitalize After a scoreless 1st QTR where Georgia's best drive happened on its opening drive and ended with a FG miss, Georgia wouldn't score until just under 9 mins to go in the 2nd QTR. They would slog along on an 11 play 63-yard drive that would end in a FG to go up 3-0. A few drives later, Florida would fumble deep in their territory, which led to a Georgia one-play TD drive with 2:16 to go. On Florida's next drive, they would throw a pick two plays in, leading to another short field TD for the Georgia offense. Florida would turn it over one more time with 7 seconds left, and Georgia would score a pick-six taking a 24-0 halftime lead. How the onslaught ended, a 21 point swing in around 3 mins You can Exploit Michigan LB's In Pass Coverage One on One Michigan is talented, but their LB's are susceptible to giving up plays in pass coverage. Georgia should try to exploit this early and often. If Michigan gives them underneath throws, take them. If the flat is open, take it. Work to force Michigan out of their comfort zone with quick throws and a moving pocket. Get Stetson Bennett out on the edge of the defense and let him make easy throws. Take what is available and don't force anything that is not there. Michigan Key 2022 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch Michigan has eight players currently ranked on our NFL Draft Big Board. They rank 3rd among all teams with eight players. Edge Aidan Hutchinson (1st on our board) Edge David Ojabo (10th on our board) Safety/Nickel Dax Hill (30th on our board) Georgia Key 2022 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch Georgia has 11 players on the Football Scout 365 NFL Draft Big Board. They lead all teams represented on our big board. DT Jordan Davis (17th on our board) LB Nakobe Dean (20th on our board) Edge Travon Walker (58th on our board and under review)

Click Here to view our NFL Draft Big Board with player rankings and analysis. Click here to learn more about our updated player grade scale and critical position factors. Name: Kyle Hamilton School: Notre Dame Fighting Irish Position: S/Box Safety Height: 6-4 Weight: 220 Year: Junior Jersey Number: 14 Defensive Scheme: Cover 1, Cover 3 Defensive Coordinator: Marcus Freeman Games Reviewed: Clemson 2020, Purdue 2021, Florida State 2021, Cincinnati 2021 Position Specific Critical Factors Three Level Ability (9) Elite Can the player contribute at ALL 3 levels of the defense? Short, intermediate, and deep. Playing with the "sufficient" skills at all levels? Instincts/Awareness (8) Near Elite Innate feel for the position. Ability to anticipate and diagnose a play before it happens. Ability to make smart decisions and anticipate. Is he a step ahead of the play? Can he find the ball; read the QB? Can he process info quickly; read route combinations/alignments? Mental or reaction quickness to blocking schemes and play flow. Play with correct leverage. Take the right angles in reaction to the play and blocking pressure. Key and diagnose plays, intelligence, field vision. Overall Football Speed, Reactive Quickness (9) Near Elite Ability to play with speed for his position in games with pads on NOT 40 speed. Range, close and overall tempo. Key Strengths Range Run Defense Versatility at All Levels Key Weaknesses Aggressiveness Knee Injury/Not Considered Serious Pass Game Summary Kyle Hamilton possesses elite range covering a lot of grass in a hurry. His play recognition and instincts combined with his freakish speed and athleticism at 6-4 220lbs are not of this world. He can play the post safety position or come down into the slot or the box. His athleticism allows him to cover slot receivers, TE's and backs out of the backfield or flexed out wide. His ball skills are high level; he can track and locate the football and make a play in coverage with the same type of flexibility you see from a smaller cover corner. He can be an asset in one high man to man or cover three-zone style defense. He does not appear to have any stylistic limitations. Run Game Summary In the run game, Hamilton can fit the run like a LB, and he can do that from depth, in the box, or the nickel. His speed and athleticism, combined with excellent open-field tackling, are already a great fit for the NFL. Final Analysis A dynamic athlete that excels at every sport he has ever played. Hamilton received a basketball scholarship at the age of 15. His athletic acumen stretches further; Hamilton tried out for Lacrosse, having never played the sport in high school where he would make the team and get significant playing time. According to his brother Tyler, Kyle is also an excellent golfer who can hit a two-iron nearly 300 yards. The Hamilton bloodlines are tried and true. His mother, Jackie, who excelled academically and as an artist before becoming an HR manager for a marketing firm, mentioned in an interview