The Analyst: Trust the Tape
In the NFL draft process, teams seek players whose skills align with their scheme and fit their team culture. Medical staff evaluate injury risks while analytics assess production, athleticism, and quality of competition. However, in this piece, we’ll focus on film study to identify prospects that excel despite potential flaws in their profile.
Last year’s All-Film Team included undervalued players like Andrew Mukuba, Tyler Shough, Carson Schwesinger, Ashton Gillotte, and Azareye’h Thomas, who had successful rookie seasons. This year’s list features similar players with imperfections but significant talent.
Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier from LSU ranks 82nd on Scouts Inc.’s board due to concerns about his decision-making under pressure, accuracy, and arm strength. However, his 2024 film shows a skilled pocket passer who attacks intermediate windows aggressively and demonstrates impressive pocket presence. He might be available in Round 4 or later.
Running back Jadarian Price from Notre Dame is projected as a second-round pick but could become the RB2 if selected after teammate Jeremiyah Love. Price has 233 carries over two seasons, which is comparable to other recent second-round picks like James Cook III and Rachaad White. He’s a creative runner with quick eyes and decision-making who can create yardage after contact.
Wide receiver Germie Bernard from Alabama might not be the most athletic receiver in his class but excels in every aspect of the game, including blocking. He has good hands, runs good routes, and is reliable, making him an ideal fit for teams with three receivers. Bernard could fill a Jauan Jennings-type role or develop into a Jakobi Meyers-esque slot receiver.
Tight end Eli Raridon from Notre Dame had limited playing time due to injuries but improved significantly as a blocker last season. At 6-6 and 245 pounds, he has the length and speed to be a seam runner but is primarily valued for his blocking ability, which could lead to a Josh Oliver-esque career.
Offensive tackle Kage Casey from Boise State played well against Notre Dame and Oregon, displaying adaptability, patience, and consistency. He might fit better at guard due to lack of elite length or quickness but excels as a run blocker with good hip sink and leg drive.
Interior lineman Sam Hecht from Kansas State is a technician who excels in scheme versatility, footwork, and hand placement. While he lacks the raw power of Creed Humphrey, Hecht can be a plus starter on shotgun-heavy teams.
Defensive tackle Domonique Orange from Iowa State has impressive size (325 pounds) and agility but limited production due to his role as a two-gapping nose tackle. However, his explosive upper body power and lower body strength make him a splash player in rotational roles.
Edge rusher Jaishawn Barham from Michigan is an undersized (240 pounds) but physical force with impressive speed, strain, and balance through blocks. He has violent pop in his hands and a motor that never runs cold, making him an elite disruptor despite limited pass-rushing soundness.
Linebacker Kyle Louis from Pittsburgh is a small-school prospect who played mostly as an overhang defender due to his size (220 pounds). He responded well to the challenge, demonstrating explosive change-of-direction skills and tackling ability. Louis could become a Joshua Metellus-like player in Brian Flores’ defense or a Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah type in a Jim Schwartz system.
Cornerback Chris Johnson from San Diego State is often overlooked due to playing for a smaller school but excels with patient technique, natural instincts, and play speed that can be ratcheted up at the NFL level. He has the ceiling of a 10-year vet but lacks elite length and physicality in contested situations.
Safety Treydan Stukes from Arizona had a strong career year after an ACL tear and dominated the combine. Despite his age (24) and injury history, he has impressive footwork, angles, and ball tracking when playing safety roles. He could become a Bullock-esque policeman or follow Coby Bryant’s path from corner to safety.
These players have significant potential despite imperfections in their profiles. Trusting the tape can reveal hidden gems that might go undervalued by traditional scouting methods.