Browns 2024 draft picks - profiles by Dane Brugler
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I will update as the picks come in meanwhile it may be interesting to look back at previous Brugler profiles of our picks to see how accurate (or not) things have panned out so far.....
2023
2022
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An NFL scout really said a 282lb 3tech should shed "weight and be a LB". ?
I would fucking doubt that. And that's a piss poor eval.
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I will update as the picks come in meanwhile it may be interesting to look back at previous Brugler profiles of our picks to see how accurate (or not) things have panned out so far.....
2023
2022
I will update as the picks come in meanwhile it may be interesting to look back at previous Brugler profiles of our picks to see how accurate (or not) things have panned out so far.....
2023
2022
Thanks for the goodies LB! I'm gonna vent a little here - just know it's not aimed at you. This just feels like a good spot to exercise my 2 brain cells.
I really like the Zinter selection; but I'm scratching my head about the 2nd round reach for Michael Hall Jr that many sites/publications had going in the 3rd and 4th rounds. I'm an Ohio State fan; but he ended with 2 tackles for losses and 1.5 sacks in his final season. That doesn't really stack up well against the other talent that went in round 2 IMO regardless of how well he did at the combines. This felt a lot like reaching on DE Alex Wright a couple years ago. Why???
Why do I feel this way? If we wanted to reach on a player - it should have been LEFT TACKLE Kiran Amegadjie or others equivalent LT prospects were available in round 2. Unfortunately, we still have a very sleepy Casper the Friendly Ghost entitled to his starting LT job. He doesn't have to try or be consistent. He often stops after his initial hit when he's run blocking. He hasn't even put in the work to have a consistent stance that sets him up for ideal leverage, power and base. We've seen this for 4 years now. Film ain't gonna show us he's earned SQUAT. This FO drafted him at #10 overall so he's entitled. Keeping him throws off the scent the FO failed here. Both RTs are coming off season ending injuries. Our strength last year was OG; and it still was heading into the draft. 100% of our starting tackles (1 LT + 2 RTs). However, I am very aware we signed a 9 veteran G/T (Germain Ifedi) that didn't appear in 1 game last year. I think his most recent starts were all at Guard. Soooooo, our next pick today is in round 5.
I welcome the only Defensive Coordinator to earn a Superbowl Ring in New Orleans while understanding Revenge of the Nerds is a sequel. "Come get some!" -
An NFL scout really said a 282lb 3tech should shed "weight and be a LB". ?
I would fucking doubt that. And that's a piss poor eval.
An NFL scout really said a 282lb 3tech should shed "weight and be a LB". ?
I would fucking doubt that. And that's a piss poor eval.
Was that an NFL scout or a Cub Scout? My biggest concern with him, believe it or not, is how many times he doesn't have his head up when he's actually in ideal position to make a tackle (many of those for a loss). The 1st question someone might ask me about that is - can't that be coached up? A lot of that depends on how long he's perfected this bad habit. I would feel better about this pick if we made it 1 round later.
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I will update as the picks come in meanwhile it may be interesting to look back at previous Brugler profiles of our picks to see how accurate (or not) things have panned out so far.....
2023
2022
Thanks for the goodies LB! I'm gonna vent a little here - just know it's not aimed at you. This just feels like a good spot to exercise my 2 brain cells.
I really like the Zinter selection; but I'm scratching my head about the 2nd round reach for Michael Hall Jr that many sites/publications had going in the 3rd and 4th rounds. I'm an Ohio State fan; but he ended with 2 tackles for losses and 1.5 sacks in his final season. That doesn't really stack up well against the other talent that went in round 2 IMO regardless of how well he did at the combines. This felt a lot like reaching on DE Alex Wright a couple years ago. Why???
Why do I feel this way? If we wanted to reach on a player - it should have been LEFT TACKLE Kiran Amegadjie or others equivalent LT prospects were available in round 2. Unfortunately, we still have a very sleepy Casper the Friendly Ghost entitled to his starting LT job. He doesn't have to try or be consistent. He often stops after his initial hit when he's run blocking. He hasn't even put in the work to have a consistent stance that sets him up for ideal leverage, power and base. We've seen this for 4 years now. Film ain't gonna show us he's earned SQUAT. This FO drafted him at #10 overall so he's entitled. Keeping him throws off the scent the FO failed here. Both RTs are coming off season ending injuries. Our strength last year was OG; and it still was heading into the draft. 100% of our starting tackles (1 LT + 2 RTs). However, I am very aware we signed a 9 veteran G/T (Germain Ifedi) that didn't appear in 1 game last year. I think his most recent starts were all at Guard. Soooooo, our next pick today is in round 5.
