CONTENT

Post Draft Analysis
Youtube Highlights
ESPN Insider Draft Analysis (paid subscription)
NFL.COM Draft Analysis
Pro Football Focus Draft Analysis (paid subscription)
Pro Football Network (Tony Pauline) Analysis
Walter Football Analysis
Bleacher Report Analysis

POST DRAFT ANALYSIS

Yahoo! Sports (Eric Edholm) *
Hunt is an ornery blocker who seeks to bury people, yet he likely will need just a little technical work before he’s a finished product. Still, this is exactly the kind of hard-nosed, position-versatile player whom Brian Flores wants on his team. Hunt can lead a power run game and help block for Tua in time.
Draft Grade: C+

Walter Football *
I wonder where the Dolphins plan on playing Robert Hunt. Will it be at tackle or guard, and does it even matter, given how many needs they have on their offensive line? Robert Hunt is a solid option at this juncture, but I think I would've preferred the Dolphins to take Ezra Cleveland or Josh Jones.
Draft Grade: B

Pro Football Focus *
PFF Lead Draft Analyst Mike Renner has said that Hunt has the size and power to be a future Pro Bowl guard. He obliterated defensive linemen as a run-blocker and was just nasty — at right tackle in 2019, Hunt posted a great 86.0 run-blocking grade. Hunt spent time at both guard and tackle for the Ragin’ Cajuns, but considering his subpar agility, kicking him inside to guard might be the best bet for the Dolphins.

NFL Network (Daniel Jeremiah) *
I’ll be fascinated to see what Dolphins will do with him because some teams think he will kick inside to guard. But at right tackle you want to see somebody unload on defenders at the line of scrimmage. Just roll his hips, explode and bodies go flying all over the place, collecting knockdown after knockdown. You see him get out in space. He’s got some nimble feet when he gets out there. I thought this is somebody that is going to be a plug and play guard. But the the Miami Dolphins may given him a shot to play outside before kicking him inside. They’ve done a nice job with two offensive linemen to put in front of Tua Tagovailoa.

ESPN (Mel Kiper Jr.) *
With a kid like this, you can put him in three different spots and see what happens - guard, right tackle, he’s played a little left tackle. He wasn’t pitted against those big time defensive linemen playing at Louisiana Lafeyette. So there may be a little bit of a transition because of that. It’s all about making Tua great. [Miami’s pick at No. 18] Austin Jackson, developmental left tackle. Robert Hunt is another guy who will have to adjust to the level of competition coming out of Louisana Lafayette. Both those linemen need coaching, maybe a year away. But Robert Hunt’s versatility is a big plus to that Miami Dolphins’ offensive line.

CBS Sports (Pete Prisco) *
Hunt gives Miami guard/tackle versatility. Road-grader with brute strength and solid movement skills. Susceptible to counters at times but can recovery. Smart for Dolphins to build the offensive line.
Grade: B-

Sporting News (Vinnie Iyer) *
The Dolphins reach for interior offensive line help, following up their questionable splurge on Ereck Flowers at left guard. Hunt (6-5, 323 pounds) is a mighty run-blocker with good athleticism who probably would have been available later. He will start for either Ted Karras or Shaq Calhoun, but the opportunity cost for Miami was not getting a much-needed safety or running back.
Draft Grade: B-

NFL.com (Chad Reuter) *
Hunt is a solid right tackle who was picked much earlier than many expected. However, he certainly has the nasty attitude and power to be a long-time starter.

Pro Football Network (Tony Pauline) *
With D’Andre Swift off the board the Dolphins went for another blocker, adding Robert Hunt. A right tackle at Louisiana, most team project Hunt to guard in the NFL. He’s a stout blocker with a powerful build and position versatility.

Pro Football Network (Andrew DiCecco) *
The Dolphins add Ragin Cajuns tackle Robert Hunt to a retooled offensive line that includes USC’s, Austin Jackson. Hunt, 6-foot-5, 323 pounds, is a powerful mauler, but will likely kick insider to guard at the pro level.

Hunt, a four-year starter, started 21 games at right tackle, 22 games at left guard and two games at left tackle. He's smooth getting set and flashes violent hands in pass pro. He anchors well. He has good body control and balance for his size. He has shorter arms for an offensive tackle and he projects better at guard. He plays with an edge and flashes the ability to overwhelm defenders in the run game. He missed five games with a groin injury in 2019 and did not work out at the combine. He played basketball in high school and averaged 18.9 points and 11 rebounds per game as a junior. -- April 2020

Pre-Draft Analysis
Hunt is a four-year starter who started 22 games at left guard, 21 games at right tackle and two games at left tackle. He's smooth getting set, and he flashes powerful hands in pass pro. He plays with an edge and shows the ability to overwhelm defenders in the run game. He has shorter arms for an offensive tackle, and he projects better at guard than tackle. -- Steve Muench

Player Bio

Hunt was a four-year starter for the Ragin' Cajuns after a strong high school career at Burkeville, Texas. He started all 13 games at left guard as a redshirt freshman, and then split time between left guard (nine starts) and left tackle (two starts) the following season. Hunt moved to right tackle for all 14 games in 2018, and Sun Belt coaches considered his play good enough to vote him second-team all-conference. He only started the first seven games of his senior season due to a groin injury but still was named first-team All-SBC for his play at right tackle.

