Author: Daniel Flick

Georgia RB Kenny McIntosh Summer Scouting Report

Georgia running back Kenny McIntosh isn’t a household name yet, but he’ll get the opportunity to become one in 2022. McIntosh hasn’t received the volume of carries needed to truly break out because Georgia’s running back room is so deep, featuring 2021 NFL Draft picks James Cook and Zamir White, two top-50 players on ATB’s Big Board. McIntosh should be the lead back for the Bulldogs in 2022, or one-half of a two-man committee. Let’s get into the Kenny McIntosh summer scouting report.

Measurables:

Height: 6’1

Weight: 210 pounds

Background

Kenny McIntosh hails from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and the University School. His older brothers, RJ and Deon, also played college football, playing at Miami and Notre Dame/Washington State, respectively.

McIntosh played five years of varsity high school football, starting at wide receiver as an eighth grader. He was a Freshman All-American per MaxPreps as a defensive back. McIntosh starred at running back his final three years, rushing for over 3,800 yards. He chose Georgia over Alabama, Auburn, and Oklahoma, among others.

McIntosh saw immediate action at Georgia, playing in 12 of 14 games, primarily on special teams. He had just 25 carries, but averaged seven yards per carry, creating optimism around his future. McIntosh was a co-winner of the Special Teams Newcomer of the Year award, an honor that won’t go unnoticed come draft day. 

McIntosh has seen extensive action at RB the last two seasons, racking up nearly 600 yards on 105 carries. He caught 22 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns in 2021, while also returning kicks.

Kenny McIntosh Summer Scouting Report

Strengths

  • Highly versatile player who can make a day-one impact on special teams; has experience on kickoff coverage and returning kicks.
  • Outstanding pass catcher with good technique and natural hands.
  • Instinctual player who finds holes quickly, especially as a returner.
  • Consistent run-finisher who prefers to lower his pads and take on hits rather than go out of bounds.
  • Active, urgent runner who plays without hesitation; physical and competitive.
  • Strong player with the ability to absorb hits and keep his legs churning; carries 210 pounds well.
  • Creative runner who is willing to take runs against the grain and can manipulate defenders in space.
  • Has the burst to hit holes before linebackers can fill.
  • Can create his own yards with solid elusiveness and power.
  • Elite track record of ball security.

Weaknesses

  • Fast enough, but can’t always get to the corner and may struggle against the speed of NFL defenses.
  • Reactive athleticism in space is inconsistent
  • Has the feet to stack jump cuts, but raw foot quickness isn’t high-end.
  • Solid-not-elite contact balance
  • Arrested in April of 2022 on a misdemeanor reckless driving offense.

Summary

Kenny McIntosh is an instinctual, competitive runner who will thrive in an inside zone scheme. While down on overall carries, McIntosh is a proven threat as a receiver while also having immense special teams experience. A 4-star recruit out of high school, McIntosh should arrive in the NFL with plenty of tread on his tires, playing a complementary role as a runner throughout his Georgia career.

McIntosh has nice size at 6’1, 210-pounds, and he has plenty of growth potential in his frame. His vision and feel for developing gaps is impressive, and he has the burst to hit them. While McIntosh’s long speed is adequate-not-elite, he’s able to create his own yards because of his above-average strength, elusiveness, and instincts relating to manipulation.

In conclusion, the Kenny McIntosh summer scouting report reveals a high-caliber pass catcher who should be able to contribute on third-and-fourth downs immediately in the NFL. McIntosh will have a bigger role in 2022 and must prove that he’s fast and athletic enough to become a feature running back.

Grade: 82.3 (Third Round)

Saints, Eagles Strike Trade for Draft Picks

Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Just 24 days before night one of the 2022 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to a trade that involves three first-round picks this year and an additional first next year, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

This NFL Draft trade features the Eagles, who held three first-round picks entering the day, giving up the 16th overall pick, the 19th overall pick, and a 6th rounder (pick 194 overall) to the Saints in exchange for the 18th overall pick, a third-round pick (pick 101 overall), a seventh-round pick (pick 237 overall), a 2023 first-rounder, and a 2024 second.

