NFL Scouting Combine Overview: Defensive Line, Edge Rushers, and Linebackers

With the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine now complete, as the defensive backs completed their workouts on Monday to bring an to end this year's event, I will be examining each of the different position groups and how different prospects performed throughout the showcase.  Having previously given insight to the edge rushers that were set to participate, I find it appropriate to review how the number of prospects I went into the event with a keen eye on performed and how it may affect their potential draft selection.  Some of the edge rushing prospects were grouped with the linebackers during the combine, as they either played from a "stand up end/outside linebacker" spot during college with the potential to do the same in the NFL, while most were designated to perform amongst the various other defensive lineman who play with their hand in the ground more often than not.  Along with the various edge rushing prospects, I will also examine some of the other defensive line and linebacker prospects who also participated alongside them.

As the NFL is dictated more and more by matchups, some of the defensive line prospects you may see playing from a standup technique in the future, while there is a distinct possibility a few of the linebackers will be bumped down near the line of scrimmage and utilized to rush the quarterback, starting from a three point stance, similar to that of a defensive lineman. Versatility and having the ability to effect the game from various spots is key to all positions, but particular linebackers and defensive lineman. Possessing various traits and skills to be competent as a pass rusher, in coverage, and being a capable run defender, with the ability to be disruptive on a consistent basis, allows for teams to be more creative in utilizing players to find different ways to get them on the field.  Furthermore, the more a prospect can do in regards to his ability and versatility pushes his value upward and increases their likely potential draft range.

Defensive Lineman

Taven Bryan, Florida

Despite not putting up big numbers and only starting in one full season during the four years he spent at Florida, Taven Bryan entered the combine with a certain amount of intrigue.  As a prospect who could be best described as more potential than production, Bryan developed certain expectations from those around the league that he would standout amongst all the defensive lineman performing in Indianapolis, given the explosiveness, power, and burst he exhibited while on film. For those who thought that of the 6'5, 291 pound defensive tackle he didn't disappoint, running a sub 5.0 second forty yard dash (4.98), while also putting up 30 reps on the bench press, which tied for him eighth amongst defensive lineman, with all but one of the players ahead of him weighing more than he does. Bryan also excelled in other workouts where he ranked fourth amongst all defensive lineman in the vertical (35") and broad jumps (9'10"), second in the three cone drill (7.12), and eighth in the 20 yard short shuttle (4.48). To give an idea of the kind of player that resembles, Bryan's combine numbers, coupled with his size, compare very well to that of JJ Watt in 2011. Though Bryan has a ways to go before coming the caliber of player that Watt is at the NFL level, it does illustrate the kind of player he has the potential to become. 

Marcus Davenport, Texas-San Antonio (UTSA) 

One of the most spoken about players in this year's draft since he surfaced on the radar of scouts earlier during the 2017 season, Davenport has risen from a little known prospect out of Texas-San Antonio (UTSA) to a potential top 15 pick in this year's draft. Having played basketball and run track and field during high school in addition to football, Davenport came to UTSA as a long-limbed 200 pound athlete who has since put on 60 pounds over the last four years, now officially measuring in at 6'5 3/4", 264 pounds, while maintaining excellent athleticism for his size.  Being selected to the Senior Bowl, which occurred during late January, Davenport improved and proved himself throughout the entire week of practice there, facing off against the nation's best players over the last four years in college football. His solid performance at the Senior Bowl definitely gave him some momentum coming into combine and Davenport did well in Indianapolis to build off that momentum. His 40 yard time of 4.58 ranked second amongst all those in the defensive line group, as did his broad jump of 10'4". In the three cone drill and 20 yard short shuttle, workouts that exhibit quickness and change of direction, essential to a disruptive, penetrating defensive end, Davenport placed ahead of and tied top defensive prospect Bradley Chubb, who is expected to serve in a similar role in a defense while in the NFL. Not only did he perform well in the workouts but Davenport was smooth and sound during positional drills as well, where his technique and skill set was put to task. Similar to Taven Bryan, Davenport is viewed as somewhat of a raw prospect who is still developing as a football player, but does possess excellent athleticism for his size that can be of impact immediately at the next level, and will likely be a first round pick. 

