Dante Fowler Jr. getting high mock draft marks
Tuesday, February 10, 2015 | Football, Chris Harry
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The NFL draft is still weeks away, but the run-up buzz on defensive end Dante Fowler Jr., looks really good as far as the Florida Gators' beastly pass-rusher's chances of becoming the 14th player in school history to be selected in the top 10.
The last UF product to be plucked in the first 10 selections was cornerback Joe Haden, who went to the Cleveland Browns with the No. 7 overall choice in 2010.
One of the analysts below believes 6-foot-3, 260-pound Fowler, who had 8 1/2 of his career 14 1/2 sacks during his 2014 junior season, could go as high to as third over to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
I'm sure Fowler would be fine with that.
Here's an overview of where the draft gurus see Fowler falling.
> Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (Jaguars, No. 3 overall)
“Fowler has an explosive burst and strong hands and plays with fanatical effort. He'll be a great fit for Gus Bradley's defense.”
> Dane Brugler, CBSSports.com (Redskins, No. 5 overall)
“With Brian Orakpo set to hit free agency, pass rusher will be high on the Redskins' wish list. Fowler projects best to the NFL as a stand-up edge rusher, using his relentless energy to be effective disrupting the pocket.”
> Pat Kirwan, CBSSports.com (Jets, No. 6 overall)
“The Jets have a ton of needs but without a quarterback at this spot it makes sense to get an OLB/pass rusher to get after Tom Brady.”
> Dan Kadar, SBNation.com (Falcons, No. 8 overall)
"By drafting Fowler, the Falcons would have a versatile, movable player up front on defense who gives great effort and will get into the backfield. Under Dan Quinn, the Falcons will need to figure out how to get pressure from the front four. They can do that with Fowler, a player who can work inside and outside, and even move to linebacker. If Fowler is gone, there are players who could slot in as traditional pass rushers."
> Matt Miller, Bleacher Report (Falcons, No. 8 overall)
"Dante Fowler is a legitimate top-10 pick, and his combination of athleticism and production makes him a worthy selection at No. 8 overall. He's the type of explosive athlete who can play with his hand in the dirt or standing up in a pass-rushing role. Quinn could see a lot of Cliff Avril in the former Florida Gator."
> Rob Rang, CBSSports.com (Falcons, No. 8 overall)
"The Falcons have the firepower on offense to compete, but lack difference-makers on the defensive front. New head coach Dan Quinn recruited and coached Fowler while serving as Florida's defensive coordinator before taking over the same duties for Pete Carroll and the Seahawks. Fowler's versatility is his calling card. The 6-3, 260-pounder's unique combination of power, agility and tenacity earns him time at defensive end, linebacker and defensive tackle for the Gators."
> Jamie Newberg, Scout.com (Falcons, No. 8 overall)
"Did you see Fowler play in the Birmingham Bowl? He looked fantastic for the Florida defense. This is an athletic defensive end that has shown great versatility. I once saw him in a high school game play quarterback, running back, full back, tight end, wide receiver and all over the defensive front. Yeah, he's pretty darn athletic and I think Atlanta would love him here."
> Peter Schrager, FOXSports.com (Vikings, No. 11 overall)
"The future is bright in Minnesota, as Teddy Bridgewater and Anthony Barr both appeared to be home run selections in the first round a year ago. Mike Zimmer knows Chad Greenway can't play forever and defense will always be the top priority in the high-powered NFC North. Fowler's arguably the most versatile defensive player in this year's draft. He can line up either on the line with his hand in the ground or play middle or outside linebacker. He was on a horrid Florida squad, but still stood out. Consistent player who can join an already solid defense and make a difference."
> Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN.com (Saints, No. 13 overall)
"The Saints aren't without talent on defense, but they were too often exposed in 2014 and took a major step backwards. Adding a pass-rusher of Fowler's pedigree outside the top 10 is a really good get, as I think he's a guy who comes in and competes for a ton of reps right away. Fowler isn't dominant in any one area; he's a good pass-rusher, not a great one, and an effective run defender, but not a destroyer in that area, either. But he also doesn't come in with a clear weakness. He has experience on either edge, can move inside as a 3-4 DE and is also is athletic enough to make plays in the pass rush and the set the edge as a 3-4 OLB. He's a fit almost anywhere and will bring a live motor."
> Todd McShay, ESPN.com (Saints, No. 13 overall)
“The Saints could consider Stanford left tackle Andrus Peat here and then move Terron Armstead inside, or they could fill their need at cornerback by drafting either of the top two prospects at the position, Washington's Marcus Peters or Michigan State's Trae Waynes. But Fowler has the versatility and relentlessness that Rob Ryan is looking for. He isn't an elite athlete but has good flexibility, violent hands and efficient counter moves as a pass-rusher, and he has experience playing multiple spots among the D-line, as well as outside linebacker in a 3-4 alignment.”
> Bucky Brooks, NFL.com (Saints, No. 13 overall)
“Rob Ryan could tap into Fowler's versatility as an edge rusher to help solve the Saints' defensive woes.”
