2018 NFL Draft: Harold Landry looks to continue ACC pipeline
By Dana Becker
Boston College’s Harold Landry could have left school early after a junior campaign that included 22 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks. Instead, he returned for an injury-plagued senior season. How will it impact his 2018 NFL Draft stock?
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An injury-riddled senior campaign notwithstanding, Landry will still hear his name called on the opening night of the 2018 NFL Draft. All the tools are there for the defensive end to make the leap to the big leagues.
In 2015 and 2016, Landry racked up 110 tackles with 38 of them being for loss. That included 20 sacks, as he earned accolades in the Atlantic Coast Conference for Boston College.
Last year, though, the previously-durable Landry was limited to eight games in all due to injuries. He finished with 38 tackles, 8.5 of those coming behind the line of scrimmage, with five sacks.
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Strengths
With a good wingspan, Landry is able to overcome his 6-foot-3 height and get to the quarterback with his pure athleticism. As evident by his number of tackles behind the line of scrimmage, Landry knows how to make plays against NFL-caliber offensive lines. He is very rangy and has a knack for coming up with forced fumbles when he does get to the ball both behind the line and in the open field.
Weaknesses
A lack of size hurts Landry, as does his injury. After incredible back-to-back seasons, he wasn’t dominating the same way his senior season. Opposing offensive coaches knew to plan around stopping Landry in an attempt to exploit the Boston College defense. He doesn’t possess super-human strength, instead relying on technique to make plays.
Draft expectations
One NFC team pro personnel director compared Landry to former Clemson standout Vic Beasley, saying “remember how Beasley struggled early because he had to learn to be a pass rusher and not just a sprinter? I think Landry might be the same early on. When he puts it together, he’ll do what Beasley did.”
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While he lacks the ideal size, his production in a major conference cannot be overlooked. Putting him in the right system and allowing him to succeed where he is gifted, Landry has the tools to make an impact in the NFL.