Randy Gregory
Nebraska, RE/RLB
Height: 6.6
Weight: 245
Age: 22
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Athleticism: A
A top-notch athletic talent who is still more athlete than football player at this stage. Quickness is masked by his poor snap awareness and is a fast and fluid mover. Foot fast and explosive reaching a target. Closes very well both against the run and rushing the passer. Has the fluidity and flexibility to drop into coverage, but is still inexperienced in that area. Was used from a two point stance and as an interior linebacker at times, but never asked to perform coverage responsibilities in tape viewed.
Pass Rush: C+
Extremely raw as a pass rusher but possesses the tools to become a sack artist down the line. Slow to get off the snap which immediately puts him at a disadvantage, and is considerably lacking in play strength with a very lean frame. Offers little in terms of a bull rush, and lacks a repertoire outside of an inside counter and swim move. Doesn’t bend the edge or run arc, both things he has the athletic ability to perform but just doesn’t do for whatever reason. Most of his sack production in 2014 appeared to come from schemed blitzes and his counter move. Has the body and arm length to knock down passes at the line (as well as on special teams).
Run Defense: B-
Better suited to play against the run early on in his NFL career, but still needs to add mass and strength to his very long and lean frame. Will get engulfed by double teams and can controlled by single blocks at times. However, is able to anchor and set the edge and keeps backside contain. Able to play piano down the line and in pursuit. Can shave the edge and make plays in the backfield on inside runs and on runs to the opposite side.
Technique: C
A developing hand fighter who showed improvement from week one until Nebraska’s bowl game vs. USC. Has very quick hands and has some jolt to shed. Plays narrow and will end on the ground too often as a result. Maintains decent pad level despite his height. Has long arms to reach off of blocks and drag down ballcarriers and is a heavy tackler.
Intangibles: D+
Only spent two years at the FBS level after arriving at Nebraska as a JUCO transfer. Has very poor snap anticipation and is frequently the last man moving off the ball, almost a full second late at times. Mental processing on the field is below average, but made some improvement in terms of play diagnosis as the year went on. Shows an adequate motor and played a high volume of snaps in 2014. Flashed edge when taking on double teams and has situational nastiness.
Red Flags: Raw Talent
Bottom Line: After just one year at Nebraska, Randy Gregory exploded onto the scene as a potential top 5 selection in 2015, a lofty expectation he just might yet achieve. However, Gregory would be best served going to a team that already has established defensive ends from whom he can learn and slowly be phased into the rotation. A considerable project who has the raw measurables and athletic ability to a force in the league, but must undergo serious development before he can reach an elite level of play. Combine will determine how well he fits as a 3-4 linebacker, but is scheme versatile.
Comparison: Dion Jordan
Grade: 8.8 (2nd Round)
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