Thanks for the goodies LB! I'm gonna vent a little here - just know it's not aimed at you. This just feels like a good spot to exercise my 2 brain cells.
I really like the Zinter selection; but I'm scratching my head about the 2nd round reach for Michael Hall Jr that many sites/publications had going in the 3rd and 4th rounds. I'm an Ohio State fan; but he ended with 2 tackles for losses and 1.5 sacks in his final season. That doesn't really stack up well against the other talent that went in round 2 IMO regardless of how well he did at the combines. This felt a lot like reaching on DE Alex Wright a couple years ago. Why???
Why do I feel this way? If we wanted to reach on a player - it should have been LEFT TACKLE Kiran Amegadjie or others equivalent LT prospects were available in round 2. Unfortunately, we still have a very sleepy Casper the Friendly Ghost entitled to his starting LT job. He doesn't have to try or be consistent. He often stops after his initial hit when he's run blocking. He hasn't even put in the work to have a consistent stance that sets him up for ideal leverage, power and base. We've seen this for 4 years now. Film ain't gonna show us he's earned SQUAT. This FO drafted him at #10 overall so he's entitled. Keeping him throws off the scent the FO failed here. Both RTs are coming off season ending injuries. Our strength last year was OG; and it still was heading into the draft. 100% of our starting tackles (1 LT + 2 RTs). However, I am very aware we signed a 9 veteran G/T (Germain Ifedi) that didn't appear in 1 game last year. I think his most recent starts were all at Guard. Soooooo, our next pick today is in round 5.
Which is why I asked on another thread if we just got another Tommy Togiai 2.0, a failure with the Browns.
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I will update as the picks come in meanwhile it may be interesting to look back at previous Brugler profiles of our picks to see how accurate (or not) things have panned out so far.....
2023
2022
Thanks for the goodies LB! I'm gonna vent a little here - just know it's not aimed at you. This just feels like a good spot to exercise my 2 brain cells.
I really like the Zinter selection; but I'm scratching my head about the 2nd round reach for Michael Hall Jr that many sites/publications had going in the 3rd and 4th rounds. I'm an Ohio State fan; but he ended with 2 tackles for losses and 1.5 sacks in his final season. That doesn't really stack up well against the other talent that went in round 2 IMO regardless of how well he did at the combines. This felt a lot like reaching on DE Alex Wright a couple years ago. Why???
Why do I feel this way? If we wanted to reach on a player - it should have been LEFT TACKLE Kiran Amegadjie or others equivalent LT prospects were available in round 2. Unfortunately, we still have a very sleepy Casper the Friendly Ghost entitled to his starting LT job. He doesn't have to try or be consistent. He often stops after his initial hit when he's run blocking. He hasn't even put in the work to have a consistent stance that sets him up for ideal leverage, power and base. We've seen this for 4 years now. Film ain't gonna show us he's earned SQUAT. This FO drafted him at #10 overall so he's entitled. Keeping him throws off the scent the FO failed here. Both RTs are coming off season ending injuries. Our strength last year was OG; and it still was heading into the draft. 100% of our starting tackles (1 LT + 2 RTs). However, I am very aware we signed a 9 veteran G/T (Germain Ifedi) that didn't appear in 1 game last year. I think his most recent starts were all at Guard. Soooooo, our next pick today is in round 5.
I really like the Zinter selection; but I'm scratching my head about the 2nd round reach for Michael Hall Jr that many sites/publications had going in the 3rd and 4th rounds.
Considering the value of the picks, I agree, I actually like the Zinter pick better. Much better value IMO.
I don't hate the Hall pick, just feel like it was a bit early.
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Thanks for the goodies LB! I'm gonna vent a little here - just know it's not aimed at you. This just feels like a good spot to exercise my 2 brain cells.