Rasheem Green, Southern California (USC)

The USC product followed a string of prospects performing at the combine that remain short of the age of 21. A formerly highly recruited athlete out of Los Angeles, Green played on the interior while at USC as a defensive tackle, as well as lining up at defensive end. Measuring in at 6'4 1/4" and 275 pounds with 33 3/4" arms and a 81 1/4" wingspan Green presents a prototypical frame that's suited to play defensive end in the NFL. If that wasn't enough, his testing numbers placed top amongst the group of defensive lineman across the board.  His time of 4.75 seconds in the 40 yard dash ranked fourth amongst all defensive lineman and first of players who are considered potential interior lineman.  In other workouts Green finished eighth in the vertical jump and third of all interior lineman, fifth in the broad jump and fourth in the vertical jump, which both ranked second amongst potential defensive tackles.  All told, Green had a positive and strong showing at the combine, proving that he has the athleticism necessary to contribute in the NFL while also possessing physical traits that are ideal for defensive end and could be all the more intriguing as a "three technique" defensive tackle in the future. Though it is unlikely that Green is selected with one of the first 32 picks in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, he definitely put himself in a good position to have his name called on the second day of the draft, as a potential top 75 selection.

Nathan Shepherd, Fort Hays State

A Division II prospect out of Fort Hays State, Shepherd earned an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine after garnering All-American honors at the D2 level, having totaled 38 tackles on the year, with 12.5 for loss and four sacks. Also being selected the Defensive Player of the Year in his conference, the native of Canada, where he initially began his college career at Simon Fraser University before transferring to Fort Hays State in, Shepherd came to the combine looking to regain the attention of teams after suffering an injury during the week of the Senior Bowl where he had impressed scouts in attendance with the reps he took in practice. Officially being measured at 6'3 3/4, 315 pounds with large, powerful hands (10 1/8") that can be of impact at the point of attack, he has ideal size for the defensive tackle spot in the NFL.  Having put on over 100 pounds since coming out of high school as a then 200 pound linebacker, Shepherd showed that he retains plus athleticism for a man his size, putting solid numbers across the board at the combine (40-5.09, vertical-31", broad-9'4", 3 cone-7.50, short shuttle-4.53). All the more impressive was Shepherd's smooth and seamless motions when going through positional drills, looking more comfortable than most defensive lineman when having to move his feet in accordance with displaying his upper body strength. Despite being a raw prospect who will likely have to make a large adjustment in transitioning to the consistent, high level of competition he'll face in the NFL, Shepherd displayed at the combine that he possess the potential to become a high impact player for any team that is fortunate enough to select and develop him, with the size and athleticism to be valuable as a guy who can play various spots across the defensive line. 

Breeland Speaks, Mississippi (Ole Miss)

Though not as highly touted or known as many of the defensive lineman that performed at the combine, Speaks did more than enough during his time in Oxford to show that he was a capable NFL prospect. Having started multiple games at both defensive tackle and defensive end, the native of Jackson, MS was a consistent contributor for Ole Miss each of the last three seasons, before deciding to submit his name for the NFL Draft as an early entree. Speaks earned second-team All-SEC honors in 2017, after totaling 67 tackles, eight for loss, and seven sacks, on the season.  At the combine Speaks put up decent numbers in the different workouts with his 40 yard dash time (4.87) and vertical jump (32.5") tying him for eighth amongst all defensive lineman. During positional drills Speaks exhibited an active lower half, combined with a powerful punch and upper body strength that should allow for him to be an effective and efficient player at the next level. At 6'3 (6'2 7/8" officially), 283 pounds, combined with his quality technique as a defensive lineman and high level of physicality and activity, Speaks should provide excellent value for some team as a prospect whose name will likely be called somewhere near the 100th pick and has the ability to become an immediate contributor, if not starter, as a penetrating 3-tech (defensive tackle) in a 4-3 or a stout 5-tech (defensive end) in a 3-4 defense.

Edge Rushers

Dorance Armstrong, Kansas 

After a standout season in 2016 when he totaled 20 tackles for loss (TFL) and 10 sacks, en route to being named first team All-Big 12, Armstrong's production dipped to nine TFL and two sacks in 2017, as teams schemed around him when attacking the Kansas defense.  Armstrong was still recognized as a second team All Big-12 performer for his play, but his decline in production definitely put him on notice entering the combine.  The Houston, TX native who measured in just under both 6'4 (6'3 5/8) and 260 pounds (257), put together an all-around solid combine performance in total.  Though his 40 yard dash time, bench press, and vertical didn't register amongst the top half of all the edge rushers who participated, Armstrong did exhibit explosion, quickness, and change of direction that is coveted at the position. His broad jump of 9'10" ranked 11th, while his time in the three cone drill (7.12) and short shuttle (4.23) both placed in the top four at the spot. In positional drills Armstrong looked agile and very fluid in his movement skills, as he was one of the more impressive edge rushing prospects when dropping into space, exhibiting his versatility as it relates to the potential of him being able to cover as he transitions to the NFL.  

