The Florida Gators get back into the first round business thanks to the Denver Broncos trading up to get Jarvis Moss as the 17th pick in the NFL Draft. Reggie Nelson was up next, going to the Jacksonville Jaguars as the 21st overall pick. Ray McDonald ended up with the San Francisco 49ers in the third round.
The Denver Broncos gave up their first, third, and sixth round picks to get Jarvis Moss. They get a speed rusher in Moss with great quickness off the edge.
According to Gary Horton of ESPN, “He fits Jim Bates’ system of attacking and being aggressive. But he is not a run defender. He’ll have to get more physical vs. the run but he could be a great third down rusher.
“With two really good corners playing behind him, [Moss’] quickness off the edge is going to force lots of quarterbacks to get rid of the ball quickly which will lead to interceptions,” said Horton.
As for Reggie Nelson going to Jacksonville, Horton said it was a great pick by the Jaguars. “He has safety size and close to CB cover skills. He’s not just a guy that has to play zone. You can lock him up on the third receiver. He has great range and he makes a ton of plays. It’s a great pick at No. 21.”
Ray McDonald was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round at #34.
JARVIS MOSS
SCOUTING REPORT:
Strengths:
Has great height with long arms…Possesses a big, rangy frame that he can still add weight to…An outstanding athlete…Good timed speed…Quick and agile with a great first step…Excellent in pursuit and has a burst to close…Is versatile and could play multiple positions…Changes directions well…Has a good motor…Plays with terrific leverage…Smooth with fluid hips…Is still improving and has upside.
Weaknesses:
Needs to bulk up to play end at the next level…A bit of a ‘tweener who may not have a clearly defined pro position…Not very stout at the point and is a liability versus the run…Can get engulfed by massive blockers…Struggles to shed blocks and doesn’t use his hands well…May have some minor character concerns…Raw and not a finished product…Durability and health are relatively major questions.
Notes:
Possible 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 outside linebacker…Missed a good portion of the 2003 season with a hernia as well as a pelvic issue and he then developed a staph infection as the result of the previous injury…Lost 35 pounds and couldn’t even walk at one point…He has been healthy for two years now but will there be any long-term health problems?…Was suspended for one game in 2006…Has all the physical tools and big potential…Could be an impact pass rusher in the pros.
REGGIE NELSON
SCOUTING REPORT:
Strengths:
An outstanding natural athlete…Good speed and quickness with terrific range…A ballhawk and impact playmaker in the secondary…Is very instinctive…Aggressive, physical and a big hitter who plays much bigger than he is…Is more than willing to come up and help support the run…Versatile and may be able to play multiple positions…Very productive and has a knack for being around the action…Upside.
Weaknesses:
Has less than 11/2 seasons of Division I starting experience…Size is only average and he does not have the ideal bulk that you would prefer…Intelligence is a huge issue and he was not known to be a very good student…Not a great tackler and is often times more worried about delivering a knockout blow than he is wrapping up…He can be physically overmatched in-the-box…Has some durability concerns.
Notes:
A standout JUCO transfer from Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College…Some feel he may also be able to play cornerback at the next level…Coming off a fantastic junior campaign where he was a finalist for a number of national awards…Classic centerfielder…Very similar in many ways to Michael Huff but not quite as good of a prospect…Fast-riser who is a lock to be one of the first defensive backs chosen.
RAY MCDONALD
SCOUTING REPORT:
Strengths:
Has excellent size and the frame to get even bigger…A good athlete who is quick and explosive…Versatile with experience at both end and tackle…Has good range and pursues well…Sure tackler…Strong and gets a good push…Able to penetrate and makes plays in the backfield…Hard worker with top intangibles…Has upside.
Weaknesses:
A DE / DT ‘tweener who might not have a true position at the next level…He does not have great speed…Plays too high and leverage is an issue at times…Can get knocked back when he lets his technique slip…Not a dynamic pass rusher…Missed most of the 2005 season with knee injuries and durability is still a major concern.
Notes:
His father, Ray Sr., played wide receiver for the Gators back in the 1980’s…Was overshadowed by Marcus Thomas and Jarvis Moss to a degree but he had a great senior season and saw his draft stock soar…Could realistically play in either a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive scheme…Needs to stay healthy but has some intriguing physical tools and could interest 34 teams as an end or 43 teams as an undersized tackle.