Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive end Randy Gregory (4) defends USC Trojans running back Javorius Allen (37) during the fourth quarter in the 2014 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
2. Randy Gregory, DE (Nebraska)
Randy Gregory is a speedy pass rusher off the edge but I’m not sold on him as a game changing player for the team that drafts him. The 6-6 240 pound defensive end has the length, the acceleration and the numbers to back up his high draft stock. But something smells funny here.
He does not fire off the snap of the football, he seems to have a delayed first step that drives me batty. He is not a great defensive end against the run and he gets sacks one way, by winning off the edge.
In college football, he was the better athlete than the tackle he was going up against, almost every week. In the NFL, he is just another guy and he needs to bulk up and add a power element to his pass rushing tactics.
There are so many good pass rushers in this draft, with similar abilities as Gregory. Many of them are more polished than Gregory and are more versatile football players. I am not sold on this defensive end prospect.
Next: 1. Jameis Winston, QB (FSU)