Todd McShay’s FINAL Mock Draft has Miami Selecting

NFL.com Draft Profile

Overview

Fano lacks ideal proportional build but compensates with loose hips, quick feet and high-end athleticism. He has the tools to mirror speed rushers, wall off the top of the pocket and find a late anchor when taking the worst of a bull rush. He needs to stay square longer to prevent inside moves and refine his punch approach/timing. His athletic profile is designed for move-based blocking schemes where he can pull, reach and climb while beating opponents to the spot with quickness/feel for hitting landmarks on time. He gives good effort as a downhill blocker but issues with pad level and core strength lead to him being overtaken as the rep progresses. Fano’s level of NFL success might be tied to scheme fit and individual matchups.

Strengths

• Three-year starter with experience at both tackle spots.
• Has extensive reps in prominent run-blocking schemes.
• Good hand-strike quickness when allowed to fire out.
• Accelerates feet and runs through angle blocks on contact.
• Has footwork and body control to stay connected on move blocks.
• Athleticism/adjustments can spring runs and screens in space.
• Flies out of his stance and in front of the rusher with quickness.
• Above-average mirroring the rush with foot quickness.
• Able to unlock hips and ride edge rushers around the pocket.
• Good at finding his footing after early push from speed to power.
• Feints punches to draw and dry out rusher’s hand swipe attempts.

Weaknesses

• Lean through his chest, waist and thighs by NFL standards.
• Lacks upper-body and core strength to sustain in-blocks at pro level.
• Pad level rides way too high on drive blocks.
• Can be pressed and displaced by heavy-handed ends.
• Loses “first in” battles to the frame with his pass punch.
• Will overset instead of working inside/out against speed rushers.
• Opens outside half too quickly, creating opportunities for inside moves.
• Must guard against lunging with inside hand and hugging with outside hand.

Round 1, Pick #30: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

“A big, physical WR with YAC ability, Boston is a perfect fit in Bobby Slowik’s offense. San Diego State CB Chris Johnson would make sense here, too.”

NFL.com Draft Profile

Overview

Two-year starter with elite ball skills that should supersede athletic/speed limitations. A Puka Nacua comparison might feel strong, but like Nacua, Boston enters the draft with speed/separation concerns and outstanding competitive toughness. Boston gets off the line with good burst and maintains his top speed throughout the route. He could have issues beating press, but releases can also be schemed. He’s very skilled when it comes to winning jump balls and contested throws. Boston also knows how to win in the red zone. Acclimating to NFL competition could take a year, but Boston has the makeup to become a productive possession target with above-average red-zone value.

Strengths

• Good early acceleration and plays faster than timed speed.
• Runs routes with good fluidity.
• Big-bodied target who plays to his size.
• Leans on defenders without sacrificing catch readiness.
• Scored 20 TDs over the last two seasons, proving himself a red-zone mismatch.
• Pro-caliber ball skills with elite hand strength to finish.
• Extends for off-frame throws with a spider web-like catch radius.
• Ball tracking and adjustment timing are top notch.
• Competitive and strong with his run-after-catch ability.

Weaknesses

• Production dipped when the competition level rose.
• Press release is linear and will give NFL CBs opportunities to get hands on him.
• Flashes early burst but lacks a true second gear.
• Routes lose steam when he digs his foot in on route turns.
• Earned separation closes as the route progresses.
• Might need formation help and stacks/motion to free his releases.