2016 NFL Draft Big Board: Post Week 1 Update
By Jon Dove
Nov 9, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers wide receiver Tyler Boyd (23) runs after a pass reception as Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback KeiVarae Russell (6) defends during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
32. Sheldon Day, DL, Notre Dame
Day is an explosive and disruptive defensive line prospect with a lot of upside. His ability to make plays in the offensive backfield is something NFL teams really covet. Day lacks great size which may make it tough for him to hold up playing defensive tackle in a 4-3 system. However, he looks like an excellent fit as a disruptive 5-technique in a 3-4 attack.
He reminds me of a more explosive version of the Chicago Bears’ Will Sutton– who had a strong preseason playing in a 3-4 defensive for the first time.
31. William Fuller, WR, Notre Dame
Fuller made a big jump in my rankings thanks to his strong season debut. He’s an extremely fluid route-runner who also features savvy to his game. Fuller knows how to find the open spots in the defense and work his way back to the quarterback. His speed and ability to stretch the defense is an underrated part of his game.
Look for Fuller to continue to climb up draft boards as the season progresses. He might be the most well-rounded receiver in this draft class.
30. Su’a Cravens, S/LB, USC
Cravens is a tough player to evaluate because he’s a tweener. USC mainly uses him near the line of scrimmage where he’s asked to set the edge against the run, rush the quarterback and drop into the flat. He is rarely asked to play in the deep part of the field meaning he lacks experience playing a traditional safety position.
The problem is that he doesn’t feature the ideal size to play the linebacker position in the NFL. Some teams will be scared of by this problem. However, we’ve seen undersized linebackers such as Lavonte David and Shaq Thompson come off the board early in the draft.
Cravens is a much better run defender than Thompson was in college and way more physical at the point of attack.
In-depth Su’a Cravens Scouting Report
29. KeiVarae Russell, CB, Notre Dame
Russell is a balance and fluid cornerback prospect. He features great instincts and the ability to identify developing routes. Russell is a versatile player seeing time on the outside, in the slot and on kick coverage teams. His best attribute is his ability to read the quarterback then click and close on the football.
He needs to show a he’s capable of handling top-level talent in man coverage situations in order to make a major jump in my rankings.
Next: No. 28 to No. 25