If Quinn Covets Eight Edge Rushers In The 2015 Draft

FalconFanSince1970 · April 5, 2015

Which eight edge rushers was he referring to? Here are a few possibilities:

AVERAGE NCAA SACKS PER SEASON

DE - Nate Orchard (6'3 250 4.80) - 11.0

DE - Hau'oli Kikaha (6'2 253 4.74) - 9.0

DE - Randy Gregory (6'5 235 4.64) - 8.8

DE - Vic Beasley (6'3 246 4.53) - 8.3

LB - Lorenzo Mauldin (6'4 259 4.85) - 6.8

DE - Shane Ray (6'3 249 4.68) - 6.3

LB - Bud Dupree (6'4 269 4.56) - 5.9

DE - Eli Harold (6'3 247 4.60) - 5.8

DE - Anthony Chickillo (6'3 267 4.79) - 5.8

DE - Markus Golden (6'2 260 4.90) - 5.5

DE - Za'Darius Smith (6'4 274 4.83) - 5.3

LB - Kwon Alexander (6'1 227 4.55) - 5.0

DE - Dante Fowler Jr. (6'3 261 4.60) - 4.8

DE - Trey Flowers (6'2 266 4.93) - 4.5

DE - Preston Smith (6'5 271 4.74) - 4.0

DE - Owamagbe Odighizuwa (6'3 257 4.62) - 3.1

DE - Mario Edwards Jr. (6'3 279 4.84) - 2.7

DE - Danielle Hunter (6'5 252 4.57) - 1.5

DE - Arik Armstead (6'7 292 5.10) - 1.3

LB - Shaq Thompson (6'0 228 4.64) - 1.2

Who are your top eight?

Sui_Generis · April 5, 2015

Literally mine are the first 8 in your list.

brown bomber · April 5, 2015

Besides the top 5 its Harold, OO, and Orchard.

Dem Birds · April 5, 2015

I haven't seen it, did he actually put a number out there of guys he likes?

bigjmw84 · April 5, 2015

Add Z. Hodges to that list.

DonDaLuvMaker · April 5, 2015

When did Quinn say that he covets 8 edge rushers in the draft?

I must have missed it because I don't remember reading anything on it.

Lornoth · April 5, 2015

Which eight edge rushers was he referring to? Here are a few possibilities:
AVERAGE NCAA SACKS PER SEASON
DE - Nate Orchard (6'3 250 4.80) - 11.0
DE - Hau'oli Kikaha (6'2 253 4.74) - 9.0
DE - Randy Gregory (6'5 235 4.64) - 8.8
DE - Vic Beasley (6'3 246 4.53) - 8.3
LB - Lorenzo Mauldin (6'4 259 4.85) - 6.8
DE - Shane Ray (6'3 249 4.68) - 6.3
LB - Bud Dupree (6'4 269 4.56) - 5.9
DE - Eli Harold (6'3 247 4.60) - 5.8
DE - Anthony Chickillo (6'3 267 4.79) - 5.8
DE - Markus Golden (6'2 260 4.90) - 5.5
DE - Za'Darius Smith (6'4 274 4.83) - 5.3
LB - Kwon Alexander (6'1 227 4.55) - 5.0
DE - Dante Fowler Jr. (6'3 261 4.60) - 4.8
DE - Trey Flowers (6'2 266 4.93) - 4.5
DE - Preston Smith (6'5 271 4.74) - 4.0
DE - Owamagbe Odighizuwa (6'3 257 4.62) - 3.1
DE - Mario Edwards Jr. (6'3 279 4.84) - 2.7
DE - Danielle Hunter (6'5 252 4.57) - 1.5
DE - Arik Armstead (6'7 292 5.10) - 1.3
LB - Shaq Thompson (6'0 228 4.64) - 1.2
Who are your top eight?

