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The topic has popped up as OT in a few different threads so it seems worthy of being its own, especially since I'm not sure what the other threads were. (edit: Bearcatman posted a nice take on how our senior guys fit in back in the Houston thread - maybe he wants to post an updated version here.)

So let's start it off with this paysite tidbit from Dane Brugler's updated top 50 2021 NFL Draft prospects (including underclassmen) in The Athletic:

Quote:49. Myjai Sanders, edge, Cincinnati (6-5, 255)*
At pass rusher, NFL scouts are looking for first-step explosion and that is exactly what Sanders offers. He has 8.5 tackles for and five sacks through six games. He is still developing the finer points of the position, but he is clearly well-coached and the natural athletic tools pop off the screen.

I don't know if he'll move up into R1 but I predict he will be even higher rated than this by many analysts by Draft day...

I think Myjai and Wiggins will blow up at the combine. The underwear olympics are a big deal to some teams.

(11-12-2020 05:49 PM)Dannyboy Wrote:  I think Myjai and Wiggins will blow up at the combine. The underwear olympics are a big deal to some teams.

Well, I think the additional exposure and hype our team and especially our defense is getting will put more eyes and focus on everybody but Sanders in particular if he keeps making more plays. But you are right, the performance on the field will very likely be more than backed up by Combine stuff.

(edit: moved other article info to Houston game thread)

(11-12-2020 05:49 PM)Dannyboy Wrote:  I think Myjai and Wiggins will blow up at the combine. The underwear olympics are a big deal to some teams.

I could easily see Myjai running in the 4.5's if he has a good day...if he does that and has solid strength numbers, he will move up, and I wouldn't be shocked to see a Bearcat in the first round for the first time in a half century.

Wiggins is a weird one...I'm not sure he's all the way back to his pre-injury self. If he is, I have no doubt the dude would rocket up boards, but if he isn't he's a mid-round guy for me.

We don't have any Top 200 NFL prospects...

When they break down Sanders tape they'll see how much attention he draws and how much AAC officials allow linemen to hold because if they called just the obvious holds he'd be drawing 5+ flags a game. He's productive but he's so much better than stats show.

Wiggins I'm not as convinced on. He's obviously a physical freak but he's getting an injury history. He's definitely a draftable player but I think he'll fall a bit into the middle rounds.

(11-13-2020 11:54 AM)RealDeal Wrote:  When they break down Sanders tape they'll see how much attention he draws and how much AAC officials allow linemen to hold because if they called just the obvious holds he'd be drawing 5+ flags a game. He's productive but he's so much better than stats show.

Wiggins I'm not as convinced on. He's obviously a physical freak but he's getting an injury history. He's definitely a draftable player but I think he'll fall a bit into the middle rounds.

Most unblockable lineman we've had since Peek (and is drawing the same kinds of constant holds and attention Peek drew). It's be awesome watching him.

(11-12-2020 07:03 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(11-12-2020 05:49 PM)Dannyboy Wrote:  I think Myjai and Wiggins will blow up at the combine. The underwear olympics are a big deal to some teams.

I could easily see Myjai running in the 4.5's if he has a good day...if he does that and has solid strength numbers, he will move up, and I wouldn't be shocked to see a Bearcat in the first round for the first time in a half century.

Wiggins is a weird one...I'm not sure he's all the way back to his pre-injury self. If he is, I have no doubt the dude would rocket up boards, but if he isn't he's a mid-round guy for me.

The 3 cone drill will be more important for Myjai than the 40. It will help display his bend, explosiveness, and speed. That is typically the best measurable for edge rushers and a good time in that drill will have him shoot up boards, especially since his tape backs it up.

I look at Sanders as a likely day 2 pick (Rd 2-3), but it only takes one team to fall in love and he could go in RD 1.

Anyone want to predict how many players we have drafted?

(11-13-2020 01:00 PM)C1ncy4Life Wrote:  

(11-12-2020 07:03 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(11-12-2020 05:49 PM)Dannyboy Wrote:  I think Myjai and Wiggins will blow up at the combine. The underwear olympics are a big deal to some teams.