referenced on the ND Insider website that Kyle is a Mensa member. The Mensa organization recognizes people who score within the upper two percent of an approved intelligence test. Kyle backed up his Mensa bona fides by scoring a 30 on his ACT. Hamiltons father was a star basketball player at the University of Southern Mississippi, a third-round pick in the 1988 NBA Draft, and a professional basketball player overseas for more than a decade. As a football player, Hamilton is long and rangy safety who possesses outstanding speed for a player who stands at 6-4, 220lbs. He has excellent on-field awareness, playing with great instincts. According to his former trainer, in Atlanta, at the age of 18, Hamilton registered a 40-inch vertical, and he jumped free-standing (no approach step) a 55-inch box jump. Hamilton provides incredible range covering a lot of grass in a hurry; he is a good tackler in space and offers excellent three-level support. He is a lengthy, physical player who provides a positionless chess piece at the NFL level. Final Grade Analysis Final Grade: (7.8) (Instant Impact Potential) (9.0-7.0) High-End Starter Ceiling Grade: (9.0) (Instant Impact Potential) (9.0-7.0) High-End Starter Floor Grade: (6.9) (Instant Impact Potential) (9.0-7.0) High-End Starter

Click Here to view our NFL Draft Big Board with player rankings and analysis. Click here to learn more about our updated player grade scale and critical position factors. Player Profile Name: Malik Willis School: Liberty Flames Recruiting Profile: Click Here Position: QB Height: 6-1 Weight: 215 Year: SR Jersey Number: 7 Offensive Scheme: Spread Offensive Coordinator: Hugh Freeze/Kent Austin Games Reviewed: 2020 Virginia Tech, 2021 Ole Miss, 2021 UAB, 2021 Old Dominion, 2021 Syracuse Position Specific Critical Factors Arm Talent: (7) Very Good The QB position requires good accuracy at all levels of the field. The QB prospect must have control of the football to place the ball in tight windows and with the appropriate leverage on his throws. Ball placement is paramount when the targeted receiver is not open in the NFL. The ability to throw a receiver open (anticipatory throwing) can separate a good prospect from an elite prospect. The ability throws that are catchable and with good placement is paramount. A prospect's overall arm strength combined with the ability to change speeds based on throwing distance and situation is critical. The prospect's arm angles and ability to make difficult throws while off-platform or on the move are vital indicators of a QB's overall arm talent. Decision Making/Awareness: (6) Good The ability to make smart decisions on the field, with good judgment, and poise in the pocket, is fundamental at the highest level of football. Possessing the ability to process quickly on the fly can separate a prospect from being good or elite. The prospect's intelligence, field vision, understanding of coverage, and reading defenses are all critical. The prospect's ability to not break down as pressure builds is a key factor. Possessing the ability to recognize pre-snap and post-snap coverage is another trait that is paramount. Big Moments/Clutch: (6) Good Late game, tight game, playing from behind while under pressure; does the prospect rise to the occasion in the close games against better competition? Can the prospect deliver big-time plays under pressure in critical situations? Does the QB maintain composer and focus in key moments? Key Strengths Mobility Deep Accuracy Arm Strength Key Weaknesses Intermediate Throws Touch Ball Placement Pass Game Summary As a passer, Malik Willis has a cannon that can be his greatest gift and curse. From the gift perspective, he can flat out sling a deep ball, one of his best traits. From the curse perspective, Willis lacks touch, often sailing throws over the head or wide of his targeted receivers which happens at a higher rate on short to intermediate throws. As far as deep accuracy, he displays a high rate of pinpoint accuracy, especially while on the move. Sometimes, Malik Willis can hold onto the football for too long, often releasing a throw too late and putting the ball in harm's way. He can be overconfident at times and will try to force throws into tight windows instead of taking the easier option, something many stronger armed QB's are known to do. furthermore, Malik Willis has displayed good command of the offense. When pressured, he often loses eye discipline, dropping his head rather than keeping his eyes down the field a split second longer. Willis displays a good arm motion, and it doesn't change whether in the pocket or while on the move. He will bring a high-level ability to extend plays with him to the NFL, a trait that he will need to utilize as he works to further improve in other key areas. Run Game Summary As a runner, Willis displays elite-level traits from the