Draft Profile Series: Dee Ford
- Updated: April 23, 2014
As we approach the deepest NFL Draft in recent memory, I’ll give my breakdown and analysis of 75 top prospects in this year’s class. At the conclusion of this series, I will include my final overall and positional rankings, as well as my mock draft.
Dee Ford, DE/OLB, 6-2¼, 245, Auburn
Key stats: Had 29 tackles, 14.5 of them for a loss and 10.5 sacks in 2013
Strengths: As quick off the ball as any player in this draft. … Ford is a tenacious player with definite pass-rush ability on the next level. … If he can develop these skills he will have a long career in the league. Has good bend and flattens to the quarterback. … Is very competitive and vocal leader. … Plays with an edge, and has a pass rusher’s mentality, meaning he is relentless in his pursuit of the quarterback. Is a leverage player and works to stay underneath offensive linemen. … Doesn’t quit on plays and hustles to the whistle.
Weaknesses: Really needs to develop counter moves as he is mostly a speed rusher at this point. … If not, he will just be a situational pass rusher. … Has a good slap-rip move to the inside, but doesn’t use it nearly enough. … Decent holding his ground against the run, but he doesn’t make many tackles unless he wins initially. … Has relatively short arms. … May have a real problem getting engulfed by NFL tackles and tight ends due to his average size. … Played almost exclusively as a rusher. … Has little to no experience dropping in coverage. … Has had back (disc) problems, which is a concern.
Conclusion: Played in three- or four-point stance as well as standing. Will likely project as a 3-4 outside linebacker or sub-package rusher if he’s on a 4-3 team. … Will have to work on dropping into coverage and playing in space if he is to maximize his career in the NFL. …
NFL comparison: Cliff Avril.
Draft projection: Late first or second round.
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