Scouting Report: Jack Crawford, PSU

Jack Crawford– DE- Penn State

6-5 256lbs Junior

Stats:

2008- 4 tackles and 2 pass breakups

2009- 31 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 3 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble

Pros:

Jack Crawford is an athletic defensive end that shows high sack total potential.  Crawford utilizes his speed and athleticism to get a good burst off the line of scrimmage.  The burst off the line of scrimmage allows Crawford to generate a lot of pressure on the quarterback.  His 14.5 tackles for loss last season shows that he spends a lot of time in the opponents backfield.   Crawford is being taught by one of college football’s best defensive line coaches in Larry Johnson.   This upcoming season could be a breakout one for Crawford.  NFL teams love his physical attributes and a big season could have him targeting the NFL Draft.

Cons:

Crawford is undersized for a defensive end.  He will need to add more bulk and continue to get stronger if he wants to catch the eye of NFL Scouts.  The lack of bulk makes it difficult for Crawford to anchor against the run.  While Crawford is athletic it is unclear if he would be able to transition to an OLB in the 3-4 defense.  At Penn State he will not get the opportunity to drop into coverage and show scouts he is capable of that.  Crawford has only been playing organized football for several years and is very raw.  He hasn’t racked up major game time and needs to work on refining his technique and get a better feel for the game.

Thoughts:

Crawford is only a Junior but if he has a big season he could bolt for the NFL.   Crawford has great pass rush potential and the physical ability that will have NFL teams drooling.  While Crawford does need more time to develop he could potentially be a top pick in next year’s draft.  Crawford will be one of the many prospects we will continue to watch.

Projected Round:

Crawford, with a big season Crawford could find himself in the first round discussion.  However, as it stand right now he is looking at coming of the board in the 2nd or 3rd round of the 2011 draft.