QB position and will likely need to rely on his athleticism early on. His off-script ability allows him to add pressure to a defense, forcing teams to defend all eleven. He can provide a Lamar Jackson element to your offense as a runner and benefit by playing in an offense that uses zone read and RPO concepts. Final Analysis Most schools recruited Willis as an athlete and not as a quarterback as a high school recruit. In 2016, Willis committed to Virginia Tech as an athlete, and the program planned to transition him to play defensive back. After some thought about his future, Willis decided to de-commit, believing in his ability to play QB. He searched for a school that would afford him a chance to play QB. The school he chose would be Auburn under then-head coach Gus Malzahn. While at Auburn, Willis would start his career as the backup behind Jarrett Stidham in 2017-18, only seeing the field for spot duty. In 2019, after Stidham departed for the NFL, Willis was poised to take over as the starter for the Tigers but would inevitably lose out to Bo Nix. That is when Willis decided to transfer to Liberty, where he would sit out the 2019 season under the transfer rules before taking over as the Flames starter in 2020 and 2021. Malik Willis has all the tools and is a confident leader. He has a cannon for an arm but lacks touch at the short and intermediate areas of the football field. Upon entering the NFL, his greatest asset will be his mobility, a trait he can rely on while developing other critical skills as a passer. Willis can provide a Lamar Jackson style of play as both a runner and a passer, forcing defenses to defend all eleven. He will benefit early in his career by playing in an offense that uses RPO and zone-read concepts. Final Grade Analysis Final Grade: (6.4) (Developmental Potential) (6.4) Starter Level Traits Ceiling Grade: (7.0) (Instant Impact Potential) (9.0-7.0) High-End Starter Floor Grade: (5.9) (Role Player Potential) (5.9) Career Backup Level

Click Here to view our NFL Draft Big Board with player rankings and analysis. Click here to learn more about our updated player grade scale and critical position factors. Player Profile Name: Breece Hall School: Iowa State Recruiting Profile: Click Here Position: RB Height: 6-1 Weight: 220 Year: JR Jersey Number: 28 Offensive Scheme: Zone Based Blocking Offensive Coordinator: Tom Manning Games Reviewed: 2020 Oklahoma, 2021 Iowa, 2021 Oklahoma State, 2021 TCU Position Specific Critical Factors Vision: (8) Near Elite Ability to run to daylight and gain positive yardage. Running without hesitation, seeing cut-back lanes, patience to follow blocks, finding open seams, creating something out of nothing, ability to set up his blockers. Contact Balance: (7) Very Good Ability to maintain his balance in traffic, bounce off of would-be tacklers and continue to advance the football. This grade should reflect his ability to play with a low center of gravity, strength, balance, and foot coordination to keep plays alive in traffic. Pass Game Impact: (7) Very Good Combination of his ability to make plays out of the backfield as a receiver, pass-catching ability, and pass pro. Key Strengths Vision Footwork Forced Missed Tackles Key Weaknesses Pass Pro Decisiveness Pass Game Summary In the passing game, Hall exhibits solid pass protection ability. He is also a solid receiver out of the backfield, where he has compiled. 82 catches for 734 yards. Most of Hall's work as a receiver occurs at or near the line of scrimmage; though he has lined up in the slot and out wide on occasion, he will do most of his receiving work from the backfield at the NFL level. Hall ranks among the top backs in the 2022 cycle in yards after the catch, so when given space, he can turn a play at or behind the line into a chunk gain. His ability to pick up a Blitzer in pass pro needs improvement, but his willingness in pass pro is there, and for him to ascend into a versatile three-down back at the NFL level, he has to improve as a blocker. Run Game Summary In the run game, Hall is a creative runner that possesses exceptional speed and good contact balance. He blends good speed with power and can lower his pads and run through a defender. There are a few different 40 times available, and one dates back to his time in high school, where he clocked a 4.43. I would not be surprised to see him run in the electronic timed 4.5's during the NFL combine, which is more than adequate for the RB position. Hall will be ideal for a zone-heavy run game as a one-cut runner. His two best traits as a runner are his vision and patience. Hall displays exceptional footwork in traffic. On film, he is consistently navigating congested areas with ease. Hall is one of the top explosive runners in this class, and when he has space, he will exploit a defense. Hall is also among the best in college football