Lorenzo Mauldin 
Louisville, RLB/RE
Height: 6.3
Weight: 241
Age: 22
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Athleticism: B-
Quickness off the snap is above average, but chews up ground with his first step. Good bend taking the corner on his speed rush, but could stand to stay more balances. Agile to work back inside and on loops and blitzes. Closing burst is very strong and arrives in a flash. Has limited experience in coverage, but has the fluidity and athletic ability to develop. Looked choppy and unsure of his backpedal in 2014, but has above average drop range for a converted defensive end.
Pass Rush: B+
Athletic edge rusher who combines a speed rush with very active hand fighting. Go-to move is an arm over, but has the semblance of a pass rush arsenal. Lacks the power to work a straight bull rush, but is very effective taking a more circuitous route to the quarterback. Gets his hands up in passing windows and is very alert to where the quarterback is looking. Could become the complete package with more strength and technique work.
Run Defense: C
Lacks the size and anchor to play with his hand in the dirt in a 40 front, at least as it now stands. Looked more natural playing from a two point stance in 2014 and fits better ability wise as a 3-4 linebacker. Is a run-and-chase player who can get penetration on the edge and work back inside to make a run at the ballcarrier. Hesitant moving through trash and lacks great balance.
Technique: C+
Very active hand fighter against offensive linemen and frequently is able to disengage with his hands. Needs to play with better leverage and stands very upright off the snap and doesn’t lower his pads into contact. Warps up and can wallop quarterbacks and pull runningbacks down from behind, but can get caught in space.
Intangibles: A
Very active in backside pursuit, even down the field. Never gives up on a play and is high-motor, hustle player. Relentless, and one of the hardest workers on the field. Possesses good instincts and takes well to adjusting to new schemes and concepts. Two-and-a-half year starter who has overcome a lot of adversity in his early life and has excellent personal character.
Red Flags: Tweener
Bottom Line: While Lorenzo Mauldin may not ideally fit into either a 4-3 or 3-4 defense right out of college, the former Cardinal has the potential to play in either scheme. Thanks to his relentless and instinctive approach on the field, Mauldin has the capacity to outplay other athletically superior edge rushers in this year’s class. With a strong couple of months in the draft process, Mauldin could become the second consecutive first round edge rusher out of Louisville, following Eagles 2013 pick Marcus Smith.
Comparison:
Grade: 8.9 (2nd Round)
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