2016 NFL Draft Profile #44 - Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson

http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2016/03/31/bob-sturms-nfl-draft-profile-series-clemsons-mackensie-alexander-size-issues-strong-game

MacKensie Alexander runs drills at Clemson's NFL football Pro Day Thursday, March 10, 2016, in Clemson, S.C. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro)

By Bob Sturm, Special contributor Contact Bob Sturmon Twitter:@SportsSturm

I have never been a scout or a NFL general manager, but I am willing to watch a ton of football. By watching about 200 snaps of each prospect, we can really get a feel for a player and then know what we are talking about a bit better. It's no exact science, but the NFL hasn't quite figured out drafting either, so we are going to do the best we can. To read more about the 2016 NFL Draft Project, click here.

 

Mackensie Alexander, CB, Clemson -- 5-foot-10, 190 pounds - redshirt sophomore - No. 2

The first place to start when discussing cornerbacks in the 2016 NFL draft is that it doesn't appear the deepest class at this position we have seen, nor does it seem to have the top-shelf quality we always desire. There sure doesn't look to be a prospect at corner who checks all the boxes that you seek without any of the concerns. They all get knocked for something, but the top tier in most opinions consists of Florida State's Jalen Ramsey (a player who seems to be a better safety), Florida's Vernon Hargeaves (an undersized corner who may have some deep route issues), and Mackensie Alexander from Clemson.

Alexander is a player who started his only two seasons at Clemson as a corner who would follow some of the best receivers in the nation, and he often showed very well against them. This season alone, he played man-up against Notre Dame's Will Fuller, Oklahoma's Sterling Shepard and Alabama's Calvin Ridley. While none of those players would be considered giant receivers at all, they all appear to have the movement skills of top NFL prospects and a be handful for any corner at the college level. Well, Alexander did not struggle at all. In fact, he handled Sterling Shepard two years in a row and was more than happy to tell him all about it.  Fuller was as quiet as he was all year. So, when it comes to not providing footage of him being burned, he is a very strong prospect.

But, does he make any explosive plays in the other direction? Well, in 27 games for Clemson -- behind a defensive front that was dominant -- he had zero interceptions, zero sacks and four tackles for loss. He also tested for rather small hands, leading some to believe that perhaps he doesn't have the tools to reel in too many passes at the next level, either. So, if you believe that the principle job of any defensive back is to stop offenses, he might be your guy. But, if you want a game-breaking ball hawk, this may not fit that description.

What I liked: He does not lack for confidence, that is for sure. He talks and gets in the face and head of his opponent with constant communication to verify that they are in a battle. He is a very aggressive corner who is most comfortable in man coverage where he can press up and maintain contact throughout the entire route. He will run hip to hip and not give a QB much to throw at. In fact, it becomes obvious rather quickly that you are dealing with a guy who chases away activity from the opponent and in many games he is on the wrong side of the field from the ball. This, of course, is a good thing and a reasonable explanation for not corralling interceptions. That stat is certainly overvalued by many football fans. He is physical for his size and willing to get involved in run support. He seems quite fast and quick, and capable against plenty of receivers who I think are top prospects themselves. There is a lot to like.

What I did not like: Well, he is 5-10, 190, and does not have the frame to indicate he will ever get on the other side of 200. So, he may not ever be a very good size matchup with the "X" receivers around the league. You may have to leave him in the slot which limits his utility and also his value. I assume most teams would not target a corner at the top of the draft unless they knew he could roll with Dez Bryant's physicality and size for 60 plays on a Sunday, and to be honest, you would have to question that if he is giving up 30 pounds to a very physical receiver.  So, would he be a great cover for Will Fuller or Sterling Shepard? Yes. But, the value for that over 16 games is limited. He also is very "grabby," which means he is a candidate to be a referee's target at the next level.

Summary and potential fit with the Cowboys: He is a really fine player and there is a lot to like. I just wonder where the value should fall for one of the better corners in the 2016 class, but that might be more because there just aren't many 6-1 options who can also cover all the corners. Some years, there are just "good" corners and not great ones.

That said, he will likely go in Round 1 because he does possess attributes that are very desirable and, for the overall top reason: The NFL always needs more corners and there isn't a team that could not upgrade there. With 11 personnel now the base, every team needs three top quality starters at this spot and we all know that isn't a situation many teams can boast about.

Alexander has the right skill set and disposition. He is just a bit small and maybe not a guy who will go get the ball. But, if somehow he falls a bit, the Cowboys would probably be quite interested in a guy like this to assist their upcoming corner needs after 2016 (or perhaps even before that if this falls in their laps). Solid, yet undersized prospect.

You can view plenty of his tape here at Draftbreakdown.com.

