I usually would do scouting reports every year, and sadly this year I haven't been able to post here as much due to work and working closely with NFL Draft Diamonds. However, I still wanted to do something and give my thoughts on some players.

So from now until the 25th, I will be posting my top 5 players at certain positions. Each day will be a different position.

If you have any questions about other prospects, whether thoughts or if I watched them, please by all means bring them up.
And if you have different rankings (which will happen) and want to discuss it, please do.

Now with this said, here's my first rankings.
Note: If a player has recently gone through an injury I will not hold that against them. Off the field issues I will not as well. This is purely based on tape, Combine, and bowls (such as East-West and Senior). Does not mean I would draft them there, but basing this on the plays they perform on the field alone.

Wolf's Top 5 Defensive Ends
1. Bradley Chubb, NC State.
Chubb is an extremely instinctive and dangerous pass rusher. He can beat you with almost any move; swim move, bull rush, or even just over-power the lineman. Extremely strong hands that can slap away defender's and sheds blocks consistently. He has a strong build to him and has dangerous speed for a defensive end. Chubb also tries to go for the strip rather than just take the opponent down. I've also been impressed with his motor as he uses speed most of the time, he seems to always be going at a high level. He's not the most natural bender around the corner and will have to better time his movement at the snap of the ball, but he has improved every year throughout his career and seems like he will be a great addition to whoever drafts him.

2. Arden Key, LSU
This is one of those players that has immense red flags but is an extremely good player. Going off of game tape, Key is very hard to keep hold of. He's fast, big, has long arms to keep the opponent at bay, and continuously fights throughout the play. He can also beat the lineman with inside moves or outside moves, showing he has multiple techniques and understands how to use them. Key is very good when it comes to "curving" around the edge to the quarterback, he has a natural bend to him. He does struggle against bigger, tougher tackles that can get a hold of him and while he plays to the end of the whistle, you can tell when he gets tired. There's a lot of upside to Key as he could become a dominate pass rusher in the NFL.

3. Marcus Davenport, UTSA
Davenport is such a raw prospect but has a high ceiling. He's an aggressive player and uses his long length to win his battles. He's powerful and quick at the point of attack. He's more of a straight line player and isn't going to be someone who will bend the corner. You can also tell how raw he is by his pad level and struggling against play action, but he's a very good run defender. He finishes plays and will take on blockers, which can be a positive or negative depending on the situation. There's a ton of upside with Davenport, but it may take him awhile to get up to speed of the NFL.

4. Sam Hubbard, Ohio State
Hubbard has a ton of attributes that you want in a defensive end. He doesn't really have a trait that's "elite" and hasn't played to his full potential, there's a lot to like with his game tape and things to look forward to in the NFL. He can bend the corner and uses pad level extremely well. He also does very well with his hand usage and can win his battles by doing so. He also sometimes over-pursues and will miss the quarterback and will sometimes flaten to the quarterback. However, he's a hard worker and can certainly be a good defensive end in the league.

5. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Oklahoma
Gets off the ball with a quick burst and has a very good drive with his legs. Ability to disengage with opponents and go after the ball. He also shows a ton of pass rush moves. Okoronkwo can also hesitate and set up the opponent to counter and beat them. He sometimes gets tight hyped and isn't exactly the biggest defender, but he has shown the ability to fight until the end of the whistle and make plays. He will most likely be used as a pass rushing specialist in the NFL; whether at DE or OLB in a 3-4 defense.

I've warmed to the idea of them taking Key. It turns out that his "off the field issues" aren't really issues at all. His family thought that it'd be a good idea for him to take a break from football before he reached a point where he was semi-famous and had to work obsessively on football all the time. He humored them and took some time to reflect. I don't see that as an issue at all. The true red flags come from his run support/weight issues. 

Not sure I agree that there are 5 DEs in this draft better than the kid out of BC

(04-15-2018, 06:31 PM)Bilbo Saggins Wrote: I've warmed to the idea of them taking Key. It turns out that his "off the field issues" aren't really issues at all. His family thought that it'd be a good idea for him to take a break from football before he reached a point where he was semi-famous and had to work obsessively on football all the time. He humored them and took some time to reflect. I don't see that as an issue at all. The true red flags come from his run support/weight issues. 

Weight issues certainly is one, and people are certainly going to question his commitment to football in the NFL. Not saying it's something to worry about immensely, but there will be questions

(04-15-2018, 06:42 PM)bfine32 Wrote: Not sure I agree that there are 5 DEs in this draft better than the kid out of BC

Chubb certainly is. But I think Landry would be better as a OLB in a 3-4 defense

Can Chubb play nickle DT?

(04-15-2018, 07:48 PM)wolfkaosaun Wrote: Chubb certainly is. But I think Landry would be better as a OLB in a 3-4 defense

Of course Chubb is, but I'm not sure anyone else is. Harold might be a OLB in a 3-4 but to date he has looked better with his hand in the dirt. Compare him favorably to our very own Carl Lawson. 

(04-15-2018, 08:23 PM)Jakeypoo Wrote: Can Chubb play nickle DT?

Could he? Yes.
But you wouldn't get the same type of production as you would with him on the outside

(04-15-2018, 08:58 PM)bfine32 Wrote: Of course Chubb is, but I'm not sure anyone else is. Harold might be a OLB in a 3-4 but to date he has looked better with his hand in the dirt. Compare him favorably to our very own Carl Lawson. 

When it comes to pass rushing, he and Key I have pretty neck and neck. But I believe Harold has a bigger ceiling in that department

(04-15-2018, 09:12 PM)wolfkaosaun Wrote: When it comes to pass rushing, he and Key I have pretty neck and neck. But I believe Harold has a bigger ceiling in that department

Speaking of a DE with high ceiling: I think Chad Thomas out of The U can be a good one if he decides to focus on football. 

