Overview
Position: Defensive end
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 257 pounds
School: Kansas Jayhawks
Combine Performance Data
40-yard dash: 4.87 seconds
Vertical jump: 30.0 inches
Broad jump: 9 feet, 10 inches
Three-cone drill: 7.12 seconds (tied for fifth among defensive linemen)
20-yard shuttle: 4.23 seconds (third among defensive linemen)
Dorance Armstrong 2018 NFL Draft Profile
Dorance Armstrong is coming into the NFL Draft with rare athleticism for a player of his size. Armstong got started early in his freshman season making plays for a very bad team since his time being there. The Jayhawks have gone 0-12, 2-10, and 1-11 the last three years. Obviously, the combined 3-33 record over three years makes it difficult for anyone to stand out.
That being said, Armstrong did just that by breaking out in 2016 with 20 tackles for a loss and 10 sacks. In 2017, his production slipped a bit with only 1.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss. His tackle production did improve to 63 tackles though compared to 56 in 2016.
Opponents knew that Armstrong was a force to be reckoned with. Double teams were very common in every game, as the secret was out that Armstrong was an athletic nightmare for teams trying to stop him. Unfortunately, this was just about the only facet of the defense for Kansas that needed attention.
Still, Armstrong should garner attention, with his moves to get quickly around the edge. Tight ends are no match for him as his frame and long arms give him the quickstep to follow the run game. He will attack quarterbacks with a burst of hustle and velocity that could be a steal on the second or third day of the draft.
Strengths
- speed and athleticism to get around the edge;
- can play either standing or with one hand down;
- smooth motion with fluidity;
- long arms that can easily reject oncoming blockers;
- stays focused on plays with a constant attention towards being involved.
Weaknesses
- he could be looked at as being undersized on the next level;
- at times can be inconsistent;
- overlooked because of his team’s performance;
- slight production drop from his junior year;
- Disappointing 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine.
NFL Comparison: Kamerlon Wimbley
Teams With Need at position: New York Jets, New York Giants, Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons
Projection: fourth to fifth round
Bottom Line
Armstrong can be a steal midway through the NFL Draft. His unique combination of quickness as a pass rusher is going to always be sought after. The Jayhawks did him no favors by having to deal with constant battles with double teams and undivided attention. Some scouts have been looking at him being a linebacker in a 3-4 defense. If so, that will be an adjustment he will have to make at the next level.