Though Mario Edwards would probably do better as a 5-tech than an outside rusher. He'll be a great player in that role though. Not sure Armstead should be an outside guy either, but we'll see.

putnam6 · April 5, 2015

AVERAGE NCAA SACKS PER SEASON
DE - Nate Orchard (6'3 250 4.80) - 11.0
DE - Hau'oli Kikaha (6'2 253 4.74) - 9.0
DE - Randy Gregory (6'5 235 4.64) - 8.8
DE - Vic Beasley (6'3 246 4.53) - 8.3
LB - Lorenzo Mauldin (6'4 259 4.85) - 6.8
DE - Shane Ray (6'3 249 4.68) - 6.3
LB - Bud Dupree (6'4 269 4.56) - 5.9
DE - Eli Harold (6'3 247 4.60) - 5.8
DE - Anthony Chickillo (6'3 267 4.79) - 5.8
DE - Markus Golden (6'2 260 4.90) - 5.5
DE - Za'Darius Smith (6'4 274 4.83) - 5.3
LB - Kwon Alexander (6'1 227 4.55) - 5.0
DE - Dante Fowler Jr. (6'3 261 4.60) - 4.8
DE - Trey Flowers (6'2 266 4.93) - 4.5
DE - Preston Smith (6'5 271 4.74) - 4.0
DE - Owamagbe Odighizuwa (6'3 257 4.62) - 3.1
DE - Mario Edwards Jr. (6'3 279 4.84) - 2.7
DE - Danielle Hunter (6'5 252 4.57) - 1.5
DE - Arik Armstead (6'7 292 5.10) - 1.3
LB - Shaq Thompson (6'0 228 4.64) - 1.2

Good article about this year and previous seasons edge rushers.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000477464/article/2015-draft-11-edge-rushers-in-demand-despite-mixed-production

WOR · April 5, 2015

I want a pass rusher at 8 but I also love Smith, chickillo, and mauldin

WOR · April 5, 2015

I so wish their was a Kuechly in this draft.

LB

Smith

OG

Mauldin or chickillo

RB

WR

TE

FentayeJones · April 5, 2015

When did Quinn say that he covets 8 edge rushers in the draft?
I must have missed it because I don't remember reading anything on it.

Quinn never said he covets 8 pass rushers.

He said that there are 8-10 guys in the draft that looks like good fit for the LEO position. He never named a specific player.

The Real Tony G. · April 5, 2015

Beasley

Fowler

Dupree

Gregory

Harold

Diggy

Smith

Chikillo

Edited April 5, 2015 by The Real Tony G.

DonDaLuvMaker · April 5, 2015

Quinn never said he covets 8 pass rushers.
He said that there are 8-10 guys in the draft that looks like good fit for the LEO position. He never named a specific player.

Oh, okay

Thanks for clearing that up for me.

FalconFanSince1970 · April 5, 2015

When did Quinn say that he covets 8 edge rushers in the draft?
I must have missed it because I don't remember reading anything on it.

How many first-time head coaches walk into a job with final say over the 53-man roster? Its impossible to say; teams dont always share that sort of information. Anecdotally, Nick Saban comes to mind. And now Dan Quinn. Thomas Dimitroff and Scott Pioli will run the Falcons draft with input from a first-year head coach who wrote up scouting reports on defensive prospects in Seattle.

It just so happens that Atlantas biggest need lines up perfectly with Quinns expertise.

Its the toughest defensive position to evaluate, and its whats nearest and dearest to my heart, he says. Pass rusher.

Pass rushers in the Seattle 4-3 defensive mold come in different shapes and sizes. The LEO is a kind of hybrid outside linebacker/defensive end whose main role is to rush the passer, but who can also drop and give the effect of a 3-4 defense. The opposite end is more traditional, a la Michael Bennett. Of Atlantas two penciled-in defensive ends right now, Tyson Jackson is better suited to play tackle, and free-agent signee Adrian Clayborn has missed 28 games over four NFL seasons. As we count down to a stacked draft class of rushers, what is Quinn looking for?

Could Nebraska's Randy Gregory be Dan Quinn's LEO in Atlanta? (Jeff Haynes/SI)

Randy Gregorys positive test at the combine could jeopardize his status as a top pick. (Jeff Haynes/SI)

Initial speed, Quinn says. You have to be able to beat someone off the ball who is going to be stronger than you. Then you have to be able to use the lengthlength is importantand have the relentlessness to finish.