Analysis

• Draft Projection - Round 2
• NFL Comparison - Cody Ford

Overview

Like Cody Ford in last year's draft, Hunt is a plus athlete with a big man's frame who could be considered at guard or tackle. Inconsistent footwork and pad level are the primary culprits when he fails to win the rep, but there aren't any physical limitations that should prevent him from improving in both areas. Pass protection traits are present but getting the skill level up to par is going to take time. He's a little raw but has the necessary talent to become a solid future starter at right tackle.

Strengths

• Rare combination of bulk and athleticism
• Carries weight on well-proportioned frame easily
• Offers two-position experience at both guard and tackle
• Ease of movement out of his stance and into it
• Plus lateral scoot to make blocks a gap away
• Looks to make a point with aggressive first contact
• Works to sustain blocks on the second level and even beyond
• Physical tools to become plus run blocker in all schemes
• Possesses slide quickness to square half-man rushers
• Able to recover and redirect rush past the edge
• Hands are like clamps once they take root into defender's frame

Weaknesses

• Loses hand technique and placement when trying to mash down-blocks
• Footwork is a little raw and undisciplined
• Pass sets can turn into gallops with heels close together
• Will need to incorporate more flat-footed punch for anchor
• Gets caught leaning with nose over toes at times
• Hands land high and ride up and off the frame
• Can bend but allows pad level to creep up tall during the rep
• Instinctive reactions to unexpected moves is below average

PROS

CONS

SNAPS by ALLIGNMENT

Robert Hunt, OT

Positives:
Large, nimble offensive lineman who can play tackle or guard. Plays heads-up football, keeps his feet moving and works his hands. Explosive at the point, stays square and attacks assignments. Blocks down on defenders and seals them from the play. Keeps his head on a swivel, effectively picks up stunts and blitzes and fluidly pulls across the line of scrimmage to block in motion. Gets movement as a run blocker and turns defenders from the line.

Negatives:
Doesn’t block with consistent leverage or pad level. Doesn’t effectively redirect to linebackers at the second level.

Analysis:
Hunt was a terrific right tackle at Louisiana, and he’s a strong lineman with a next-level build. He has space restrictions, and a move into guard may be in the offing as a result. At the very least, Hunt should be an inexpensive utility blocker on a depth chart.

Robert Hunt Scouting Report

Strengths:

• Really good feet for a big guy
• Dependable in pass protection
• Asset to neutralize interior pass-rushers
• Really good feet for a big guy
• Quality athlete
• Good build
• Quick to the second level, open field
• Effective as a puller
• Good in space
• Can hit blocks in space
• Quick out of his stance
• Great fit in a zone-blocking scheme
• Good fit as a left guard
• Upside to improve

Weaknesses:

• Short arms to play tackle - 33.5 inches
• Needs to develop more power and strength
• Improve ability to bend

Summary:
La.-Lafayette was known to have a three-headed monster at running back entering the 2019 season, but one of the big reasons for the team's ground success was the blocking up front led by Hunt. Hunt played tackle, but NFL teams are projecting him to move inside to guard as a pro. Hunt could be a sleeper pick on the second day of the 2020 NFL Draft who turns into a really good value.

In pass protection, Hunt projects to be an asset in the NFL. He has very good feet for a big guy, and that is why he played tackle in college. Hunt has a guard body for the pro game, but with his feet and athleticism ,he should be a tough interior blocker in pass protection. Hunt can glide with speed rushers and has the size to hold his ground against powerful defensive tackles. Improving his ability to bend will help him to pass protect at the pro level, but before long, he could be a really dependable and steady pass protector capable of neutralizing interior pass-rushers.

In the ground game, Hunt does a nice job of latching on tying up defenders. He is quick to the second level, and his good feet allow him to project extremely well to a zone-blocking scheme. With his footwork and athleticism, Hunt should be a good guard to pull and fire to the second level. He needs to develop more power and strength for the NFL, thus he would be a better fit as a left guard than a right guard. Hunt has a good build, but in order to get movement as a run blocker in the NFL, he will have to develop in the weight room.

Hunt's experience at tackle also offers some game-day versatility to chip in an emergency role there. While Hunt should play guard, a team could get away with him at tackle if injuries force their hand. Having that added flexibility is a nice added value for having Hunt as a starter at guard.

The 2020 NFL Draft should have at least nine offensive tackles get selected in the first rounds. Unless some of those tackles are being taken to move inside to guard, Hunt could be the first pure guard drafted. Some sources believe Hunt will get drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and he won't last long if he slips to the third round.