I really like the Zinter selection; but I'm scratching my head about the 2nd round reach for Michael Hall Jr that many sites/publications had going in the 3rd and 4th rounds. I'm an Ohio State fan; but he ended with 2 tackles for losses and 1.5 sacks in his final season. That doesn't really stack up well against the other talent that went in round 2 IMO regardless of how well he did at the combines. This felt a lot like reaching on DE Alex Wright a couple years ago. Why???
Why do I feel this way? If we wanted to reach on a player - it should have been LEFT TACKLE Kiran Amegadjie or others equivalent LT prospects were available in round 2. Unfortunately, we still have a very sleepy Casper the Friendly Ghost entitled to his starting LT job. He doesn't have to try or be consistent. He often stops after his initial hit when he's run blocking. He hasn't even put in the work to have a consistent stance that sets him up for ideal leverage, power and base. We've seen this for 4 years now. Film ain't gonna show us he's earned SQUAT. This FO drafted him at #10 overall so he's entitled. Keeping him throws off the scent the FO failed here. Both RTs are coming off season ending injuries. Our strength last year was OG; and it still was heading into the draft. 100% of our starting tackles (1 LT + 2 RTs). However, I am very aware we signed a 9 veteran G/T (Germain Ifedi) that didn't appear in 1 game last year. I think his most recent starts were all at Guard. Soooooo, our next pick today is in round 5.
Which is why I asked on another thread if we just got another Tommy Togiai 2.0, a failure with the Browns.
Which is why I asked on another thread if we just got another Tommy Togiai 2.0, a failure with the Browns.
No. Tommy was a 'tweener. Mikey is a 3/4 tech.
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I will update as the picks come in meanwhile it may be interesting to look back at previous Brugler profiles of our picks to see how accurate (or not) things have panned out so far.....
2023
2022
Thanks for the goodies LB! I'm gonna vent a little here - just know it's not aimed at you. This just feels like a good spot to exercise my 2 brain cells.
I really like the Zinter selection; but I'm scratching my head about the 2nd round reach for Michael Hall Jr that many sites/publications had going in the 3rd and 4th rounds. I'm an Ohio State fan; but he ended with 2 tackles for losses and 1.5 sacks in his final season. That doesn't really stack up well against the other talent that went in round 2 IMO regardless of how well he did at the combines. This felt a lot like reaching on DE Alex Wright a couple years ago. Why???
Why do I feel this way? If we wanted to reach on a player - it should have been LEFT TACKLE Kiran Amegadjie or others equivalent LT prospects were available in round 2. Unfortunately, we still have a very sleepy Casper the Friendly Ghost entitled to his starting LT job. He doesn't have to try or be consistent. He often stops after his initial hit when he's run blocking. He hasn't even put in the work to have a consistent stance that sets him up for ideal leverage, power and base. We've seen this for 4 years now. Film ain't gonna show us he's earned SQUAT. This FO drafted him at #10 overall so he's entitled. Keeping him throws off the scent the FO failed here. Both RTs are coming off season ending injuries. Our strength last year was OG; and it still was heading into the draft. 100% of our starting tackles (1 LT + 2 RTs). However, I am very aware we signed a 9 veteran G/T (Germain Ifedi) that didn't appear in 1 game last year. I think his most recent starts were all at Guard. Soooooo, our next pick today is in round 5.
Thanks for the goodies LB! I'm gonna vent a little here - just know it's not aimed at you. This just feels like a good spot to exercise my 2 brain cells.
I really like the Zinter selection; but I'm scratching my head about the 2nd round reach for Michael Hall Jr that many sites/publications had going in the 3rd and 4th rounds. I'm an Ohio State fan; but he ended with 2 tackles for losses and 1.5 sacks in his final season. That doesn't really stack up well against the other talent that went in round 2 IMO regardless of how well he did at the combines. This felt a lot like reaching on DE Alex Wright a couple years ago. Why???
Why do I feel this way? If we wanted to reach on a player - it should have been LEFT TACKLE Kiran Amegadjie or others equivalent LT prospects were available in round 2. Unfortunately, we still have a very sleepy Casper the Friendly Ghost entitled to his starting LT job. He doesn't have to try or be consistent. He often stops after his initial hit when he's run blocking. He hasn't even put in the work to have a consistent stance that sets him up for ideal leverage, power and base. We've seen this for 4 years now. Film ain't gonna show us he's earned SQUAT. This FO drafted him at #10 overall so he's entitled. Keeping him throws off the scent the FO failed here. Both RTs are coming off season ending injuries. Our strength last year was OG; and it still was heading into the draft. 100% of our starting tackles (1 LT + 2 RTs). However, I am very aware we signed a 9 veteran G/T (Germain Ifedi) that didn't appear in 1 game last year. I think his most recent starts were all at Guard. Soooooo, our next pick today is in round 5.
