Nate Orchard Now Getting Love From Scouts

Jan 21, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad tight end Nick Boyle of Delaware (86) battles defensive end Nate Orchard of Utah (99) during Senior Bowl North squad practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

The Week

It all started with the measurements as Orchard came in at 6’3″, 251 pounds, considered too small for a 4-3 end. So the first thing he does according to reports by NFL.com is show his weight means nothing as he was stout in one-on-one drills against the run. Then according to those same reports, he stood up at outside linebacker and still turned the corner on fast rising left tackle prospects T.J. Clemmings and Rob Havenstein.

Orchard also showed his athleticism in coverage as a strong-side linebacker, having no problems. He told NFL.com of his transition, “Definitely it’s big. I had a chance this week to get some reps with that at SAM linebacker. It was good and I had a very productive week and a couple of days doing it.”

It was at SAM linebacker that NFL.com reported he drew “oohs” from the coaches when he intercepted a screen pass. That pretty much let the scouting world know that he would be just fine as a 3-4 inside linebacker if necessary. But ironically he did it at the same time he showed that his size isn’t a problem for him playing defensive end.

Next: The Game