Player Comparison:
James Carpenter.
From a skill-set perspective, Hunt is similar to James Carpenter coming out of Alabama in 2011. Carpenter (6-5, 321) was a first-round pick, but he has not played up to his potential in the NFL because of intangibles. Hunt and Carpenter are almost identical in size with good feet and athleticism. Hunt could be a better version of Carpenter as a pro.

Dolphins Draft OL Robert Hunt

• No. 39 overall pick (ULL)
• Limited by groin injury in ’19
• Still made 1st-Team All-Sun Belt

STRENGTHS

—Four-year starter for the Ragin' Cajuns who played both guard and tackle; offers tremendous positional flexibility and could slide into an established offensive line with ease.

—Looks for a finish on every play and relishes the opportunity to put a man in the dirt; dominates in the fourth quarter after physically beating up his opponent.

—Thick-bodied prospect who carries the weight exceptionally well and has no trouble in space; can fit into any scheme immediately.

—Has a junkyard-dog mentality and concrete blocks for hands; a fighter in pass protection who will land body blows routinely.

—Has a better snatch-and-trap move in pass protection than a majority of NFL linemen; able to remain balanced with efficient hands while manipulating defenders.

—Undeniable power throughout his entire frame; comfortable relying on it to uproot defenders at the line of scrimmage or sit back in his hips and anchor in the run game.

—Quick-sets with ease and has the lateral agility to mirror at the line of scrimmage with defenders; moving inside to guard could accentuate the best parts of his game in pass protection.

WEAKNESSES

—Turns 24 in late August and may be seen as maxed out with regard to physical and technical maturation.

—Groin injury ended his season with seven games remaining and required offseason surgery.

—Had a tendency to start clicking his heels late in games versus weak competition as a pass protector; nasty habits like that will get exposed versus better talent in the NFL.

—Often throws his hands like he's unrolling a carpet and has a tendency to start low and roll them upward, landing wide and outside the ideal strike point; slows his punch down and telegraphs it early.

—Doesn't have ideal vertical sets as a tackle; could play there in a pinch, but would struggle versus every-down speed-rushers that threaten his edge.

—Pad level in pass protection became inconsistent late in games; paired with average length at best (33½" arms), long-armed defenders will get inside his frame and play with his balance.

—Drops his eyes into opponents too often and will be susceptible to some arm-over moves and quick swipes in the NFL.

OVERALL

Hunt's biggest weakness might be that his opponents were weaker than he was. He's been able to dominate the majority of his opponents, which allowed him to get away with some lazy habits that look more like a player who is bored and less like true deficiencies. If any prospect can fix his flaws the fastest, Hunt might be the guy. He offers top-tier power in every phase, but he pairs that power with plenty of athleticism. He'll kick inside to guard in the NFL, where his vertical sets won't be quite as challenged and he can continue to be a road-grader in the run game.

CONTENT

Post Draft Analysis
Youtube Highlights
ESPN Insider Draft Analysis (paid subscription)
NFL.COM Draft Analysis
NFL Draft Bible Analysis (paid subscription)
Pro Football Focus Draft Analysis (paid subscription)
Pro Football Network (Tony Pauline) Analysis
Walter Football Analysis
Bleacher Report Analysis

POST DRAFT ANALYSIS

Yahoo! Sports (Eric Edholm)
We had Jackson as the No. 68 overall prospect. Others had him far higher, and had he not donated bone marrow to his sister right before the season, perhaps he would have played better. We just weren't in love with him, and believe he needs lot of development.
Draft Grade: C-

NFL Network (Daniel Jeremiah) *
They’re getting a true left tackle with outstanding foot quickness and athleticism. He struggled a little bit early on in the year and got more comfortable as the year progressed. He’s only 20 years old. I don’t know that he can step on the field right now and be an impact tackle. But the upside with this kid is off the charts because of his ability to bend his knees and move. He’s an outstanding athlete.

ESPN (Louis Riddick) *
He’s unmatched in this draft at the offensive tackle position. You could say at least he’s on par with all the other top tackles in this draft. Tremendous set quickness, long arms, good punch. Tremendous recoverability. In the run game, he can play in the power scheme, can play zone schemes, can climb to the second level. He just needs to stay more consistent when he goes up against technically proficient pass rushers because he had trouble with [Iowa’s] AJ Epenesa, had a little bit of trouble with [Utah’s] Bradley Anae. This is a guy who’s best football is ahead of him, without a doubt.