Then with the mental makeup, with both cornerbacks and rushers, you have to be a relentless fighter. Theres a 330-pound bear in front of you, and you just have to figure out a way to beat him. You have to be fast enough to run with the running backs and tight ends and strong enough to fight a bear. You have to be a unique dude.

A length prerequisite would rule out short-armed Clemson linebacker Vic Beasley, but he has the speed and agility to play LEO. Florida OLB Dante Fowler isnt long either but has shown versatility and played for Quinn at Florida in 2012. Randy Gregory and Shane Ray look like ideal LEO candidates, with relentlessness and excellent timed speed, though Gregorys admission that he failed a test for marijuana at the combine will kill his prospects with some teams.

Quinn cautions against overvaluing metrics (which Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff has called a determining factor in separating players in the past). I lean towards the film, Quinn says. Its so much easier to predict what the guy can do based on tape. If you rely too heavily on a number you can get swayed. Now, certain measurables are valuable. We cant necessarily tell how long a guy is based on the tape.

Quinn obviously wouldnt share which of the available rushers he prefers, but he told a group of reporters Wednesday at the owners meetings he liked eight of them. My best guess for the Falcons target with the eighth pick: Randy Gregory, if Atlanta is satisfied with his explanation for the positive test.

http://mmqb.si.com/2015/03/26/dan-quinn-atlanta-falcons-nfl-draft-strategy/

Francis York Morgan · April 5, 2015

Not my favorites necessarily, but the ones capable of playing LEO:

DE - Hau'oli Kikaha (6'2 253 4.74) - 9.0
DE - Randy Gregory (6'5 235 4.64) - 8.8
DE - Vic Beasley (6'3 246 4.53) - 8.3
DE - Shane Ray (6'3 249 4.68) - 6.3
LB - Bud Dupree (6'4 269 4.56) - 5.9
DE - Eli Harold (6'3 247 4.60) - 5.8
DE - Dante Fowler Jr. (6'3 261 4.60) - 4.8
DE - Danielle Hunter (6'5 252 4.57) - 1.5

Really don't care for Hunter or Fowler. Iffy on Kikaha. Don't think Ray necessarily fits but I know we've looked at him a decent bit.

Ideally? Gregory, Beasley, or Harold.

primetime · April 5, 2015

How many first-time head coaches walk into a job with final say over the 53-man roster? Its impossible to say; teams dont always share that sort of information. Anecdotally, Nick Saban comes to mind. And now Dan Quinn. Thomas Dimitroff and Scott Pioli will run the Falcons draft with input from a first-year head coach who wrote up scouting reports on defensive prospects in Seattle.
It just so happens that Atlantas biggest need lines up perfectly with Quinns expertise.
Its the toughest defensive position to evaluate, and its whats nearest and dearest to my heart, he says. Pass rusher.
Pass rushers in the Seattle 4-3 defensive mold come in different shapes and sizes. The LEO is a kind of hybrid outside linebacker/defensive end whose main role is to rush the passer, but who can also drop and give the effect of a 3-4 defense. The opposite end is more traditional, a la Michael Bennett. Of Atlantas two penciled-in defensive ends right now, Tyson Jackson is better suited to play tackle, and free-agent signee Adrian Clayborn has missed 28 games over four NFL seasons. As we count down to a stacked draft class of rushers, what is Quinn looking for?
Could Nebraska's Randy Gregory be Dan Quinn's LEO in Atlanta? (Jeff Haynes/SI)
Randy Gregorys positive test at the combine could jeopardize his status as a top pick. (Jeff Haynes/SI)
Initial speed, Quinn says. You have to be able to beat someone off the ball who is going to be stronger than you. Then you have to be able to use the lengthlength is importantand have the relentlessness to finish.
Then with the mental makeup, with both cornerbacks and rushers, you have to be a relentless fighter. Theres a 330-pound bear in front of you, and you just have to figure out a way to beat him. You have to be fast enough to run with the running backs and tight ends and strong enough to fight a bear. You have to be a unique dude.
A length prerequisite would rule out short-armed Clemson linebacker Vic Beasley, but he has the speed and agility to play LEO. Florida OLB Dante Fowler isnt long either but has shown versatility and played for Quinn at Florida in 2012. Randy Gregory and Shane Ray look like ideal LEO candidates, with relentlessness and excellent timed speed, though Gregorys admission that he failed a test for marijuana at the combine will kill his prospects with some teams.
Quinn cautions against overvaluing metrics (which Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff has called a determining factor in separating players in the past). I lean towards the film, Quinn says. Its so much easier to predict what the guy can do based on tape. If you rely too heavily on a number you can get swayed. Now, certain measurables are valuable. We cant necessarily tell how long a guy is based on the tape.
Quinn obviously wouldnt share which of the available rushers he prefers, but he told a group of reporters Wednesday at the owners meetings he liked eight of them. My best guess for the Falcons target with the eighth pick: Randy Gregory, if Atlanta is satisfied with his explanation for the positive test.
http://mmqb.si.com/2015/03/26/dan-quinn-atlanta-falcons-nfl-draft-strategy/