in forcing missed tackles. Final Analysis Overall, Breece Hall possesses versatile traits that translate to his ability to be a three-down back in the NFL. Hall, the cousin of Former NFL RB Roger Craig, displays pedigree. Hall's relationship with Roger Craig is notable, considering Craig can provide excellent advice about the rigors of being an NFL RB. Also, you can see some of Roger Craig's playstyle in Breece Hall's game, especially when Hall is navigating through traffic. In addition, His step-father, Jeff Smith, played running back at Nebraska and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so football has been a part of Hall's life for a long time. Improving his pass protection is imperative at the next level. We list Hall as a versatile back that will fit nicely in a zone-based scheme where he can use his excellent vision and patience. We list Hall as a big back at 6-1, 220lbs. What separates him from Kenneth Walker is that his ability as a pass-catcher is more proven, but where Walker bridges that gap is his ability to create yards after contact at the highest level and a higher level than Breece Hall. Hall has the tools to be the best back in this draft class, and with time and in the right system, he can thrive in the NFL. Final Grade Analysis Final Grade: (6.8) (High Upside Potential) Solid Starter Level Ceiling Grade: (6.8) (High Upside Potential) Solid Starter Level Floor Grade: (7.5) (Instant Impact Potential) High-Level Starter

Click Here to view our NFL Draft Big Board with player rankings and analysis. Click here to learn more about our updated player grade scale and critical position factors. Player Profile Name: Matt Corral School: Ole Miss Rebels Recruiting Profile: Click Here Position: QB Height: 6-1 Weight: 205 Year: JR Jersey Number: 2 Offensive Scheme: Spread/RPO Offensive Coordinator: Lane Kiffen (Jeff Lebby OC), Prior to Kiffen, Matt Luke (Rich Rodriguez OC) Games Reviewed: 2021 Alabama, 2021 Auburn, 2021 Arkansas, 2020 Arkansas Position Specific Critical Factors Arm Talent: (6) Good The QB position requires good accuracy at all levels of the field. The QB prospect must have control of the football to place the ball in tight windows and with the appropriate leverage on his throws. Ball placement is paramount when the targeted receiver is not open in the NFL. The ability to throw a receiver open (anticipatory throwing) can separate a good prospect from an elite prospect. The ability throws that are catchable and with good placement is paramount. A prospect's overall arm strength combined with the ability to change speeds based on throwing distance and situation is critical. The prospect's arm angles and ability to make difficult throws while off-platform or on the move are vital indicators of a QB's overall arm talent. Decision Making/Awareness: (6) Good The ability to make smart decisions on the field, with good judgment, and poise in the pocket, is fundamental at the highest level of football. Possessing the ability to process quickly on the fly can separate a prospect from being good or elite. The prospect's intelligence, field vision, understanding of coverage, and reading defenses are all critical. The prospect's ability to not break down as pressure builds is a key factor. Possessing the ability to recognize pre-snap and post-snap coverage is another trait that is paramount. Big Moments/Clutch: (7) Good Late game, tight game, playing from behind while under pressure; does the prospect rise to the occasion in the close games against better competition? Can the prospect deliver big-time plays under pressure in critical situations? Does the QB maintain composer and focus in key moments? Key Strengths Mobility Quick Release Leadership Key Weaknesses Progressions Ball Placement Decision Making Pass Game Summary As a passer, Matt Corral has come a long way since his 14 interception season in 2020. In 2021 he lowered his INT total to 5, which is a clear improvement and is one of the more notable items you recognize when watching his tape. Corral is an accurate passer, another critical area he improved under coach Lane Kiffen. He has displayed an ability to throw with anticipation allowing his receivers to make plays after the catch. In 2021, he excelled with throws to the intermediate and deep areas of the field where he displayed good ball placement. His poise under pressure is solid, and even though he handles the pressure well, not allowing defenses to frustrate him, his yards per attempt, completion rate, and TD/INT ratio are affected. In a clean pocket, Corral is smooth, completing better than 70% of his throws in 2021. His mechanics are solid, and he possesses a quick release, a trait that can benefit him at the NFL level. His ability to keep a play alive with his legs provides the highest value in the immediate. His ability to add pressure to a defense