RotoWorld *
This was the pick the Dolphins got from the Steelers in the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade. A two-year starter at left tackle in OC Graham Harrell's up-tempo Air Raid scheme, 20-year-old Jackson (6’5/322) earned first-team All-Pac 12 honors in his final year at USC. His 2019 tape showcases lackluster footwork and traits of a mid-round prospect, but note that Jackson donated bone marrow to his sister only two months prior to the Trojans' season opener, losing 25 pounds while recovering his hip flexibility. That could also explain why he was dominated by Iowa EDGE A.J. Epenesa in the 2019 Holiday Bowl. Fortunately, Jackson's 89th-percentile Adjusted SPARQ athleticism, as well as his formidable length and quickness, are reasons to be optimistic that he can develop into a quality starter in due time. Jackson may struggle in his first year out the gates but has the ceiling of a multi-year Pro-Bowler with proper development backing him. In Miami, he will have to play immediately, likely sliding in at left tackle ahead of cellar-dweller option Julie'n Davenport and next to free-agent pickup LG Ereck Flowers.

Pro Football Focus *
The excitement surrounding Miami after selecting Tua Tagovailoa is dampened a little bit here with the biggest reach of the draft so far in our eyes. Jackson comes in at 94th on the PFF Big Board, and it all comes down to his on-field production. The length and physical profile is that of a Day 1 offensive tackle, but Jackson was carved up last season by the three NFL-caliber edge defenders that he faced (Julian Okwara, Bradlee Anae and A.J. Epenesa) and managed just a 74.1 grade overall for the season. With Josh Jones still on the board, it’s hard to justify this selection.

CBS Sports (Pete Prisco) *
Grade: C-. I would have gone with Ezra Cleveland. Austin Jackson is a project. It might take a year or two for him to become the player people think he can become. I'm concerned about this pick for Miami.

Sporting News (Vinnie Iyer) *
The Dolphins got Tagovailoa to be their quarterback, so they were bound to turn their attention to protecting him soon afterward. However, this is a pick they might have been able to make in a later round, making it a bit of a reach given they passed on more bona fide elite players they need at other positions (like safety Xavier McKinney). Jackson is an impressive athlete for his size (6-5, 322 pounds), but he needs some refinement in his technique to match his quick feet.
Grade : C

Pro Football Network (Tony Pauline) *
I received a lot of grief for having Austin Jackson rated so highly, but the Dolphins agreed with me. Jackson was one of the best left tackle pass protectors in this draft and he comes with a huge upside. He needs to improve his consistency as well as his run blocking, but the Dolphins got a great prospect in Jackson.

Pro Football Network (Andrew DiCecco) *
Following the Tua selection, I mentioned it was imperative the Dolphins capitalize on a strong offensive tackle class and come away with one in the first round to protect Tagovailoa. Jackson is an immensely talented, albeit raw prospect, that is one of the more athletic tackle prospects in this class.

Jackson, a true junior in 2019, was a two-year starter at left tackle. He gets off the ball and flashes the ability to move defenders in the run game. He flashes a violent punch. He has the potential to develop into an above-average pass-blocker. He's quick and long enough to handle speed off the edge. He does an above-average job of resetting his hands and recovering. He gives ground when he doesn't win with his hands initially. He oversets and gets beaten to the inside at times. The 2019 Notre Dame tape shows the good and the bad in pass pro. -- March 2020

Pre-Draft Analysis
Jackson gets off the ball and flashes the ability to move defenders in the run game. He has a violent punch and has the potential to develop into a good pass-blocker. He's quick and long enough to handle speed off the edge. He does an above-average job of resetting his hands and recovering. Jackson is inconsistent, however, and the 2019 Notre Dame tape shows the good and the bad in pass protection. -- Steve Muench

Player Bio
Many USA Today High School All-Americans face the most important choice of their young lives when picking a school. Jackson's selection of USC was not nearly as important, however, as his decision to donate bone marrow to his younger sister in the summer of 2019. The procedure went well, and Jackson returned to the Trojans for his junior season. He started all 13 games at left tackle in 2019, garnering first-team All-Pac-12 notice for his efforts. As a freshman, Jackson played in all 14 games as a reserve and on special teams. The next season, the Phoenix, Arizona, native started all 12 games at left tackle. Jackson's grandfather, Melvin, played on the offensive line for the Trojans' 1974 national championship team and for the Green Bay Packers for five years.

Analysis

• NFL Comparison: D.J. Humphries

Overview
Early-entry tackle prospect who is raw but gifted and is likely to be coveted by a variety of teams, thanks to his true left tackle traits. Jackson has loads of athletic ability and play talent that is waiting to be developed and harvested. Inconsistent hand placement and footwork could be exploited early on if teams try and rush him into the starting lineup, but issues are correctable. He's scheme-diverse with potential guard flexibility if he improves his strength. He could become an early starter but may offer a wider split between floor and ceiling than some teams might like.

