NFL Draft 2016 Scouting Report: Edge Rushers
2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Edge Rushers
- Joey Bosa
Height: 6’5
Weight: 269 lbs
College: Ohio State
Class: Junior
Bosa seemingly shrugged his way through his Ohio State career, proving himself to be one of the best and most consistent pass rushers in the nation. He was a horse on the Buckeye front seven and really showed why he deserved to, at one time, be in the discussion to go number one overall.
One quick knock on Bosa is his sometimes “care-free” demeanor in which he goes about things. Most of this happens off the field on Twitter and other social media. However, a quick on-the-field incident to note was this past year’s Fiesta Bowl where he was ejected early on in the game for leading with his helmet and hitting a player in the chest with the crown of his helmet. There is the occasional talk of Bosa being a dirty player, especially from non-Buckeye faithful. However, it does not really appear as though he is out to hurt anyone.
Bosa is definitely an edge rusher that is going to run right through you. And if an offensive tackle can somehow manage to hold up strength wise, Bosa has the ability to run right past you. Clocking in a 4.77 40 time at the combine, Bosa is a threat with both his arms and his feet. His plethora of defensive moves will keep linemen guessing, and his ability to get around the edge and get a hand on the ball carrier is outstanding.
For the Browns, Bosa would be an excellent pick IF USED CORRECTLY (!!!). The Browns had a tremendous pass rusher and run stopper last year in the form of Paul Kruger. However, the Browns were very reluctant to blitz Kruger and dropped him back into coverage more often than not. Bosa can certainly cover a lot better than Kruger, however, his main asset is to get as much pressure in the backfield as he can. After all, the Buckeye did record 51 tackles for loss and 26 sacks while in Columbus.
If Cleveland hopes to get Bosa, the 2 pick might be a bit high. So, they could trade down to a team like the Jaguars or Cowboys and hopefully get Bosa there if they so desired.
- Leonard Floyd
Height: 6’6
Weight: 244
College: Georgia
Class: Junior
The Bulldog has been deemed “the jack of all trades” of this year’s NFL Draft. The 2015 Butkus award finalist brings as much heat as anyone off the outside edge. He led the Bulldogs this past season with 4.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss.
The tall and almost lanky looking edge rusher is one of the best in this year’s draft and possibly the most athletic of the whole class. His long arms allow him to get a hand on the ball carrier much easier and his ability to disrupt plays with just his sheer length is an outstanding feature all of its own. He is also able to handle himself if thrust into a pass coverage scenario. Leonard is also able to get himself to a 45-degree angle when on the pass rush, an extremely important feature, plus the fact that he is able to do it at 6’6.
The immediate knock on Floyd, however, is his lanky stature. Analysts say he is a defensive end in the body of a wide receiver. Lots of trips to the weight room will be important for the Bulldog if he hopes to make it in the NFL. Also, he can be a liability at times if called upon to get outside quickly and set the edge.
For the Browns, a good edge rush is something they seriously lacked last year. And with a new defensive system coming, a player like Floyd could certainly shine. If the Browns pass on Bosa right away, Floyd could be someone they look at late in the first round.
- Shaq Lawson
Height:6’3
Weight: 269
College: Clemson
Class: Junior
The name should be enough to sell you on Shaq Lawson. The Clemson Tiger had a monster year in 2015, racking up 12.5 sacks and an FBS leading 24.5 tackles for loss for the ACC Champions.
Lawson is built just like the basketball player with lots of meat on those bones. Lawson will certainly out-wide any offensive lineman he squares off against. Even if Shaq is unable to overpower you, he has quick enough hands to swim right through blocks and spring himself into the backfield. His size also allows him to hold his own in the many double teams that opponents will try and send. He also led the nation in “stuffs” with 17 last year.
A quick knock on Lawson is that his size prevents him from being a true athlete, which is certainly true. Lawson is unable to really bend his hips when coming off the edge which makes it easier for offensive tackles to try and get in front of that huge frame. Lawson will also need to put himself in much better shape if he hopes to make a living at the next level, as you can count on him to be dead tired in late games and start to take plays off here and there.
For the Browns, Lawson is able to play in both a 3-4 and 4-3 so he is a good fit in whatever system they go with. Cleveland could certainly pick a winner in either Lawson or Floyd, so it would certainly be personal preference between the two.
- Noah Spence
Height: 6’2
Weight: 251
College: Eastern Kentucky
Class: 251
The former Buckeye has had his fair share of issues off the field (including multiple failed drug tests that led to his ban from the Big Ten Conference) but his talent is unquestioned. Spence dominated the Ohio Valley Conference at Eastern Kentucky, recording 13.5 sacks last season along with 22.5 tackles for loss.
Spence appeared to be as versatile and athletic as any other end in the country last year. His motor, also, is unquestionably high. He is very well conditioned and is able to play all out for the total duration of the game. His incredible agility allows him to burst off the line of scrimmage very quickly.
The weakness for Spence heading into the draft, however, is the fact that he played FCS football last year. Spence was great at Ohio State, however, that was 2 years ago and scouts are not sure if his game will really translate into the NFL. He tends to go to the same moves every time so he will have to make adjustments in that department. His strength will also have to improve.
The Browns could maybe try to go for Spence in the early second round. The Browns love drafting Buckeyes, so do not be surprised if he is in a Browns helmet come training camp.
- Kamalei Correa
Height: 6’2
Weight: 245
College: Boise State
Class: Junior
The junior from Boise certainly wreaked havoc last year, leading the Mountain West in sacks with 12 and finishing third in the tackle for loss department with 19. His play was good enough for him to be named All-Conference.
Correa is for sure built with a defensive end body. He is able to run through defenses with his attack mentality, however, he is also smart enough to still make smart decisions in the backfield. His top speed is also very impressive and allows him to chase ball carriers if they sneak by him.
The weakness of his attack mentality is that he can, at times, forget about getting the ball. Correa will have to focus more on the ball carrier at the next level. His strength allows him to make big hits, however, he can get greedy and tend to overrun ball carriers.
If the Browns were to decide that Spence was not someone they wanted. Correa is someone they could go for early in the second round. Correa is not real familiar with an NFL system, but if acquainted, could be a dominant presence for years to come.
