DE, Paul Kruger, Utah

DE, Paul Kruger, Utah

Pros:  Tall with a fairly developed upper body and the frame to add another 10-15 pounds of muscle without losing speed. ... Relentless as a pass rusher, works hard to attack the passer in or outside the pocket.

Cons:  Must continue to build strength throughout his body. ... Plays too tall at times, allowing better offensive tackles to latch onto him and take him out.

Styg's Broncos Fit:  Another returned missionary, Kruger is an excellent athletic package whose age and eligibility all are tied up because of the two-year mission for his church.  Yet another high-character guy, great motor, strong at the point of attack.  He will try to add some weight to his frame, which should help him in anchoring against the run, but he has the versatility to stand up at OLB, and the speed to cover the TE.  As a 25-year-old rookie, with the need to strengthen his frame and work on consistently staying low, his value may still make him a first-day pick.  Three stars for a smart player who will need to slide into the second day before Denver can afford to take a look.

Around MHR:

From "Mock Draft 2.0"

 rush olb from Utah -  He's got a low second round grade, but I hope he'll fall to us in the third.  High character guy, above average in every respect, good size, speed, can rush the passer, stop the run and drop into coverage.  Perfect fit.

From "SI Risers, sliders":

Paul Kruger/DE-OLB/Utah: Kruger's marks were below expectations as he completed just 24 reps on the bench and ran the 40 in the mid-4.8s. His practice session was solid, but Kruger's poor workout numbers will drop him from the draft's initial 45 choices.

Around SBNation:

From Scouting Report at Mocking the Draft:

Kruger excels at shedding blockers and working against the run. Against the pass, Kruger keeps low to get around the corner. Likes to bull rush, pushing linemen back into the quarterback. Solid tackler. Kruger is agility and changes direction with ease. Works down the line nicely. Does a nice job covering the flats. Had an impressive sophomore season statistically finishing with 61 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks and seven passes broken up.

 From "Interview with Rob Rang" on Revenge of the Birds:

 Kruger I like best as a 4-3 defensive end, though he is athletic enough to handle the transition to outside linebacker. I like his strength and size closer to the line of scrimmage.

Highlights:

Scouting Reports and Offsite Links:

• Paul Kruger will enter the NFL with only 2 years of college playing experience, entering the draft as a red shirt sophomore. However, he is the same age as many fifth year seniors, after taking two years off for a Mormon mission. He had a strong 2008 campaign for the Utes, finishing with 16.5 TFL and 7.5 sacks. His experience playing in space at Utah makes it likely that he will project into a 3-4 OLB at the NFL level. He seems to have the tools to develop into an NFL starter, if not a star.  [see more...]
• Both parents played sports at Oregon State (father football; mother track and field)...One of six children...Brother, Dave, is a defensive lineman at Utah and another brother, Joe, is already committed to the Utes for 2010...Played quarterback in high school...Redshirted in 2004...Spent 2005 and 2006 on an LDS mission...Returned in 2007 and assumed a starting job, earning some Freshman All-American honors...Had a breakout season in 2008 and was named 2nd Team All-MWC...Was in a car accident when he was 13-years-old and lost his spleen and a kidney...Suffered serious injuries when he was stabbed in the ribs and abdomen during a fight (which he did not instigate) in January of 2008...Opted to enter the 2009 NFL Draft as a redshirt sophomore...Will be a 24-year-old rookie...Could play defensive end in either a 40 or 30 front and possibly even outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme...May never be a star in the NFL but possesses above average physical tools,  top-notch intangibles and also still has a little potential.  [see more...]
• A tough, hard-working defensive end with a long frame and impressive straight-line speed for his size. Has a good first step off the edge and uses his length and strong upper body to shed blocks and chase the ball from the backside. Has a nose for the quarterback and showcases impressive closing speed in pursuit of the ball.  [see more...]