Strengths

• Outstanding athleticism on athletic frame
• Room for additional mass and development
• Nimble feet and quick twitch headline his athletic gifts
• Flashes bend and initial pop as drive-blocker
• Initial lateral steps gain ground quickly
• Quick to second level on cutoff blocks
• Rangy -- capable in long pulls and wide receiver screens
• Rapid kick slide offers mirroring mechanism against speed
• Slick splash technique to create imbalance from rushers
• Ability to redirect against counters
• Athleticism for above-average recovery talent
• Can run the rusher up and around the pocket
• Has blocked two kicks at USC and five in high school

Weaknesses

• Technique issues show up on tape
• Footwork can be jumpy and undisciplined
• Needs to improve upper body and core strength
• Infrequent use of inside hands diminishes power
• Lacks hand placement to sustain and steer the defender
• Low hands can be tardy to land first
• Too much hunching forward into punch
• Overextends causing fluctuation in base width
• Average body composure to handle counters

AUSTIN JACKSON | USC | OT | #73 | JR | 6047 |
322 | 1028 | 3418 | 8200 | 5.07 | Phoenix, AX | North Canyon HS |
08.11.99 | NIC | 8.0/9.2 | Rd2

Overview:
Possesses long, wide, athletic frame; prototypical size—has gained over 50 pounds since arriving to USC and still has room to grow. Shows strong hands, excellent placement and
great bend. However, he can overextend himself at times and be caught out of place. A two-year starter who played special teams as a freshman. Has NFL bloodlines. Underwent an altruistic
surgical procedure during the summer of 2019, to donate bone marrow to his sister Autumn, who suffers from Diamond-Blackfan anemia. Overall, his combination of size, athleticism and
upside could make him a top 50 overall selection.

Background:
Grew up in a single-parent household with his mother Lavonna Buckhanan. Played offensive tackle and defensive end at North Canyon High in Phoenix, Arizona. He also was on
North Canyon’s track and basketball teams. Majored in political science at USC. His grandfather, Melvin Jackson, was a 1974 and 1975 letterman offensive tackle at USC. He then went on to
play 5 years (1976-80) in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers after being their 12th round pick in the 1976 Draft. Jackson returned healthy to the Trojans for his junior season after donating bone marrow to his sister in the summer of 2019.

Career:
Started all 13 games at left tackle in 2019 and 2018, garnering first-team All-Pac-12 honors. As a freshman, Jackson played in all 14 games and contributed on special teams.

Q&A:
How did you wind up being a bone marrow donor for your sister? My sister has a rare blood disorder which causes your body not to produce red blood cells. She's had it since she was
born. The procedure I did, the bone marrow transplant, allows her body to accept my blood cells. Thank god we were a perfect match through blood testing. That allowed her to fully restart
her system and her body is now producing red blood cells.

Q&A:
What did you learn from your grandfather, Melvin, who played for the Packers? It's a business. You have to show up every day, work to get better. There's some technique stuff he's
showed me, but football in the '70s is a lot different than football now. But the biggest thing he's taught me is show up every day, work hard, and make the most for yourself.

Q&A:
Have you stayed connected with any of the great Trojans tackles from years past? Yes. I talk to guys like Anthony Munoz who come back. He's a legend, Hall of Famer. Guys like Tyron
Smith, talked to him a couple times. Look forward to training with him this offseason. Sam Baker, another great, comes back a lot. There's a handful of them.

PROS & CONS

COMPARABLES

Austin Jackson, OT, USC

Positives
Athletic tackle who is one of the best pass protectors in this year’s draft. Quickly sets up off the snap, keeps his head on a swivel and displays good vision. Picks up stunts and blitzes, adjusts to speed rushers and effectively knocks them from their angles of attack with a strong hand punch.

Bends his knees, sets with a wide base and keeps his feet moving. Stays square and seals defenders from the action. Easily slides off the edge, makes outstanding use of angles and displays terrific lateral range. Flexible, resilient and stays with plays. Has a nasty mentality and attacks blocks.

Negatives
Must improve as a run blocker. Does not get much movement and gets held up at the point by defenders. Has a tendency to fall off blocks rather than finish them.

Analysis
Jackson was a terrific left tackle for the Trojans the past two seasons and displayed good athleticism during combine testing. He comes with big upside and starting potential and should only improve as he physically matures.

Austin Jackson*, OT, USC
Height: 6-5. Weight: 322. Arm: 34.13. Hand: 10.25.
40 Time: 5.07.
Projected Round (2020): 1-2.

4/21/20: In speaking to some team sources, they believe Jackson will be a first-round pick, but if offensive linemen get pushed down because of the amount of prospects, he might be an early second-round pick. Jackson had a solid combine with a fast 40 and a good workout.

Evaluators say Jackson is a great athlete with quick feet and excellent agility. He is an easy mover with the ability to bend at the knee and play with good leverage. There were times where Jackson got away with some mistakes because of his athleticism, and he will need to work on technique for the NFL. Jackson is raw from a fundamentals standpoint, and that was exposed by A.J. Epenesa in Iowa's bowl win, but Jackson's skill set is that of a franchise left tackle.

