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The farther we get into our series of 2012 NFL Draft Prospect Profiles we have to remember that there are seven rounds to the draft, and plenty of talented players available well beyond the first round of the April draft. Let's use today's profile to look at a player who may fit into that category.
In Draft Tek's weekly simulations, Texas middle linebacker Emmanuel Acho is a guy who has consistently been given to the New York Giants in the third or fourth round. Draft Tek currently has Acho to the Giants at the bottom of Round 3, 95th overall.
Wes Bunting of the National Football Post ranks Acho 115th on his Big Board, but see the 6-foot-3, 245-pounder as a player who could have a good NFL career. Bunting says:
"Isn't a dynamic straight-line athlete, but plays faster because of instincts. Is a good tackler, can shed blocks and plays stronger than his frame would indicate. Has the versatility to play a number of spots in a 4-3 scheme or get some looks inside in a 34. Looks like a potential starter in the NFL either way."
Probably providing evidence of Acho's versatility, CBS Sports lists Acho among its outside linebacker prospects. CBS says:
"Acho has the same strong character and production his brother [Sam, a 2011 fourth-round pick] did coming into last year's draft process, but Sam fell a bit in the draft because scouts weren't sure if his best NFL fit was as a 4-3 end or 3-4 linebacker. There's no question with Emmanuel, whose athleticism and versatility should make him a top 100 pick for 4-3 teams as a chase second-level defender."
Emmanuel Acho Profile
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 245 pounds
School: Texas
40 Time: 4.79
2011 Stats: 131 tackles (19 for loss), three sacks, 18 pressures