INDIANAPOLIS – Florida defensive end Dante Fowler, who some have as the No. 1 rated edge rusher in the draft, would like to reunite with Falcons head coach Dan Quinn.
While defensive coordinator at Florida, Quinn recruited Fowler out of St. Petersburg.
“It was amazing,” Fowler told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution after doing a photo shoot for Sports Illustrated. “He taught me a lot of things in a short period of time. That helped me throughout my three years that I was there. It was just amazing. He’s a great guy as a person and as a coach. I would love to play for him.”
Fowler played for Quinn in 2012 as a freshmen. He played in 13 games and made one start. He declared for the NFL draft after his junior season.
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
“He played me all over the place,” Fowler said. “He played me at defensive end, defensive tackle, nose guard and linebacker. He put me all over the place and was able to give me some tips and some schemes to help me make plays.”
Fowler hopes his versatility projects into the NFL.
“To be honest with you, I’m a true definition of a hybrid,” Fowler said. “I can be No. 1 at my position at defensive end. I can be No. 1 at my position at linebacker. I can do it all.”
Fowler was pleased that NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock has him as the top rated edge rusher in the draft.
“It’s good to see that some of my work is being respected,” Fowler said. “He’s not wrong for it either. He’s like 100 percent right.”
Fowler is set to meet with the Falcons here.
“I want them to know that I’m hard working player and hard working guy that’s ready to come in and make an impact,” Fowler said. “I’ll be happy anywhere that I go. I’ll just be happy to be drafted.”
Quinn has been impressed with Fowler’s development.
“He’s a terrific player,” Quinn said. “I’ve known him all the way through, growing up. He has that kind of versatility. He can play down. He can play inside or outside. That’s the way they tried to feature him there.”
Here's Mayock's ratings of the top five players heading into the combine.
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