Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
Assuming there is something that resembles a college football season in 2020, who might the Cards target. I’m assuming they pick in the middle of the pack. Also, as crazy as things may be, these guys may go way up or way down in the rankings. However, if the draft were held tomorrow, here’s three names I think the Cards would consider. Rashod Bateman, WR, Minn; Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, ILB, ND and Paulson Adebo, CB, Stanford are names that jump out at me.
Paulson Adebo had a fabulous sophomore year, but then appeared to assume he had it made and authored a mediocre junior season. Adebo has the size/speed ratio every team is seeking. He has long arms, good strength and good hands. He’s adept at press coverage but is also sound playing man. He offers a nice burst and shows good timing when closing on a receiver.
He willingly supports against the run and seems quite happy to play a physical game. He figures to add weight and strength before the Combine and still provide track runner timing.
He has a tendency to peek into the backfield and occasionally loses contact with the receiver. My experience is that this fault is correctable. In his junior year he was constantly matched against the opposition’s best receiver. Stanford’s mediocre pass rush constantly exposed Adebo to double moves. He didn't adjust well and when beaten he seemed to lose confidence. I expect a return to form this season.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah began his career with injury setbacks. Finally last season he was healthy and emerged as one of the top ILB prospects. He was the dominant player in the middle of the ND defense and went from good to outstanding by season’s end.
He brings outstanding agility, plus speed for the position and he’s rarely confused by play action and misdirection. He’s solid against the run, the pass and he gets his share of QB sacks as well. Very sound at causing turnovers, he has a knack for punching the ball from opponent’s hands.
He has a great motor and is excellent in pursuit from sideline to sideline. He’s very active and has a knack for quickly diagnosing plays and shifting to improve his position. He’s a very sound tackler.
He was seldom used in pass protection, so likely that portion of his game will need further development. Considering his athletic prowess there is every reason to believe he will be effective in that role as well.
Rashod Bateman had a great 2029. If you followed my evaluations last season you know I was over the moon about Minnesota’s starting receiver duo.
Tyler Johnson was a steal in last year’s draft. Bateman is far better and likely a true number one receiver in waiting. He’s like Hopkins & Fitz, not a blazer but fast enough to be effective. He has unbelievable hands and invariably wins contested balls. Add in outstanding body control and totally focused concentration and it’s easy to see why he’s so effective. As the season progressed he also got better at high pointing the ball.
Johnson & Bateman had the advantage of playing for one of the next great college coaches. PJ Fleck would have been a solid NFL receiver had he not been undersized. I believe he will be remembered as a great developer of wide receivers. These guys are NFL ready.
Bateman loves big games and seems to always rise to the occasion. Down the stretch last season he was unstoppable. Bateman is a solid route runner and his YAC skills are developing.
He needs work on blocking but beyond that I expect him to contribute year one.
Paulson Adebo had a fabulous sophomore year, but then appeared to assume he had it made and authored a mediocre junior season. Adebo has the size/speed ratio every team is seeking. He has long arms, good strength and good hands. He’s adept at press coverage but is also sound playing man. He offers a nice burst and shows good timing when closing on a receiver.
He willingly supports against the run and seems quite happy to play a physical game. He figures to add weight and strength before the Combine and still provide track runner timing.
He has a tendency to peek into the backfield and occasionally loses contact with the receiver. My experience is that this fault is correctable. In his junior year he was constantly matched against the opposition’s best receiver. Stanford’s mediocre pass rush constantly exposed Adebo to double moves. He didn't adjust well and when beaten he seemed to lose confidence. I expect a return to form this season.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah began his career with injury setbacks. Finally last season he was healthy and emerged as one of the top ILB prospects. He was the dominant player in the middle of the ND defense and went from good to outstanding by season’s end.
He brings outstanding agility, plus speed for the position and he’s rarely confused by play action and misdirection. He’s solid against the run, the pass and he gets his share of QB sacks as well. Very sound at causing turnovers, he has a knack for punching the ball from opponent’s hands.
He has a great motor and is excellent in pursuit from sideline to sideline. He’s very active and has a knack for quickly diagnosing plays and shifting to improve his position. He’s a very sound tackler.
He was seldom used in pass protection, so likely that portion of his game will need further development. Considering his athletic prowess there is every reason to believe he will be effective in that role as well.
Rashod Bateman had a great 2029. If you followed my evaluations last season you know I was over the moon about Minnesota’s starting receiver duo.
Tyler Johnson was a steal in last year’s draft. Bateman is far better and likely a true number one receiver in waiting. He’s like Hopkins & Fitz, not a blazer but fast enough to be effective. He has unbelievable hands and invariably wins contested balls. Add in outstanding body control and totally focused concentration and it’s easy to see why he’s so effective. As the season progressed he also got better at high pointing the ball.
Johnson & Bateman had the advantage of playing for one of the next great college coaches. PJ Fleck would have been a solid NFL receiver had he not been undersized. I believe he will be remembered as a great developer of wide receivers. These guys are NFL ready.
Bateman loves big games and seems to always rise to the occasion. Down the stretch last season he was unstoppable. Bateman is a solid route runner and his YAC skills are developing.
He needs work on blocking but beyond that I expect him to contribute year one.