Philadelphia holds 10 total picks in this month’s draft, five of which will be in the first three rounds, while New Orleans will have seven selections, four of which coming in the draft’s first two days.

What This Means for the Eagles

In the immediate aftermath of this NFL Draft trade, Schefter reported that this likely ensures Jalen Hurts will start for the second consecutive season in Philadelphia. With the Eagles’ three first-round picks, some had speculated that the team could move up and select a quarterback in this year’s draft.

2023 is a much better class at the quarterback position, featuring Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud and Alabama’s Bryce Young, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. Philadelphia is now well-positioned to move up, should Jalen Hurts turn in an underwhelming season and neither of their first-round picks put them in position to select their preferred choice. 

The Eagles continue to put themselves in flexible positions in future drafts with plenty of ammunition to either add cheap, young talent or move the picks for other assets. They’re also still in good shape to address two of their big holes, linebacker and wide receiver, with picks 15 and 18 putting them in prime position to add some of the top players in the class, such as Utah’s Devin Lloyd and USC’s Drake London.

What This Means for the Saints

Before bringing back Jameis Winston, the New Orleans Saints were one of the final two teams in the Deshaun Watson saga (along with the Atlanta Falcons) before Watson changed course and decided on Cleveland. By acquiring an additional first-round pick in 2022, the Saints now have the pieces needed to move up again; they recently had Liberty quarterback Malik Willis, a projected top-10 pick, in for a visit.

An interesting element to this deal is Winston’s contract; it’s a two-year deal worth $28 million and $21 million in guarantees, but features a $14 million signing bonus. It’s primarily a front-loaded contract guarantee-wise, meaning New Orleans wouldn’t suffer having Winston ride the bench in 2023.

Further, now left without a first-rounder in 2023, the Saints don’t have next year as a fallback option; unless they’re all-in on Winston, they’re likely to pursue a quarterback this year.

Should they choose to stick with Winston, New Orleans has a Terron Armstead-sized hole at left tackle. Mississippi State’s Charles Cross is the ideal option for New Orleans, but he’s a likely top-10 pick.

The Saints are also in desperate need of a wide receiver. Michael Thomas hasn’t been able to stay on the field the past two seasons, and the room around him is rather lackluster. Ohio State’s Chris Olave is one name to monitor at the position.

Regardless, with the picks they gave up, the Saints appear to believe they can contend in the NFC this year. That philosophy lends itself favorably to addressing OT and WR, but another trade-up seems likely nonetheless.

Who Won the Trade?

Ultimately, nobody can truly win until all of these picks are made and they’re given time to produce. However, on paper, the Philadelphia Eagles got the better deal.

ESPN’s Seth Walder reported that the Eagles “gained the equivalent of a late-first rounder in value through the trade IF — and this is a big if — we treat 2022 and 2023 picks as equals in terms of value.”

Teams often tend to under-value future draft picks, but if this deal gets the Saints two immediate starters and a playoff berth, it’s ultimately a win for them. However, should the Saints fail to hit on their picks and trend towards a rebuild, this deal could be heavily detrimental in the long run.

That’s the fun part of this specific NFL Draft trade and others like it — very easy to analyze, but very hard to accurately project long-term effects, as value changes once the players’ careers play out.

Atlanta Falcons: Will Cordarrelle Patterson Be Back?

Atlanta Falcons WR/RB/KR Cordarrelle Patterson
Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Entering the 2021 NFL season, the Falcons’ Cordarrelle Patterson seemingly had a defined role: elite kick returner with inconsistent contributions as both a runner and receiver. That’s the role that netted Patterson a one-year, $3 million contract from Atlanta in mid-April.

Nobody could’ve predicted what ensued. With the Falcons, Cordarrelle Patterson had a career year, rushing for 618 yards and six touchdowns on 153 carries, averaging a respectable four yards per carry, and catching 52 passes for 548 yards and five touchdowns. 

For much of the season, he was Atlanta’s most consistently productive offensive weapon. However, with Patterson’s significant uptick in production, retaining him in free agency became significantly less likely. Not only did Patterson produce more, but Deebo Samuel’s rise to prominence has brought the “wide back” role to life. Patterson is a proven commodity in that role and is one of only a handful of players currently in the league who can successfully execute the role.