I like the pick in passing situations, Having him next to a double teamed Garrett he could disrupt the hell out of a backfield.
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Thanks for the goodies LB! I'm gonna vent a little here - just know it's not aimed at you. This just feels like a good spot to exercise my 2 brain cells.
I really like the Zinter selection; but I'm scratching my head about the 2nd round reach for Michael Hall Jr that many sites/publications had going in the 3rd and 4th rounds. I'm an Ohio State fan; but he ended with 2 tackles for losses and 1.5 sacks in his final season. That doesn't really stack up well against the other talent that went in round 2 IMO regardless of how well he did at the combines. This felt a lot like reaching on DE Alex Wright a couple years ago. Why???
Why do I feel this way? If we wanted to reach on a player - it should have been LEFT TACKLE Kiran Amegadjie or others equivalent LT prospects were available in round 2. Unfortunately, we still have a very sleepy Casper the Friendly Ghost entitled to his starting LT job. He doesn't have to try or be consistent. He often stops after his initial hit when he's run blocking. He hasn't even put in the work to have a consistent stance that sets him up for ideal leverage, power and base. We've seen this for 4 years now. Film ain't gonna show us he's earned SQUAT. This FO drafted him at #10 overall so he's entitled. Keeping him throws off the scent the FO failed here. Both RTs are coming off season ending injuries. Our strength last year was OG; and it still was heading into the draft. 100% of our starting tackles (1 LT + 2 RTs). However, I am very aware we signed a 9 veteran G/T (Germain Ifedi) that didn't appear in 1 game last year. I think his most recent starts were all at Guard. Soooooo, our next pick today is in round 5.
I like the pick in passing situations, Having him next to a double teamed Garrett he could disrupt the hell out of a backfield.
I like the pick in passing situations, Having him next to a double teamed Garrett he could disrupt the hell out of a backfield.
Thanks Syd! I'm feeling better about it.
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thats why i posted it LOL
Thinking ahead somewhat here. It's conceivable that we could be looking at this grouping in a starting formation sometime within the next year or 2:
Luke Wypler (Ohio State) Zak Zinter (Michigan) Dawand Jones (Ohio State)
Center Right Guard Right Tackle
I'm not in any hurry to push either Pro Bowl Guard out of our line-up; but injuries, contracts and other things create opportunities for newcomers.
Zinter and Hall will also be facing each other in practice. There's probably going to be situations where Wypler or Jones has to block Hall.
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thats why i posted it LOL
Thinking ahead somewhat here. It's conceivable that we could be looking at this grouping in a starting formation sometime within the next year or 2:
Luke Wypler (Ohio State) Zak Zinter (Michigan) Dawand Jones (Ohio State)
Center Right Guard Right Tackle
I'm not in any hurry to push either Pro Bowl Guard out of our line-up; but injuries, contracts and other things create opportunities for newcomers.
Zinter and Hall will also be facing each other in practice. There's probably going to be situations where Wypler or Jones has to block Hall.
Thinking ahead somewhat here. It's conceivable that we could be looking at this grouping in a starting formation sometime within the next year or 2:
Luke Wypler (Ohio State) Zak Zinter (Michigan) Dawand Jones (Ohio State)
Center Right Guard Right Tackle
I'm not in any hurry to push either Pro Bowl Guard out of our line-up; but injuries, contracts and other things create opportunities for newcomers.
Zinter and Hall will also be facing each other in practice. There's probably going to be situations where Wypler or Jones has to block Hall.
sure would save some money that way, so yes i agree
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WR rank #26.
