Thread: DE/OLB/N. Illinois Larry English

Draft Scout Snapshot: DS Rating on 8/24/08: #9 OLB, #85/750 Overall, Projected Rnd: 3-4
2007: 12 GP; 12 GS; 29 Sol-67 TT, 17 TFL, 10.5 SK, 2 PBU, 3 QBH, 1 FR, 1 FF; Was on the field for 98 percent (894 of 916) of the team's defensive plays during the year. Earned the MAC's Vern Smith Leadership Award (league MVP), becoming the second consecutive Huskie to do so, and was a consensus choice first team All-MAC. First defensive player to win the award since the first year of the award in 1982. Named to the Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List and the Ted Hendricks Award Midseason Watch list. Named the team's defensive MVP. Registered a team-best 17 tackles for loss, the third-highest total in NIU history, with 1.42 tackles for loss per game, ranked 18th in the country. His 10.5 sacks led the MAC and ranked tied for 11th nationally as he averaged 0.88 sacks per game. Had a TFL in 10 of 12 games played. Also broke up a pair of passes...2006: 13 GP; 13 GS; 32 Sol-51 TT, 16 TFL, 12 SK, 1 FR, 4 FF; First Team All-MAC selection. Started all 13 games and tied school record with 12 sacks. Ranked second in the MAC and tied for 10th nationally with 0.88 sacks per game. Tied for fifth in MAC and 37th nationally with 1.15 tackles for loss per game, a total of 16 for the season. Had at least one sack in eight games and a tackle for loss in seven of the last eight contests...2005: 11 GP; 9 GS; 35 Sol-78 TT, 7 TFL, 1 SK, 1 QBH, 1 FR; Started nine of 11 games played. Totaled 78 tackles, tops among team's defensive linemen. Amassed seven tackles for loss, one sack, one fumble recovery and added nine quarterback pressures and four hurries...2004: 1 GP; 0 GS; 3 Sol-4 TT; Made collegiate debut with four-tackle effort against Maryland (9-4). Missed final 11 games with injury and was granted medical redshirt...Uncle, Charles Richardson, lettered as fullback at Wisconsin in 1972.

Could be a guy that rises, I know Matt likes him.

2 time mac player of the year.

I really like him a lot. Sportingnews has us taking him at 11. honestly, I think he could be fantastic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ad0Famkaas

here is a nice highlight reel.

Color me intrigued.

at this point I honestly dont' care who they take, if they go maybin and he can be explosive for buffalo, it would be nice.

I rule out orakpo and even brown because I think neither will be there

Larry English
DE, Northern Illinois

War Room analysis
Against the run: Is a solid run defender given his size. Comes off the ball with a low pad level and uses his long arms to leverage the blocker and hold the point of attack. Rolls his hips on contact and is powerful at shedding blocks. Plays with strong hands. Holds his contain responsibility, then gives a good chase to make plays from the backside. Grade: 8.5

Pass rush: Is a very good speed and power rusher. Changes up his rushes, keeping the blocker off balance. Can win battles by anticipating the snap, driving hard off the ball, dipping his shoulder and exploding to the quarterback. Stuns blockers and gets them off balance. Grade: 8.0

Initial quickness: Has impressive speed and quickness. Displays enough power and explosion to keep the blocker off him. Has an explosive closing burst to finish plays. Is a powerful hitter. Grade: 7.5

Run/pass recognition: Displays football intelligence and knowledge. Understands his job and plays within himself and the defense's scheme. In zone blitzes, will drop into coverage and lock up crossing routes. Does not bite on play-fakes and plays the option well by staying aware. Grade: 8.5

Pursuit/tackling: Goes hard all day long. Will rush the passer, cause a disruption, stick his foot in the ground and retrace his steps to make a play on a screen or pass downfield. Has strong hands to wrap up. Can be shaken in space and is a better tackler in tight quarters than in the open field. Grade: 8.5

Bottom line: English is one of the most productive prospects in this year's draft and is adept against both the run and the pass. His sack numbers would likely be higher if he wasn't double-teamed so much. English is a complete player and a solid first-round prospect who figures to have a long NFL career.

Johnny English

I was really hoping to some how take English in Round 2, if my top Centers were gone, but it really doesn't look like English is going to make it there. I can really see the Pats taking him in Round 1.