FLOWERY BRANCH -- With the NFL draft set for April 30 through May 2, each morning we'll take a look at a player on the Falcons' draft board .
Today we'll look at Florida defensive end Dante Fowler Jr., who was recruited by Falcons coach Dan Quinn, while he was the defensive coordinator.
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
5 questions with Dante Fowler Jr.:
Q: What’s your best position?
A: I really can play anywhere. Coach (Will) Muschamp's defense was multiple, we played a 3-4 and a 4-3.
Q: Exactly how were you utilized?
A: My first year, my freshman year, I played a lot of defensive end. My sophomore year I did a lot. My junior year we played a lot of 3-4, so I was the Buck (linebacker). I stood up and just roamed up and things like that, I played all over the place.
Q: Do you feel your scheme versatility is an asset?
A: It can help me a lot just because I play anywhere, I can play some linebacker to (defensive) end to edge rusher, I can do a lot for team. I create a lot of problems for the offense and really just stressing out coordinators out.
Q: What was your relationship with Falcons coach Dan Quinn?
A: It was crazy. Just being able to be with Dan Quinn for that one year, he taught so much. I had enough information for four years. He was just a great coach, a player's coach. He was just smart.
Q: What kind of impact did he have on your life?
A: He was a man. And he taught me to be a man. I was sad when he left. But I knew he was going to do great things. And he accomplished his goals and dreams just like I'm going to accomplish mine.
What they are saying about Fowler:
ESPN analyst Bill Polian, former six-time NFL executive of the year and Pro Football Hall of Famer, on Fowler: "The Florida kid has got really great explosion off the edge. He's a bigger version of a Bruce Irvin type player. He's much bigger as a matter of fact. He can turn speed into power. He's an aggressive player and pretty accomplished rusher."
Defensive line coach and trainer Chuck Smith on Fowler: "He's played against some great competition. From what I know about him, he's a confident kid. He has good range and the ability to be true 4-3 defensive end. He has good explosion. His upside is really high."
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POSITION-BY POSITION SERIES
Wednesday: Inside Linebackers
Miami linebacker Denzel Perryman ,
Thursday: Defensive tackles
(Leonard Williams' Rugby skill will become handy in the NFL)
Friday: Defensive backs
Alabama's Landon Collins is the top safety prospect
Saturday: Special teams
Sunday: Edge rushers (defensive ends/outside linebackers).
Monday: Offensive line
Tuesday: Wide receivers
Wednesday, April 22: Running backs
Thursday, April 23: Quarterbacks
Friday, April 24: Tight ends
ICYMI: Here's a link to last year's Position-by-Position series.
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
NFL DRAFT CORNER
D. Led's Mock 1.0: Falcons select Todd Gurley with 8th overall pick
Falcons set to work on Vic Beasley in Clemson
Stanford's James Vaughters to participate in Falcons' locals day
FALCONS COMBINE MEETINGS
Oregon DE Arik Armstead talked scheme with the Falcons
Falcons met with Alabama quarterback Blake Sims
Falcons to meet with Florida DE Dante Fowler Jr.
Falcons met with Wake Forest CB Kevin Johnson
Falcons met with Alabama safety Landon Collins
COLLEGE PRO DAY VISITS
SOUTH CAROLINA: Ex-Gamecock Davis leans on brother for NFL help
SOUTH CAROLINA: RB Mike Davis (Stephenson High) has strong showing
GEORGIA: Todd Gurley reflects on his career in Athens
GEORGIA: Quarterack Hutson Mason has solid showing at Pro Day
GEORGIA: Chris Conley performed well in position drills
GEORGIA TECH: Synjyn Days hopes to run to daylight in NFL
GEORGIA TECH: VIDEO -- Head coach Paul Johnson
ALABAMA: Amari Cooper aiming to be top wide receiver in the draft
ALABAMA: VIDEO: Amari Cooper on his draft status
ALABAMA: Lineman Austin Shepherd has met with the Falcons
