Locked On NFL Draft - Daily Podcast On The NFL Draft, College Football & The NFL

Alabama’s Yhonzae Pierre is poised to shake up the 2026 NFL Draft with his explosive first step, relentless motor, and proven ability to disrupt backfields. Could Pierre follow in Will Anderson’s footsteps and become the next elite Crimson Tide pass rusher NFL teams covet? Damian Parson and Keith Sanchez spotlight Pierre’s eight-sack breakout season, highlighting his bend, versatility as a stack backer, and physical presence at 6'3", 255 pounds.

Key analysis centers on Pierre’s functional strength, pursuit skills, and how he compares to peers like Colin Simmons and Dylan Stewart. The discussion digs into concerns about arm length, positional fit, and the importance of maintaining production as opponents zero in. Will Pierre’s aggressive style translate into Pro Bowl-caliber impact or will size limitations hold him back? Get expert insights into his NFL projection, draft grade, and what needs to happen for Pierre to rise to the very top of draft boards.

Timestamps:

0:00 Yonzae Pierre Scouting Report Introduction

1:38 Elite Traits: Motor, Athleticism, Pass Rush Production

9:41 Areas for Improvement: Length, Over-Aggressiveness, Consistency

19:14 Evaluating Production: Impact in Big Games & Sacks in Bunches

22:57 NFL Draft Grades & Will Anderson Comparison

28:08 Hybrid Edge/Linebacker Role & Final Thoughts

Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas, David Leong, Gary Cosby-Imagn Images

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Minnesota Golden Gophers’ Anthony Smith powers his way onto NFL Draft radars after a 12.5-sack campaign—but does his lack of elite athletic traits cap his pro ceiling? Damian Parson and Keith Sanchez break down Smith’s disruptive presence, dissecting his versatility as a 6'6", 285-pound edge who dominates both outside and reduced inside alignments. Can he become a top-tier NFL defensive end, or will questions around his explosiveness and finishing power keep him out of the first round?

Key topics include Smith’s eye-popping Big Ten production, positional fit in 4-3 versus 3-4 schemes, and comparisons to Darius Robinson and Denico Autry. The conversation tackles his motor, functional strength, hand usage, and risk of NFL teams tinkering with his playing weight. Is Smith destined for a steady pro career—or does he have another level waiting to be unlocked? Don’t miss this essential scouting breakdown.

Timestamps:

0:00 Anthony Smith Scouting Intro

0:37 Anthony Smith: Power & Production

1:20 Strengths, Frame, and Versatility

2:40 Backfield Disruption Ability

5:18 Range, Motor, and Scheme Fit

6:34 Moving Him Around—Matchups

8:58 Sack Production Consistency

9:48 Evaluating His Sack Numbers

10:56 Technique, Hands, and Functional Strength

13:08 Pad Level & Upper Body Usage

16:14 Pass Rush Counters & Reaction

18:03 Weight, Position, and NFL Transition

21:16 Draft Grade Discussions

23:30 NFL Player Comps: Darius Robinson, Denico Autry

28:01 Episode Wrap-Up & Next Prospect Preview

Photo credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

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Oregon Ducks’ Matayo Uiagalelei flashes NFL starter potential, but can he overcome inconsistencies to reach his high ceiling? With an imposing 6’5”, 270+ pound frame and a mix of size, strength, and athleticism, Uiagalelei dominates offensive tackles in spurts—yet questions linger about his pad level, pass rush counters, and ability to consistently disrupt the backfield.

Damian Parson and Keith Sanchez break down Uiagalelei’s standout run defense, football IQ, and versatility across multiple fronts, comparing him to pros like Dayo Odeyinga and Greg Rousseau. Discussion points include his fit as a strong-side defensive end, the challenges of translating college flashes into double-digit NFL sack production, and why his current draft grade hovers in the second- to third-round range. Can Uiagaglelei refine his technique and motor to become the next Justin Tuck for Oregon—and an impact player for a future NFL team?

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro & Matayo Uiagalelei Overview

1:18 UUiagalelei’s Strengths & Upside

4:48 Versatility & Run Defense

8:56 Consistency and Pass Rush Concerns

12:12 Highs, Lows, and Production Issues

15:26 Pad Level & Missed Opportunities

18:26 Draft Grades & NFL Comparisons

22:37 Role Projections & Archetypes

25:21 Ideal Scheme Fits & Use

28:39 Episode Wrap-Up & Closing Remarks

Ben Lonergan-Imagn Images

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Texas Longhorns' Colin Simmons dominates headlines as a polished, explosive edge rusher boasting elite first-step quickness and advanced pass rush moves. With 12 sacks, 14 QB hits, and 35 pressures last season, can Simmons’ NFL-ready tool bag make him the top defensive prospect in the upcoming draft? Damian Parson and Keith Sanchez break down Simmons’ unique versatility, high motor, and proven playmaking ability—questioning whether his listed 6’3", 240-pound frame might limit his impact against power run games or in certain defensive schemes.

The hosts debate how size, scheme fit, and NFL projection could impact Simmons’ draft stock, drawing comparisons to recent top picks like David Bailey and examining past cautionary tales. Is Simmons a Pro Bowl-caliber, first-round lock or a system-dependent riser? Get an inside look at Simmons’ strengths, concerns, and potential comps as the Longhorns’ schedule promises to test every aspect of his game.

Timestamps:

0:00 Colin Simmons Scouting Report

1:32 Polished Pass Rush Skills

6:23 Versatility & Usage Concerns

10:07 Size, Scheme Fit, and Run Defense

17:18 2024 Schedule & Run Game Tests

21:18 Draft Grade & NFL Comparison

28:27 Final Thoughts & Production vs Potential

30:45 Episode Wrap-Up & Next Prospect Preview

Photo credit: Jerome Miron, Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

 

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South Carolina Gamecocks’ Dylan Stewart emerges as a game-wrecking pass rusher with rare physical tools, drawing early comparisons to Jadeveon Clowney and Daniel Hunter. Could Stewart be the first defender off the board in the 2027 NFL Draft? Damian Parson and Keith Sanchez break down Stewart's explosive first step, high motor, and dominant presence in both the run and pass game, dissecting what sets him apart from other edge prospects.

The conversation highlights Stewart’s elite get-off, functional strength, and ability to disrupt game scripts despite limited sack production. Concerns around pad level and developing a more sophisticated pass-rush plan are explored, but Stewart’s All-Pro ceiling and top-five projection remain clear. Which NFL star will Stewart most resemble—Will Anderson Jr., Brian Burns, or Clowney? Unlock detailed analysis, scouting takeaways, and comps for Stewart as the duo prepares you for college football’s next can't-miss defender.

Timestamps:

0:00 Dylan Stewart Scouting Intro

1:03 Physical Profile & Athleticism

1:34 Stewart’s Explosiveness & Early NFL Comps

3:49 Run Defense Traits & Impact

5:00 Signature Plays & Clowney Comparison

7:01 Pass Rush Productivity & Context

8:30 Effect of Game Script on Production

10:53 Pad Level Concerns & Leverage

11:48 Raw Technique & Pass Rush Development

13:12 Hand Usage/Process & Learning Curve

14:33 Athletic Success vs. Technical Development

16:32 Key Areas for Growth & Coaching

17:44 Draft Grade Discussion & Prospect Ranking

18:55 Stewart vs. Jeremiah Smith for Top Prospect

19:52 Generational Talent Debate

20:52 Mental Evolution & Film Study Importance

22:04 NFL Comps: Clowney, Burns, Hunter Discussion

26:22 Episode Wrap-Up & Next Prospect Tease

Photo credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images

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