Jake Rigdon

Articles

Up, Down or Stay: How will Arizona St. WR Brandon Aiyuk’s surgery impact his draft stock?

Already a fringe first-rounder, draft analysts say Arizona State wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has likely dropped out of Day 1 consideration after the senior underwent surgery on Tuesday. Aiyuk (6-feet, 205) turned in a somewhat pedestrian 4.5 second 40 during the Combine – a good but not great time. Prior to that, Aiyuk was a…

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Safe pick: Minnesota CB Chris Williamson a popular prospect among teams

Looking for safe picks on Day 3 is a lesson in futility. To wit, the number of players drafted in Round 1 who went on to earn at least one Pro Bowl appearance between 1999 to 2019 (170) is almost equal to all other rounds combined (176). In other words, those perceived fifth-, sixth- and…

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Up, Down or Stay: Where to rank Georgia OT Isaiah Wilson

Underclassmen who declare early despite a lack of playing time present a challenge, although scouts and GMs are a bit more forgiving if a player displays elite traits and plays at a premium position. It worked out well for former Ohio State cornerback Marshon Lattimore, as the No. 11 pick in 2017 has already made…

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Mock Draft Tips: Recent history shows fourth round is the sweet spot for guards

As part of an occasional series, Fanspeak will offer tips and best practices for its wildly popular and first-of-its-kind On The Clock draft simulator. Today’s topic: Where do you rank the offensive guards? Not sure where to rank the guards in your customized On The Clock big board? Let recent history be your guide. Since…

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Up, Down or Stay: Clemson WR Tee Higgins’ Pro Day drops him down rankings

Here’s the problem when you have a high number of qualified candidates for a job opening: Anything, no matter how big or small, can knock you down the pecking order. And that’s precisely the challenge Clemson wide receiver Tee Higgins faces now as he can do little to make up for his subpar Pro Day,…

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Mock Draft Tips: Sometimes it’s better to take the player you want as soon as he’s available

As part of an occasional series, Fanspeak will offer tips and best practices for its wildly popular and first-of-its-kind On The Clock draft simulator. Today’s topic: Do you think the player you want will still be there if you trade down a few slots to pick up an extra draft pick or two? Warning: You…

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Up, Down or Stay: Speedy Florida CB C.J. Henderson is a fast-riser

It wasn’t that long ago that Florida cornerback C.J. Henderson was mentioned as the likely No. 2 cornerback in the upcoming NFL draft. Still hoping he lands to your team past pick No. 15 while drafting with On The Clock’s simulator? There’s a reason this doesn’t happen very often – Henderson just keeps rising up…

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Safe Pick: Ohio State G Jonah Jackson could by Day 3 starter

Draft analysts say this isn’t a great year for interior linemen. There are no Quenton Nelson’s or Garrett Bradbury’s in the draft, but you can still find a guard or a center in the later rounds who could eventually turn into a starter. That includes Jonah Jackson, a 6-foot-3, 306-pound guard who has some positional…

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Mock Draft Tips: How to look for late-round gems

As part of an occasional series, Fanspeak will offer tips and best practices for its wildly popular and first-of-its-kind On The Clock draft simulator. Today’s topic: Not sure who to pick late in the draft? Look for elite traits. Trent Brown is the ultimate value pick. After all, the massive 6-foot-8, 388-pound former Florida offensive…

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Safe Pick: What is Wisconsin Edge Zack Baun’s best position at the next level?

It seems like Wisconsin edge Zack Baun is universally loved by NFL draft analysts. And what’s not to like? The senior was one of the best pass rushers in the nation last season with 12.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss. His 91.0 pass-rushing grade by Pro Football Focus was top-10 among qualifying FBS pass…

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