Notes:
A highly decorated Detroit-area prep who earned USA Today and Parade All-America honors after recording 147 tackles and a state record 36 sacks as a defensive lineman while leading his team to a 14-0 record and a state championship. Saw action as a linebacker and tight end, in addition to playing basketball. Redshirted in 2008. Saw action in all 13 games mostly in passing situations in ’09, making his first career start against Stanford, and registered 24 tackles, nine tackles for loss and eight sacks. Started 9 of the 12 games in which he played at right defensive end in ’10, posting 25-7 1⁄2-4 with three passes batted down and two forced fumbles. Did not play in the season opener at Hawaii because of a sprained ankle. Led the Pac-12 in sacks in ’11 after posting 54-13-9 1⁄2 with three batted passes and three forced fumbles in 12 starts.
Positives:
Looks chiseled from granite and is a physical specimen (bench-pressed 225 pounds 35 times at the Combine). Explosive athlete — boasts a 381⁄2-inch vertical leap and broad jump of 10 feet 4 inches. Features a long, sudden first step and explosive upfield burst (see Stanford). Flexible to dip, bend and shave the corner. Very quick-handed. Terrific balance body control. Recorded 10-yard split times (1.51 seconds) faster than several cornerbacks at the Combine.
Negatives:
Average length. Plays short-armed and does not leverage the edge. Inconsistent eyes and instincts defending the run. Does not feel blocking pressure. Straight-line mover. Average lateral agility, confirmed in poor 20-yard short-shuttle times (4.66 seconds). Motor too often runs hot and cold.
Summary:
Has upfield speed to scream off the edge and the bulk and weight-room strength to handle the left side, but tape does not match workout numbers and lack of consistency vs. the run remains a concern. Better tester than football player at this stage of development, but upside is immense in a fly-at-the-snap scheme and could benefit tremendously from a veteran position coach.
