2015 NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Nate Orchard, DE/OLB, Utah

The dynamic Nate Orchard from Utah is up for profiling. A candidate for both a 4-3 or 3-4 defense at 6-foot-4, 255 pounds, he was the nation's most productive pass rusher as the 2014 Ted Hendricks awards winner, finishing the year with 21 tackles for loss and 18.5 sacks. Yes, you read that correctly. More than 18 sacks in 13 games, truly remarkable. Let's take a closer look at how he produced such staggering numbers.

Pros

- Devastating speed off the edge

- Great inside move

- Speed to power is one of the better ones in this class

- Great motor and pursuit skills

- Frame will allow him to succeed at either DE or OLB

Cons

- Strength to maintain point of attack needs to be improved

- Not as polished as one would like

- Will occasionally lose leverage

Does He Fit With The Giants?

Regardless of scheme, yes. He's much more than just a speed rusher. He's definitely somewhat of a raw prospect that needs to learn more moves but he has all the tools needed to be a 10 sack/year player. He actually does a lot of things Justin Houston does well, including pursuit and just a nose for the quarterback. The Giants have lacked a proper speed rush since halcyon days of a healthy and motivated Osi Umenyiora. Orchard could certainly bring that.

Prospect Video

Big Board Rankings

Big Blue View - 26

Mocking The Draft - 43

CBS Sports - 31

Draft Countdown - 17

Draft Tek - 53

Final Thoughts

Opinions seem to be split on how Orchard's skill set will translate to the NFL. He may not have elite length, but he has quite a few freakish traits that make him a first rounder in my eyes. Speed, motor, and toughness are a great pairing and ones that should have him drafted highly. I don't think as of right now, he'd be the best player available at the ninth overall pick, but would most certainly be so when the Giants select again in Round 2.