The Memphis Tigers continued to be an offensive powerhouse in the American Athletic Conference last season. Unfortunately, that did not translate into wins — the program finished 6-6 overall. However, there were some bright spots, especially breakout WR Calvin Austin III. Here are the scouting reports for all of Memphis’Â 2022 NFL Draft prospects.
Memphis 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
The Memphis scouting reports are littered with talent on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.
Calvin Austin III, WR
Positives: Undersized, game-changing receiver with outstanding pass-catching skills. Quickly releases off the line of scrimmage, immediately gets to top speed, and plays faster than his 40 time. Outstanding route runner who quickly gets in and out of breaks, extends his hands, and offers the quarterback a target. Displays solid eye/hand coordination, catches the pass with his hands, and snatches the ball out of the air.
Nicely makes the reception on crossing patterns and adjusts backward to grab the ball from the air. Has a terrific burst of speed that he turns on in a single step, sees the field, and can be effectively used on reverses. Follows blocks, beats defenders into the open field, and can run to daylight. Comes back to the quarterback and works to make himself an available target. Competes to come away with the difficult reception, gives effort blocking, and does the little things well.
Negatives: Small and loses out in battles. Needs space to work and does not display naturally soft hands.
Analysis: Austin is an explosive skill player and a legitimate home-run threat whenever the ball is in his hands. After a terrific season in 2021, he was one of the better receivers at Senior Bowl practices and went on to have a great Combine workout.
Size is a limiting factor, and Austin is not a receiver for everyone. Yet, a creative offensive coordinator will take advantage of his speed and use him in a variety of ways, putting Austin in positions where he can be successful.
Want more information on Austin? Here’s our expanded scouting report and draft profile:Â Calvin Austin III, Memphis WR | NFL Draft Scouting Report
Dylan Parham, IOL
Positives: Versatile interior blocker who can line up at guard or center. Starts with exceptional knee bend, sinks his butt at the line, and blocks with leverage. Fires off the snap, quickly sets up in pass protection, and stays square. Effective position blocker who seals opponents from plays. Keeps his head on a swivel, works well with linemates, and shows outstanding awareness. Effective in pass protection, anchors at the point, and displays solid lateral range.
Negatives: Not quick to the second level and marginally effective blocking in motion. Average strength and really does not finish blocks.
Analysis: Parham was a versatile blocker at Memphis and comes with an upside. Graded as a center on my board, I believe Parham could eventually start in the league a year or two down the road as he gets stronger and becomes more accustomed to the position.
Want more information on Parham? Here’s our expanded scouting report and draft profile:Â Dylan Parham, Memphis OL | NFL Draft Scouting Report
Jacobi Francis, CB
Positives: Well-built cornerback who must play facing the action. Recognizes routes in zone, quickly diagnoses plays, and shows a burst to the ball. Mixes it up with receivers, has opposing quarterbacks throwing away from him, and gives effort defending the run.
Negatives: Does a lot of face-guarding. Slow getting his head back around to locate the pass in the air. Struggles staying with receivers out of breaks.
Analysis: Francis was a solid cornerback at Memphis the past three seasons and offers possibilities as a dime cornerback in a zone system or backed off the line of scrimmage.
JJ Russell, LB
Positives: Hard-working linebacker who plays bigger and faster than his athletic testing numbers. Quickly diagnoses plays, flows well laterally to the action, and has a closing burst. Terrific run-and-chase linebacker who pursues the action laterally and gets into space to make the tackle. Breaks down well and uses his hands to protect himself. Explodes upfield and fires through gaps to defend the run.
Negatives: Lacks size, growth potential, and elite speed for the next level. Does not have a big upside.
Analysis: Russell was a hard-charging, instinctive college defender who got the most from his ability. However, he lacks the pure physical ability for Sunday football.
John Tate, DL
Positives: Underrated interior defensive tackle coming off a terrific senior season. Explodes off the snap, plays with outstanding pad level, and consistently gets leverage on opponents. Keeps his feet moving, holds the point in the middle of the field, and uses his hands effectively. Consistently around the ball making plays and holds up blockers to give teammates opportunities.
Negatives: Easily knocked from his angle of attack by a single opponent. Not much of a pass rusher and was marginally productive until last season.
Analysis: Tate was an up-and-down performer at Memphis until last season, when he consistently controlled the line of scrimmage. He lacks upside, yet could back up on Sundays if he fills out his frame and gets stronger. At the very least, he deserves practice-squad consideration.
