TFE Scouting Report - Randy Gregory

[OneDayGM]

TFE's NFL Draft Lead writer Brandon Thorn breaks down his #1 rated edge player for the 2015 NFL Draft with an in-depth, NFL style scouting report. Feedback is very much appreciated!

 

Full Report - http://www.thefootballeducator.com/randy-gregory-nebraska/

 

RG is a freakish athlete who has tremendous size with a narrow but muscular body-type. He has long arms & aggressive hands that he uses to maintain separation at the POA to locate the ball. Surprisingly aggressive & physical when shedding blocks, rarely getting overpowered off the LOS, but it does happen from time to time due to lack of sand. Excellent in pursuit where his high motor & outstanding speed really get to shine. He’s an explosive tackler who meets ballcarriers with an attitude and wraps up consistently. He is noticeably late out of his stance in every game I watched, usually 4-5 times each tape. This is hard to figure out why and since it still happens frequently late in the year, is somewhat disconcerting. Despite occasionally being late off the snap, Gregory is a very well-developed pass-rusher who wins in a variety of ways. He consistently keeps his pad level low out of his stance which enables him to dictate the outcome more often than not. His coordination and foot fire allow him to get OL off balance which sets up his array of moves. RG is very skilled with his hands and has a nice rip, spin, swim, and bullrush capabilities. He loves crossing the OL’s face and can get skinny on the inside where most of his sacks have come by way of his swim move. His closing speed/short-area burst is impeccable and he made a play vs Miami that summed this up well where a RB attempted to cut him off of play-action. Gregory was standing up on the right side as the QB hiked the ball & faked a handoff to the RB, who after the fake immediately went for RGs’ knees. RG used his incredible quickness/agility to juke the RB out, leap over him, regain his traction almost instantly and throw the QB down for a sack. He made it look effortless & put on full display his athletic prowess. Despite playing ILB in the 3-4 several times each game (where he was a very effective blitzer, beating slower OL with his excellent speed/agility) there wasn’t enough tape to see him turn his hips and cover. This will be an area that gets tested at the Combine & his pro day. Overall, the way Gregory is used at Nebraska translates almost perfectly to the NFL. The difference is he is best suited as a 3-4 OLB not a 4-3 DE, at least initially, due to the need to add more weight. He is scheme versatile with the ability to be used as a queen on a defensive chess board in the front 7, lining up virtually anywhere and having an impact from day 1.

Pro Comp = Aldon Smith

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[Mavric]

Dan Hoppen ‏@danhoppen 1h1 hour ago

ESPN Insider Steve Muench says Randy Gregory is the best pass rusher in the upcoming NFL Draft. Compares him to Jason Pierre-Paul. #Huskers

[OneDayGM]

Not a huge fan of the comparison, but the statement I'm behind.