2018 RCF NFL Mock Draft

[CBBI]

With the 161st pick of the 2018 RCF Mock Draft, the Carolina Panthers select...

TRE'QUAN SMITH, WR, UCF

HEIGHT: 6'1"
WEIGHT: 210

Prospect Grade: 5.53

40 Yard Dash: 4.49
Vertical Jump: 37.5
Broad Jump: 130.0
3 Cone Drill: 6.97
20 Yd Shuttle: 4.5
60 Yd Shuttle: 11.88

UCF grabbed national headlines for their three-year turnaround from winless squad to self-proclaimed national champions in 2017. Smith's name appeared on the national radar during the team's undefeated campaign, but his talent has always been there. He was a three-star recruit and Palm Beach Post All-Area pick for two seasons, as well as a district champion in the 400-meter sprint for his high school track team. Several schools around the country offered him, but he stayed in-state to play for UCF. Smith redshirted his first year on campus and was the team's Scout Team Player of the Year. In 2015, American Athletic Conference coaches named him the league's Rookie of the Year after catching 52 passes for 724 yards and four touchdowns on a winless team. He started all 13 games in 2016, leading UCF with 57 receptions for 852 yards and five scores as the team crept into respectability. He completed his career in Orlando with a first-team all-conference junior campaign, starting all 13 games and covering 1,171 yards and scoring 13 times on 59 catches. With head coach Scott Frost heading back to Nebraska after the season, Smith decided it was time to try his luck at the next level.

Draft Projection: Rounds 4th-5th
NFL Comparison: Tajae Sharpe

Overview
Smith possesses average NFL size, but unusually long arms. While there is clearly room for more consistency with finishing catches outside his frame, he does have the ball skills and ability to go up and over opponents to win the downfield throws. Smith's easy acceleration in space creates workable advantages early in routes, but he'll need to keep improving on his press release technique. Smith should challenge for a spot at WR4/WR5, but his his ceiling is a little limited.
Strengths

• Smooth accelerator with gliding strides
• Has early acceleration to create sudden throwing windows against off-man
• Saw 78 percent of his catches go for a first down in 2017
• Possesses rare arm length for a receiver
• Flashes plus ball skills
• Uses wingspan and leaping ability to consistently win the high-point
• Once defender is stacked, he won't let them off the hook
• Will down-gear and find proper positioning when tracking underthrown deep balls
• Has the ability to make necessary in-air adjustments
• Effective use of size as a blocker
• Does his part to impact running game

Weaknesses

• Athletic press defenders can put him in early sand out of release
• Needs to play stronger at the top of his routes to shake harassing man coverage
• Routes need more consistent play speed and better salesmanship
• Despite arm length, catch radius and consistency is disappointing
• Needs to get better at finishing catches outside his frame
• Allowed too many catchable balls to slip away against Deatrick Nichols
• Concentration and hand-eye can take a downturn when he's contested

 

[Soda]

13 more picks until we get a full 5-round mock! Well done, everyone. Let's keep this thing moving and finish the round before Thursday evening.

162. Tennessee - @Dog
163. Washington (from DEN) - @Coyote850
164. New Orleans - @TheLand1287
165. Pittsburgh - @sportscoach
166. Buffalo (from JAX) - @CosmoKramer
167. Minnesota - @BimboColesHair
168. Seattle (from NE) - @King Stannis
169. Philadelphia - @Easybreezy
170. Cincinnati* - @gijimbo
171. Dallas* - @kriegs
172. Green Bay* - @MGMT
173. Oakland (from DAL*) - @Phills14
174. Green Bay* - @MGMT

 

[I LOVE YOU ABBY]

Titans take Trevon Young. Gotta run, sorry not to include more info.

@Coyote850 is up

 

[Sebastian]

With the 159th Pick in the RCF NFL Mock Draft the Oakland Raiders Select...

Kyle Lauletta, QB, Richmond

Player Bio
One of the top FCS quarterbacks in the country carries a strong football genetics background. His father, Joe, was a quarterback at Navy in the 1980's, and his older brother, Trey, played center at Bucknell. Lauletta's grandfather played football at Delaware, and his uncle played for Navy. He was a two-time All-Southeastern pick in high school but did not end up at a major program. Lauletta played in four games as a reserve for the Spiders in 2013 and then redshirted the following year. The next two seasons he was a second-team All-Colonial Athletic Association selection in 2015 (61.6 completion pct., 3,598 yards, 19 TD, 15 INT; seven rushing TD) and 2016 (63.0 completion pct., 3,022 yards, 24 TD, eight INT), starting all 25 games in those seasons. Richmond had a marginal 6-5 campaign in 2017, but Lauletta showed accuracy and mobility that intrigued scouts (64.9 completion pct., 3,737 yards, 28 TD, 12 INT).