2016 NFL Draft Profile #43 - Vernon Butler, DT, La Tech

http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2016/03/30/bob-sturms-draft-profile-series-vernon-butler-may-best-defensive-line-prospect-entire-deep-group

(AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Louisiana Tech defensive lineman Vernon Butler runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine on Tuesday, March 1, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

By Bob Sturm, Special contributor Contact Bob Sturmon Twitter:@SportsSturm

I have never been a scout or a NFL general manager, but I am willing to watch a ton of football. By watching about 200 snaps of each prospect, we can really get a feel for a player and then know what we are talking about a bit better. It is no exact science, but the NFL hasn't quite figured out drafting either, so we are going to do the best we can. To read more about the 2016 NFL Draft Project, click here.

 

Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech - 6-foot-3, 323 pounds - senior - No. 9

Now that we are about three months into this process and have covered almost all of the names that are continuously mentioned in the 2016 draft, it is wonderful to stumble upon a prospect who is considerably better than I first thought. There is no question that the big school guys get the first wave of excitement, but anyone who has followed this draft season knows that there was an uncommon level of quality at Louisiana Tech this year. 

We have covered the running back Kenneth Dixon and we will get to quarterback Jeff Driskel before we run out of time. But today, let's study a guy who will be selected before either one of them and simply add another top-quality stud to the list of defensive tackles who populate the top 50 in this draft. This is the case of big Vernon Butler, a massive defensive tackle who seems capable of playing anywhere you want up and down the defensive line and, despite weighing in at 323, still possesses initial quickness and strength that makes him rather unstoppable in the middle of the line.

On top of all of these fine characteristics, Louisiana Tech played enough top-level competition that we were able to view him against Mississippi State, Kansas State and a few other big programs and big offensive line prospects during his four years in school -- as well as his Senior Bowl week -- to feel great that he is not just whipping minnows. He is handling the big boys at the big schools, too.

What I liked: He is just such a terror up front and has no real issues with any part of his skill set. First, he is powerful, and this means that any guard or center on the inside is overmatched by his push. He collapses the pocket or ruins running plays with great regularity. Next, he has uncommonly long arms for this position and body size, so now when he gets the arms extended, there is no way to neutralize his leverage, and before long the offensive line is on roller skates right back into the lap of the quarterback. Then, he has this quick burst that powers him past guys with an initial move in one direction, and finally, he has technique where it appears he offers an array of moves to free himself. He must be double-teamed or he will ruin your game and on top of all of this, he seems pretty emotional and into the proceedings, which isn't always clear and obvious when you are talking about the big guys in the middle. In short, I really like this player.

What I did not like: I am not sure I can come up with much. I guess, you would say that if he is so great, why doesn't he have more than five sacks in three seasons, but then you watch him play and see that he is in the quarterback's face constantly, and even that issue is mitigated by the idea that defensive tackles are not going to sneak up on a quarterback. Instead, the quarterback is in some self-preservation mode, so I am not fixating on that issue at all. He was double-teamed so much and this doesn't help his personal stats, but it certainly helps the rest of his team. Other than that? I don't have much on the negative side to offer.

Summary and potential fit with the Cowboys: This is a class with a number of defensive tackles who could go in the first round. Some are not going to do much damage in the offensive backfield, but a few -- Sheldon Rankins and Vernon Butler -- appear to be exactly that type of rare bird that weighs 300-plus pounds and can still do damage on the move. These ridiculous athletes remind me of similar studies on Fletcher Cox and Aaron Donald in previous drafts where it was clear to anyone watching their college tape that they were going to be stars at the next level. Now, Rankins is nice, but Butler weighs a full 20 pounds more than the Louisville kid and still may be a better athlete. He is not going to chase down any running backs from behind but when it comes to moving in tight spaces and having those "dancing bear" or "war daddy" characteristics that every team dreams of -- regardless of scheme or spot -- I would offer the clear feelings that Butler is one of the best 15 or so prospects I have looked at in this entire field.

Now, that doesn't mean that the player go that high because there are so many strong defensive tackles in this draft -- and all could slide because of the deep quality -- but if the Cowboys can somehow draft with this player in the late first or with their pick at No. 34, any fan should be thrilled. He has to prove that he can be a real star a the NFL level like those before him, but I don't see too much that will prevent him from being a force on any defensive line.

You can view plenty of his tape here at Draftbreakdown.com.

2016 NFL Draft Profile #42 - Leonard Floyd, LB, Georgia

http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2016/03/29/bob-sturms-draft-profile-series-georgia-linebacker-leonard-floyd-gets-sacks-scheme-fit-dallas

Georgia linebacker Leonard Floyd jumps before running at the NFL football scouting combine on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

By Bob Sturm, Special contributor Contact Bob Sturmon Twitter:@SportsSturm

I have never been a scout or a NFL general manager, but I am willing to watch a ton of football. By watching about 200 snaps of each prospect, we can really get a feel for a player and then know what we are talking about a bit better. It is no exact science, but the NFL hasn't quite figured out drafting either, so we are going to do the best we can. To read more about the 2016 NFL Draft Project, click here.

