Jonathan Bullard - Is he starting to turn the corner?

Today we expect every rookie to come in and take the league by storm. If they do not dominate their rookie year we label them as busts.
The reality is it usually takes 3 years before they become a pro. I hope he continues his growth and dominants next year. He has always shown flashes of talent.

Therein lies the biggest issue. Even a 1st or 2nd rounder can need time to adjust and develop; although they shouldn't need as much as others. Give up on a guy to soon and you end up looking like a fool for moving on from Farve or Young, but wait to long...well there is no real downfall as long as you don't resign them. Give these young players a chance to develop and learn and some will impress and/or surprise. 

Yep and he commented on both factors in an interview.  He's being asked to play in a much different manner and in different scheme so that took some adjustment in his weight as well as his technique.  He's getting better from what I can see.  Unrein is a savvy journeyman kind of guy whose a solid player but he's also 30 years old vs 24 for Bullard.  By next season I expect Bullard to be "the guy".

Gotta feeling we may see this kid become Goldman's #2.  He's added some NFL bulk since he arrived and is as big or bigger than Goldman's now.  Another small school guy who needs to learn to play with the big boys.  He's on the PS.

www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/rashaad-coward?id=2558816


DT
Rashaad Coward
Old Dominion Conference USA

6'6"
Height
310LBS.
Weight

Overview

Growing up in Brooklyn wasn’t easy, but Coward’s toughness helped him there and on the football field with ODU. He played early on, suiting up for 10 games as a true freshman (13 tackles, two for loss) and in 14 games (one start, 26 tackles, 2.5 for loss) in 2014. Coward was a starter as a junior (47 tackles, 2.5 for loss) and senior (50 tackles, 7.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks). The 2016 team captain was a second-team All-Conference USA selection for his efforts, which included a four-tackle performance in the team’s Popeye’s Bahamas Bowl win over Eastern Michigan.

Analysis

Strengths Has desired NFL size for multiple spots along the defensive line. Shoots hands quickly into blocker's frame and usually creates early arm extension. Has flashes on tape where he can impress as read-and-react defender at point of attack. May have enough flexibility to play as a big nose in a 3-4. Looks to attack under the pads and roll his hips under his extended arms to generate a leverage point. Has ability to set a strong edge. Consistent tackler when runner is in his domain. Decent short area athlete. His arm over move can create early wins for him.

Weaknesses

High cut with below average leg thickness and thin calves. Relatively untested by NFL-caliber competition on the offensive line. Needs to become a more skilled hand fighter for faster disengagements. Gets caught up in one-on-one battles with the man in front of him rather than playing through the blocker and playing towards the play. Gets shoulders turned too easily on angle blocks. Ankle stiffness limits lateral agility and quickness for twists. Gets some initial push as a pass rusher, but has very limited pass rush production.

Draft Projection Round 7-PFA

Bottom Line

Coward is a little bit high-cut which could be a concern for his ability to anchor, but his size and ability to create some separation as a 2-gapper at the point of attack makes him worthy of late round consideration for a 3-4 team who might view him as an inside or outside lineman. He's limited as a pass rusher so his ceiling might be early down backup.

-Lance Zierlein