2012 NFL Draft: Edge Defender
This is a very good 4-3 DE group. It has a number of first round picks that are tall, big, and can move. Even beyond that it has guys that can get to the passer, and even some that are all 4.
1. Whitney Mercilus—Illinois—6’4”-261—Late 1st Early 2nd—95—Shows a real good burst in passing situations. Got the measurables Belichick loves, long (34” arms), 4.6 speed, with a 1.56 10 yard split which is what running backs put up. Also got 27 reps. In passing situations he gets after it, uses his hand well and can turn the corner. Doesn’t play the run very well. I think he’s an ideal guy to stand up in the 3-4. He could play weakside 4-3 DE, especially if he puts on some lbs, but better as an OLB. Don’t take this too serious but he looks like DeMarcus Ware, also reminds me of Aldon Smith, though Mercilus is further along at this point. 16 sacks and 9 forced fumbles. I think he’s one of the hidden gems of this draft.
2. Chandler Jones—Syracuse—6’5”-266—1st/2nd—95—Very long prospect with 35.5” arms. The 4.85 40 isn’t excellent, but not a deal breaker especially because he plays with good quickness. Looks a bit like JPP on tape, not as much lateral athletic talent though. Very stout despite 22 reps, guys with long arms tend to have fewer reps. Plays with surprising leverage and has quick violent hand moves. Could and should definitely put on a few pounds and play 4-3 DE. Shows no signs of having the necessary athleticism to stand up. Good effort and good awareness. I’m pretty confident he is going to be a solid play at the next level, maybe not dynamic because not elite athleticism. Reminds me a lot of Willie McGinest.
3. Courtney Upshaw—Alabama—6’2”-272—1st—94—Most impactful player on the best defense ever in college football. Moves around a bit and stands up sometimes. Doesn’t have a great jump off the ball. Probably has the best pass rush film in this draft. 32” arms aren’t good, but 4.7 is plenty. Sets the edge well and combats trap blocks. Good pursuit. I see a lot of Lamar Woodley in him, they both use their lack of height as an advantage to have great pad level. Not ready for coverage. Could play 4-3 DE, but better suited to stand up. Solid football player.
4. Melvin Ingram—South Carolina—6’1”-264—Top 10—93—Against Auburn he had a sack and an interception 20 yards downfield on consecutive plays. Guy is a baller who is a jack of all trades. Biggest issue is he doesn’t have a clear cut position. He’s a 4-3 DE or any linebacker spot in the 3-4. 31.5” arms aint gonna work at DE, plus he doesn’t show pass rush prowess. Will be neutralized by big tackles. His best asset is his pursuit (4.66) and more importantly his football instincts. I can see some Lamar Woodley in him as an OLB, but he might be best suited to make the Tedy Bruschi shift to ILB. I really love him as a football player but don’t see him worth a top 15 pick because he is a difficult projection to the NFL.
5. Vinny Curry—Marshall—6’3”-266—2nd day—92—Looks like a big man. Definitely a 4-3 DE cuz at 4.85 and his feet he prob wont be able to stand up. When he wants to get off the ball he is the fastest in the draft, but too many times he just kind of stands up on the snap. 33” arms are sufficient. Real good hands to boot. I think he’s a better prospect than Justin Houston last year. 11+ sacks the last two years and he plays well against the run. Ran a 4.7 at his pro day.
6. Quinton Coples—UNC—6’6”-284—Top 15—93—Guy has all the measurables. Runs a 4.72. Looks like DaQuan on film, except Bowers was a better football player, more instinctive. One of those rare athletes we see every 3 or so years like a Mario Williams type. I’d love to see more tenacity from him. Doesn’t play at a 4.72 speed on film, in fact looks like he has heavy feet. Shows flashes of ability on film, and I bet that’s on obvious passing downs as it’s the same disparity I saw with Robert Quinn last year who played in the same system. Does not turn the corner well. I think he is a real good athlete who could develop into a poor mans Mario Williams, but I think he has bust potential. Doesn’t play with the pad level or strength necessary to play 3-4 DE.
7. Jake Bequette—Arkansas—6’5”-275—2nd day—87—Immediately he reminded me of Jared Allen. He’s a big man with good get off speed even though he ran a 4.78 with a 1.72, more importantly he had a 34” vert at 275lbs. He’s also athletic and agile. I think at the very least he’ll be a situational pass rusher, but definitely has the size and feet to be an every down 4-3 DE despite the 32” arms. Bull rush, speed rush, and the best spin move in the draft. Got his masters already. Had 10 sacks in 10 games in the SEC.
8. Shea McClellin—Boise St.—6’3”-260—Early 2nd—87—Everyone one and their sister has him as a Patriot, probably cuz he’s white. Good size, speed (4.62, 1.57 split), and length (33”arms). Plays much stronger than 19 reps, good arm extension and ability to shed blocks. Inconsistent burst. Comparable to Brooks Reed last year who had more burst, but wasn’t as strong. I don’t see any pass rush moves, his pressure comes from stunts and the QB’s leaving the pocket. Doesn’t belong in the 1st round. Definitely a 3-4 player.
9. Nick Perry—USC—6’3”-271—2nd—83—Aboslute specimen, 4.5 speed, 35 reps and 33” arms. Unfortunately its straight line speed, though he does get off the ball very well. Not real good hands and was stiff when standing up at the combine. He has the type of physical ability that could make him good, but I put him in the same category as his former teammate Everson Griffin. 4-3 player, could blossom, but I don’t see enough yet. Jonathan Martin handled him.
10. Cam Johnson—Virginia—6’3”-268—2nd day—74—Good size and athleticism, probably best as a 4-3 DE. Shows pretty good hustle, but is inconsistent. Got handled by Zebrie Sanders of FSU. Pretty strong and 35” vert is a testament to his explosiveness. Wasn’t real productive so he’s in the 3rd round because projecting his athletic ability to take over.
11. Tyrone Crawford—Boise St.—6’4”-275—3rd round/day—74—Played DE in college. Has a good frame to play 4-3 DE. Walks around a bit before the snap sometimes, but shows his best burst with his hand in the dirt. Modest prospect with some upside, but more likely than not can just be a starting 4-3 DE who eats snaps. Think Antonio Smith.