Good article. Whether you like ray or not and think he may or may not fail as a pro he is well suited for the Leo role. Wide 9 rush the passer with a hand in the dirt. Ideally he improves his work in space for the odd coverage role but if he doesn't play that part well then Quinn will limit his role here. Honestly if the Sam is KB or Reed then I'd prefer them not to be rushing the passer anyway.

Knight of God · April 5, 2015

Which eight edge rushers was he referring to? Here are a few possibilities:
AVERAGE NCAA SACKS PER SEASON
DE - Nate Orchard (6'3 250 4.80) - 11.0
DE - Hau'oli Kikaha (6'2 253 4.74) - 9.0
DE - Randy Gregory (6'5 235 4.64) - 8.8
DE - Vic Beasley (6'3 246 4.53) - 8.3
LB - Lorenzo Mauldin (6'4 259 4.85) - 6.8
DE - Shane Ray (6'3 249 4.68) - 6.3
LB - Bud Dupree (6'4 269 4.56) - 5.9
DE - Eli Harold (6'3 247 4.60) - 5.8
DE - Anthony Chickillo (6'3 267 4.79) - 5.8
DE - Markus Golden (6'2 260 4.90) - 5.5
DE - Za'Darius Smith (6'4 274 4.83) - 5.3
LB - Kwon Alexander (6'1 227 4.55) - 5.0
DE - Dante Fowler Jr. (6'3 261 4.60) - 4.8
DE - Trey Flowers (6'2 266 4.93) - 4.5
DE - Preston Smith (6'5 271 4.74) - 4.0
DE - Owamagbe Odighizuwa (6'3 257 4.62) - 3.1
DE - Mario Edwards Jr. (6'3 279 4.84) - 2.7
DE - Danielle Hunter (6'5 252 4.57) - 1.5
DE - Arik Armstead (6'7 292 5.10) - 1.3
LB - Shaq Thompson (6'0 228 4.64) - 1.2
Who are your top eight?

MSalmon · April 5, 2015

1) Beasley--slam dunk

2) Harold--love his fluid athleticsm

3) Dupree--explosive but raw

4) Orchard--mad man who's a fighter..got some dog in him

5) Hunter--raw but athletic

6) Diggy--looks like Tarzan plays like Jane

7) flowers: relentless guy

8) Valles--long and athletic late rounder

Off my list:

