Marvin Austin Scouting Report
By Editorial Staff
North Carolina DT, Marvin Austin (6’1″ 5/8, 309-pounds)
Versus the Run: Good size for the position. When adding his combination of speed and power, he becomes a force up front against the run. His quickness allows him to move up and down the line of scrimmage and make plays. Shows enough strength to hold up against double teams and clog running lanes. When he plays with good leverage and pad level, he is extremely hard to block and stay in front of. Good burst allows him run ball carriers down to make a play.
Pass Rush Skills: Strong at the point of attack. Possesses brute strength, enough to push linemen and cave the pocket consistently. His speed and quickness allow him to disrupt gaps and penetrate into the backfield. Loves using the spin move but falls into the trap of predictability. Linemen soon catch on and he gets stalled when using it too often. Needs to develop a wider range of moves to be successful at the next level.
Quickness (hands/feet): Moves very well for someone his size. Runs more like a big linebacker than a defensive lineman. Displays very quick hands and feet, which allows him to push the edges. His footwork is outstanding.
Toughness/Motor: Motor runs hot and cold. He can be explosive when he wants to, but at times disappears from a game when dealing with a double team. Seems to get frustrated when teams focus their offensive blocking scheme around him. Does not exhibit the mean streak you like to see from a defensive linemen. Has shown good but not great durability, playing in all 12 games a freshman, and starting 22 of 26 games his sophomore and junior seasons.
Intangibles: Character and maturity are suspect after being suspended all of the 2010 season for accepting illegal benefits from an agent. Has done a good job of interviewing with teams and explaining why he was suspended. Seems to have dispelled some of the concerns that he will be a problem off the field. Despite being away from the game for a year he showed up in shape at offseason events — dominating one-on-one drills, and good work ethic.
Overall Stock: Marvin Austin is working his way back up draft boards. Overcoming the suspension that cost him his senior year of college, shining at the East/West game, and his combine performance are helping bring his stock back up. He has all the tools and size to be an impact player in the NFL. Austin was described as unblockable at the East/West shrine game. He’ll likely come off the board in the 2nd round, but could hear his named called on Thursday. If a team believes that he can handle his business off the field, they will get a player who can take care of business on the field.
NFL Comparison: Darnell Dockett