I could easily see Myjai running in the 4.5's if he has a good day...if he does that and has solid strength numbers, he will move up, and I wouldn't be shocked to see a Bearcat in the first round for the first time in a half century.

Wiggins is a weird one...I'm not sure he's all the way back to his pre-injury self. If he is, I have no doubt the dude would rocket up boards, but if he isn't he's a mid-round guy for me.

The 3 cone drill will be more important for Myjai than the 40. It will help display his bend, explosiveness, and speed. That is typically the best measurable for edge rushers and a good time in that drill will have him shoot up boards, especially since his tape backs it up.

I look at Sanders as a likely day 2 pick (Rd 2-3), but it only takes one team to fall in love and he could go in RD 1.

I agree...but the "draft gurus" will see a good 40 and start gushing. It's why Takk McKinley went so high even though he had very little production in college (and subsequently the NFL).

(11-13-2020 01:01 PM)C1ncy4Life Wrote:  Anyone want to predict how many players we have drafted?

2 Seniors:
Wiggins
Ponder

If these guys go out, they will:
Sanders
Hudson

So I'm thinking between 2-4...POSSIBLY 5 if someone takes a flyer on Coby

(11-13-2020 03:01 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(11-13-2020 01:01 PM)C1ncy4Life Wrote:  Anyone want to predict how many players we have drafted?

2 Seniors:
Wiggins
Ponder

If these guys go out, they will:
Sanders
Hudson

So I'm thinking between 2-4...POSSIBLY 5 if someone takes a flyer on Coby

Seems about right for now, IMO. Since Seniors can Technically come back it also makes it hard. Coby, Darrick Forrest, and Doaks will likely get a shot in camp, but probabky as UDFA, unless they turn in a great combine performance. I hope Harper comes back since I think he could benefit most from an extra year.

(11-13-2020 03:01 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(11-13-2020 01:01 PM)C1ncy4Life Wrote:  Anyone want to predict how many players we have drafted?

2 Seniors:
Wiggins
Ponder

If these guys go out, they will:
Sanders
Hudson

So I'm thinking between 2-4...POSSIBLY 5 if someone takes a flyer on Coby

X2

(11-13-2020 03:01 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(11-13-2020 01:01 PM)C1ncy4Life Wrote:  Anyone want to predict how many players we have drafted?

2 Seniors:
Wiggins
Ponder

If these guys go out, they will:
Sanders
Hudson

So I'm thinking between 2-4...POSSIBLY 5 if someone takes a flyer on Coby

You think Hudson's gone after this season?

Would Gardner declare early? Where would he be drafted if he did?

(11-13-2020 05:37 PM)Captain Bearcat Wrote:  Would Gardner declare early? Where would he be drafted if he did?

To be eligible for the NFL you have to have been out of high school for 3 years (Junior or Redshirt Sophomore). Gardner is a true Sophomore and would not be eligible.

Edit: he seems to be on track to be a RD1-2 pick next year if he continues to perform at the level he has been, though a lot will probably also come down to his combine/pro day performances to confirm he has the elite athletic profile.

(11-13-2020 05:35 PM)MickMack Wrote:  

(11-13-2020 03:01 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(11-13-2020 01:01 PM)C1ncy4Life Wrote:  Anyone want to predict how many players we have drafted?

2 Seniors:
Wiggins
Ponder

If these guys go out, they will:
Sanders
Hudson

So I'm thinking between 2-4...POSSIBLY 5 if someone takes a flyer on Coby

You think Hudson's gone after this season?

I think it’s hard to project just now. Normally OL prospects have multiple years of tape available and Hudson will only have about 12 games of tape. Honestly, I think he would be better served to return as I think he could significantly improve his stock with another year. That said, it’s easy for me to say that since I’m not actually turning down millions.

(11-13-2020 06:11 PM)C1ncy4Life Wrote:  

(11-13-2020 05:35 PM)MickMack Wrote:  

(11-13-2020 03:01 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(11-13-2020 01:01 PM)C1ncy4Life Wrote:  Anyone want to predict how many players we have drafted?

