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2014 NFL Draft: Prospect Profile -- Dee Ford, OLB, Auburn

The explosive Dee Ford dominated the Senior Bowl. Is it possible for him to dominate the NFL as a member of the New York Giants?

Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE

The most explosive pass rusher from the 2014 Reese's Senior Bowl was certainly Dee Ford of Auburn. He's a dynamic, aggressive weapon. He's also mostly thought of as a 3-4 OLB. Can the 6-foot-2, 240 pound speed rusher make the switch to a 4-3 DE or as a 4-3 SAM? Let's take a look and see.

Pros

- Extreme first step off the line. Explosion all the way through is pretty much his calling card.

- Strong upper body and very active hands.

- Dip and bend is one of the best in this draft class.

- Relentless motor that's great in taking guys down in backside pursuit.

Cons

- Doesn't set the edge very well.

- Is a speed rusher for the most part, and I don't see the same speed-to-power conversion that I do with Ealy or Clowney.

- Run defense leaves a bit to be desired.

- Instincts are questionable, and I've seen him get faked out a few times.

Does He Fit With The Giants?

No. I don't think he can line up as a defensive end. He's too light and doesn't play as powerfully as one would hope. The Giants like their defensive ends to be at least 255-260 pounds and Ford isn't close to that. He has little to no experience playing in space and while he's a destructive rusher, I think he's one of the few players that has a tried and true sole position: 3-4 OLB.

Prospect Video

Dee Ford vs FSU BCS Championship 2014 (via JPDraftJedi)

Big Board Rankings

Big Blue View - Not in top 50

Mocking The Draft - 61

CBS Sports - 21

Draft Countdown - 72

Draft Tek - 54

Final Thoughts

Despite his extraordinary Senior Bowl, I do not believe Dee Ford is a first-round caliber player. I think he's limited by scheme and by skill set as a pass rusher only. He makes several splash plays against the run, absolutely, but he does not set the edge on a consistent basis the same way a Clay Matthews or Brian Orakpo would.

For me, he's solidly in the second round, perhaps even early second round selection. He's a gifted player and his athleticism warrants strong upside to be a great pass rusher. If I am the Giants, however, I pass simply because we wouldn't know where to play him.