 

Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia - 6-foot-6, 244 pounds - junior - No. 84

When people talk about the draft being an inexact science, one of the real issues we are speaking about is the simple idea that these are developing young players who are about to jump up a significant level of competition, and in some cases, are going to attempt to find a new and perfect positional fit as well -- all in a new city and with large amounts of money in their pocket. The variables are endless and the failure rate is frustrating for all involved. Nobody wants to pick someone who doesn't flourish at the next level with a premium selection, but there are literally no fail-safe ways of finding players from Saturdays who will automatically succeed on Sundays. The cautionary tales are endless.

One particular issue in this draft game, though, comes for players like Leonard Floyd, who does not "check all of the boxes" that you are looking for in a complete player. Rather, he checks some of them. He rushes the passer well, and at times, very well. There are certain people reading this, regarding a league that always covets a pass rush, who will say that is all they need to hear. But, for a big man that will be an edge guy at the next level and is being projected by some to go in the top 20 picks, you will need to understand the issues he comes with. One, he is an older prospect who will be 24 years old by Week 1. He is also very skinny (although he is trying to fix that by bulking up to 245 after playing last season around 230). And most importantly, based on his playing tape at Georgia, there is no ideal positional fit for him in the SEC, which does not bode really well for him at the next level with even bigger and faster and stronger opponents to deal with. They tried him at inside linebacker and outside linebacker, 2-point stance and 3-point stance, out on the flank or stunting him inside to use his strengths and hide his weaknesses. And honestly, they never looked completely comfortable with their conclusions.

What I liked: He was productive in with pass rush over three seasons with 17 sacks at Georgia and an additional 28.5 tackles for loss. Forty five+ explosive plays in three years is interesting production that was compiled with some very nice speed rushes off the edge and a motor that allowed him to clean up some secondary sacks after the play broke down. He may not have many moves, but the simple streak around the edge at the snap has served him well and will be something that is going to translate to the next level. He also had a few occasions where they had him cover from the slot and he streaks down the field like a gazelle. I am curious, at 6-6 with 4.6 speed, if they ever considered tight end, because he sure looks like that sort of athlete that doesn't have an ideal fit on defense. He is a tremendous athlete with a 39-inch vertical jump and strong quickness traits. He will give you high energy and good aggressiveness and is able to find the ball. These are all traits that are interesting at any level.

What I did not like: He just doesn't seem to have an ideal positional fit. The closest would be a 3-4 outside linebacker, but his physicality lacks at disconcerting levels when he is dealing with a play coming at him rather than away from him. He attacks a QB, but when the offensive line is attacking forward, he cannot stand his ground and often gets pushed right out of the way. He is routinely blocked by tight ends and gets stuck in traffic continuously. He is skinny and often appears outclassed with regards to power. Even on his pass rushes, he is pretty much all speed, which professional tackles will neutralize with any amount of scouting. There is a very real chance that he becomes a pass-rush-down only player, which, of course, limits his value in terms of draft position and paycheck. He plays with a great energy but appears to be a finesse linebacker, and that, at the college level, is a dangerous sign for what Sundays might be.

Summary and potential fit with the Cowboys: Often times when you see holes in a player's game, you are reminded that he has plenty of time to develop at the next level with some coaching and weight training. I readily concede that seeing projections is a very difficult skill in draft evaluation and I have missed on this type of player before. But, given his age, and that much of the development of a player happens between 20-23, I am pessimistic Floyd becomes a complete weapon at the next level.

He is not a scheme fit in Dallas, as I have no idea where someone would play him in a 4-3. In a 3-4, he could perhaps get consistent QB pressure, and if he does he will have a job for years to come. But, I would prefer some other team makes Floyd their project. He has absolutely freakish talents and a very impressive highlight tape, but there is too much "unknown" in his game.

You can view plenty of his tape here at Draftbreakdown.com.

2016 NFL Draft Profile #41 - Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State

http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2016/03/28/bob-sturms-draft-profile-series-qb-dak-prescott-certainly-offers-flashes-worthy

Andy Jacobsohn/Staff Photographer

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws the ball during organized team activities at Cowboys headquarters in Irving, Texas Wednesday May 25, 2016. (Andy Jacobsohn/The Dallas Morning News)

By Bob Sturm, Special contributor Contact Bob Sturmon Twitter:@SportsSturm

Editor's note: This is Bob Sturm's draft profile of Prescott from March before the Dallas Cowboys drafted him in the fourth round.