Lorenzo Carter, Georgia

While it was top linebacker prospect Roquan Smith who received the glut of the attention this season, with an outstanding year in helping lead Georgia to the National Championship verse Alabama, Carter entered the 2017 season as the Bulldogs' most coveted draft prospect.  The 6'5 (officially 6'4 7/8"), 250 pound edge rusher had a good year in 2016 when he totaled five sacks, to go along with 13 pressures of the quarterback, highlighted by his performance in Georgia's bowl victory against TCU when he had seven tackles and two forced fumbles.  Carter put together another reputable year in 2017 as he finished with a career high in tackles (62), tackles for loss (8.5), forced fumbles (3), and fumble recoveries (3), while also coming away with 4.5 sacks, in being selected second team All-SEC. If Carter was overlooked on Georgia's outstanding defense during the season, as they placed six players in the combine, he certainly grabbed people's attention with his performance at the showcase in Indianapolis. Only taking part in the 40 yard dash (4.50), vertical (36") and broad jump (10'10"), he placed second, third, and first, amongst edge rushers, exhibiting the type of explosion and athleticism that made him one of the higher rated prospects prior to the season. Carter likely was a top 50-75 pick prior to the combine, but his outstanding showing at the event likely catapulted him to a probable top 50 selection, with late first round consideration a true possibility.

Arden Key, LSU

Similar to Carter, Key was another SEC product that entered last season with plenty of draft talk surrounding his name, after his sophomore year, when he totaled 11 sacks to go along with 12.5 TFL.  With a long, lean frame and quickness, coupled by a high level of production, some considered Key to be the top edge rusher in the country prior before a series of events in 2017 toned down some of the chatter.  After taking a leave of absence from the team during spring ball for personal reasons, Key returned to the team before the season only to miss the first couple of games returning from an off-season shoulder surgery.  Upon his return, the hybrid defensive end/linebacker didn't possess the same play and performance which got him notice, looking heavier and a step slower than he had the prior year.  The result was a career low of 5.5 TFL and four sacks, as he was only able to play in eight games, calling into question whether he was healthy throughout the year, and if so, leaving more questions to be answered.  Though he didn't partake in the bench press or 40 yard dash, Key did participate in other workouts at the combine, where his three cone drill time placed seventh and his short shuttle was fourth amongst all edge rushers. The 6'5 (6'4 7/8"), 238 pound athlete moved well in positional drills, looking very fluid in his motions and resembling more of the prospect that he looked to be in 2016 than 2017. Key mentioned to the media that he played at approximately 270-275 pounds during last season and feels comfortable when around 240-250. Should he be able to maintain the same agility and athleticism he showed at the combine while being able to play at that desired weight Key could become a forced off the edge in the NFL, as he was during the 2016 season at LSU.

Harold Landry, Boston College 

If Key was similar to Carter in a way, then Landry was similar to Key in that he had an outstanding 2016 season before injuries caused him to miss time in 2017 and saw his production slip as well.  After being recognized as an a first team All-ACC honoree and All-American having lead the country in sacks during 2016 with 16.5, accompanied by 22.5 TFL, Landry returned for his senior season in 2017 and has 8.5 TFL and five sacks — which he managed to accumulate in six games before suffering an ankle injury —while playing in only eight games. As a result Landry entered the combine somewhat under the radar though in a position where should he perform well it would make NFL teams recall the type of player he was in 2017. Landry did just that, as his numbers across the board in the bench press, 40 yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, three cone drill and short (20 yard) shuttle all were positive, as he placed in the top five of all edge rushers in four of those categories —while finishing no lower than tied for ninth in any of them. Looking smooth in doing so, Landry performed with energy and activity in positional drills, impressing with his overall effort.  For all intents and purposes Landry did a solid job of reestablishing himself to scouts and NFL personnel through his performance at the combine and should have confidence that he did enough to hear his name called in the first round of the NFL Draft, come April 26.

Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Oklahoma

Despite earning Big 12 Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2017 (75 tackles, 17 TFL, 8 sacks, 3 forced fumbles), after putting up similar numbers the year prior (71 tackles, 12 TFL, 9 sacks, 2 forced fumbles), Okoronkwo entered the combine with uncertainty surrounding his name as it related to him effectively being able to transition and, therefore, his draft status. Concerns about his height and ability to play consistently off the edge, as he did at Oklahoma, were the main sticking points in the evaluations and discussions of Okoronkwo. Although, he measured in officially at 6'1 5/8", relatively modest for a primary edge rusher, Okoronknwo's reach — his official 33 3/4" arms outpace both the average NFL outside linebacker and defensive end —should ease some concerns about his size and length at the position in being able to combat offensive tackles in keeping them away from his body in being able to neutralize him. While his 40 yard dash time of 4.77 was a divisive one, with some scouts and analysts saying it was a solid time and others expecting better, Okoronkwo did show that he doesn't lack for strength playing near the line of scrimmage as his 27 reps of 225 on the bench press ranked second amongst all edge rushing prospects at the combine. He also acquitted himself well in the broad and vertical jumps, placing second and tied for sixth, exhibiting the necessary strength and power in his lower body which is essential for "undersized" edge rushers. His footwork going through the positional workouts, particularly the "bag drill", was good, if not great, as he looked more the part of an agile linebacker than a plodding defensive lineman. All told, Okoronkwo will likely still be underrated compared to the number of more traditional sized edge rushers come the time of the draft, but his production at Oklahoma, paired with his showing of strength and agility at the combine, could cause a team to fall in love with him as a player and select him earlier than some expect.

Linebackers

Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech

Though Roquan Smith of Georgia ended the season as the Butkus Award Winner (awarded to to the best linebacker in college football) and viewed as the consensus top linebacking prospect after helping lead an outstanding Georgia defense and team to an appearance in the National Championship, Tremaine Edmunds' early entrance to the NFL Draft has given reason for second thought.  Edmunds, who has a strong lineage in the game, enters the draft as the youngest prospect, as he'll be the only player that will be 19 years of age come April 26, the day of the event in Dallas.  His father, Ferrel was a Pro Bowl tight end with the Miami Dolphins, and his brother, Trey, is a currently a running back on the Saints. Getting to Edmunds performance at the combine, he was joined at the event by his older brother, Terrell, who played with him at Virginia Tech at safety. In Indianapolis Edmunds solidified himself as a name to be mentioned as the possible first linebacker taken in the draft, running an outstanding official 4.54 second 40 yard time at 6'5, 253 pounds, which was fifth amongst all off-ball linebacking prospects. In the broad jump Edmunds landed at a solid 9'9", which tied him with a number of linebackers including Keshawn Bierria, Shaquem Griffin, Josey Jewell, and Skai Moore, all of whom are at least 19 pounds lighter than Edmunds. Along with another prospect in this year's draft, who I'll later feature, Edmunds has been compared to soon to be inducted Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher, in addition to current Pro Bowl Minnesota Viking linebacker Anthony Barr. Edmunds has some of the best natural talent in this year's draft combined with likely the greatest potential of all the players available, as well, including offensive standouts Saquon Barkley, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, and Josh Rosen. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him end up a top ten overall pick and the first linebacker taken in the draft when all is said and done.  

Shaquem Griffin, Central Florida (UCF)

With as unlikely a story of any NFL draft prospect in history having his left hand amputated when he was three years old, caused by a rare prenatal condition, Shaquem Griffin had overcome many odds to just be at the combine. With his twin brother Shaquill, a third round pick by the Seattle Seahawks last year, the higher recruited player by the coaching staff, Shaquem redshirted and only played in three games during his first two seasons at UCF, having turned down track and field scholarship offers to play football with his brother. After the initial coaching staff was fired after a winless season, Shaquem found his niche under the new staff becoming the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), after totaling 92 tackles (57 solo), 20 for loss, 11.5 sacks, one interception, seven passes defended, and two forced fumbles/fumble recoveries.  Griffin help lead UCF to the only undefeated season in college football in 2017, while being named first-team All-AAC Defense for the second straight season. Griffin participated and played in the Senior Bowl where his play earned positive reviews of NFL scouts in attendance. Despite that Griffin lacked an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine at the time of the Senior Bowl in January, becoming one of the last round of recipients to receive one prior to the beginning of the event in late February. Proving more than worthy of his combine invite, the 6'0 3/8, 227 pound linebacker set the record for the fastest 40 yard dash time at the position, officially recorded at 4.38 seconds. Griffin also performed well in other workouts and positional drills, while recording 20 reps on the bench press with the aid of prosthetic device on his left arm.  More than just an inspirational story, Griffin has risen his draft stock from a player who recently lacked an invite to the combine, altogether, which had 336 prospects participate this year, to setting a record for the fastest 40 yard dash time amongst linebackers at the event, with the potential to be a top 100 selection in the upcoming draft.  

