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One prospect who could be an option for the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft is former Clemson defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. He is a 6'1", 304lb defensive tackle who is quickly rising up draft boards. Jarrett is ranked as the 57th overall prospect according to CBS Sports, and is ranked as the 8th best defensive tackle in the NFL Draft.
Jarrett played four seasons at Clemson and totaled 144 career tackles, 29.5 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. He had two seasons of 10+ tackles for loss at Clemson. Jarrett was elected first-team All-ACC in 2014 and was elected honorable mention All-ACC in 2013 and 2012.
Grady Jarrett
Defensive Tackle, Senior, Clemson
Height: 6'1" Weight: 304lbs 40 time: 5.06 seconds
Arm Length: 32 3/8" Hands: 10"
Bench Press: 30 reps Vertical Jump: 31.0 inches
Broad Jump: 112.0 inches 3 Cone Drill: 7.37 seconds
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.56 seconds
Film Room:
Scouting Report:
Strengths:
- He's a bowling ball. Compact and powerful
- Terrific first step. Consistently gets to offensive lineman first
- Times snaps very well
- High motor. Plays to the whistle.
- His height gives him natural leverage
- Explodes from his stance.
- Penetrates quickly
- Very very strong. Pushes blockers backwards.
- Has quick/light feet for man of his size.
- Shows good ball awareness
- Protects himself from cut blocks
- Durable. Has never missed a game since high school
Weaknesses:
- He's considered undersized by some
- Wears down late in the game because of his aggressive play
- Frame is maxed out
- Doesn't fit many schemes
- Short arms
Does Grady Jarrett fit with the Broncos?:
Perfectly.
In the weaknesses, I listed that Jarrett doesn't fit many schemes. In this case, it benefits the Broncos. Jarrett will be limited to being a one-gap defensive tackle, the type of tackle that Wade Phillips looks for in his defense.
The Broncos have former first-round pick Sylvester Williams and Marvin Austin at defensive tackle. Williams has been a bit of a disappointment thus far, and Austin has never been that great. So adding a guy like Jarrett to the defensive line could be a priority for the Broncos.
Now where does Jarrett go in the draft? Some believed he was a second to third round guy, but the recent buzz is that he'll go at the back end of the first-round(Patriots).
The more I watch Grady Jarrett, the more I really like. Kid will be a good NFL player.
— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) April 13, 2015
Jarrett is an explosive bowling ball who fits perfectly in the Broncos defense. I think he'll be an option for the Broncos in the first round. I originally thought he would be an option in the second round, but his value is rising quickly.