Top 5 Pass Rushers in the 2014 NFL Draft
1. Jadeveon Clowney (South Carolina)
Clowney is the top pass rusher in this year’s draft, and it isn’t even close. His mix of size (6’ 5”, 265 lbs.) and speed (a ridiculous 4.52 s forty yard dash recorded at the combine) is very rare. In addition to his physical tools, Clowney has shown impressive technique; he knows how to use his hands and leverage his weight to shed blocks.
It will be quite a surprise if the Texans pass on Clowney with the first overall selection. If this does happen, the Rams might be able to get another king’s ransom for the second overall pick, as they did in 2012 by trading away the opportunity to select Robert Griffin III.
2. Khalil Mack (Buffalo)
Mack is not as big or as fast as Clowney. But he plays smart, with a vast array of pass rush moves. There are no questions about his love of football, and his dedication to the game translated directly to excellent production while playing for Buffalo. He set FBS records for forced fumbles (16) and tackles for loss (75).
3. Anthony Barr (UCLA)
Here is another prospect with a freakish combination of size (6’ 5”, 255 lbs.) and speed (1.57 s 10 yard split). Barr needs to work on his run defense, but he has everything he needs to be an excellent pass rusher in the NFL.
4. Kyle Van Noy (BYU)
In the 2012 Poinsettia Bowl, Van Noy produced a double take-inducing statline: 2 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble recovered for a touchdown, an interception returned for a touchdown, and a blocked punt, all in one game. More recently, Van Noy impressed this offseason with a solid effort in the Senior Bowl. If these performances were any indication, Van Noy will be a star.
5. Jerimiah Attaochu (Georgia Tech)
With his speed and lanky frame, Attaochu always proves to be a handful for blockers trying to keep him away from the quarterback. Look for him to be selected by the Seahawks with the last pick in the first round or by the Jaguars with their early second round pick, as both these teams value a player with Attaochu’s tweener frame (too small for defensive end and too big for outside linebacker) for their LEO edge rushing position.
Leave a Reply