Prospect profile: Brian Price, DT, UCLA

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Prospect profile: Brian Price, DT, UCLA
.Russ Lande

http://www.sportingnews.com/college-football/article/2010-03-25/prospect-profile-brian-price-dt-ucla

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Login or register to post commentsPrinter-friendly versionThursday, Mar. 25, 2010 - 9:24 a.m. ET
Sporting News' Pro Football War Room has hundreds of player evaluations in preparation for the 2010 NFL draft. Here is a capsule look at prospect Brian Price.


Brian Price has the pass-rushing skills to excel as a 4-3 defensive tackle.School: UCLA
NFL position: DT
Height: 6-11⁄8
Weight: 303
40 time: 5.16
Current projection: First-round pick

Against the run: Must improve in this area. Is inconsistent and can be pushed off the line by strong linemen. Makes a lot of plays in the backfield, but offensive linemen tend to use his quickness against him and push him to one side. On misdirection plays, will lose leverage and be blocked by tight ends and fullbacks. Struggles to get up quickly after being cut blocked. Grade: 6.5

Pass rush: Is an elite interior pass rusher because of his rare athleticism. Uses speed to shoot gaps to make sacks or run the quarterback into a teammate. Shows the strength to press the pocket, and uses hands well to shed blocks. Doesn't bat down many passes or fill throwing lanes. Must improve secondary pass-rush moves. Grade: 8.5

Initial quickness: Has an explosive first move at the snap to blow up plays in the backfield. Maintains good speed to chase down ballcarriers all over the field. Grade: 8.5

Run/pass recognition: Shows only average skills in this area but compensates for missteps with elite speed and hustle. Against the run, tends to forget responsibilities and simply focuses on attacking the quarterback. Must be more patient as a run defender. Grade: 5.5

Pursuit/tackling: Shows sound tackling technique, using his arms to wrap up ballcarriers. Tend to stop moving his feet upon contact. Lacks aggressiveness. In pursuit, shows the speed and agility to make plays near the sideline and downfield. Is susceptible to backside blocks on misdirection plays. Grade: 6.0

Bottom line: Price is one of the top defensive tackles in the draft. He should become a disruptive 3 technique tackle in the NFL because of his explosiveness at the snap and will be equally adept against the run and pass with more experience. He still is raw but has upside. Price could make an instant impact and eventually become a Pro Bowl player.

For more than 640 player scouting reports from Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts -- plus updated mock draft, Super 99 rankings and more -- go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
 
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