Earlier in 2019, Jackson took a leave from the Trojans in order to donate bone marrow to his younger sister, and he played extremely well after returning to the team.

Austin Jackson, Tackle, USC

Strengths: Size, effort-hustle

Weaknesses: Fluidity

Jackson is one of the feel-good stories of this year's draft: He took time off from football in the 2019 offseason to give his sister a bone-marrow transplant to correct a rare, dangerous blood disorder. Here's an ESPN video that tells the story better than we can in the space provided. Jackson told reporters at the combine that his sister was making a full recovery. "I was happy. I was excited. But most importantly I just thanked God. It was a miracle, and I was glad I could do that for my family," he said.

On the field, Jackson is a get-the-job-done type. He's big, strong and alert when reading blitzes or mirroring his defender's moves, but he's very mechanically stiff. Agile pass-rushers will be able to beat him to the inside at the NFL level, and he'll whiff at the last second on some open-field blocks.

Jackson's lack of agility could make him a liability at left tackle, but he's physical and determined enough to hold his own on the right side or serve as a quality multi-position backup. Jackson's technique is not pretty, but he's enough of a brawler to help the Dolphins.

The Dolphins allowed a league-high (tied with the Panthers) 58 sacks last season. They traded left tackle Laremy Tunsil just before the start of last season, of course, because a) they wanted to straddle the rebuilding/tanking line as tightly as possible; and b) Bill O’Brien was leaking foolishness and draft picks. But that left them with J’Marcus Webb, whom I thought retired in 2014, starting at left tackle for a while. They fielded one of the worst offensive lines I have ever seen at the start of the season, and it only got a little better as the season progressed. So Jackson fills a need. But the Dolphins have dipped into the second tier of tackle prospects. They should have tried to move up for a Tristan Wirfs or move down for more assets.

Grade: C+

CONTENT

Post Draft Analysis
Youtube Highlights
ESPN Insider Draft Analysis (paid subscription)
NFL.COM Draft Analysis
NFL Draft Bible Analysis (paid subscription)
Pro Football Focus Draft Analysis (paid subscription)
Pro Football Network (Tony Pauline) Analysis
Walter Football Analysis
Bleacher Report Analysis

POST DRAFT ANALYSIS

Rotoworld *
The Dolphins were already plenty strong at corner with Xavien Howard and Byron Jones already solidified as starters, so expect Igbinoghene to compete for a job as the nickelback. A two-year starter and accomplished track athlete — as noted by The Athletic's Dane Brugler, Igbinoghene's father (Festus) was once the fifth-rated jumper in the world and his mother won bronze at the 1992 Summer Olympics as part of the Nigerian women’s 4x100 relay team — at Auburn, Igbinoghene (5'10/198) actually didn’t make the transition to corner until 2018 but still allowed only 6.9 yards per target as a true snap sponge (89.5%) in his last two seasons. He's also guaranteed to vie for reps on special teams at the next level after averaging 31.4 yards per return (20/628/2) over his career. Igbinoghene needs more development and may be exposed by savvy route runners early, but he undoubtedly has the traits and athleticism of a high-upside prospect.

Pro Football Focus *
Repeat it with me: You can never have too many coverage players. The Dolphins added Byron Jones to Xavien Howard in the cornerback room already this offseason, and they show here that they’re not done. Brian Flores’ man-heavy scheme, brought over from his days in New England, prioritizes speed and movement skills at the cornerback position. Igbinoghene has those things in spades. It’s the other aspects of the cornerback position that concern you. He doesn’t have great ball skills or instincts, but he is still very young and has the things you can’t teach.

NBC Sports (Chris Simms) *
Well I guess the dolphins are patriots south east and are gonna yet to have the best secondary in football. Noah Igbinoghene is gonna be an awesome slot corner. Man the dolphins are gonna be hard to throw on.

CBS Sports (Pete Prisco) *
Grade: A+. The captain of my Better-Than-Team. I think this pick is outstanding. He's a great press man guy. He tackled 10 times better than I expected from a track guy.

Sporting News (Vinnie Iyer) *
The Dolphins again pass on big needs at safety and running back in a reach pick for a nickel back to place between expensive starting cornerbacks. Igbinoghene (5-10, 198 pounds) stands out as a physical cover man for his size. He closes well on receivers at the end of their routes, which translates to good finishing burst against the run, too.
Grade: C

Pro Football Network (Tony Pauline) *
I mentioned all week Noah Igbinoghene was moving up draft boards, but no one expected him to end up in round one. He’s well-sized, feisty, and possesses solid ball skills. And while Igbinoghene is a solid corner, it’s surprising he was selected before Jaylon Johnson and Kristian Fulton.

Pro Football Network (Andrew DiCecco) *
With Kristian Fulton and Jaylon Johnson still on the board, the Dolphins make a stunning pick at 30, taking Auburn’s Noah Igbinoghene. The 5-foot-10, 198-pound cornerback is a chiseled and extremely physical defensive back. The former wide receiver is still a developing player but has the upside to become a high-level starter as a nickel defender with proper coaching.

