NFL Draft 2015: Top 10 Players Available Entering Round 2
By Hayden Hyde
Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Nebraska defensive lineman Randy Gregory talks to the media at the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Randy Gregory – Nebraska
Although he’s arguably the best pass rusher in the draft, Randy Gregory fell out of the first round because of character concerns. Most NFL teams played it safe last night, but will they be able to resist on day 2? Gregory tested positive for marijuana at the NFL combine, but his drug use has been a concern in front offices prior to that.
"“I blame myself, and I know it sounds cliché, but there’s no one else I can blame.” – Randy Gregory in an interview with NFL.com’s Kimberly Jones"
Gregory also has questions about his size. He has elite length at 6’5”, but he only weighs about 235. Teams that run a 4-3 are concerned if he’ll be able to put his hand in the dirt and rush from the defensive end spot, and teams that run a 3-4 worry about his ability to drop back and cover. Gregory will most likely be situational pass rusher in his first year, which also may have been a reason for his fall.
Despite the negatives, Gregory is an elite pass rusher on film. I would expect Gregory to be selected early Friday evening, but it’s possible he falls further in the post-Josh Gordon NFL.
Teams to watch for: Washington Redskins, Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys
Next: La'el Collins