RS12
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1. DANTE FOWLER, FLORIDA
6 foot 3, 261 pounds, 4.60 in the 40-yard dash
Lowdown: A versatile weapon up front for Florida, Fowler had 60 tackles (15 for loss) and 81/2 sacks last season. Long, extremely athletic with potential as an "elephant" end — he can rush from two- and three-point stances. Not a one-trick pony as a pass rusher, Fowler got to the quarterback on a variety of moves. Dips his shoulder with NFL-ready torque, can spin and hustles on the extended play. Ability to stop the run at point of attack may prevent Fowler from being a complete defensive end.
Projection: First round
2. RANDY GREGORY, NEBRASKA
6-5, 235, 4.64
Lowdown: Had 171/2 sacks in 24 games (20 starts). Tall with long arms (34 inches), Gregory plays with great leverage for a pass rusher. At 235, he's best suited for a 3-4 scheme, but does possess the frame to add weight and become a 4-3 defensive end if needed. Has worked with former NFL defensive end Chuck Smith on his pass-rushing repertoire since season ended. "There's a lot of passing going on," Gregory said of today's game, "and you need somebody who can throw the ball and somebody who can block for them. But you also need somebody who can go after them." More slender build could be a concern vs. beefier offensive tackles. Still raw. He also had a positive drug test at the combine in addition to failed tests at Nebraska (marijuana).
Projection: First round
3. VIC BEASLEY, CLEMSON
6-3, 246, 4.53
Lowdown: In his final three seasons with the Tigers, Beasley had 33 sacks, 52.5 total tackles for loss. Possesses an explosive first step, bends, closes and posterizes offensive tackles. Best fit is 3-4 OLB without the bulk to play defensive end. Must become accustomed to rushing with this same punch from an upright stance — has a narrow build. Played linebacker in high school and some in college, saying he's "very comfortable" at the position. May be coverage concerns from NFL teams. Looks up to Von Miller and Bruce Irvin. "Guys who I plan on mirroring my game out there at the next level," he said. "And I see those guys drop back in coverage here and there, and that's why I try to mirror their game."
Projection: First round
4. SHANE RAY, MISSOURI
6-3, 245
Lowdown: The SEC defensive player of the year in 2014 and a consensus first-team All-American — led conference in sacks (141/2) and tackles for loss (22.5). Ray may be the most relentless defensive player in the draft. Powerful, ferocious finisher. Plays mean. Makes quarterbacks remember him with each hit (Ask Blake Sims). Can play DE or OLB. Added 30 pounds in three years at Missouri and may need to bulk up more to play end in the NFL. Doesn't have the length of Fowler and Gregory. Ran a 4.64 at his pro day after being held out at the combine.
Projection: First round
5. BUD DUPREE, KENTUCKY
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/job-no-1-stop-the-quarterback-b99484482z1-301118851.html
6 foot 3, 261 pounds, 4.60 in the 40-yard dash
Lowdown: A versatile weapon up front for Florida, Fowler had 60 tackles (15 for loss) and 81/2 sacks last season. Long, extremely athletic with potential as an "elephant" end — he can rush from two- and three-point stances. Not a one-trick pony as a pass rusher, Fowler got to the quarterback on a variety of moves. Dips his shoulder with NFL-ready torque, can spin and hustles on the extended play. Ability to stop the run at point of attack may prevent Fowler from being a complete defensive end.
Projection: First round
2. RANDY GREGORY, NEBRASKA
6-5, 235, 4.64
Lowdown: Had 171/2 sacks in 24 games (20 starts). Tall with long arms (34 inches), Gregory plays with great leverage for a pass rusher. At 235, he's best suited for a 3-4 scheme, but does possess the frame to add weight and become a 4-3 defensive end if needed. Has worked with former NFL defensive end Chuck Smith on his pass-rushing repertoire since season ended. "There's a lot of passing going on," Gregory said of today's game, "and you need somebody who can throw the ball and somebody who can block for them. But you also need somebody who can go after them." More slender build could be a concern vs. beefier offensive tackles. Still raw. He also had a positive drug test at the combine in addition to failed tests at Nebraska (marijuana).
Projection: First round
3. VIC BEASLEY, CLEMSON
6-3, 246, 4.53
Lowdown: In his final three seasons with the Tigers, Beasley had 33 sacks, 52.5 total tackles for loss. Possesses an explosive first step, bends, closes and posterizes offensive tackles. Best fit is 3-4 OLB without the bulk to play defensive end. Must become accustomed to rushing with this same punch from an upright stance — has a narrow build. Played linebacker in high school and some in college, saying he's "very comfortable" at the position. May be coverage concerns from NFL teams. Looks up to Von Miller and Bruce Irvin. "Guys who I plan on mirroring my game out there at the next level," he said. "And I see those guys drop back in coverage here and there, and that's why I try to mirror their game."
Projection: First round
4. SHANE RAY, MISSOURI
6-3, 245
Lowdown: The SEC defensive player of the year in 2014 and a consensus first-team All-American — led conference in sacks (141/2) and tackles for loss (22.5). Ray may be the most relentless defensive player in the draft. Powerful, ferocious finisher. Plays mean. Makes quarterbacks remember him with each hit (Ask Blake Sims). Can play DE or OLB. Added 30 pounds in three years at Missouri and may need to bulk up more to play end in the NFL. Doesn't have the length of Fowler and Gregory. Ran a 4.64 at his pro day after being held out at the combine.
Projection: First round
5. BUD DUPREE, KENTUCKY
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/job-no-1-stop-the-quarterback-b99484482z1-301118851.html
