Prospect Watch: Brandon Graham

 via www.nfldraftdog.com

Brandon Graham Height: 6-1 | Weight: 263 | Position:DE | College: Michigan

Overview

 Graham's play was a bright spot for the 5-7 Wolverines. He earned multiple All-American mentions after leading the nation in tackles for loss (26) and recording 10.5 sacks, missing out on Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year to Penn State DT Jared Odrick.

After playing sparingly in 11 games as a true freshman, Graham made his name known among Big Ten quarterbacks by making 8.5 sacks in a part-time starting role in 2006. Given the chance to play every down as a junior, he took his game to another level by making 20 tackles for loss, including 10 sacks.

Graham probably won't hit the 6-foot-2 mark on the tape, but some teams are finding short, strong and high-motor ends are successful pass rushers. He has the agility and hustle to join former college defensive ends like Larry English, Elvis Dumervil and former Michigan teammate Lamarr Woodley in successfully transitioning to linebacker in 3-4 schemes.

Analysis

Pass rush: Relentless rusher able to pressure the quarterback lining up on the strong or weak side. Lines up at five-technique in some passing situations. Uses his strength, balance and lack of height to get under shoulder pads of tackle. Strong, violent hands to beat his man straight-out or disengage. Lacks a consistent counter move. Has an inside spin move but rarely shows it. Despite his stout build, Graham drops into zone coverage easily and shows some fluidity in space. Backpedal is slow, as expected, but he will still get a shot as a linebacker for a 3-4 team. Lines up wide so he can turn the corner against slower tackles, will struggle to do so against NFL tackles.

Run defense: Can punch the tackle to disengage or maintain the angle to force the action inside when run plays are coming his way. Occasionally gets skinny to penetrate on inside runs. Stays home to contain, watch for bootlegs and stop reverses. Must be more consistent using his hands to defeat cut blocks, although he can still make the tackle after a cut as he recovers fairly well. Has a good motor, works hard to get down the line on runs away from him. Lacks elite speed to chase down NFL backs consistently.

Explosion: Good first step off the ball and pounds his man's jersey on contact when in pure pass-rush mode. Has some pop off the snap when looking for the run, and is able to stand his ground against much bigger linemen. Brings full effort from the first quarter to the fourth, and smells weakness in his opponent. Closes quickly and explodes into the quarterback on a sack.

Strength: Capable of using his lack of height to his advantage, maintaining leverage to hold his ground on the edge. Stacks the tight end and disrupts plays when one-on-one. Can be engulfed by bigger tackles, losing sight of the ball.

Tackling: Above-average arm length allows him to disengage and wrap on running plays to his side, as well as chase down ballcarriers from behind. Does not meet his feet going through trash, making it hard for him to make the tackle when crashing down inside. Stays square and low in space, breaking down to tackle the ballcarrier.

Intangibles: Stepped up his role as a senior from leading by example and becoming a vocal leader who encourages and gets after teammates. Missed two games in 2008 with leg infection. Charged with disorderly conduct in July 2008 for playing music too loud, and failed to show up for trial. Charges were eventually dismissed, and a bench warrant was terminated.

www.cbssports.com

 

Expect Graham to be drafted somewhere between picks 16-26. I wouldnt be suprised if the Bengals take a good look at him. He can play Left Defensive End (Geathers spot), and looks like he can play some LB. I still believe Marvin Lewis would like his David Pollack type of player. If we drafted him, Graham and Fanene could play LE, cut Robert Geathers and save a few million. Then  after Maulauga moves to MLB, Graham may be the SLB Marvin Lewis dreams of.