with his legs will benefit him in the NFL, especially if he is thrust into a starting role as a rookie. Run Game Summary As a runner, Matt Corral is a conflict player who forces defenses to defend all 11. He is solid when using the zone read and RPO concepts, and once in the NFL, he can benefit from being in a system with college concepts that marry run and pass concepts allowing him to use his legs. Corral is not a big player, which is something that has to be considered when he is utilized as a runner in the NFL. Final Analysis Matt Corral is a player known to be a great leader. His leadership and competitive nature led him to play in the All-State Sugar Bowl at the beginning of the new year, where he would succumb to a lower leg injury on a running play in a meaningless bowl game. As the college football world looked on, many believed he was seriously injured, but the QB avoided serious injury coming away with a sprained ankle. Matt Corral improved mightily year over year. As we mentioned already, in 2020, he threw 14 INT's. Six came in one game vs. Arkansas, and he had another 5 INT game vs. LSU. He worked to improve his decision-making, which shows up on his tape and the stat book. In 2021, Corral threw just 5 INT's total and improved his anticipatory throwing. Corral is a prospect that can benefit by playing in a college-style offense that utilizes RPO and zone-read concepts. He can also excel in an offense that incorporates a lot of play-action and designed rollout opportunities to get him out on the edge of a defense where he can make plays with his legs. Final Grade Analysis Final Grade: (6.4) (Developmental Potential) (6.4) Starter Level Traits Ceiling Grade: (6.9) High Upside Potential (9.0-7.0) Solid Starter Level Floor Grade: (5.9) (Role Player Potential) (5.9) Career Backup Level

The NFL Draft starts in Mobile might be an understatement in 2022 as there will be many intriguing prospects who have a lot to gain during their week in Mobile, Alabama. Today, I will highlight the top ten players on the Football Scout 365 Big Board listed on the two Senior Bowl rosters that have a high variance between their ceiling grade and their floor grade from the Football Scout 365 perspective. These prospects might be considered high upside or developmental prospects, but they possess a high ceiling. Click here to view our in-depth player grade scale Click here to view our NFL Draft Big Board Click here to view our player grades dashboard which contains our mock drafts, NFL team needs analysis, and individual player grades by position. 1. Edge Arnold Ebiketie, Penn State, 6-4, 256 LBS Big Board RK: 42 Ceiling Grade: 8.0/High End Starter Floor Grade: 6.0/Developmental Starter Final Grade: 6.4/Starter Level Analysis Arnold Ebiketie is a player on the rise and has a lot to gain throughout Senior Bowl practices and the NFL Combine process. Ebiketie possesses a lengthy frame and long arms combined with solid athleticism. Ebiketie has the tools to rise into a day one draft pick in an NFL Draft class loaded with high-level edge rushers. 2. Edge Kingsley Enagbare, South Carolina, 6-4, 260 LBS Big Board RK: 28 Ceiling Grade: 8.0/High End Starter Floor Grade: 6.4/Starter Level Traits Final Grade: 6.7/Solid Starter Level Analysis Arnold Enagbare is one of the more underrated players heading into the 2022 NFL Draft in a draft class full of talented edge rushers. We currently have him rated as the 7th best edge rusher in the class, and that is still good enough to earn him a 28th overall ranking and a first-round potential grade. He has good length and plays with relentless effort. He can play standing up or with his hand down. He has positional flexibility, and we list him as 3-4 Edge. 3. OT Daniel Faalele, Minnesota, 6-9, 380 LBS Big Board RK: 36 Ceiling Grade: 8.0/High End Starter Floor Grade: 6.4/Starter Level Final Grade: 6.9/Solid Starter Level Analysis Daniel Faalele is a giant whose defenders have difficulty running through and around his orbit. At 6-9 and 380lbs, Faalele possesses good hand usage and leverages his strength to defeat more athletic defenders. The question marks about his athleticism will be part of the discussion at Senior Bowl practices and through the NFL Combine process. If he has a good Senior Bowl week, he has a lot to gain. Faalele possesses one of the highest ceilings at any position in this draft. He projects as a right tackle in the NFL. 4. RB Rachaad White, Arizona State 6-2, 210 LBS Big Board RK: 74 Ceiling Grade: 7.4/High End Starter Floor Grade: 5.9/Career Backup Final Grade: 6.2/Role Player Analysis In a draft class with good depth at RB and without an elite all-around player, Rachaad White provides a glimmer of hope as a player who possesses a similar play style to Najee Harris. At 6-2, 210lbs, he possesses good size, he is a taller back, but he runs with good lean