 

I have never been a scout or a NFL general manager, but I am willing to watch a ton of football. By watching about 200 snaps of each prospect, we can really get a feel for a player and then know what we are talking about a bit better. It is no exact science, but the NFL hasn't quite figured out drafting either, so we are going to do the best we can. To read more about the 2016 NFL Draft Project, click here.

Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State -- 6-foot-2, 230 pounds -- redshirt senior -- No. 15

With each passing week, word gets louder and louder to all that follow the Cowboys that we better get familiar with all of the second-tier QB talent in this draft. The price at the very top is very high (also the product is very impressive), and given what we know about this front office, there is a very high chance they will scratch that "win now" itch at No. 4 overall, and therefore dive into the murky waters of trying to find a future starting QB outside of their top two picks. 

This seems to agree with what the fans want -- just go pick up that future No. 1 in Round 3 or 4 -- and load up on guys who will be instant starters in the top two rounds. Unfortunately, reality bites. And reality tells us that teams that try to find their QBs after Round 2 (or even the top few picks of Round 2) have a snowball's chance in Hades of actually finding that guy. Oh, sure, there is the occasional Russell Wilson and the even more occasional Tom Brady, but the odds of finding your five-year starting QB after pick No. 40 drops quickly to about a 1-in-25 chance. After Round 3, it drops to about 1-in-50. And to find a Brady, or even a Tony Romo where they were found, is pretty much the same odds as Leicester City winning it all. It may happen, but it surely should not be expected.

Regardless, let's examine those QBs who might be the fall-back plan after the shiny models are off the board in Round 1. Dak Prescott is one of the most appealing of Tier 2 for a number of reasons. He has massive amounts of big-time experience where he won a lot of games, played in a lot of big games, and noticeably improved along the way. He is a true dual-threat QB who appears to have some very appealing mental-processing traits in his approach to QB. He looks like he might be the coveted "maestro" who can go to his third option on a play with smooth transitions. On top of this, he possesses passing and running capabilities that serve him well in addition to toughness and leadership traits that are coveted. In other words, while he has some negatives, there are enough positives that this player might not even fall to Round 3.

What I liked: He was a very confident player in his system at Mississippi State, where he would use multi-layered reads to find the open man for many productive years. He was generally using a series of shorter throws (less than 10 yards) to free up the occasional downhill toss when coverage took a wrong step. He has no problem with velocity as his fastball zips to all spots with force, and in the pocket he has the ability to keep plays alive. On third down or in short yardage, he moves the chains on his own and certainly affects the numbers a defense deploys, freeing up opportunities to the edges. He makes quick decisions and goes through his progressions with ease, and when he gets in a groove it becomes quite frustrating to defend him. On the move, especially to his left, he looks really comfortable and is able to make the defense make a decision which he then adjusts to to declare it incorrect. I like his sandlot skills when the play breaks down. He excels in this second portion of a play. His willingness to take a hit to deliver a throw is yet another attribute coaches admire.

What I did not like: Whenever a QB plays in a zone-read that has a series of either/or decisions, a defense can jam him up by playing disciplined and staying at home to "do their job." It is worth noting that against the better opponents on his 2015 slate, this seemed to really slow down Prescott's arsenal and he ended up looking pretty ordinary. He also has bouts with mechanics and accuracy that causes him to miss badly on occasion -- sometimes down the field where there is a rare opportunity. He also is not ultra-elusive in the backfield. He can be a threat with his legs moving forward, but in terms of being difficult to sack, he would not cause anyone to confuse him with Cam Newton or Ben Roethlisberger. He can be caught and sacked. And again, it would be difficult to say his offense asked him to make a lot of "NFL throws" in terms of digs, deep outs, skinny posts, or anything where he must challenge safeties. Most of his deep passes were man opportunities to the safe sidelines.

Summary and potential fit with the Cowboys: There are many reasons to see links between the Cowboys and Dak Prescott. They certainly have not hid their desire to cross paths with him multiple times this draft season, and while they will not be alone in their interest, of the Tier 2 prospects, he is the name that pops up the most. The parallels with Tim Tebow are certainly worth investigating in that their college statistics are very similar and they shared a coach. That said, his throwing mechanics are far beyond Tebow's and he maintains the component of running/improv skills when the play breaks down.

As we said above, the odds of QBs in this range of a draft developing into something special are much longer than most pundits (or teams) are willing to admit. That said, at the right price (top of Round 3?), you can see why Prescott may be a prospect that a coach like Scott Linehan believes he can develop and get to agree to the Romo retirement timeline. There are certainly traits and flashes where you can see a high ceiling -- if you want to fall in love, watch his bowl game vs. N.C. State. Now, in a QB-starved league, might he go well beyond pick No. 67? Reports suggest Denver is salivating at the end of Round 2.

You can view plenty of his tape here at Draftbreakdown.com.