Or at least, many expected the Falcons to struggle retaining Patterson. After polling multiple agents and an additional source, the picture has become clearer. Let’s get into whether or not Cordarrelle Patterson ultimately returns to the Falcons.

Falcons Cap Situation

Following Calvin Ridley’s suspension, Atlanta is now a little bit over $3 million above the cap, as Ridley’s contract has been deferred to 2023, saving the team north of $11 million. There are still several ways for general manager Terry Fontenot and company to open up cap space. 

For starters, the team can cut veterans Tyeler Davison and Mike Davis, saving $6 million in the process. Restructuring Matt Ryan and extending Grady Jarrett would open an additional $23 million, though that route is rather uncertain. 

Regardless, the Falcons are not expected to be major players early on in free agency. Much like last season, Fontenot and his team are likely to go value-shopping after the first wave concludes. As a result, many have wondered whether or not the team will have enough money to retain Cordarrelle Patterson.

Predicting Patterson’s Contract With the Falcons

The big question on many people’s minds regarding the Falcons’ Cordarrelle Patterson and his contract isn’t how long, it’s how much. While the exact price is still up for grabs, Patterson is likely to receive a contract in the $5-6.5 million range; one agent mentioned $4 million as the absolute floor.

One source does not expect Patterson to have many suitors above $5.5 million annually. An agent said he “get(s) the sense Atlanta does not even know what type of number to put on him.” Conversely, a source mentioned the Falcons will offer up to $6 million, but are hesitant to give more. So, the number is a bit unclear, but it appears that the length is not.

The consensus is that Patterson will once again be on a rather short deal. An agent predicted two years, citing Patterson’s age (31 in March) and many teams’ unwillingness to pay RB’s big money. The most a source predicted is three years, but the one-to-two range seems to be the sweet spot. 

Should it go to three years, the source predicted Patterson will receive somewhere in the $6-$6.75 million guaranteed range over the course of the contract. While age will be a factor, it’s important to remember that Patterson has lots of tread left on his tires. Still, the feel is Patterson gets around $10-$12 million over two years.

Patterson’s Free Agent Market

With Patterson’s outstanding season and the “wide back” becoming more popular, many believed Patterson would have no shortage of options. However, as stated above, it’s believed that the higher range of Patterson’s deal is unlikely to bring many suitors. 

With Patterson not breaking out until year nine in the NFL, other teams may lack the confidence required to give out a big number. It is possible that Patterson gets a steeper deal from a team desperate for versatility in the backfield, but it’s much more likely the final number is in the $5-$6 million range.

Does Patterson Return?

Ultimately, none of the sources felt particularly confident regarding Patterson’s deal or destination — he’s viewed as a tricky assessment. However, when factoring in that the Falcons seem willing to throw a decent price at its star wide back, and Patterson’s market isn’t expected to be as strong as initially believed, it does seem like there’s a fair chance he’s back in Atlanta.

Furthermore, Patterson has made his interest in staying in Atlanta very clear — he loves Atlanta, and Atlanta loves him. Price was always the issue; but after talking to league sources, it’s not as unlikely as once believed that Patterson will be back.

Esezi Otomewo Scouting Report

How will one half of the “Nigerian Nightmares” transition to the next level?

Esezi Otomewo Scouting Report
Esezi Otomewo
Photo Credit: Bjorn Franke/University of Minnesota

Minnesota defensive end Esezi Otomewo doesn’t receive the same type of media attention as teammate Boye Mafe, but he’s absolutely a next-level player in his own right. A Reese’s Senior Bowl invitee (DNP), Otomewo is an ascending player who has asserted himself as one of the most intriguing scheme-versatile defensive linemen in the 2022 class. Let’s get into the Esezi Otomewo scouting report.

Measurables:

Height: 6’5 ¼”

Weight: 286 pounds

Arm Length: 34”

Background

Otomewo hails from Indianapolis, Indiana, and powerhouse Ben Davis High School. He has Nigerian roots, making up one-half of one of the best nicknames in college football, the “Nigerian Nightmares,” with the aforementioned Mafe. 

