2015 NFL Draft: Scouting Arik Armstead, Oregon Defensive End

One prospect who may interest the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft is former Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Arik Armstead. He is a 6'7, 293lb defensive lineman who is considered one of the most intriguing players in the entire NFL Draft. Armstead is rated as the 27th overall prospect by CBS Sports and is ranked as the fourth overall defensive tackle in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Armstead spent three seasons in Oregon and played some good football. During his three-year career at Oregon, he totaled 87 tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss, and 4 sacks. He started 13 games in 2014 season, recording 46 tackles, 16 quarterback pressures, 2.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for losses.

Arik Armstead:

Defensive Lineman, Junior, Oregon

Height: 6'7 Weight: 292lbs 40 time: 5.10

Arm Length: 33' Hands: 10 1/2"

Bench Press: 24 reps Vertical Jump: 34 inches

Broad Jump: 117 inches 3 Cone Drill: 7.57 seconds

20 yard shuttle: 4.53 seconds

Film Room:

Scouting Report:

Strengths:

• Has an imposing frame/size. Still has some room to grow/add muscle to it. Has broad shoulders and long limbs.
• Strength. Has good functional strength to move would be blockers. Has powerful/heavy hands.
• Releases from blockers quickly.
• Has very good balance and coordination for a guy of his size.
• A solid run defender.
• Has a good bull rush move that collapses the pocket on the quarterback.
• Fluid in his movements and is surprisingly light on his feet.
• Potential. He might be only reaching the surface of his potential.

Weakness:

• He's very raw. Will need some coaching to polish up his technique so he can reach his potential.
• Lacks explosion. He is often the last guy off the snap.
• Plays too tall at times. This allows to get their hands on him.
• While he has strong hands he has inconsistent hand use.
• Limited pass rusher. He doesn't get to the passer much and doesn't have many pass rush moves.
• Hot and cold motor. Sometimes it doesn't look like he's putting in a full effort at times.
• Doesn't have the speed to be a sideline to sideline player.
• Boom or bust. Armstead is either going to figure it all out and become great or be one big giant bust.

Does Arik Armstead fit with the Broncos?:

Possibly.

This pick would probably split the fan base. Some will see his size and potential and will love it. Others will see his bust potential and ask if he can play right tackle.

I personally would love this pick. Armstead is an athlete who needs to learn how to play football. The Broncos have Wade Phillips coaching the defense and defensive line coach Bill Kollar who is highly regarded around the league. Pairing a player with the potential like Armstead with those two coaches really excites me.

Armstead would fit in nicely as a 5-technique defensive end in a 3-4 defense. He will be a solid run defender who will need to work on his pass rushing skills.

Also, the Broncos have Malik Jackson, Derek Wolfe and Antonio Smith hitting free agency next year. So the defensive end position could look pretty thin.