Whitney Mercilus... I'm onboard

[realtick]

I was a bit skeptical about one-year wunderkind Whitney Mercilus. His very good combine performance led me to go back and watch a bunch of his videos. The great thing about most videos posted on YouTube nowadays is the fact that they show most, if not all the snaps, good or bad. So you're not just looking at a bunch of positive plays that make-up a highlight clips.

Mercilus showed the ability to shed linemen and locate the ball. I didn't often see him get swallowed up. One trait I did see in him was a good active motor. He was constantly chasing down plays on the backside which is a good indicator for me.

Here are his combine numbers just to recap:

6'3.5" 261 lbs

4.63-4.68 forty (per BAN-INCOMING-IN-3-2-1 & steelersdepot.com)

1.56 10-yard split (outstanding)

27 bench reps

9'10" broad jump
32" vertical

33 7/8" arm length (very good)

[youtube]7ndXFxPUoJM&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

 

[robert70x7]

"Has experience playing left and right DE. Also has played some five-technique (when Illinois shifts to a 34 front) and some three-technique (as an inside rusher on obvious passing downs). Not strong enough to line up inside very often in the NFL but has proven to be an effective inside rusher. Stiff in hips and does not show much upside as a 34 OLB."

 

[Picksix]

I was a bit skeptical about one-year wunderkind Whitney Mercilus. His very good combine performance led me to go back and watch a bunch of his videos. The great thing about most videos posted on YouTube nowadays is the fact that they show most, if not all the snaps, good or bad. So you're not just looking at a bunch of positive plays that make-up a highlight clips.

Mercilus showed the ability to shed linemen and locate the ball. I didn't often see him get swallowed up. One trait I did see in him was a good active motor. He was constantly chasing down plays on the backside which is a good indicator for me.

Here are his combine numbers just to recap:

6'3.5" 261 lbs

4.63-4.68 forty (per BAN-INCOMING-IN-3-2-1 & steelersdepot.com)

1.56 10-yard split (outstanding)

27 bench reps

9'10" broad jump
32" vertical

33 7/8" arm length (very good)

[youtube]7ndXFxPUoJM&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

I'm a Big 10 guy, and yeah, he puts up great numbers in his shorts, and has some good film to back it up, but I'd be leery. I saw too many times where he disappeared (which isn't too big a deal - everyone disappears at some point). But I think he was more successful when Illinois played a 4-3, as opposed to a 3-4. Now, if we were to switch to a 4-3, then that's a different story.

 

[supercowboy8]

At 14 no, he will take time imo to become a starter, but in a trade down if he is now then yes

 

[canters]

Reminds me a little of Anthony Spencer.

 

[RS12]

I'm a Big 10 guy, and yeah, he puts up great numbers in his shorts, and has some good film to back it up, but I'd be leery. I saw too many times where he disappeared (which isn't too big a deal - everyone disappears at some point). But I think he was more successful when Illinois played a 4-3, as opposed to a 3-4. Now, if we were to switch to a 4-3, then that's a different story.

This.

 

[realtick]

I'm a Big 10 guy, and yeah, he puts up great numbers in his shorts, and has some good film to back it up, but I'd be leery. I saw too many times where he disappeared (which isn't too big a deal - everyone disappears at some point). But I think he was more successful when Illinois played a 4-3, as opposed to a 3-4. Now, if we were to switch to a 4-3, then that's a different story.

His first season or two are a legitimate question. However, this past season he was incredibly consistent registering sacks in 11 out of 13 games; six games in which he registered a 1 sack or more.

 

[supercowboy8]

My problem with him is that he over runs the play. He is to straight lined and goes straight up field. Also he seems to have stiff hips.

I don't think he could be a day one starter at SOLB, but could come in and help the pass rush. I think he will take a year or so to develop.

Vs the run he is average, I have seen him get owned one on one by the OT in the run game. He does shed blocks and tries to chase down the runners but seldoms make the play.


3 cone: 7.17
20 yard shuttle: 4.53

Like I said since he isn't a day one starter I don't like him at #14 especially if DeCastro or better player is there. I wouldn't reach for the guy. But in a trade back I think he is worth the risk.

 

[Silverstar]

It's all about pressuring the QB these days and Mercilus brings that.

 

[tm1119]

Nick Perry is a much better prospect in my opinion. I would put Mercilus in the same group as Bruce Irvin and Andre Branch as pass rushers I would take a look at in the 2nd round if we go OG or CB in the 1st round. With that said, I think Mercilus will go somewhere in the 25-35 range so I don't think he's for us.