Otomewo, who totaled 69 tackles and eight sacks as a senior, was a three-star recruit per 247sports. Originally committed to Western Michigan, Otomewo flipped to Minnesota, following head coach P.J. Fleck to the Twin Cities.

Due to being raw both physically and instinctually, Otomewo redshirted as a true freshman in 2017. While sitting out, he won the Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year. Following his redshirt season, Otomewo closed his career by playing in all 46 possible games, starting 20. From 2018-2020, he racked up a combined 51 tackles, including eight for loss and 4.5 sacks. 

Otomewo made massive strides in 2021, compiling 30 total tackles with 4.5 for loss, and three sacks. Not only did his numbers improve, but his film became substantially better, as well. He was voted as an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention by both the league’s coaches and the media, and seemed primed for a big week at the Senior Bowl before withdrawing due to an injury suffered in Minnesota’s bowl game.

Esezi Otomewo Scouting Report

Strengths

  • Impressive mover for his size with adequate change of direction and suddenness.
  • Standout run defender with above-average stack/shed and edge-setting ability, and he’s stout at the point of attack.
  • Has inside/outside versatility, and despite mixed results as a pass rusher from the interior, his size, athleticism, and arsenal create a promising mix of traits to work with.
  • Substantially improved intellect throughout his career; NFL-caliber run/pass recognition, screen identification, and understanding of body positioning.
  • Motor runs hot, and he plays with active hands and feet.
  • Adequate toolbox that consists of a swim, chop, swipe, rip, spin, and club; he also incorporates hesitations and euro steps on occasion.
  • Can succinctly snatch in the run game and is fluent at dislodging OL’s hands from his body in his rush.
  • While not an elite accelerator, Otomewo really covers ground in pursuit, and he has an impressive amount of closing burst.
  • Plus-body control with solid sync between feet and upper body, and his jersey is largely clean.
  • Described as having tremendous practice habits, character, and work ethic.
  • Noteworthy frame with plenty of room for growth if needed.

Weaknesses

  • Down-to-down impact rushing the passer isn’t consistently there – he struggles stringing moves together and doesn’t always rush with a plan.
  • Likely not an early impact pass rusher and may be relegated to an early-down role at the next level.
  • Hands lack exceptional power, and his overall punch timing and connectivity aren’t where they need to be.
  • Doesn’t have the burst needed to threaten around the arc as a pass rusher
  • Ankle flexion is adequate for his size, but he’s not highly adept when it comes to pinching the corner at the apex.
  • Inconsistent finisher as a result of a relatively poor strike zone, though there is upside here with his length, closing twitch, and grit.

Summary

The soon-to-be 23-year-old Esezi Otomewo is a ready-made NFL run defender with an impressive frame that provides scheme versatility. Relatively under-recruited coming out of high school, Otomewo has done nothing but improve while at Minnesota, inspiring confidence that he’s still on an upward trajectory upon entering the league. 

While still a bit raw with his plan of attack and blending of moves, the expanded arsenal Otomewo displayed in 2021 offers an exciting look at what he could become with further refinement as a pro. Otomewo largely played 5-technique from a 3- or 4-point stance, and he projects to remain there as an easy projection into a 3-4 defense. That being said, Otomewo’s frame should enable him to kick inside on passing downs, and he has the growth potential in his body to adopt a more permanent role inside should a team choose to do so.

In conclusion, the Esezi Otomewo scouting report reveals an extremely talented athlete whose pre-snap processing, lateral range, and hand usage as a run defender should give him a shot to see the field early at the next level. Otomewo also has significant upside as a pass rusher as he continues refining his instincts and technique as a pass rusher, and his added versatility should only help his stock.

Grade: 80.4 (Third Round)

Minnesota EDGE Boye Mafe Scouting Report

Boye Mafe Minnesota
Photo Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn/University of Minnesota

Minnesota edge rusher Boye Mafe has generated a lot of buzz following a highly impressive week at the Reese’s Senior Bowl. A two-time “Feldman’s Freaks” honoree, Mafe has quickly transformed from athlete to football player and has vaulted himself into top-50 consideration. Let’s dive into the Boye Mafe scouting report.

