NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock held a conference call with the national media on the eve of the scouting combine on Monday.
“I love Roquan Smith,” Mayock said. “I think he’s today’s NFL off-the-ball linebacker and it’s mostly about speed. He’s 225 pounds. Deion Jones was drafted in the second round by Atlanta a few years back. He’s the prototype. I think Roquan Smith takes it a step farther. A very similar type guy. I love the way he plays.
“I didn’t even know who he was. The first tape that I put, I think it was Notre Dame-Georgia. He just jumped off the tape. I just got excited and said ‘who is this guy.’”
Here’s a tweetcap of some of his observations:
NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock believes #Georgia LB Roquan Smith will be selected in the first round. pic.twitter.com/8NHYrgUU4V
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) February 26, 2018
NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said Alabama WR Calvin Ridley will primarily be a slot receiver in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/0qRlMZw2Pr
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) February 26, 2018
NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said he can't wait to see massive Washington DT Vita Vea at the combine. Vea is 340 pounds and may run a sub-5.0 in the 40-yard dash. Last DT to do that was Dontari Poe. Mayock said Vea is a better player coming of college than Poe was. pic.twitter.com/QaeH16TUAk
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) February 26, 2018
NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said Ohio State QB J.T. Barrett has leadership qualities, but not high level talent. Will be a third day developmental guy who has a chance to a backup QB. pic.twitter.com/OquciOFw1b
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) February 26, 2018
NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock believes that Penn State RB Saquon Barkley is a "transformational" back on party with Todd Gurlery, Ezekial Elliott and Lenard Fournette. pic.twitter.com/aNUnT7SxyY
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) February 26, 2018
NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said Ohio State CB Denzel Ward "is a top 10 pick in this draft." pic.twitter.com/f3Qq5EDzkD
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) February 26, 2018
NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said UCLA QB Josh Rosen is the best "pure thrower" and "pure passer" in the draft. Durability (shoulder, 2 concussions) is a red flag. pic.twitter.com/hXOsILy7Mk
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) February 26, 2018
NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said USC QB Sam Darnold is his top rated quarterback in the draft. pic.twitter.com/wKQPM7PafN
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) February 26, 2018
NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said Louisville QB Lamar Jackson "is the most electrifying player in he draft." pic.twitter.com/00jnBH2pLQ
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) February 26, 2018
I asked Mayock about the Dolphins and possibly taking a QB in R1. "They're at a crossroads, but my gut tells me they're going to stick with Tannehill."
— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) February 26, 2018
"He was so nasty on tape. He was throwing people around like its nothing," Mayock said of Humboldt State OG Alex Cappa "I couldn't wait to see him at the Senior Bowl, and I thought he handled himself well....I think he's going to get drafted in the 4th, 5th, 6th rd."
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) February 26, 2018
Mike Mayock on former Ohio State and De La Salle left tackle Jamarco Jones: “Probably a third- or fourth-round type of guy. Very solid player.” Learn more about the Chicago-area product! https://t.co/ukQG1u85NA
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) February 26, 2018
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