2015 NFL Draft: Redskins Draft Prospects 11-15
By Chris West
Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive end Randy Gregory (4) works against USC Trojans tight end Bryce Dixon (13) during the fourth quarter in the 2014 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Randy Gregory, OLB
College team: Nebraska
Size: 6’5″, 235lbs
Speed: 40yd-4.64, 10yd-1.61
Measurements: Arms-34″, Hands-10″
Randy Gregory is another project pick high in the first round. If this was a stronger draft class, Gregory would be a late first round pick. With a fairly weak top echelon group of players, Gregory slots here at number 12.
Gregory tested positive for marijuana at the combine and that adds a major question mark on his judgement for many NFL teams. With the combine being the most important interview of a young man’s life, it is puzzling when one of the top rated players tests positive.
Gregory is relentless in his pursuit
Strengths:
Gregory has very long arms and a tall frame which he uses to bat down passes and grab onto quarterbacks and running backs. He is very explosive when pursuing the QB and has a natural bend when he dips around offensive linemen. Gregory is able to use his strength and long arms to stand up blockers and set them up for his speed moves.
Gregory is relentless in his pursuit of the ball carrier. He has cat-like quickness and change of direction skills. Gregory is a very tough athlete and didn’t let blockers dominate him despite his slender frame.
Weaknesses:
Gregory played at Nebraska at about only 218 lbs. He gained and lost weight in preparation for the combine and it is questionable whether he can maintain enough natural bulk to deal with the much stronger offensive linemen in the NFL. When blockers can get their hands on his long frame, they have been able to dislodge him and take away his effectiveness.
Gregory is slow off the snap of the football. He needs to quicken his get-off or NFL offensive tackles will set up quickly for his rush and limit his chances of getting to the ball. Gregory only played two years at Nebraska after playing at a community college for one season due to being declared academically ineligible at Purdue.
Redskins fit:
Gregory has been quoted saying that he is a Ryan Kerrigan fan and attempted to go to Purdue where Kerrigan was a star DE, He would fit nicely to add a pass rush to the front seven. If the Redskins trade down to the 11-20 range of the first round, Gregory may be a target for them.
Gregory has the natural talent to be the best pass rusher in the draft and Redskins GM, Scot McCloughan, may choose him as a worthy project down the line in the draft. Gregory would come in on passing downs as a rookie and rush from the RDE spot a lot on the Redskins 4 man line. He could also be very effective moving all along the front seven to find mis-matches.
Next: Number Thirteen Redskins Draft Prospect