Overview
Lauletta has decent accuracy and mechanics to work with, but his lack of NFL arm strength will limit the number of teams who are willing to consider him. Lauletta's interceptions come due to arm issues rather than decision-making and that may not be correctable in the pros due to the increase in play speed that he will see in NFL secondaries.

Strengths

• Heralded by scouts as team leader and elected team captain twice
• Production saw major spike over the last two seasons
• Uses eyes to move linebackers out of his passing lanes on slants and curls
• Won't automatically dump throws down to backs
• Willing to let route combinations progress while climbing and sliding away from heat
• Has experience from shotgun, pistol and under center
• Footwork is smooth in play-action and setup
• Comfortable throwing on the move
• Gets it out early on timing throws
• Spins a tight spiral
• Able to throw accurately to intermediate targets on the move

Weaknesses

• Arm strength is a substantial concern
• Uses excessive trajectory to get additional distance on deep throws
• Pop fly throws allow safeties time to park under the long ball and make plays
• Can't make all the NFL throws
• Ball doesn't come off hand with much velocity
• Will ignore safety movement and throw into double teams at times
• Perception of pressure can affect him
• Will drop eyes and start looking for an exit strategy
• Feet start dancing nervously when his internal clock goes off
• May not have the mobility to be effective scrambler on next level

Why?
Oakland snags a solid prospect to be Derek Carr's backup in Oakland. Lauletta is an experienced starter at the college level and has seen his production increase over the last 2 years. He has a good feel for the game, is a good leader and knows how to be a QB both on the field and in the locker room. His arm strength is a problem but as a backup QB, you want a guy who can come in and run the offense effectively, Lauletta can do that. Plus Oakland has Connor Cook on the roster and it's time to move on from him to find a new young backup.

Oakland's Draft Thus Far:
1-10 (10): Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia
2-9 (41): Ronald Jones II, RB, USC
3-11 (75): Lorenzo Carter, OLB, Georgia
4-10 (110): Nathan Shepard, DT, Fort Hayes State
5-22 (159): Kyle Lauletta, QB, Richmond

Lauletta is one of those guys that has looked 30 since they were 16.

 

[Randolphkeys]

@Coyote850 has been one of the GMs who burns a lot of clock with his picks. I have sent a PM. If he doesn't make the pick tonight, I'll write a pick for him. Be ready to go tomorrow morning regardless everyone. I want to actually finish this round, we are too close.

 

[Coyote850]

@Coyote850 has been one of the GMs who burns a lot of clock with his picks. I have sent a PM. If he doesn't make the pick tonight, I'll write a pick for him. Be ready to go tomorrow morning regardless everyone. I want to actually finish this round, we are too close.

Go ahead and make the pick Keys. I'm outa the loop.

 

[Randolphkeys]

I appreciate that! For Washington quickly getting back to me, they are awarded the best player left...


Tremon Smith
Central Arkansas Cornerback
Height 6'0 Weight 190
40 yard dash: 4.32

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/tremon-smith?id=32462018-0002-5611-0334-b663679fc423

Strengths

• Former all-state, quarterback with a feel for the quarterback's intentions
• Highly competitive and confident
• Uses well-timed jabs from press to disrupt receiver's release
• Quick backpedal to match early stages of route
• Exceptional long speed carrying a 4.3 40-yard dash time to his name
• Matches deep route and gets head around early to find ball flight
• Baseball background shows up with ball tracking and high-pointing
• Believes every football is his
• Quick to crowd the catch with good burst to close on throws
• Outstanding ball production with 53 career passes defensed and 15 interceptions
• Utilizes half-man coverage approach for greater access into passing lane to disrupt throws
• Offers punt return potential that could raise his stock a round
• Not a heavy hitter, but a willing tackler with adequate toughness in run support.

Weaknesses

• Defaults to high side of the right allowing for easier separation on comebacks
• Has tendency to lunge to maintain feel for the route
• Forward momentum slows transitions when planting and driving forward on the throw
• Chance-taker who loses discipline in coverage at times
• Double moves and multi-break routes cause him trouble
• Wraps arm around receiver's waist when attacking the passing lane
• Mauls top of routes and could face early penalty trouble
• Tendency to undercut deep routes and play dangerous game of jump ball.

 

[sportscoach]

@TheLand1287

And then it’s me! Ugh... I better get my butt in gear lol

 

[Randolphkeys]

If @TheLand1287 doesn't pick before I wake up in PST, I'll be happy to make the pick for him. There's a no-brainer I'm looking at for the Saints still on the board.

 

[Randolphkeys]

The Saints take a perfect fullback for the wild and wacky offensive mind of Sean Peyton:

JAYLEN SAMUELS
N.C. STATE
TE/FB/RB
Prospect Info
COLLEGE
N.C. State
HOMETOWN
CLASS
Charlotte, NC
Senior

HEIGHT 6'5
WEIGHT 225
HANDS
9 1/4”
Prospect Grade
5.49

Overview

Some may see Samuels as a valuable hybrid talent, while others may see a player who offers roster flexibility but lacks a position where he can win consistently. Samuels isn't a tight end and has to prove he can handle blocking duties well enough to be a fullback. He will, however, appeal to teams looking to disguise their attacks with more diversified personnel groupings. Samuels best fit may be with a zone-scheme team as a RB/FB with the ability to play slot receiver and become a core special teamer.