GM Chris Grier (247 Sports) *
“Best player on the board for us. We felt really good about Noah. We got to know him. This is a passing league as everyone says. You can never have enough corners … (head coach) Brian (Flores) came from a really good defensive team when we hired him, and they had a lot of corners. At the end of the day, the way this league is offensively, it’s a premium position and the more you have, the better. It breeds competition. (He’s a) competitive kid that we really liked in the process.”

Igbinoghene brings good size with average arm length and above-average top-end speed. He is a tough press-man corner at the line of scrimmage and does a good job of rerouting wide receivers. Igbinoghene is better in man than zone coverage and excels in reading receivers in their routes. He does struggle to locate the ball, and he is frequently late and loses track of his leverage. And while he is a former wide receiver with adequate ball skills, he did not intercept a pass in 26 starts at the cornerback position. Igbinoghene is aggressive against the run and a solid tackler in space. He is a likely No. 3 or No. 4 CB as a rookie and has the potential to develop into a No. 2 starter. -- March 2020

Pre-Draft Analysis:
Igbinoghene has good size, decent length and great top-end speed. He's a tough press-man corner who does a good job of rerouting wide receivers. He's better in man coverage than he is in zone, and he failed to intercept a pass in 26 starts at corner even though he's a former receiver. He is a solid tackler and aggressive run-defender. -- Steve Muench

Player Bio

Igbinoghene (pronounced IG-bin-OG-gah-nee) is the son of two Olympic-caliber track athletes from Nigeria. His mother, Faith, won a bronze medal with the Nigerian 4x100 relay team in 1992 and finished fifth with that team in 1996. His father, Festus, attended Mississippi State and won five SEC titles in the long and triple jumps. Noah was a standout in high school track, breaking the Alabama state record in the triple jump and finishing second in the nation in that event as a senior. He was a top-25 wide receiver recruit nationally and first-team all-state selection as a senior, as well. Igbinoghene began his career at Auburn on offense, playing in all 14 games of the 2017 season at receiver (six receptions, 24 yards, 4.0 average) while serving as the team's primary kick returner (25 returns, 571 yards, 23.8 average). He moved to cornerback for the 2018 season, starting nine of 13 games played (50 tackles, 1.5 for loss, one interception, 11 pass breakups) while continuing to contribute as a kick returner (11 returns, 311 yards, 28.3 average, one touchdown). Igbinoghene competed on the Auburn track squad in 2018, as well, finishing seventh in the long jump at the SEC Indoor Championships. He decided to head to the NFL after his junior campaign, when he started all 13 games (42 tackles, one for loss, seven pass breakups) and brought back one of nine kickoff returns for a score (nine returns, 317 yards, 35.2 average).

Analysis

• Draft Projection: Round 2
• NFL Comparison: Darqueze Dannard

Overview

Stocky but explosive receiver-turned-cornerback whose play generates both intrigue and concern. He's extremely physical from snap to whistle with the strength to alter route timing from press. He's a good athlete with a plus burst to close. He's naturally aggressive to ambush catch tries. Staying in phase on the vertical plane is a challenge and pattern recognition is surprisingly average. Improvement is likely with more experience and technique, but playing with downfield poise is not guaranteed. He's good in run support and offers early special teams help as he continues to learn his craft.

Strengths

• Very strong and very physical
• Explosive athleticism
• Tremendously competitive with outstanding practice habits
• Treats press jam like a sparring session
• Repetitive strikes to inside shoulder help grind on the release
• Instant acceleration to open and chase
• Low center of gravity for quicker change of direction
• Shows ability for early recovery in short spaces
• Aggressive challenges diminish receivers' focus at catch point
• Heavy chops through receivers' arms and hands force incompletions
• Good balance and radar as open-field tackler
• Two career kick return touchdowns and gunner talent

Weaknesses

• Very raw with just two years playing the position
• Lacks natural footwork and fluidity in space
• Inconsistent mirroring release and timing up his opening
• Slow to sort what he sees from off coverage
• Eye balance between receiver and quarterback is lacking
• Plays with all power and no finesse
• Below average at staying in phase with the route
• Panic sets in with his back to the ball
• Yellow flags find him when he doesn't find the ball
• Tackles up high and needs to lower his target aim

NOAH IGBINOGHENE | Auburn | CB | #4 | JR | 5103 | 198 |
0938 |3168 | 7518 | 4.48 | Trussville, AL | Hewitt-Trussville HS |
11.27.99 | NIC | 7.3/8.4 | Rd2

