http://bcove.me/ww9oypk5
FLOWERY BRANCH – Former Florida defensive end Dante Fowler Jr., who was recruited by Falcons coach Dan Quinn, is considered the top true 4-3 defensive end in the draft.
Some contend that Clemson’s Vic Beasley, the school all-time leader in sacks, is right behind him as a hybrid pass-rushing defensive end/outside linebacker.
Southern California’s Leonard Williams, of Daytona Beach, Fla., was also recruited by Quinn when he was the defensive coordinator at Florida. He’s the top defensive tackle/3-4 defensive end in the top.
The Falcons, who must improve their pass rush, must compare Fowler vs. Beasley, although they’d likely have to trade up to land either one of them.
But after you crunch the numbers – and we know the Falcons are heavy into analytics — Beasley is the stronger, faster and more explosive athlete.
Fowler is 15 pounds heavier and can play against the run at 261 pounds.
Beasley, who finished his career with 33 sacks, can attack on third down-and-long situations and will have to show that he can hold up against the run.
He has faster times than Fowler in the 40-yard dash, 10-yard shuttle, 20-yard shuttle and three-cone drill. He also has a much higher vertical and broad jump.
He’s much stronger that Fowler, who did 19 reps of 225 pounds at the combine, while Beasley had 35 reps.
But the scouts seem to prefer Fowler over Beasley.
A scout on Fowler: "Watch the East Carolina game at about the 10:30 mark and see what he does to the pulling guard. You watch that play and say 'wow.' He hits the pulling guard so hard he looks like he's out cold for a second. The kid goes down like a boxer hit (him) with a roundhouse. (Fowler) is very violent in the way he plays the game. To me, he might be the best player in the draft. He's fun to watch." –Nolan Nawrocki's NFL Draft Preview
Compare the numbers below:
Dante Fowler Jr.
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Position: Defensive end/Outside linebacker
Height: 6-foot, 3 inches
Weight: 261 pounds
40-yard dash: 4.6 seconds
10-yard split: 1.69 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 2.69 seconds
3-Cone Drill: 7.4 seconds
Bench Press: 19 reps
Vertical Jump: 32 1/2 inches
Broad Jump: 9-feet, 4-inches
Vic Beasley
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Credit: D. Orlando Ledbetter
Position: Outside linebacker
Height: 6-foot, 3-inches
Weight: 246 pounds
40-yard dash: 4.53 seconds
Bench press: 35 times (225 pounds)
10-yard split: 1.59 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 2.65 seconds
3-Cone Drill: 6.91 seconds
Vertical Jump: 41 inches
Broad Jump: 10-feet, 10 inches
CLICK HERE FOR LATEST VIDEO: D. Led: Dante Fowler Jr. Fits Falcons
FALCONS DRAFT BOARD
5 questions with Oklahoma tight end Blake Bell
Kentucky's Bud Dupree vs. Nebraska's Randy Gregory
5 questions with Nebraska's Randy Gregory
5 questions with Kentucky's Bud Dupree
5 questions with Missouri's Shane Ray
5 questions with Clemson's Vic Beasley
5 questions with Alabama safety Landon Collins
5 questions with Alabama quarterback Blake Sims
5 questions with Florida defensive end Dante Fowler Jr.
5 questions with Oregoan DL Arik Armstead
5 questions with Miami inside linebacker Denzel Perryman
Falcons go to check out several Miami Hurricanes
Some of the attendees to the Falcons locals day
ATLANTA FALCONS 2015 DRAFT PICKS
First round: 8th overall selection
Second round: 42nd overall selection
Third round: 73rd overall selection
Fourth round: 107th overall selection
Fifth round: 146th overall selection
Sixth round: 185th overall selection
Seventh round: 225th overall selection
Seventh round: 249th overall selection*
*Pick is from New England through St. Louis
POSITION-BY-POSITION FOR 2015 NFL DRAFT
Wednesday: Top 5 Inside Linebackers
Miami linebacker Denzel Perryman ,
Thursday: Top 5 defensive tackles
(Leonard Williams' Rugby skill will become handy in the NFL)
Friday: Top 5 defensive backs
Alabama's Landon Collins is the top safety prospect
Saturday: Top 5 special teamers
Dorsett, Alford could be top returners
Sunday: Top 5 edge rushers (defensive ends/outside linebackers).
Big Chuck Smith breaks down the top pass-rush prospects
Monday: Top 5 Offensive line
Georgia Tech's Shaquille Mason trying to convert to center for NFL
Tuesday: Top 5 Wide receivers
Georgia's Chris Conley now projects as a fourth-rounder
Wednesday, April 22: Top 5 Running backs
Thursday, April 23: Top 5 Quarterbacks
NFL must handle Winston, Mariota with care. Both need seasoning
Friday, April 24: Top 5 Tight ends
South Carolina's Rory "Buster" Anderson hopes to get his NFL shot
ICYMI: Here's a link to last year's Position-by-Position series.
About the Author