and is one of the more creative runners in the class. His vision and ability to create yards after contact are notable, but scouts will be looking at his three-down versatility during Senior Bowl practices. We believe White is the best pass catcher in this class of RB's. 5. RB Dameon Pierce, Florida 5-10, 215 LBS Big Board RK: 94 Ceiling Grade: 6.9/Solid Starter Floor Grade: 5.8/Developmental Backup Final Grade: 6.6/Role Player Analysis At 5-10, 215lbs, Pierce has the size that NFL scouts are looking for at the RB position. He is a stout player with loose hips and solid elusiveness. He has good footwork but lacks explosive short-area quickness. He is sold receiver with a good route tree, and his quick feet help in this area of his game. One of the better pass blockers in the class, Pierce will look to impress scouts with his three-down potential. 6. QB Carson Strong, Nevada, 6-4, 215 LBS Big Board RK: 58 Ceiling Grade: 7.0/High End Starter Floor Grade: 5.9/Career Backup Final Grade: 6.1/Developmental Starter Analysis At 6-4, 215lbs, Carson Strong possesses NFL size at the QB position. Strong is a player that scouts have been eyeing for several years. Possessing a good arm and a compact throwing motion, Strong can fire a football into a tight window, a trait that is a necessity in the NFL—known as a pocket passer; Strong possesses good athleticism. As a long strider, Strong flashes the ability to extend plays. During Senior Bowl week, scouts will be looking at the typical traits you look for in a QB, arm strength, the ability to go through his progressions, and pocket presence. But the key for Strong will come in the way he handles throws under pressure. Strong has sneaky first-round traits. 7. QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh 6-3, 220 LBS Big Board RK: 22 Ceiling Grade: 7.0/High End Starter Floor Grade: 6.0/Developmental Starter Final Grade: 6.7/Solid Starter Analysis In December, we did a deep dive analysis on Kenny Pickett and concluded that Pickett is the more NFL-ready QB in this class. But he is not a flawless player. Scouts will be looking at how Pickett handles a huddle as a leader and his ability to read pre and post-snap coverages. Pickett has a lot to gain in Mobile during the Senior Bowl and can solidify a potential top ten draft status if he has a solid showing throughout. 8. CB Derion Kendrick, Georgia, 6-0, 190 LBS Big Board RK: 54 Ceiling Grade: 7.0/High End Starter Floor Grade: 6.0/Developmental Starter Final Grade: 6.3/Shows Starter Traits/Limited Opportunity Analysis Derion Kendrick is one of the more interesting NFL Draft prospects in the class; he is a player that absorbed a positional change from WR to CB and transferred from Clemson to Georgia. Kendrick possesses solid ball skills because of his time at the WR position. He possesses good length for the position and can be a mirror vs. receiver due to his knowledge of a WR route tree. He is good in both man and zone coverage and is a willing-run defender. He is a projected outside corner. At the Senior Bowl, scouts will evaluate how he leverages his 190lb frame vs. more physical receivers. 9. QB Sam Howell, North Carolina, 6-1, 225 LBS Big Board RK: 40 Ceiling Grade: 6.9/Solid Starter Floor Grade: 5.9/Career Backup Final Grade: 6.4/Starter Level Analysis Sam Howell entered the 2021 college football season at the top or near the top of most draft boards, but after losing a lot of surrounding talent to the 2020 NFL Draft, Howell regressed. But he still exhibited his skill set as a player, and why most still believe he has first-round NFL potential. Howell is an exceptional athlete who uses his legs to extend plays and drives. He improved his ability to go through progressions in an offense that uses RPO at a high rate; this is good news. At the Senior Bowl, scouts will closely watch his progressions and accuracy. He possesses a good accurate ball at all levels, but he can sometimes sail or underthrow a receiver. The Baker Mayfield comparisons may rear their heads, but he can debunk that by displaying his higher level of athleticism than that of Baker Mayfield. 10. CB Coby Bryant, Cincinnati, 6-1, 198 LBS Big Board RK: 114 Ceiling Grade: 7.0/High End Starter Floor Grade: 6.3/Shows Starter Traits Final Grade: 6.5/Low Level Starter Analysis Possessing the name "Coby Bryant," you have a lofty ceiling to live up to, and this version of Coby Bryant is impressive. Bryant is a fluid defensive back; he possesses great athleticism and is one of the better-run defenders at the CB position. He has a lot to gain in front of Senior Bowl scouts and can do so by showing them he can be a more sticky defender in man-to-man coverage. Bryant currently possesses a day three projection, but he can certainly move into the day two discussion throughout the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine process.

