Attack of the hybrids – Chiefs Draft Science 2016 pt 3
By Ryan Tracy
Production
On-field production for this group was as varied as their roles within their respective defenses. However, it cannot be ignored as a tool to gauge success.
Ohio State’s Darren Lee and Southern California’s Su’a Cravens were similar as the top two producers of this hybrid group. The were both Top-3 in the Hawk Rate, the metric for passes defensed and interceptions. Additionally, there were first and second in the BLOS metric for player made behind the line of scrimmage. Conversely, while exhibiting linebacker traits, neither had the tackles per game production teams covet.
Both scored in the bottom half in this metric. Their athleticism is where they differ, with Lee grading as a top-three NLB/S hybrid and Cravens at the bottom of the pack. It could be difficult for Cravens to find the same success against NFL offenses.
The remainder of the prospects showed varyingly lower production grades. However, Jeremy Cash, Deion Jones, Sean Davis and Jatavis Brown all contributed to their defenses and showed the level of production that can translate to the NFL.
Targeting Selections
Ohio State’s Darren Lee is a rarity in Draft Science. His grades on film, production and the Functional Athleticism Matrices all point to a first round defender and long time NFL player. For Kansas City, he is nearly assured to be gone by their selection at #28.
While Cravens may be available, he does not offer any athletic upgrade over the departed Husain Abdullah. He looks to have the toughest road to transitioning to the speed of the NFL game and its athletes.
The two top-three hybrids that should be available in the second day and possibly the third; offer distinctly different answers to the nickel linebacker question.
Sean Davis is nearly the identical weight while standing a bit over an inch taller. He grades out as an athletic upgrade over Abdullah in every matrix. His elite short area quickness and experience as a cornerback offer the Chiefs an option for the NLB that most resembles Abdullah; a coverage safety that can lineup at linebacker.
Jatavis Brown is roughly an half inch shorter than Abdullah but weights in at 218, giving him more base to take on guards in the nickel. His explosion, power and range are impressive, grading higher than Derrick Johnson.
While is short area quickness isn’t a strength, his SAQm still grades over Josh Mauga and Ramik Wilson. Likely a late day 2 or early day 3 selection, Brown offers another option to upgrade the nickel linebacker position.
Should the Chiefs prove able to trade back to the bottom of the third round or top of the fourth round, Brown could be a fit in Kansas City.
Stay Tuned. Edge Rushers and impact players are up for the Draft Science 2016 finale next week.
It will go up on the morning before the draft opens. Just in time!