Florida International Panthers
2020 NFL Draft Prospects
Sage Lewis, ILB
Positives: Smaller run-and-chase linebacker who displays terrific range on the field. Displays a good head for the ball in run defense, remains disciplined with assignments and shows ability in zone coverage. Shows speed in every direction, sells out up the field on the blitz and flows well laterally. Does not bite on play-action passes, works hard and plays a physical brand of football.
Negatives: Easily knocked from the action or engulfed at the point. Average ball skills in coverage.
Analysis: Lewis is highly thought of in some areas of the scouting community, and he’s a solid run-defending pursuit linebacker. He comes with limitations, but he could add depth at the next level and line up on coverage units.
James Morgan, QB
Positives: Smart, instinctive quarterback who comes off a terrific season. Remains poised in the pocket, withstands the rush and displays outstanding vision. Eludes defenders, scans the field and goes through progressions. Naturally looks off the safety, stands strong in the pocket and takes a big hit in order to get the throw away.
Negatives: Not afraid to challenge the vertical game, possesses a quick release and has a live arm. Nicely times receptions and hits receivers as they leave their breaks. Solid arm strength, effective with the deep outs and puts speed on shorter throws. Plays with discipline in the pocket, effectively sets up screen throws and shows great awareness of what’s happening around him. Often misses throws because he tries to put too much steam on the ball. Releases the ball off his back foot, which results in underthrows.
Analysis: After a terrific season at Florida International, Morgan had an outstanding week of practice at the Shrine Game and performed incredibly well during combine workouts. He possesses the physical skills, intelligence and intangibles to play at the next level, and Morgan will be a solid mid-round pick who could surprise.
Teair Tart, DT
Positives: Explosive three-technique tackle who makes plays in every area of the field. Fires off the snap with an explosive first step, plays with terrific pad level and effectively uses his hands. Displays an outstanding arm-over move as well as other techniques to get off blocks. Gives effort, chases the action hard and quickly closes to the play.
Negatives: Struggles to get off the initial block and gets handled at the point. Not much of a pass rusher at the college level.
Analysis: Tart is an explosive first-step defensive lineman whose style and substance project as a three-technique tackle at the next level.
Stanley Thomas Oliver III, CB
Positives: Physical cornerback with terrific size. Quickly flips his hips, battles receivers to break up throws and defeats blocks to make plays up the field. Keeps the action in front of him, outmuscles opponents for the ball and possesses good hands for the interception.
Negatives: Faceguards too often and is unable to get his head back around to locate the pass. Side shuffles down the field and is consistently behind opponents. Possesses an average burst to the ball out of his plant.
Analysis: Thomas-Oliver is a size prospect with solid athleticism, but he needs a lot of work on his game. I could see him make a roster as a ninth defensive back if he plays well on special teams this summer.
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