I hope we can get Steve Nichols or one of our other ‘Xs and 0s’ guys to jump on the question. My approach is to view somatotype and technique/skills as the two basic criteria. Another consideration is talent level. An added consideration is whether we’re looking to fill the strongside or weakside, and the specialization is not as pronounced in the 3-4 but some DE34 candidates are clearly stronger at either run defense or pass rushing so projecting them to a DE34 would take these attributes into consideration, and a minimal level rule still applies since they ‘must’ be able handle more than one blocker and/or defense the run at a minimal level of competency.

Some thoughts on Price — my impression is that he’s suited more to undertackle but he sounds like a reasonably good fit for the weakside DE34, since speed may be his strong suit. Firstly, I’ve never watched him play (that I recall) so I’m going to be putting a lot of emphasis on this all-star and combine performances. Matt McGuire’s scouting on him make him sound very good. Things like hands, instincts, ability to keep defenders off his body, body control, etc., all sound like assets that would make him a fine DE34.

Curiously, I looked for information to answer this question before (regarding him). I believe I was dealt with the impression that he was a 4-3 type and wouldn’t be a good fit for us, which I found somewhat unsatisfactory because of the lack of knowledge factor mentioned in a previous post. I could understand why a player might be more suited to the 4-3 but I didn’t know enough to rule out re-training him for the 3-4.

The crucial trait that I see as important is the ability to handle more than one defender (which some penetrating one-gapper can’t do) and this requires strength, size and and good lower frame. It also requires the skills that come with these responsibilities, so players who show good hand technique and have shown the ability to take on more than one blocker project well in the 3-4. My heuristic is DT/DE hybrid characteristics, so DTs who can pass rush and DEs who can run defend are good projects, and they also need the somatotype, too.

Again, I admit to my ignorance on this subject, and I invite comments by anyone else on the subject. I just so happens that I’ve also wondered about how you determine whether a DL can play the 3-4 before and specifically regarding Price’s suitability.

They evaluate based on the player that they think they can become…not necessarily how good of rookie they will be be.

War Room analysis
Run blocking: Is not dominant, but uses quickness to reach defenders and control them. Tends to struggle to be bend knees and gain proper leverage; doesn’t get a great push off the line. Is best at creating seal blocks. Will stop moving feet upon contact, and does not drive defenders off the line. Is a finesse blocker; lacks nastiness. Plays to whistle.

Pass blocking: Among the best. Has prototypical size and strength; is effective against bull rushers. Uses athleticism and quick footwork to dominate speed rushers. Shows fluid hip movements to counter secondary moves. Could struggle against shorter speed rushers unless he improves ability to bend knees. Must improve hand punch; needs to be more violent and jolting.

Initial quickness: Should be effective, if not dominant. Is good at getting on defenders when firing off the snap. Shows speed to reach linebackers and box out safeties on the second level. Gets set quickly in pass protection, before defenders can take second or third step. When misses with hands, shows the agility to recover in time to protect his QB. Is smooth.

Strength: Can be dominant at point of attack, but must use strength more often. Must learn how to use his ability; when he does, could become a top tackle in run and pass blocking. Must play with a mean streak and intimidate defenders on every play. Has huge upside. Should be able to build his frame to be even stronger.

Mobility: Is elite in this area. Works well in the open field; gets downfield to make blocks for big gains. Knows when to release from defenders to lead on screen passes. Must improve on getting pad level down to keep safeties from getting around him. Must learn not to get his feet too close together on open-field blocks. Has uncanny speed but raw fundamentals.

Bottom line: Campbell, a junior, is among the draft’s most athletically gifted players regardless of position. He should make an immediate impact in the NFL. He is at his best in setting the edge in pass protection and is sound in run blocking. Campbell will need seasoning. He struggled to stay on the field because of nagging injuries and sometimes loses focus. But his upside makes him a definite top-10 selection who could develop into a Pro Bowl left tackle.

would be my first choice