JAMARI THRASH | Louisville 5116 | 188 lbs. | 5SR LaGrange, Ga. (Troup County) 12/19/2000 (age 23.35)
BACKGROUND: Jamari (juh-MAR-ee) Thrash grew up in LaGrange (10 miles from the Alabama-Georgia state line). He started playing football at age 8 as a quarterback and running back, and he was also a standout basketball player through middle school. Thrash originally attended LaGrange High School, where he played on varsity for two seasons as a wide receiver. He posted 36 catches for 541 yards and six touchdowns as a sophomore. After LaGrange won just two games in 2016, he transferred to Troup County High School for his final two years of high school. Thrash had his breakout season as a junior, when he led Class 4A with 1,410 receiving yards on 61 catches (23.1 average) and scored 19 touchdowns. He earned first team All-State honors and led the team to a 9-3 finish. As a senior, Thrash posted 42 catches for 1,066 yards (25.4 average) and 13 touchdowns and was named All-Region. He helped Troup County to a school-record 12 wins and a spot in the 2018 state playoff semifinals. Thrash was also a standout basketball player throughout high school, and he lettered in track, setting personal bests of 11.42 seconds in the 100 meters and 23.91 in the 200, as well as 18 feet, 2.25 inches in the long jump, 37 -4.75 in the triple jump and 5-10 in the high jump.
A three-star recruit, Thrash was the No. 200 wide receiver in the 2019 recruiting class and the No. 169 recruit in Georgia. After his All-State junior season, his offer sheet filled up (Georgia Southern, Georgia State, Jacksonville State, South Alabama, Southern Miss, Troy, Tulane and UAB). Thrash committed to Georgia State and was the No. 4 recruit in head coach Shawn Elliott’s 2019 class. After four seasons with the program, he entered the transfer portal in January 2023. Thrash didn’t have any Power 5 offers out of high school, but he heard from several notable programs the second time around and ultimately committed to Louisville over Auburn for his final season of eligibility. Thrash opted out of the 2023 bowl game and accepted his invitation to the 2024 Senior Bowl
STRENGTHS: Adequate height/length combination … quick to collect his feet for separation steps out of his breaks … compensates for average burst with crisp cuts as a route runner … catches the ball well in stride with supple adjustment skills to reach back across his body when necessary … made catches at all three levels, including two plays of 70-plus yards in 2023 … controlled athlete in space to give defenders the slip or weave in and out of traffic … finished fourth among ACC receivers with 17 forced missed tackles in 2023 … gutted through a broken hand over the final month of the 2023 season and earned consistent praise from the Louisville coaches (head coach Jeff Brohm: “He’s come in, has been unselfish and hasn’t missed one rep of practice.”) … led his team in receiving each of the last three seasons (two at Georgia State, one at Louisville).
WEAKNESSES: Wiry frame with lean limbs and below-average play strength … inconsistent versus the jam and can be knocked off his route path … has a tough time making plays in traffic or finishing catches through contact … put more concentration drops on tape than expected (see 2023 Pittsburgh tape) … average speed by NFL standards and won’t run by NFL cornerbacks on vertical patterns … willing positional blocker but very inconsistent sustain … suffered a broken hand (October 2023) and required next-day surgery (including screws and a plate), but he missed only one game and played with a brace over the final month of his senior season … wasn’t used as a returner in college and didn’t play on special-teams coverages.
SUMMARY: A one-year starter at Louisville, Thrash was used primarily as an outside receiver in head coach Jeff Brohm’s spread scheme. After leading the Sun Belt in receiving in 2022 at Georgia State, he transferred to Louisville in 2023 and quickly announced himse lf as the Cardinals’ No. 1 pass catcher (led the team in receiving in seven of the first eight games, before a broken hand hindered him over the final month). Quicker than fast, Thrash is an agil e route runner with natural ball-tracking skills. However, he struggles to finish catches through contact, and his lack of play strength will be more pronounced at the next level. Overall, Thrash doesn’t have a true distinguishing trait as a receiver, but his separation quickness and receiving savvy will be lifelines to an NFL career. His inexperience on special teams will need to change quickly once in an NFL camp.
GRADE: 5th-6th Round
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LB Rank #17.
