The 2015 NFL Scouting Combine is officially in the books and several top tier pass rushers have solidified their value as first-round prospects. The Washington Redskins, who hold the fifth overall pick and are committed to drafting the best player available, figure to be in the market for such players.
Dante Fowler Jr. out of Florida is a player that the Redskins should be considering at No. 5. The 6’3″, 261-pound Fowler is an outside linebacker that has the ability to rush out of the two-point and three-point stance. A two-point stance is the most upright stance a pass rusher can employ and the three-point stance means that the player has a hand in the dirt. Fowler’s versatility as a pass rusher will certainly help his draft stock.
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The talented pass rusher had a strong outing at the combine. Fowler’s speed was on display in Indianapolis, as he posted an impressive 4.60 in the 40-yard dash. Vic Beasley and Randy Gregory, two pass rushers that will likely be in play at the No. 5 spot as well, posted times of 4.53 seconds and 4.57 seconds, respectively.
Nov 15, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Dante Fowler Jr. (6) rushes past South Carolina Gamecocks tight end Cody Gibson (90) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the Florida Gators 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
I mention these two other players because they posted similar 40-times to Fowler. They also come in 15 pounds lighter. For a guy that is upwards of 260 pounds, Fowler is incredibly spry. His agility allows him to dip against opposing linemen to get after the quarterback. He’ll have to work on his technique to succeed at the next level, but that shouldn’t be a problem.
Fowler already possesses the ability to utilize a spin move when offensive tackles neutralize his initial attack. He still needs to improve his spin move, but the fact that he has already taken this step is promising. It exhibits the notion that he wants to become the best football player that he possibly can.
Fowler led the Florida Gators with 8.5 sacks in 2014. On top of that, he forced two fumbles while tallying 60 total tackles, 15 of those stops for a loss. Fowler’s stats are solid, but they’re certainly not eye-popping. Not having a specific position to call home has a lot to do with that.
Throughout his collegiate career, Fowler was bounced all around the field. He’s taken snaps at both defensive end positions, outside linebacker positions and defensive tackle. While his versatility was an asset for the Gators, it’s something that has ultimately stunted his development.
Fowler is supremely talented, there is no questioning that. It’s just scary to imagine how good he would be if he was slotted at just one position. This would allow him to learn the ins-and-outs of that position, while also allowing him to play more naturally. Having the ability to play freely is key. You don’t want to second-guess your decisions or techniques, especially in the NFL.
Oct 12, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Washington Redskins linebacker Brian Orakpo (98) and linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (91) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
If the Washington Redskins decide to pull the trigger on Fowler at No. 5, he’ll be slotted across from Ryan Kerrigan as the teams right outside linebacker. Brian Orakpo, the Redskins current right outside linebacker, is likely to exit during free agency. This means that Fowler would be expected to contribute from Day One, something that I believe he is capable of doing.
His natural size and athleticism should help him transition from college to the pros. Having the ability to thoroughly learn a position should help his long-term development. Fowler isn’t a finished product, no prospect is. But he does show a great deal of potential and deserves to be considered by the Redskins in the first round.
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