Jul 23, 2014; Hollywood, CA, USA; Utah Utes defensive end Nate Orchard poses for a photo during the Pac-12 Media Day at the Studios at Paramount. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
5. Nate Orchard, DE (Utah)
Everybody seems to be in love with Randy Gregory as an explosive pass rusher. What if I told you though that Nate Orchard may be just as good and comes without Gregory’s baggage?
Nate Orchard was unstoppable at Utah. He had 21 tackles for a loss and 18.5 sacks in the 2014 season. He put up better numbers than Gregory and honestly he is more polished.
There are two reasons you may not have heard of Orchard. If you don’t follow Utah football closely you probably didn’t hear of him until the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Secondly he has a lean frame and people wonder if he is strong enough at the next level.
Orchard is a talented player who could be a good pass rushing defensive end in the NFL. He similar size and abilities as Gregory, he was more productive in college and he has none of Gregory’s baggage. That being said, Orchard is not the one being talked about.
Next: 4. Carl Davis DT (Iowa)