1) Ray--don't like his tape and injured foot

2) gregory--pot plus tape and weight

3) fowler--he be gone early and not sure where he belongs in NFL

DonDaLuvMaker · April 5, 2015

How many first-time head coaches walk into a job with final say over the 53-man roster? Its impossible to say; teams dont always share that sort of information. Anecdotally, Nick Saban comes to mind. And now Dan Quinn. Thomas Dimitroff and Scott Pioli will run the Falcons draft with input from a first-year head coach who wrote up scouting reports on defensive prospects in Seattle.It just so happens that Atlantas biggest need lines up perfectly with Quinns expertise.Its the toughest defensive position to evaluate, and its whats nearest and dearest to my heart, he says. Pass rusher.Pass rushers in the Seattle 4-3 defensive mold come in different shapes and sizes. The LEO is a kind of hybrid outside linebacker/defensive end whose main role is to rush the passer, but who can also drop and give the effect of a 3-4 defense. The opposite end is more traditional, a la Michael Bennett. Of Atlantas two penciled-in defensive ends right now, Tyson Jackson is better suited to play tackle, and free-agent signee Adrian Clayborn has missed 28 games over four NFL seasons. As we count down to a stacked draft class of rushers, what is Quinn looking for?Could Nebraska's Randy Gregory be Dan Quinn's LEO in Atlanta? (Jeff Haynes/SI)Randy Gregorys positive test at the combine could jeopardize his status as a top pick. (Jeff Haynes/SI)Initial speed, Quinn says. You have to be able to beat someone off the ball who is going to be stronger than you. Then you have to be able to use the lengthlength is importantand have the relentlessness to finish.Then with the mental makeup, with both cornerbacks and rushers, you have to be a relentless fighter. Theres a 330-pound bear in front of you, and you just have to figure out a way to beat him. You have to be fast enough to run with the running backs and tight ends and strong enough to fight a bear. You have to be a unique dude.A length prerequisite would rule out short-armed Clemson linebacker Vic Beasley, but he has the speed and agility to play LEO. Florida OLB Dante Fowler isnt long either but has shown versatility and played for Quinn at Florida in 2012. Randy Gregory and Shane Ray look like ideal LEO candidates, with relentlessness and excellent timed speed, though Gregorys admission that he failed a test for marijuana at the combine will kill his prospects with some teams.Quinn cautions against overvaluing metrics (which Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff has called a determining factor in separating players in the past). I lean towards the film, Quinn says. Its so much easier to predict what the guy can do based on tape. If you rely too heavily on a number you can get swayed. Now, certain measurables are valuable. We cant necessarily tell how long a guy is based on the tape.Quinn obviously wouldnt share which of the available rushers he prefers, but he told a group of reporters Wednesday at the owners meetings he liked eight of them. My best guess for the Falcons target with the eighth pick: Randy Gregory, if Atlanta is satisfied with his explanation for the positive test.http://mmqb.si.com/2015/03/26/dan-quinn-atlanta-falcons-nfl-draft-strategy/

Okay

Thanks for posting the article.

Very interesting.

atljbo · April 5, 2015

But lets remember... They was asking him about the LEO position and he was saying he liked about 8 guys at that position in this draft

MSalmon · April 5, 2015

But lets remember... They was asking him about the LEO position and he was saying he liked about 8 guys at that position in this draft

Yup. The original list in post has everything from traditional lbs to 5 techs.

Sobeit · April 5, 2015

So the question is are you actually drafting a position or are you drafting one skill? If I am drafting a skill Beasley would be my top guy followed by Ray if I am drafting a position my list shifts dramatically because then Gregory is my top guy followed by Fowler.

Do not sleep on Hunter either because based on where you are able to draft him he has a huge upside. People will get caught up on his sack numbers and miss the real production. Hunter lead the SEC in TFL with 17. His hands are very active but need polish. Playing in the SEC west you are not exactly going after the QB on every down. You actually have to do a very good job defending the run.

Edited April 5, 2015 by Sobeit

FalconofShadows · April 5, 2015

my top Pass Rushers as players (not counting off the field ) my rankings are

1.Vic Beasley

2.Randy Gregory

3.Donte Fowler

4.Shane Ray

5.Bud Dupree

6.Nate Orchard

7.Owamagbe Odighizuwa

8.Hau'oli Kikaha

Sobeit · April 5, 2015

my top Pass Rushers as players (not counting off the field ) my rankings are
1.Vic Beasley
2.Randy Gregory
3.Donte Fowler
4.Shane Ray
5.Bud Dupree
6.Nate Orchard
7.Owamagbe Odighizuwa
8.Hau'oli Kikaha

Your list is somewhat off then because top PASS RUSHERS would shake out more like

Beasley, Ray, Gregory

Top prospects to play the LEO would look more like

Gregory, Fowler, Dupree

DUB · April 5, 2015

Chick is one of them

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