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2015 NFL Draft: Scouting Randy Gregory, Nebraska Linebacker

Could the talented but risky edge rusher fall to the Broncos in the first round?

By Scotty Payne
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

One prospect who the Denver Broncos might show interest in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft is former Nebraska linebacker/edge rusher Randy Gregory. He's a 6'5", 235lb edge rusher who is considered one of the top edge rushers in the 2015 NFL Draft. Gregory is ranked as the as the 14th overall prospect according to CBS Sports and is ranked as the 2nd best defensive end in this years draft.

Gregory played two seasons at Nebraska and was very effective. He totaled 120 tackles, 25.5 tackles for a loss, 17.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 1 defensive touchdown, 4 pass deflections and 2 forced fumbles. As a junior in 2014, Gregory was named 2014 second-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten.

Randy Gregory

Edge Rusher, Junior, Nebraska

Height: 6'5" Weight: 235lbs(243lbs at his pro day) 40 time: 4.64 seconds(4.53 at his pro day)

Arm Length: 34" Hands: 10"

Bench Press: 24 reps Vertical Jump: 36.5 inches

Broad Jump: 125.0 inches 3-Cone Drill: 6.79 seconds(Pro Day)

60-Yard Shuttle: 11.81 seconds

Film Room:

Randy Gregory vs Michigan State (2014)

Randy Gregory vs USC (2014)

Randy Gregory vs Wisconsin (2014)

Randy Gregory vs Rutgers (2014)

Scouting Report:

Strengths:

  • Has a tall lanky frame. Long arms to
  • Plays bigger then he is. Strong at the point of the attack
  • Explosive off the line.
  • Has excellent closing speed.
  • Has room to really grow into his frame.
  • Aggressive against the run.
  • Has that second gear to get after ball carriers down the field.
  • Has natural bend in his hips.
  • Converts speed into power.
  • Fast active hands.
  • Blitz'd from all over on the defense including the inside linebacker position.
  • Tough player.
  • Quick/Smooth moving feet.
  • Looks good in space.
  • Top 5 talent.

Weaknesses:

  • Tested positive for marijuana at the NFL Combine and will enter stage one of the leagues substance abuse program.
  • Lean frame and will need to grow into it. Currently at 235, but can fill out to 245-250
  • Struggles to anchor and can be driven backwards.
  • Will need to work on his pass rushing technique
  • Needs to work on his snap anticipation.
  • Is a pretty raw player, but has very high potential.

Does Randy Gregory fit with the Broncos?:

He potentially could.

NFL Networks Draft expert Mike Mayock said on Wednesday that linebacker Randy Gregory could potentially fall into the second round of the draft.

"I'm very aware that he is going to slide. He could wind up in the twenties or even into the second round. There's two reasons I moved him up. One, he's an undeniable top-10 talent. He's been nationally humiliated by testing positive for marijuana at the combine. He's going to lose millions of dollars as he slides down everybody's board. As such, I look at this as an opportunity to get an unreal talent later in the draft for less money. He's going to be motivated with something to prove, especially if he can get in a locker room that's solid with really good mentoring."

The Broncos already have a very talented pass rusher on their roster who has struggled with marijuana during his NFL career in Von Miller. With the help of veteran DeMarcus Ware, Miller has turned his life around and appears to be heading down the right road. If Gregory indeed does fall to the Broncos, I could see Broncos General Manager John Elway taking this risk. Allow Ware and now Miller help Gregory get past this issue and on to a long successful NFL career.

Gregory has elite potential. Has all the traits needed to be a pass rushing stud down the road. He will need to bulk up a little. He did well at 230, but ultimately will need to be in the 245-250 range in the NFL.

I think Gregory could slide right in and rotate with veteran DeMarcus Ware at linebacker, and eventually take over for the veteran. If this unlikely scenario plays out, the Broncos could have one of the better pass rushing tandems of all time.

Gregory comes with some risk, but the risk is worth the reward here in my opinion if(probably a big if) he falls to the Broncos.

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