2 Seniors:
Wiggins
Ponder

If these guys go out, they will:
Sanders
Hudson

So I'm thinking between 2-4...POSSIBLY 5 if someone takes a flyer on Coby

You think Hudson's gone after this season?

I think it’s hard to project just now. Normally OL prospects have multiple years of tape available and Hudson will only have about 12 games of tape. Honestly, I think he would be better served to return as I think he could significantly improve his stock with another year. That said, it’s easy for me to say that since I’m not actually turning down millions.

Agree on all points. I think he has all the raw, athletic ability, but could use another year to polish his technique a bit. But you're right - the money can be tempting.

(11-13-2020 04:33 PM)C1ncy4Life Wrote:  

(11-13-2020 03:01 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(11-13-2020 01:01 PM)C1ncy4Life Wrote:  Anyone want to predict how many players we have drafted?

2 Seniors:
Wiggins
Ponder

If these guys go out, they will:
Sanders
Hudson

So I'm thinking between 2-4...POSSIBLY 5 if someone takes a flyer on Coby

Seems about right for now, IMO. Since Seniors can Technically come back it also makes it hard. Coby, Darrick Forrest, and Doaks will likely get a shot in camp, but probabky as UDFA, unless they turn in a great combine performance. I hope Harper comes back since I think he could benefit most from an extra year.

I'm an optimist, but I think LB Darrien Beavers at 6-3 242# has a good shot at being drafted. He fits the NFL profile of being large enough and athletic enough to be drafted. He also has smarts and common sense because he left UConn at the right time. He has 7 career sacks (all at UConn) which is almost as many as Myjai Sanders 9 sacks. One interception at UC. Kick coverage is really important for NFL teams; usually the last three players on the roster are really good at special teams. The only UC LB in the NFL is Eric Wilson 6-1 230# and he has 7.5 sacks in the last 3 years. Beavers has the versatility to line up occasionally at rush end. One problem (its a good problem) is that every Bearcat defender is playing lights out defense. We found out this week that the 2nd string LBs are also really good.

(11-13-2020 07:13 PM)CoachFickFan Wrote:  

(11-13-2020 04:33 PM)C1ncy4Life Wrote:  

(11-13-2020 03:01 PM)BearcatMan Wrote:  

(11-13-2020 01:01 PM)C1ncy4Life Wrote:  Anyone want to predict how many players we have drafted?

2 Seniors:
Wiggins
Ponder

If these guys go out, they will:
Sanders
Hudson

So I'm thinking between 2-4...POSSIBLY 5 if someone takes a flyer on Coby

Seems about right for now, IMO. Since Seniors can Technically come back it also makes it hard. Coby, Darrick Forrest, and Doaks will likely get a shot in camp, but probabky as UDFA, unless they turn in a great combine performance. I hope Harper comes back since I think he could benefit most from an extra year.

I'm an optimist, but I think LB Darrien Beavers at 6-3 242# has a good shot at being drafted. He fits the NFL profile of being large enough and athletic enough to be drafted. He also has smarts and common sense because he left UConn at the right time. He has 7 career sacks (all at UConn) which is almost as many as Myjai Sanders 9 sacks. One interception at UC. Kick coverage is really important for NFL teams; usually the last three players on the roster are really good at special teams. The only UC LB in the NFL is Eric Wilson 6-1 230# and he has 7.5 sacks in the last 3 years. Beavers has the versatility to line up occasionally at rush end. One problem (its a good problem) is that every Bearcat defender is playing lights out defense. We found out this week that the 2nd string LBs are also really good.

Beavers isn't a guy you can put out on an NFL defense with how much of an issue he would have in coverage. Wilson was a converted safety and incredibly athletic, Beavers is a converted DE and not fast enough to play NFL linebacker. If he is drafted or makes a 53-man roster, I'll be shocked...none of that should diminish what he has done here though, he is an extremely solid College LB.