Senior Bowl Measurables

Height: 6’3 ½ “

Weight: 255 pounds

Arm Length: 33 ⅜”

Hand Size: 9 ¾”

Wingspan: 81 ¼”

Background

Boye Mafe was born in Golden Valley, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis. His parents, Wale and Bola, are both native Nigerians who moved to the United States in the 1980s. Mafe returned to his Nigerian roots as an exchange student at a boarding school in the eighth grade before returning to the U.S. for high school.

A three-star recruit per 247sports, Mafe compiled 78 tackles, including four sacks and 10 tackles-for-loss as a senior at Hopkins High School en route to earning All-State Second Team honors. Mafe was also a standout in track and field and was a part of the state championship-winning basketball team. He decided to stay home and attend Minnesota, which was one of only four FBS schools to offer him.

Mafe arrived on campus at 225 pounds, forcing him to redshirt in 2017. He played in 23 of a possible 26 games from 2018-2019, totaling 26 tackles (four for loss) and 3.5 sacks. Mafe broke out in 2020, surpassing his career total in each category, as he posted 27 tackles (5.5 for loss) and 4.5 sacks. He was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention and earned Academic All-Big Ten honors. 

Mafe, a team captain, entered 2021 with high expectations, and he didn’t disappoint, collecting 34 tackles and leading the team with 10 TFL’s and seven sacks while adding three QB hurries. Mafe once again earned Academic All-Conference honors and was voted Second Team All-Conference by the media (Third Team by the coaches).

Boye Mafe Scouting Report

Strengths

  • Dynamic athlete who has vertically jumped over 40 inches and run a sub-4.6 40-yard dash.
  • Showed improved lower-body fluidity and ankle flexion to bend in 2021; had a more diverse athletic palette rather than strictly linearly-explosive.
  • Excellent lateral quickness and change of direction to win with finesse as a pass rusher.
  • Possesses the burst to threaten offensive tackles outside and run the arc; consistently explosive both in two and three-point stances.
  • Made significant strides with his hands in 2021 in terms of expanding his arsenal and rushing with a plan; has the pop in his hands to displace blockers at the punch, and the quickness to successfully execute swipes, snatches, and several other moves, such as the long-arm and cross-chop.
  • Versatile piece who can do anything from rushing from 3-technique to covering TE’s downfield; Minnesota moved him around, and he succeeded everywhere.
  • Improved edge-setting and gap discipline versus the run.
  • High-motor player with tremendous grit in pursuit.
  • NFL frame with requisite length and thickness to survive.
  • Ascending football player whose character is praised by those around the program.

Weaknesses

  • Loses balance at the apex of the arc too often; would like to see him be a cleaner-jersey prospect.
  • Pad level can be hit or miss depending on the rep; he’s snatched too often, and lacks leverage at the punch at times
  • Inconsistent stack-and-shed against the run, and his overall ability to get off of blocks is a bit suspect.
  • Despite substantial improvements in pre-snap run/pass identification, he still has some misses and can take himself out of plays.

Summary

23-year-old Minnesota edge Boye Mafe is a highly athletic defender who has made outstanding strides in regards to his frame, arsenal, and power. Mafe’s 2020 film oozed with potential, but he left a lot to be desired. In 2021, he put it all together, consistently generating pressure off the edge with speed, power, and hand usage, and took a big step forward in defending the run. 

He’s successful working linearly, laterally, and in reverse, and has experience playing both up-and-down the line of scrimmage and in space. There is some scheme versatility with Mafe, but I think he’ll be at his best in a 3-4 scheme playing OLB. However, he can absolutely make a living as a 4-3 DE — so long as he continues improving against the run.

Ultimately, the scouting report shows Boye Mafe has instant-starter talent at the next level, with high-caliber pass-rushing ability matched with coverage versatility and the skill set to set the edge. His upside is high, and he’s already really, really good.

Grade: 83.9 (Second Round)