NATHANIEL WATSON | Mississippi State 6022 | 233 lbs. | 6SR Maplesville, Ala. (Maplesville) 9/1/2000 (age 23.65)
BACKGROUND: Nathaniel “Bookie” Watson Jr., who is one of five children, grew up in the small town of Maplesville (population of fewer than 700) in central Alabama. His father was known as “Bookie” or “Big Bookie,” and Watson grew up with the same nickname. He played several sports throughout his childhood, but usually gravitated towards football with his size and athleticism. In a small community like Maplesville, the high school coaches were counting down the days until Watson would arrive. He was a do-everything player on varsity all four years at Maplesville High School, seeing time at quarterback and wide receiver on offense and linebacker and safety on defense. After leading Maplesville to 1A state championships in his first two seasons as a freshman and sophomore, Watson had his best season as a junior and led the team to an undefeated 14-0 record and the program’s third straight state title at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn (he had 134 receiving yards and 72 rushing yards with two touchdowns in the championship game). Watson finished his junior season with 45 catches for 1,070 yards and 12 touchdowns, adding 376 rushing yards, 70 tackles and four interceptions (two returned for touchdowns). As a senior, he helped Maplesville to a 12-1 record (lost in the state playoff semifinals) and finished with 45 catches for 506 yards and three touchdowns with 45 tackles and three interceptions on defense. Watson also ran track in high school and won the state title in the 100 meters (11.27 seconds) as a senior and had a personal best of 23.41 in the 200.
A three-star recruit, Watson was the No. 52 athlete in the 2018 recruiting class and the No. 19 recruit in Alabama. Playing in the lowest classification of high school football in Alabama, he didn’t always receive the attention of recruits at bigger schools. But Watson did start hearing from FBS programs as a freshman, and his first offer came from Bowling Green after his sophomore season. He later added offers from Ole Miss, Troy and then Auburn, which was the school many expected him to choose because of his family ties. However, Watson developed a relationship with Dan Mullen and his staff, and he committed to Mississippi Stat e before his senior year. A few weeks before signing day, Mullen took the head coaching job at Florida, but Watson got to know new head coach Joe Moorhead and defensive coordinator Bob Shoop and stayed loyal to Mississippi State. He was the No. 6 recruit in the Bulldogs’ 2018 class. He took advantage of the extra year of eligibility granted because of the pandemic and returned to Starkville for his sixth season in 2023.
His uncle (Harold Morrow) played fullback at Auburn (1992-95) and had a 10-year NFL career (1996-2005), primarily with the Minnesota Vikings, despite going undrafted in the 1996 NFL Draft. His great-uncle (Tommie Agee) played running back at Auburn (1982-86) and was a fifth-round pick (No. 119) in the 1987 NFL Draft, playing eight seasons in the NFL (won two Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys in 1992-93). Watson, who twice earned SEC Academic Honor Roll, graduated with his degree in interdisciplinary studies (December 2021) and earned his master’s degree in workforce education (December 2022). He accepted his invitation to the 2 024 Senior Bowl and was voted the top linebacker for the American team
STRENGTHS: Outstanding height-weight-speed athlete … has initial burst and fluidity to accelerate quickly to the ball … shows the functional range to make plays outside the numbers at either sideline … quick to read from depth and work around the trash … zeroes on the ball carrier and runs his feet on contact … tackling discipline improved each season, and his missed tackles declined each season … some of his best tape comes from shooting gaps and finding vulnerable spots on the offensive line (led the SEC in sacks in 2023) … extensive special teams experience (576), mostly on kick coverages … highly productive,and Watson and Jett Johnson became the first pair of teammates to finish first and second in tackles in the SEC in back-to-back years … finished his career starting 35 straight games.
WEAKNESSES: His lateral agility is more average than above average … aggressive flow opens the door for cutback opportunities for ball carriers … takes the cheese on misdirection and play fakes … will attack climbing blocks, but his disengage strength is ordinary … l ate to turn and find the football in coverage, giving backs or tight ends the chance to separate … allows his emotions to get the best of him at times (threw a punch on the 2022 Memphis tape; missed a game in high school after punching the ground and requiring surgery to repair the resulting fracture) … off-field decision-making will be scrutinized by NFL teams — arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (May 2023); arrested during his final semester of high school and charged with felony first-degree assault and traffic violations (February 2018), after his drag racing resulted in property damage and injuries to the passenger in his car … younger for his grade, but will be a 24-year-old NFL rookie.
