2015 NFL Draft: Redskins Draft Prospects 11-15
By Chris West
Jan 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Arik Armstead (9) attempts to sack Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) in the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Arik Armstead, DE
College Team: Oregon
Size: 6′ 7″, 292 lbs
Speed: 40yd-5.10, 10yd-1.75
Measurements: Arms-33″, Hands-10 and 1/2″
Arik Armstead has prototypical size to play DE in the 3-4 defense that the Redskins employ. Armstead was recruited by Oregon to play both football and basketball. He eventually chose to pursue football primarily and improved greatly in 2014.
many teams will have Armstead ranked much lower than the eleventh spot
Armstead has made incredible plays at times. He also has had some extended periods of games where his play has looked lackluster. Because of his inconsistency, many teams will have Armstead ranked much lower than the eleventh spot.
Strengths:
Armstead does an excellent job of using his long arms and strong hands to keep blockers at a distance. He uses his body length to obtain leverage and dominate blockers at times. Armstead is very effective with his bull rush and has a devastating swim move to the inside which keeps offensive linemen off balance.
Armstead plays the run well and doesn’t give up ground even when double-teamed. He has the body frame to add more weight and now that his basketball career is over, he will be able to take advantage of a good NFL strength and conditioning program. Armstead improved dramatically in his three years at Oregon and willcontinue that improvement in the NFL if drafted by the right team that plays the 3-4 defense.
Weaknesses:
Armstead tends to get slow off the snap when he tires in games. He will stand up at the snap of the ball and lose his leverage and take himself out of the pass rush. Despite looking dominant at times, Armstead only had 2.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss in 13 games in 2014 largely because he was unable to finish his rush or was a step late often.
Armstead is slower than desired in a defensive end. He also needs to improve his field vision to improve his finishing ability, particularly versus the pass. Armstead is a raw prospect and will need a lot of coaching on his technique.
Redskins fit:
Although they strengthened their defensive line greatly in free agency, the Redskins are still of need of youth there. Armstead could be allowed to develop as he joins the defensive line rotation on a limited basis. Armstead could be the team’s best player on the defensive line in a few short years.
Armstead could also be part of the rotation inside at DT when the Redskins go to a four man line on passing downs. He could push the pocket and force the quarterbacks out to the outside rushers. Armstead’s potential makes sense to a team like the Redskins trying to rebuild depth and youth.
Next: Number Twelve Redskins Draft Prospect