2014 NFL Supplemental Draft Preview

DT Lakendrick Ross, University of Virginia, Lynchburg

As a virtual unknown, Lakendrick Ross has been making waves as of late with numerous NFL teams. According to SB Nation’s Stampede Blue, “In addition to the Colts, the Eagles, Chiefs, Rams, Niners, Cardinals, Bears, Raiders,Texans, Falcons, Patriots and one other unnamed team were in attendance at the workout, via NFL Draft Diamonds.”  Where Ross is earning most of his interest is due in part to his massive size. At 6’4″, 366, Ross is definitely a big boy in the middle. I feel that any team that would like to take him, would desperately need a DT. According to Dan Kadar (@MockingTheDraft), Ross was “Stiff, slow, stands up off the snap. Long shot at best.” For any team to take a shot on a player like this, I believe they must have a good coaching staff. Ross seems like he has the body and physical characteristics to be successful in the NFL, it is just he needs some more coaching. Some teams are not in the place though to baby a player into a starting job. I think the fact that so many teams came to his workout shows that he at least has some promise in the NFL. ESPN’s John Clayton stated that “He’s raw, but he’s strong. He benched 47 reps at 225 pounds. He recently sent out an Instagram video in which he dunks a basketball.” That strength alone shows that he does have potential. Just a matter of mechanics now.

The St. Louis Rams come to mind when I see Ross. Ranking ninth in the league, the Rams allowed 102.9 rushing yards per game to opposing RBs. They ranked third best in yards per game allowed (3.7), seventh in fumbles forced (eight) and sixth in the NFL with their longest rush allowed being 41 yards. The only problem though with this defense rushing wise is that they have severe problems with touchdowns. In 2013 they ranked sixth-worst in the NFL in rushing touchdowns allowed to opposing backs (18). Still though, they ranked top-third in the league in sacks, recording 53 total sacks. Last season the Rams had a pretty dominating defensive line with sack-master Robert Quinn (19.0 sacks, seven forced fumbles, 57 tackles and 12 tackles for loss) and Chris Long (8.5 sacks, 40 tackles and six tackles for loss) with Kendall Langford (49 tackles, 5.0 sacks and six tackles for loss) and Michael Bronkers (46 tackles, 5.5 sacks and three tackles for loss) in the middle to stuff runners. Although the Rams could have used another outside linebacker to compliment Alec Ogletree (117 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 10 passes defended and six forced fumbles), Jo-Lonn Dunbar (39 tackles and four tackles for loss) and James Laurinaitis (116 tackles, 3.5 sacks, six tackles for loss and nine passes defended), I can see where Ross would not really be necessary. Still though, they have interest in him because they did go to his tryout. The Rams already took a chance on DT Aaron Donald (a wise investment, by the way), there really isn’t a reason to take a chance on behemoth Ross. If all goes well, Ross could potentially be like a Casey Hampton for the Rams (or extra motivation for Donald and the other starters to perform better).