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UFL 2013-14 Rookie Draft Preview
Player Profile
Name - Ben McClendon
College - Akron
Size - 6'1' 272lbs
Position - DE
Projected - Mid 1st round pick
One of the best of all around defensive line prospects in the draft: Ben McClendon, from the University of Akron, is willing to play any position and he has the versatility and skills to do so. The Akron Zips recently did him a favor by shifting to a 3-4 defense in 2013. In doing so, McClendon established his NFL readiness as he slid from a five-technique defensive end in a 4-3, to multiple line spots in the 3-4 defense. He is blessed with a very good quickness and strength combination. He does have some good speed but he isn't looked upon as a superior natural pass rusher. McClendon's strength is the key for him. He is a strong enough to stay alive and get allot of second-effort sacks. He is also very stout in the run game. He could even be used as a Defensive Tackle in certain situations. The only question mark on this kid is something that happen off the field while attending The University of Akron. He was suspended one game during his Junior Season for a DUI Arrest. Since then however, he has been as straight as an arrow and I don't foresee any future off the field issues.
Analysis:
Pass rush: Solid if only moderate initial quickness off the snap. Doesn't really possess enough of the top-end speed and explosivness to be more than a marginal pass rusher in the NFL. Relies heavily on his power and technique to pressure the pocket. Has a very strong club, rip, and swim move. Has the hand strength to knock away the initial punch of the pass blocker and often supplies his own punch to drive his opponent into the pocket. Good use of leverage and very good strength for the bull rush. Locates the ball and shows a late burst to close when opportunities are presented.
Run defense: Stout run defender. Understands gap responsibilities in the 3-4 and 4-3 defenses. Has the long arms to keep defenders away from his chest and the bulk to anchor his assignments. Very good a locating the ball quickly and pursues hard. Good balance and appears more agile in run defense forcing the back wide to the sideline than he is as a pass rusher. Good effort in lateral and downfield pursuit.
Explosion: Flashes an explosive initial burst but is inconsistent in this area. Doesn't have the speed or flexibility as an edge rusher to take full advantage of his spotty suddenness, but can shock his opponent when he times the snap correctly. Shows a late burst to close on the ballcarrier, resulting in big collisions. Forced eight career fumbles at Akron.
Strength: Arguably his greatest asset. Possesses very good upper- and lower-body strength to remain as a five technique defensive end in the 3-4 or a base (left) defensive end for the 4-3 alignment. Comes off the snap low and hard and has the bulk to create a pile. Can drive his opponent into the pocket with his bull rush and slide off to make the tackle when the ballcarrier is near.
Tackling: Good strength for the drag-down tackle. Strong enough that he can slip off blockers and find the ball. Doesn't have great balance or flexibility to break down in the open field to tackle elusive ballcarriers but his long arms and good hand-eye coordination help him to at least trip up the target.
Intangibles: Has a motor thats constantly running. Very High-effort player. Plays to the whistle and pursues hard. Suspended for 2012 season opener after an arrest for suspicion of a DUI -- the only game he missed at Akron. Played in 50 of 51 games, including 32 starts. Characterized by teammates as a "locker-room clown" and a "just a big kid at heart." Had his maturity questioned by coaches early in his career, though he emerged as more of a leader since.
Compares to: Trevor Price, Jon Abrham. Probably wont be the "sexy" pick for the team that selects him as there appear to be allot of "game changers" in this years class. Nonetheless, I look for him to be off the board in the Mid 1st round. With such an emphasis on stopping the pass in the UFL, having a solid pass rush is key. The ability to stuff the run could push him into the Top 10 of the draft depending on the needs of the teams drafting in those spots.
Player Profile
Name - Ben McClendon
College - Akron
Size - 6'1' 272lbs
Position - DE
Projected - Mid 1st round pick
One of the best of all around defensive line prospects in the draft: Ben McClendon, from the University of Akron, is willing to play any position and he has the versatility and skills to do so. The Akron Zips recently did him a favor by shifting to a 3-4 defense in 2013. In doing so, McClendon established his NFL readiness as he slid from a five-technique defensive end in a 4-3, to multiple line spots in the 3-4 defense. He is blessed with a very good quickness and strength combination. He does have some good speed but he isn't looked upon as a superior natural pass rusher. McClendon's strength is the key for him. He is a strong enough to stay alive and get allot of second-effort sacks. He is also very stout in the run game. He could even be used as a Defensive Tackle in certain situations. The only question mark on this kid is something that happen off the field while attending The University of Akron. He was suspended one game during his Junior Season for a DUI Arrest. Since then however, he has been as straight as an arrow and I don't foresee any future off the field issues.
Analysis:
Pass rush: Solid if only moderate initial quickness off the snap. Doesn't really possess enough of the top-end speed and explosivness to be more than a marginal pass rusher in the NFL. Relies heavily on his power and technique to pressure the pocket. Has a very strong club, rip, and swim move. Has the hand strength to knock away the initial punch of the pass blocker and often supplies his own punch to drive his opponent into the pocket. Good use of leverage and very good strength for the bull rush. Locates the ball and shows a late burst to close when opportunities are presented.
Run defense: Stout run defender. Understands gap responsibilities in the 3-4 and 4-3 defenses. Has the long arms to keep defenders away from his chest and the bulk to anchor his assignments. Very good a locating the ball quickly and pursues hard. Good balance and appears more agile in run defense forcing the back wide to the sideline than he is as a pass rusher. Good effort in lateral and downfield pursuit.
Explosion: Flashes an explosive initial burst but is inconsistent in this area. Doesn't have the speed or flexibility as an edge rusher to take full advantage of his spotty suddenness, but can shock his opponent when he times the snap correctly. Shows a late burst to close on the ballcarrier, resulting in big collisions. Forced eight career fumbles at Akron.
Strength: Arguably his greatest asset. Possesses very good upper- and lower-body strength to remain as a five technique defensive end in the 3-4 or a base (left) defensive end for the 4-3 alignment. Comes off the snap low and hard and has the bulk to create a pile. Can drive his opponent into the pocket with his bull rush and slide off to make the tackle when the ballcarrier is near.
Tackling: Good strength for the drag-down tackle. Strong enough that he can slip off blockers and find the ball. Doesn't have great balance or flexibility to break down in the open field to tackle elusive ballcarriers but his long arms and good hand-eye coordination help him to at least trip up the target.
Intangibles: Has a motor thats constantly running. Very High-effort player. Plays to the whistle and pursues hard. Suspended for 2012 season opener after an arrest for suspicion of a DUI -- the only game he missed at Akron. Played in 50 of 51 games, including 32 starts. Characterized by teammates as a "locker-room clown" and a "just a big kid at heart." Had his maturity questioned by coaches early in his career, though he emerged as more of a leader since.
Compares to: Trevor Price, Jon Abrham. Probably wont be the "sexy" pick for the team that selects him as there appear to be allot of "game changers" in this years class. Nonetheless, I look for him to be off the board in the Mid 1st round. With such an emphasis on stopping the pass in the UFL, having a solid pass rush is key. The ability to stuff the run could push him into the Top 10 of the draft depending on the needs of the teams drafting in those spots.