SUMMARY: A three-year starter at Mississippi State, Watson was the Mike linebacker in former head coach Zach Arnett’s 3-3-5 base scheme. After finishing No. 2 in the SEC in tackles in 2022, he led the SEC with 137 tackles in 2023 and his 11.4 tackles per game ranked sixth-best in the FBS, earning him SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors from the Associated Press. With his first-step burst and tracking skills, “Bookie” Watson was a tackling machine in college, including a 21 -tackle performance vs. Southern Miss in 2023 (most by an SEC player in a game over the last five years). His versatility as a blitzer is a plus, although he can struggle opening up and making plays in coverage. Overall, Watson’s average agility and erratic instincts lead to inconsistencies, but he has size, quick reaction speed and tackling skills to fill up the stat sheet. He will need to shine on special teams to lock up a backup role for an NFL defense.
GRADE: 6th Round
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CB rank #22
MYLES HARDEN | South Dakota 5107 | 195 lbs. | 4JR Miami Gardens, Fla. (Miramar) 12/13/2001 (age 22.37)
BACKGROUND: Myles Harden was born and raised in Miami Gardens. He grew up playing basketball, then started playing pee-wee football at age 8. Harden enrolled at Miramar High School (the former school of Geno Smith and several other NFL alums), where he was a three-year letterman at cornerback. After starting out on JV as a sophomore, he was called up to varsity in 2017 and later earned honorable mention All-County honors as a junior (although Miramar lost to Deerfield Beach in the first round of the 2018 state playoffs). As a senior, he was one of the top turnover-creating corners in South Florida with eight interceptions, which earned him All-County honors. Miramar was on pace for a deep playoff run in 2019, but it was forced to forfeit several wins because it had rostered an ineligible player. Harden also ran track (sprints and relays) in high school and ran a personal best of 24.16 seconds in the 200 meters at the 2019 district championships. A no-star recruit, Harden wasn’t ranked by online recruiting services in the 2020 recruiting class. He received attention mostly from FCS schools as a recruit and drew the eyes of former Iowa linebacker Adbul Hodge, who started his coaching career with South Dakota. Harden committed to the Coyotes as one of the top-billed guys in their 2020 class. Harden made an immediate impact as a starter in all four games as a true freshman (played in the spring of 2021 because of the pandemic). He had opportunities to transfer up to the FBS, but his “loyalty” to the program kept him at South Dakota. He decided to skip his remaining eligibility and enter the 2024 NFL Draft. Harden accepted his invitation to the 2024 East-West Shrine Bowl.
STRENGTHS: Fluid and balanced in his backpedal and coverage transitions (elite three-cone and short-shuttle results back up the tape) … properly tracks and balances himself between route combinations in zone … plays with the awareness to track the throw and the aggressiveness to play through the hands of receivers … has a “my ball” mentality and is slick working around targets without drawing flags … quick to trigger and chop down runners … stro ng finishing hands as a tackler, and there weren’t many misses on his film (ranked top five on the team in tackles in 2023) … voted a 2023 team captain … described as an “old soul” by South Dakota defensive coordinator Travis Johansen and is receptive to hard coaching … forced 11 turnovers (six interceptions, five forced fumbles) in 29 games played.
WEAKNESSES: Average size with shorter-than-ideal arm length … really smooth mover but can get beat deep when late to hit the gas … burst at the break point is mediocre; gives up too many front-facing catches … feet are quick but can get tied up matching releases … gives up inside position too easily and needs to be more calculated with risk-taking … most inconsistent outing of 2023 was vs. Missouri (only FBS opponent) … back-to-back season-ending injuries: broke the fibula in his right leg midway through his sophomore season (October 2021) and missed the second half of the season; injured his foot (October2022) and was unable to return.
SUMMARY: A four-year starter at South Dakota, Harden was an outside cornerback in defensive coordinator Travis Johansen’s zone -heavy scheme. Although his college career was marred by back-to-back season-ending injuries in 2021 and 2022, he was a starter the moment he arrived and was consistently productive when on the field (forced eight turnovers in his final 19 games). Harden is a smooth athlete with the physical mentality that shows at the catch point and in run support. He has the mentality for press man, but NFL athletes will present a substantial leap in what he saw over his career in the FCS. Overall, Harden doesn’t offer ideal length or long speed, but he plays quick, confident and is a roughneck competitor in both coverage and run support. With NFL-quality fluidity and ball skills, he can handle coverage duties from multiple techniques (inside or outside) and has the traits to earn a starting nickel job as a rookie.
GRADE: 5th Round
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