Strengths

• Provides roster flexibility thanks to his unique versatility
• True "all-purpose" player
• Used as zone-scheme runner, on jet sweeps, bubble screens, at slot receiver, outside receiver, and in "Wildcat" this season
• Proved he could handle some running back duties this season
• Had success using his size and effort in finding paydirt as goalline running back
• Can make first tackler miss in space
• Active with off-hand to swipe away arm tackles
• Has intelligence to process expansive, individual game plan and take it to the field
• Can separate from linebackers looking to cover him from slot
• Able to drop low and snare low throws
• Has carried more weight in the past and has the frame to do that again if necessary
• Provides kick cover talent and has experience returning kickoffs

Weaknesses

• Considered a hybrid player, but lacks a defined position
• Tape doesn't show enough tenacity to help running game as an H-back
• Play speed and short area quickness are average
• Usually gets what is blocked as a running back
• Need to see more vertical push into his routes
• Tight hips prevent sharp cuts as running back or receiver
• Routes lack purpose and route-running is raw
• Piled on catch production with bubble screens, shovel passes, and hitch routes
• Struggles to pull in throws outside his frame
• Focus appears to be an issue
• Has too many drops and double-catches as a receiver

 

[AZ_]

Jaylen Samuels has grown about 6 inches during the draft process.

That work ethic is rather admirable.

 

[Randolphkeys]

Jaylen Samuels has grown about 6 inches during the draft process.

That work ethic is rather admirable.

I read that he was 5'11 throughout his college career, then I cut and paste the NFL.com measurements.

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jaylen-samuels?id=32462018-0002-5599-3042-1fab298cb54e

Did somebody screw up at the NFL website or did NC State undersell his height? He doesn't look 6'5.

 

[sportscoach]

I read that he was 5'11 throughout his college career, then I cut and paste the NFL.com measurements.

https://www.nfl.com/prospects/jaylen-samuels?id=32462018-0002-5599-3042-1fab298cb54e

Did somebody screw up at the NFL website or did NC State undersell his height? He doesn't look 6'5.

They messed up on the NFL site since everywhere else on the webs says he is only 5'11. He will be a FB in the NFL who can do various things honestly.

 

[Soda]

They messed up on the NFL site since everywhere else on the webs says he is only 5'11. He will be a FB in the NFL who can do various things honestly.

You're on the clock.

 

[sportscoach]

Alright with the next pick in the NFL Draft:

Steelers and sportscoach select:

JACK CICHY ILB from Wisconsin!

COLLEGE
Wisconsin
HOMETOWN
CLASS
Somerset, WI
r-Senior

HEIGHT
6' 2"
WEIGHT
238 lbs
ARMS
32 1/8”
HANDS
9 1/2”


Overview
It doesn't take much tape work to be impressed by Cichy's instincts and quickness to flow to the ball. It does, however, take a lot of searching to find what you need to study Cichy since he didn't play in the Badger's last 20 games due to injury. When healthy, Cichy's intelligence and consistency are big attractions at the position, but his lack of explosiveness and durability concerns could hurt his draft stock. Cichy projects as an NFL backup who will help immediately on special teams.
Strengths

• Former walk-on who has fought through adversity
• Team leader
• Instincts are a big plus allowing him to play ahead of the play
• Eyes see it and reaction time is instant
• Good recognition of play-action and trick plays
• Flashed potential for wide-ranging production in first half of 2016
• Plays fast but doesn't overpursue
• Leaves himself in position to redirect into cutback lanes
• Clean navigation of traffic during scrapes
• Efficient, quick hands that can swipe past blockers
• Steps downhill to challenge iso-blocks and populate the gap
• Great feel for playing under the block and finding tackles in tight quarters
• Had 12 special teams tackles in 2015.

Weaknesses

• Has played in just 24 games with 11 starts
• Missed his last 20 games due to two serious injuries
• Athletic ability is marginal
• Lacks quick-twitch movement
• Range as tackler will be in question
• Lack of closing burst and overall pursuit speed allows runners to eliminate his angles and cause him to miss a tackle attempt
• Plays too upright in space
• Has great instincts, but still has room to take more downhill chances
• Lacks lateral explosiveness to match routes in man coverage
• Combine medicals are a concern

If not for the injuries this guy would be a day two pick on his skills and instincts alone. For whatever reason Wisconsin has kept putting out LBs like this guy. Injuries are an issue with him, but if he can get healthy he would be a great addition to any team since he is a leader with very good instincts. If worse comes to worse, will be a great special teams guy.