Overview:
After beginning his Auburn career at wide receiver, Noah Ignoniqhene has shown some big time growth at the cornerback position over the last two seasons. With an exciting
athletic profile, Igbonighene is a super twitchy player who possesses some of the smoothest transitions in the cornerback class. Explosive through the hips, he is able to turn and run with
anyone attacking vertically. Igbonighene is extremely sticky in coverage in trail technique, staying in phase well throughout the entirety of reps. His wide receiver background shows up big
time in coverage. He has a nice understanding of route concepts and the soft spots offenses are trying to attack. Currently Igbonighene’s best fit is in an off man system that allows him to
maintain eye discipline and transition downhill. He is also a competent run defender, showing little hesitancy to throw his weight around. While the upside is high, there is some rawness to
Igbonighene’s game that will need to be hammered out early. He does not have much experience in press man coverage. The reps he has, he is not able to work laterally well enough to cut
off momentum of various releases. When taking on blocks in the run game, he does not use his hands well enough, getting stuck on blocks far too often. Igbonighene is a high upside pick at
the next level. There might not be as much immediate return as you might like but down the road, he could be considered amongst the best defensive backs in the 2020 NFL Draft class.

Background:
Son of Faith and Festus Igbinoghene. Both of his parents were Olympic track athletes. Coached by Josh Floyd at Hewitt-Trussville High School in his hometown of Trussville,
Alabama. A top 60 wide receiver according to ESPN, 247 Sports and Rivals, and a top 25 receiver by Scout. Also recognized as a top 25 player from Alabama via ESPN, and a top 15 Alabama
player as evaluated by 247 Sports, Scout and Rivals. Ran track throughout high school as well. Studied in the College of Science and Math at Auburn.

Career:
While also competing in track for the Tigers, Igbinoghene played in 26 games and stood as both a corner and kick returner. Recorded 92 total tackles, 19 passes defensed, one
interception, and one forced fumble. Scored two kickoff return touchdowns at Auburn and averaged just over 31 yards a return on 20 attempts.

PROS

CONS

COMPARISON

Career Snapshot:
Two-year starter who made 42 tackles and broke up seven passes as a junior in 2019. Made 50 tackles with one interception and 11 pass breakups as a sophomore. Switched from wide receiver to cornerback before the 2018 season. Competed in the triple jump and the long jump for Auburn track and field in 2018.

Positives:
Physical cover cornerback who also doubles as a return specialist. Quickly flips his hips to transition with opponents and loses nothing from the line of scrimmage. Effectively reads and diagnoses plays, stays with the action and competes to break up throws.

Shows the ability to stay downfield with opponents, works to get his head around to locate the pass in the air and has an explosive closing burst of speed to the play. Effective in zone coverage, quick up the field and gives effort against the run. Wraps up tackling and brings ball carriers down at the point of attack. Game-impacting kick returner.

Negatives:
Needs to polish his overall technique. Inconsistent with his back to the ball.

Analysis:
Igbinoghene was a solid cornerback for Auburn who displayed consistent progress the past two seasons. He possesses the size and speed to be a nickel corner and return kicks.

Noah Igbinoghene*, CB, Auburn
Height: 5-10. Weight: 198. Arm: 31.75. Hand: 9.38.
40 Time: 4.48.

Projected Round (2020): 2-3.

4/22/20: Team sources say Igbinoghene impressed them during the 2019 season. He was the Tigers' top cornerback and played well against a tough schedule. Igbinoghene had 42 tackles with seven passes broken up on the year. In 2018, he totaled 45 tackles with an interception and 11 breakups. Evaluators say Igbinoghene is a better athlete than player at this point, but he has a good skill set with lots of upside to develop.

Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn

Strengths:
Athletic upside

Weaknesses:
Experience

Igbinoghene started his Auburn career as a receiver, catching six passes and returning kickoffs as a freshman. He explained why he switched to defense at the combine.

"After my freshman season, three people said something to me about it. ... First I was sitting at my barber ... and my barber said something to me about it, because he used to play at Auburn. ... Then my pastor said something to me about it, and I said, ‘OK, this is kind of weird to me a little bit.' Then actually I met with Coach [Kevin] Steele ... he was down at the cornerback position, and he asked me to do it. I did it, and in six practices, I was starting."

Some NFL team should hire Igbinoghene's pastor and barber for its scouting department. Also, I really miss my barber. And yeah, my pastor, too.

Anyway, Igbinoghene's mother won a bronze medal for Nigeria for track and field in the 1992 Olympics, his father was an NCAA track star, and he was a high school standout in the triple jump. The tape shows a track athlete turned wide receiver turned cornerback, but the athleticism is obvious, and Igbinoghene likes to mix it up, both when pressing and when tackling.

This is an odd pick for the Dolphins, who signed Xavien Howard to a huge extension last year and then added Byron Jones as a free agent. But there is something to be said for building around one strong unit; for the Dolphins, the secondary is now that unit. And in the short term, they can stick Igbinoghene on special teams and in a nickel-dime role while they groom him as a starter. Unless his barber and pastor have better ideas, of course.

Grade: B