Click Here to view our NFL Draft Big Board with player rankings and analysis. Click here to learn more about our updated player grade scale and critical position factors. Player Profile Name: Hassan Haskins School: Michigan Recruiting Profile: Click Here Position: RB Height: 6010 Weight: 220 Year: SR Jersey Number: 25 Offensive Scheme: Power Spread Offensive Coordinator: Josh Gattis Games Reviewed: 2019 Notre Dame, 2019 Alabama Citrus Bowl), 2020 Michigan State, 2021 Washington, 2021 Ohio State, 2021 Iowa Position Specific Critical Factors Vision: (6) Good Ability to run to daylight and gain positive yardage. Running without hesitation, seeing cut-back lanes, patience to follow blocks, finding open seams, creating something out of nothing, ability to set up his blockers. Contact Balance: (7) Very Good Ability to maintain his balance in traffic, bounce off of would-be tacklers and continue to advance the football. This grade should reflect his ability to play with a low center of gravity, strength, balance, and foot coordination to keep plays alive in traffic. Pass Game Impact: (7) Very Good Combination of his ability to make plays out of the backfield as a receiver, pass-catching ability, and pass pro. Key Strengths Power Contact Balance Pass Pro Key Weaknesses Limited As a Receiver Lacks Long Speed Upright Runner Pass Game Summary In the passing game, Haskins possesses three-down ability as a pass protector but needs more work as a receiver out of the backfield to gauge his impact. His usage as a receiver at Michigan in the current season (2021) will be hard to measure as he shares a backfield with another back who is a primary backfield receiver. In previous seasons Michigan did not utilize their backs as receivers consistently enough to gauge whether Haskins's deficiencies in this area are more about him and his ability or the offensive scheme. Run Game Summary In the run game, Haskins' toughness stands out, and he does a great job hitting the hole hard and powering through initial contact at the line of scrimmage. He shows good patience and vision, allowing his blocks to be set up. He possesses good contact balance and the type of footwork you want to see from a running back. Haskins is not known as an explosive or an elusive playmaker, yet he does possess an adequate ability to make a man miss in space. For a player who invites contact, he does a great job with ball security. At times, Haskins can run upright listed at better than six feet tall, he has done a good job working on his bend as a runner while at Michigan. Final Analysis Haskins is a grinder; he has improved each year at Michigan and has entered the 2021 season on a high note in a shared backfield. Haskins embraces his role in a shared backfield, which bodes well for him at the next level. He is also a solid special teams player who will run down on punts and kickoffs to make a play. I expect his stock to rise as Michigan progresses through the Big Ten schedule, and they begin to lean on him more as their primary between the tackles runner. His ideal fit is a team that embraces a power run scheme and utilizes a downhill-style player. His ceiling vs. his floor is dependent on his ability to improve or show he can be a pass-catching threat out of the backfield. Final Grade Analysis Final Grade: (6.7) (High Upside Potential) Solid Starter Level Ceiling Grade: (6.9) (High Upside Potential) Solid Starter Level Floor Grade: (6.2) (Role Player Potential) Situational Starter/System Dependent/Role Player

The NIL Conversation Surrounding Jim Harbaugh and The University Of Michigan In the last few days, I have read a lot on Twitter regarding the University of Michigan failing to capitalize on name, image, and likeness (NIL) as compared to other top universities such as Texas A&M (an SEC School), whose boosters (not the school) reportedly spent upwards of $30M to land the number one recruiting class in college football according to 247 Sports composite rankings for the class of 2022. The Motivation behind the University of Michigan NIL conversation is being driven by the potential that it's Head Football Coach Jim Harbaugh is considering a move to the NFL. Many have speculated or believe he will not make a move to the NFL, where he coached prior to becoming the Michigan Head Football coach in 2015. Many are citing his love for the University of Michigan, a school he played football at, and became an All-American in the '80s. But the reality is, he accepted a pay cut after a losing season in 2020, with a lower buyout. Many believe the lower buyout was put in place so that the University could move on from Jim at a lower cost if the 2021 season were to go poorly. Why Is Jim Harbaugh Relevant To The Topic? Instead, Jim Harbaugh had his best season while at Michigan. In fact, his 12-2 finish, win against Ohio State, the Big Ten Championship, and Michigan's first College Football Playoff appearance are also highlighted by the changes Harbaugh made to half of his coaching staff in the off-season. The projections across the landscape had Michigan winning at most 8 or 9 games and losing to Ohio State again. Jim overachieved, and therefore his stock has risen considerably. Jim Harbaugh's Motivation According to Sources Michigan Football has a great football coach who wants to remain at its school, and if the rumored thought is that the school is behind other high-level programs on the NIL landscape and dragging their feet to innovate, it is no wonder Jim Harbaugh might be considering a move back to the NFL. There are