Freak Show 2013: #3

Oct. 5, 2012; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Ezekiel Ansah (47) grabs hold of Utah State Aggies running back Kerwynn Williams (25) during the first quarter at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas C. Pizac-US PRESSWIRE

We are at part three of the freak show series, listing my top five freaks of the 2013 draft pre-offseason.

#3..

Ezekiel Ansah: DE, BYU.

Ansah not only contends as one of the freakiest athletes in college, he may also be one of the most under-utilized players in the country.

Ansah is a long defensive end that is essentially a prototype for the modern pass rusher: Long arms, flexible hips, a quick first step, and the upper body strength to keep blockers at bay. Ansah has all of these traits but isn’t seeing the field as much as someone so talented should at BYU.

There is obviously a reason for this, though it isn’t too apparent right now. He is obviously very raw, he doesn’t use his hands, and he gets stood up. I think the biggest issue is his lack of gap-consciousness, leading coaches to consider him a liability on early (rushing) downs.

At 6’5″, 270 lbs, he has ideal size for the position and a build that is very similar to Aldon Smith. He may not have the insanely long arms of Smith, but he certainly has the length to succeed. Jason Pierre-Paul comparisons may be thrown out for his level of rawness, lack of production, but impressive flexibility around the edge.

Ansah may not be the biggest name in the draft, and his tape doesn’t exactly scream “top prospect”, but he has the raw athletic numbers of a much more impressive player. He should be drafted much higher than players of similar production.