Dee Ford
Auburn, OLB/DE
Height: 6.2
Weight: 243
40yd: —
Age: 23
|
Stats |
||||||
|
Year |
G |
Tak |
TFL |
Sak |
PBU |
INT |
|
2009 |
13 |
12 |
2.5 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
2010 |
13 |
11 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
2011 |
3 |
7 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
2012 |
11 |
34 |
6.5 |
6 |
1 |
0 |
|
2013 |
12 |
29 |
14.5 |
10.5 |
1 |
0 |
Athleticism: A+
Has blistering speed off the edge. First man off the line more often than not. Very fluid and explosive player. Will pursue the ballcarrier and appears to get the most out of his ability. In rare opportunities he dropped into coverage, looked surprisingly good.
Pass Rushing: A-
Lives off the edge rush. Runs the arc more often than not, but appeared to stunt and counter inside more often in the last few games of the season. Needs to develop some moves to avoid being a one trick pony. Appears better suited rushing from a linebacker spot, but has experience from both the 2- and 3-point stance.
Run Stopping: D+
Is strictly an up the field rusher, rarely having to stay home and play the run. Does not have the strength and anchor to hold up at DE for most 43 teams. Can penetrate and make splash plays in the backfield, but will often end up behind the ballcarrier on inside runs. Had a tough time shedding Cedric Ogbuehi.
Technique: C-
Will need to become a more secure tackler if he makes the transition to linebacker. Could use some more aggressiveness and technique with his hands. Plays with good leverage when taking on blockers.
Intangibles: B-
Plays with a lot of effort and seems like a high character guy. Frequently jumps the snap count, but will misread and jump offsides occasionally. Appears to have a good understanding of the defense and does play all three elements of defense (rush, run, and coverage).
Red Flags: Durability
Bottom Line: An explosive player with tantalizing ability Ford stood out at the Senior Bowl should have solidified himself as a Day Two prospect. The problem is, he has never played a full season and does not project as an every down player. His best fit is as a situational rusher where he won’t be responsible for run contain and can avoid injury. Would be a good fit as a hybrid linebacker with the Raiders or the Jaguars.
Comparison: Bruce Irvin
Grade: 8.5 (2nd Round)
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