 

[cowboy_ron]

At 14 no, he will take time imo to become a starter, but in a trade down if he is now then yes

A team with multiple holes to fill can't afford to spend a 1st rd pick on a project

 

[YosemiteSam]

Nick Perry is a much better prospect in my opinion. I would put Mercilus in the same group as Bruce Irvin and Andre Branch as pass rushers I would take a look at in the 2nd round if we go OG or CB in the 1st round. With that said, I think Mercilus will go somewhere in the 25-35 range so I don't think he's for us.

I like Perry better too.

 

[VACowboy]

I'm a Big 10 guy, and yeah, he puts up great numbers in his shorts, and has some good film to back it up, but I'd be leery. I saw too many times where he disappeared (which isn't too big a deal - everyone disappears at some point). But I think he was more successful when Illinois played a 4-3, as opposed to a 3-4. Now, if we were to switch to a 4-3, then that's a different story.

16, 22 and 9 in full pads. Those numbers seem pretty outstanding to me.

Did he play in some gimmick defense or beside a guy that got tripled every play, or something, because despite stiff hips, a penchant for disappearing and whatever else, he got the job done.

Yeah, he didn't put up big numbers his first two years, but not too many players do in their freshman and sophomore seasons.

 

[CowboyHawg2012]

I think its funny in the video he made future 1st rounder mike adams his ****** and was getting stonewalled by JB Shuggarts

 

[Gaede]

16, 22 and 9 in full pads. Those numbers seem pretty outstanding to me.

Did he play in some gimmick defense or beside a guy that got tripled every play, or something, because despite stiff hips, a penchant for disappearing and whatever else, he got the job done.
.

 

[realtick]

I should clarify that I don't want Mercilus at #14. DeCastro is still my no. 1 player at that spot. However, if we do trade down a few spots, guys like Mercilus and a few others become possibilities.

Mercilus is no more stiff than Anthony Spencer or Greg Ellis. If they comported themselves decently, I don't see any reason to think Mercilus couldn't do the same.

 

[Idgit]

I love his name, anyway.

 

[Oh_Canada]

Welcome to the dark side Tick!

This guy is going to be a player...too good a character to go along with his immense physical ability to fail.

 

[Silverstar]

16, 22 and 9 in full pads. Those numbers seem pretty outstanding to me.

Did he play in some gimmick defense or beside a guy that got tripled every play, or something, because despite stiff hips, a penchant for disappearing and whatever else, he got the job done.

Yeah, he didn't put up big numbers his first two years, but not too many players do in their freshman and sophomore seasons.

Exactly, he came into his own after becoming a starter. He also took on guards and centers as he moved along the DL last year. Mercilus' combine numbers were also excellent for a man his size and his shuttle and cone times were actually faster than Perry's.

Perry did put up 35 reps to Mercilus 27, but I read one analysis saying Perry may lack functional strength and gets tired late in games. DWare also put up 27 at the combine, so I wouldn't be so quick to judge Mercilus for a lack of strength with his longer arms. Perry also weighed 271 at the combine, but then I've seen him listed at 250 on most draft sites. Funny, how most people overlook this as a non-issue. Wearing full pads at 271 is not the same as wearing full pads at 250. If Perry manages to get 9.5 sacks and 13 TFL at 250, what do you think he'll get at 271...?

Curious what he will do and weigh at his Pro Day.

 

[RS12]

Exactly, he came into his own after becoming a starter. He also took on guards and centers as he moved along the DL last year. Mercilus' combine numbers were also excellent for a man his size and his shuttle and cone times were actually faster than Perry's.

Perry did put up 35 reps to Mercilus 27, but I read one analysis saying Perry may lack functional strength and gets tired late in games. DWare also put up 27 at the combine, so I wouldn't be so quick to judge Mercilus for a lack of strength with his longer arms. Perry also weighed 271 at the combine, but then I've seen him listed at 250 on most draft sites. Funny, how most people overlook this as a non-issue. Wearing full pads at 271 is not the same as wearing full pads at 250. If Perry manages to get 9.5 sacks and 13 TFL at 250, what do you think he'll get at 271...?

Curious what he will do and weigh at his Pro Day.

Who said 27 reps was lack of strength? Sean Spence put up 12. That would be a lack of strength.