Dorian O'Daniel, Clemson

Not one of the most popular names or physically imposing prospects in this year's linebacker class Dorian O'Daniel was nevertheless a key contributor to an outstanding Clemson defense throughout his career that won a National Championship against Alabama in the 2016-17 season. At 6'1 (officially measured at 6'0 5/8) and 223 pounds, O'Daniel would've been considered undersized for the linebacker position even just a few years ago, but with current NFL players in a similar mold, such as Deion Jones and Deone Buchannan who compiled 100 tackle seasons within their first few years in the league, his type and style of play at the position is becoming more coveted. Having earned All-ACC honors in 2017 after being credited with 104 tackles for Clemson, O'Daniel put together a very solid showing at the NFL Scouting Combine. O'Daniel exhibited that he has outstanding quickness and change of direction ability, finishing first amongst linebackers in the three cone drill (6.64) and short shuttle (4.07).  Those times also placed ahead of all but two safeties and two running backs at the combine, respectively, in those same workouts. O'Daniel's 40 yard dash time of 4.61 seconds proves that he has the speed to keep up downfield with some of the faster various skilled position players on offense, as well. The native of the highly talented area known as the DMV, whose hometown is Washington, D.C., was an outstanding special teams player as well during his college career, having totaled 48 special teams tackles, a place where adds tremendous value over some other prospects. O'Daniel may not be one of the first few linebackers taken in this year's draft, but he has the ability to become one of the more immediate and consistent contributors at the position for whichever team selects him.   

Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State

Quite possibly even more than other top defensive prospect Marcus Davenport, Leighton Vander Esch has had the quickest ascension to becoming a potential first round pick. After suffering a season ending injury after only six games in 2016, Vander Esch first full season as a starter was in 2017 and he me made the most of it.  He won Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year after putting up 141 tackles (91 solo), 8.5 for loss, four sacks, three interceptions, five passes defended, and four forced fumbles. Vander Esch really established himself on the radar for this year's draft when he finished the season with a couple of strong performances, making 16 tackles and the game-clinching interception in the Mountain West Championship where he won MVP of the game.  He followed that with 12 tackles, three for loss, one sack, and a forced fumble in Boise State's victory over Oregon in their bowl game. An early entree into the draft Vander Esch came to the combine with a decent amount of positive intrigue surrounding him and did well to capitalize on it with the way he performed in front of all teams in attendance at the event in Indianapolis.  Measuring in at a towering 6'4 1/4, 256 pounds, Vander Esch acquitted himself well in the athletic testing portion finishing tied for second amongst all off-ball linebackers in the vertical jump (39.5") and twenty yard (short) shuttle (4.15).  He also did well in other workouts, finishing both tied for and in sole place of fifth, respectively, at his position in the broad jump (10'4") and three cone drill (6.88). In addition to his reputable numbers in the athletic testing, Vander Esch's performance in positional drills drew comparisons to soon-to-be inducted Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher, as well as current veteran NFL linebacker Karlos Dansby. With his showing at the combine Vander Esch solidified and helped raise his draft profile and looks to sit comfortably as one of the few linebackers in this year's draft class who will likely be taken in the first round. 

Fred Warner, Brigham Young (BYU)

After coming away with 23 tackles and an interception returned for a touchdown as a reserve in ten games during his freshman season, Warner put together a solid four year career at BYU, becoming a starter his sophomore season before leading the team in tackles the last two years (86 in 2016, 87 in 2017).  During his three years as a starter Warner accumulated 31 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, six interceptions, 12 passes defended, three forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries, while lining up in various spots along the Cougar defense, serving different responsibilities.  Having being selected to the Senior Bowl where he displayed his varied skill set to scouts in attendance, Warner entered the combine looking to solidify his athletic ability with respectable results in the different workouts. The 6'3 3/8, 236 pound linebacker did just that producing numbers that ranked amongst the top ten at the position in the bench press (21), vertical jump (38.5"), broad jump (9'11), three cone drill (6.90), and short shuttle (4.28), exhibiting his multitude of abilities. He also did well in the positional drills when having to simulate dropping into coverage, moving very well for a linebacker. Warner finished with one of the more positive showings at the combine of the linebacker group and while it remains to be seen if he goes in the second day of the draft, as a top 100 pick, or isn't selected until the third and final day (rounds 4-7), he figures to add have a positive impact in various areas for whichever team selects him, with the potential to become a starter.