some sources closer to Jim that have alluded to the idea Jim Harbaugh is leveraging his current increased value to force the University into implementing a more aggressive NIL educational approach. What Is Holding Michigan Back From Using NIL To Its Benefit? There is confusion on the topic of NIL and what a school can and cannot do. For starters, each state regulates and can legislate its own NIL policies. Some states have no legislation at all, and some have stepped up with legislation to serve as guidance on how each college and University can navigate the NIL waters. As you may or may not know, the NCAA decided to not regulate NIL back in 2021, empowering each of their member institutions to implement their own NIL policies based on the state's NIL legislation in which they reside. Therefore, the University of Michigan stands in its own way. Michigan Has One Of The Largest Alumni Bases Worldwide The University of Michigan is a solid example of a school with unlimited resources whose alumni base consists of Stephen M. Ross (Miami Dolphins Owner) and Larry Page (Google Co-Founder) as two amazing examples. With more than 600k alumni, Michigan has a lot of untapped opportunities to be the leaders and best at NIL. The resources in the NIL world are not just limited to massive corporate structures; they are ultimately driven by smaller businesses; I use Ohio State as an example; there is a local third-party company (not sure if they are University affiliated) that connects student-athletes with local Columbus, Ohio based businesses. Michigan has a lot of very similar opportunities in Ann Arbor and Detroit's surrounding areas. If Jim Harbaugh is Championing A Better NIL Approach, He is Championing it For More Than Football. If Jim Harbaugh is, in fact, leveraging his best season as Michigan Football coach to improve Michigan's standing on the NIL landscape, it would not be a surprise. Jim donated all of his bonus money earned from its Big Ten Title and appearance in the College Football Playoff back to the Michigan Athletic Department to fund those who lost wages during the pandemic. If Jim is successful, he will benefit not only the football program but the entire athletic department, including non-revenue-generating sports. NIL Is More Than Fast Money; it Is About The Long Game While many look at NIL as a way to gain a competitive advantage on the playing field by luring top talent via monetary potential, it is the investment in the education of those who will not benefit in the short term. The majority of student-athletes will not benefit from NIL in the shorter term, but the importance of providing a higher level of NIL brand-building education is important and provide a lasting marketing opportunity for the student-athletes who will not be going pro in their respective sport. Providing student-athletes and their parents with the comfort that their kids are going to be provided a world-class education, combined with best in class NIL brand building strategies that connect them with future employers and marketing opportunities, is paramount and can take Michigan Athletics to a whole new level in a changing world where providing the most value can be your biggest asset. What Most Fans Care about With Regard To NIL is Winning, And Winning Keeps You Relevant The reality, fans are not interested in anything but the winning aspect. Therefore most are on the internet forums complaining about the lack of NIL focus Michigan Football has had. It is warranted, and in order for all non-revenue generating sports to flourish, Michigan Football and basketball, both of which fund the non-revenue sports, must remain relevant. Therefore, it only benefits the University of Michigan to support its athletic department and its ability to adapt to the changing NIL era. Jim Harbaugh's Innovative Mindset Is Undervalued What Jim Harbaugh is doing only adds to his innovative reputation. When Jim Harbaugh was in the NFL with the Colts in the late 90's, his dad (Jack), who coached at Western Kentucky, invited Jim to assist him in recruiting during Jim's offseason. Western Kentucky, a 1AA school at the time, recruited more in their state or regionally. That's where Jim provided value, he bought a van, he then went to Florida and drove recruits back to Western Kentucky for visits. With the talent influx from that, Jack Harbaugh would win a Championship. Now Jim doesn't deserve all the credit, but it is a testament to his innovative mindset. When Jim took the Michigan job in 2015, he implemented a satellite camp circuit covering several states across America. The idea, take camps to the players instead of leaving stones unturned for the players who cannot afford to travel to out-of-state camps. Does The University of Michigan Desire Innovation In Athletics As Much As Jim Harbaugh, We Are About To Find Out In any field, you have to provide your employees with the resources necessary to be successful. It is no different in this circumstance. For Michigan football, Jim Harbaugh guided Michigan back to its peak of success in its current state in 2021 by hiring a more youthful, talented coaching staff. He is now ready to innovate once again, knowing that Michigan has a mountain to climb if they are going to win a National Title in football after being dominated by a Georgia Football Team loaded with top-five recruiting class after top-five recruiting class. In order to bridge that gap, Michigan Football has to innovate. The question is, are they as invested as Jim is to take Michigan one step further?