2015 NFL Draft: Leonard Williams Vs. Randy Gregory

There are some undeniable talents in the 2015 NFL Draft class. You know who they are by now because they have been talked about by pundits all over the NFL landscape for months now. USC’s Leonard Williams and Nebraska’s Randy Gregory are those type of talents.

More from NY Giants Draft

Forget the projections, folks. The value of a prospect is determined by each individual organization not Mel Kiper’s big board. That’s no knock on him, but not every organization thinks like that. A clear need to us might not be the same for a front office.

If I had to say who’s a more complete prospect I’d tell you it’s Leonard Williams, but a team might see a tool or trait they really think fits their team’s need in Randy Gregory. Here’s my breakdown of their skill sets.

Let’s start with Leonard Williams. I think he’s the safest pick in this draft because I just don’t see a low floor with him. He reminds me very much of Warren Sapp because of his ability to bring a strong interior pass rush, which is a skill set very rare at the NFL level. Ndamukong Suh is one of the few players that brings that style of play, and look how the Dolphins valued him.

Williams, brings rare strength and size that will most likely translate to a Defensive tackle in 4-3 defense, but I wouldn’t leave out his ability to play the end position either. In a 3-4 is where I think he could fit really well as a Defensive end because of his size and style. Some have even compared him to J.J. Watt because of his ability to move all over the defense and play multiple positions, which is also a legitimate comparison.

Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive end Randy Gregory (4) stretches before the game against the USC Trojans in the 2014 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Randy Gregory in my mind would have been a sure-fire top six pick if he hadn’t failed his drug test at the NFL Combine in February. This will ultimately deter teams away from taking him that early, but he’s still an elite talent that projects somewhere inside the top 15 in the 1st round.

Gregory, brings elite pass rushing skills in a league that has rewarded that trade with colossal contracts. It’s quite possible it’s the most important “position” right behind quarterback.

His playing style reminds me very much of Aldon Smith, and unfortunately so do his off-field troubles. He’s been given the tag of being a “raw” athlete by many, which will make some lick their chops, but also add some skepticism.

Personally, whenever I think of a raw athlete I see someone with an incredibly high ceiling, but also someone who can be potential bust material if he isn’t coached correctly. Let’s be honest, not many coaches want to coach-up a top 10 or top 15 draft pick. They expect them to step in and be starters or impact players off the bat.

If Gregory isn’t coached correctly or molded with the right structure or system he could potentially be a bust especially with his off-field issues. The perfect fit in my opinion would be for him to play outside linebacker in a 3-4. He would translate to a Defensive end in a 4-3, but his 235 lb. frame does concern me as being a bit light to be an impact player in the run game on an every down basis.

Would you rather take someone you know will be a solid starter for 8-10 years or someone with star potential, but also potential to be a big-time bust if not structured properly? I think everyone would agree that Williams is the better pick and will ultimately be taken picks ahead of Gregory in the Draft just a few week’s away.

Next: 2015 NFL Draft: Top 10 Potential Draft Steals

2015 NFL Draft: Leonard Williams Vs. Randy Gregory

More from GMEN HQ

Schedule