NFL Draft: AdvoCare V100 Texas Bowl

Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Texas

DT Malcom Brown, JR #90 (6’4 | 320 | 5.30)

Scouting report – Has the size, speed and natural athleticism to excel at the next level. Brown showed flashes of dominance this season with 6.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 13 tackles for loss. When motivated Brown beat blockers with ease using a potent combo of power and speed. All the tools are there but Brown needs to be more consistent, improve his technique and develop a go-to pass rush move.

Projection: Late 1st – early 2nd

OLB Jordan Hicks, SR #3 (6’2 | 238 |4.72)

Scouting report – A former 5-star recruit whose production has been limited by injuries for most of his college career. Finally healthy this year, Hicks has played up to his immense potential. He is the total package with the strength to stop the run, natural pass rush moves, and enough athleticism to cover down field. Injury concerns will keep Hicks from being drafted where his talent and potential would normally dictate, but some team could get a steal on day 2.

Projection: 3rd-4th round

DE Cedric Reed, SR #88 (6’6 | 271 | 4.81)

Scouting report – Looks the part with NFL size and athleticism, but his production didn’t match up to his abilities during his senior year. Maybe he took his foot off the gas a little on a bad team to preserve his health for the NFL. Reed finished the year with just 5.5 sacks after a 10 sack, 17.5 TFL junior season. Reed would have gone a round or two higher if he would have entered the draft last year, so a team could potentially get a steal in the middle rounds. He was occasionally dominant as in his 3 sack, 12 tackle game against West Virginia, but too often was a non-factor. The size, strength, and talent is there for Reed to be a solid NFL player but he needs to answer questions about his motor and improve his pass rush technique. He is a high-upside, mid-round pick right now with the potential to develop into an all-around force at DE.

Projection: 3rd-4th round

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CB Quandre Diggs, SR #6 (5’10 | 204 | 4.51)

Scouting report – Solid corner who was a 4-year starter for the Longhorns. Diggs is very comfortable in a zone scheme with consistent technique and good football awareness. He is a big hitter in run support and a good enough blitzer that the Longhorns used Diggs as a pass rush OLB at times. Diggs has good instincts in coverage, is a plus run defender, and a dangerous blitzer. There is a lot to like about Diggs’ game, but he doesn’t have the short-area quickness or straight-line speed to cover quality NFL receivers. Diggs should be able to contribute as a nickel or dime back at least and on special teams with the upside of a #2 CB.

Projection: 4th-5th round

RB Malcolm Brown, SR #28 (6’0 | 228 | 4.54)

Scouting report – Strong, between the hashes back who runs hard with good pad level. Brown is tough to bring down and hits the hole with a decent burst, but doesn’t have breakaway speed or much shiftiness in the open field. He could be a productive short yardage back at the next level.

Projection: 6th-7th round