Nebraska DE Randy Gregory declares for the NFL Draft
By Peter Smith
Nebraska defensive end Randy Gregory has decided to forgo his senior season and declare for the 2015 NFL Draft. There was talk that Gregory was considering returning to school and then head coach Bo Pelini was going to continue to work to get him further ready for the next level, but with Pelini fired and now at Youngstown State and Gregory’s stock likely having him go as early as the third pick in the draft, rather than learn a new defensive scheme under Mike Riley, he opted to make the next defense he learned be in the NFL.
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Gregory is listed at 6’6″ 240lbs with remarkable explosion, flexibility and speed off the edge. The combination of length and speed makes him a tantalizing pass rushing prospect whether it be as an end or standing up as an outside linebacker. The concern with Gregory and why there was some consideration of going back comes down to his weight and his overall bulk. Gregory can be a terrific pass rusher but he may have some trouble holding up against the run in the NFL early on in his career, even if he is at a linebacker position.
Nevertheless, Gregory could be selected as high as the third overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars to play the team’s leo position in Gus Bradley’s defensive scheme. The team has gotten a lot of production and success from the defensive line, but they have had trouble finding the answer to that dynamic athlete off the edge that could wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks and Gregory could definitely fit the bill.
Gregory may get drafted on physical ability and potential more than polish initially, but he should be extremely impressive in testing and make a team believe they can develop him into the prototypical franchise pass rusher that can be outstanding for the better part of the next decade.