I usually have a DE i fall in love with every year that would be available at some point in our draft.

Has not been the case this year.

I keep wanting to like Landry. But then i see some plays where its just like... Man... I cant wish for you in the first with that kind of effort.

If he keeps the motor running and adds 10lbs he could be a real terror though.

I dont see it with Hubbard.

Wouldnt be mad at Davenport or Landry in the 1st. Would be mad with Hubbard or Key in the 1st.

Top 5 Defensive Tackles
1. Vita Vea, Washington
Strong man, great upper body strength and can drive with his feet. Has good hip movement to shed blocks and flexible for a guy of his size. He understands to take up space and blockers to allow his teammates to pursue the ball carrier. A rock who can overpower opponents consistently who also has extremely powerful hands. Violent player who's motor never ends. More nimble and able to squeeze through the line to get in the backfield. Definitely faster than you expect for someone of his size. He does tend to use power more than technique and really needs to work on his pad level as he will sometimes stand up more than he should.

2. Maurice Hurst, Michigan
A never ending motor that allows him to disrupt and a ton of pass rushing moves, so technique is there. Gets off the ball quickly and low enough to beat the blocks and get in the backfield. Uses his pad level to his advantage and can be agile enough to get around blockers. Slow footed lineman will struggle and Hurst will be a nightmare for them. He doesn't have the ideal size for a defensive tackle and doesn't have tremendous upper body strength, but he will be a consistent threat play in and play out. He will be quick to get in the backfield and can close in quickly.

3. Da'Ron Payne, Alabama
Quite possibly the best run defender when it comes to defensive tackles. He eats up blockers and is extremely strong. His footwork is really good and will rarely get caught out of position. Able to move opponents based on strength alone. He isn't the most refined pass rusher, and sometimes if his first move doesn't work he can be taken out of a play. However, he keeps his eyes on the ball and has good closing speed. There's potential for him to become better as a pass rusher, but it may take a year or two for him to really improve that part of his game.

4. Taven Bryan, Florida
Quick at the point of attack and one of the best interior pass rushers. Quick, fast, and can get around blockers. Bends extremely well around blockers for a defensive tackle. There's a ton of athletic ability to love when it comes to this player, but sadly he never fully put it on the field. He's not exactly the strongest and has trouble balancing. Bryan also lacks instincts, but there's a lot of raw ability that coaches adore. He's flexible and agile, and can squeeze through and hit the quarterback. If he can reach his full potential, Bryan could be one of the best players from this draft. Boom-bust player.

5. Harrison Phillips, Stanford
Phillips can set the edge and has consistently made plays throughout his career. A motor and shows that he can be instinctual. He can push the middle of the pocket and disrupt the quarterbacks timing. Strong arms and hips. Deadly against single blockers and can use a spin move to get free. However, Phillips will lose against double teams more often than not and he doesn't have ideal arm length. Plus he needs better pass rush moves. Phillips could be a successful run defender in the NFL

If we go DL at 21, I hope it's Vea, Payne, or Key.

Billy Price in Round 2.

How many rounds can we go with taking only guys with one syllable last names?

I think Payne is better than Hurst

HARold Landry? Idk know Man U lost me.

I think a player's college schedule should be considered when choosing a player, pac 12 or any of the other conferences, do not

play as tough or as many games as the sec finalist, and winners of the national championship. The number of games played is closer to a pro team.

(04-15-2018, 09:22 PM)bfine32 Wrote: Speaking of a DE with high ceiling: I think Chad Thomas out of The U can be a good one if he decides to focus on football. 

I'm a huge fan of Chad Thomas. Been seeing buzz around his name lately too

(04-15-2018, 10:40 PM)NATI BENGALS Wrote: I usually have a DE i fall in love with every year that would be available at some point in our draft.

Has not been the case this year.

I keep wanting to like Landry. But then i see some plays where its just like... Man... I cant wish for you in the first with that kind of effort.

If he keeps the motor running and adds 10lbs he could be a real terror though.

I dont see it with Hubbard.

Wouldnt be mad at Davenport or Landry in the 1st. Would be mad with Hubbard or Key in the 1st.

I view Hubbard as pretty much Michael Johnson 2.0 with less upside. Solid player who is gonna work his tail off, but you know his limits.
This DE class is pretty lack-luster when it comes to pass rushers. There's certainly better run defenders.

(04-17-2018, 01:35 PM)Shady Wrote: If we go DL at 21, I hope it's Vea, Payne, or Key.

Billy Price in Round 2.

How many rounds can we go with taking only guys with one syllable last names?

All of them. I'm a fan of Vea, obviously lol. Price should be there in the 2nd, especially with his injury

(04-17-2018, 02:50 PM)psychdoctor Wrote: I think Payne is better than Hurst

I like Hurst's upside more than Payne's. Plus I see Payne consistently push up rather than push out at the snap and that will get him into more trouble at the next level. They're pretty close though for me, personally.

(04-17-2018, 05:40 PM)SadFaceBengal15 Wrote: HARold Landry?  Idk know Man U lost me.

Give me Landry as a 3-4 rush OLB rather than DE

(04-17-2018, 05:59 PM)SYLVIA Wrote: I think a player's college schedule should be considered when choosing a player, pac 12 or any of the other conferences, do not

play as tough or as many games as the sec finalist, and winners of the national championship.  The number of games played is closer to a pro team.

Nah, can't go with that way of thinking. If that were the case, many players would go many different places based on where they played.

Sure, competition is certainly a factor. It's silly not to think that. But I'm not going to ignore someone's technique over another's based on who they've played