2012 Scouting Report: Frank Alexander, DE/OLB, Oklahoma
By Editorial Staff
This is our Frank Alexander scouting report. Frank Alexander has had a breakout year in 2012 and has pushed himself into the conversation to be a day two pick. Alexander is a bit of a tweener which is going to hurt hist stock because he’s not an elite pass rusher at the next level. For all of our other scouting reports check out our scouting report page
Measurables
6’4 270 pounds, 35″ long arms, 9.75″ hands
*did not participate in Combine drills
Stats
(through original post date)
2011 Season:
Games: 10
Tackles: 45
TFL: 17
Sacks: 8.5
FF: 2
Career:
Games: 45
Tackles: 133
TFL: 42.5
Sacks: 21
FF: 5
Pros:
Extremely long arms which he uses well
Played consistently for 4 seasons
2 year starter
Can play DE or LB
Has good ability with hands off the ground
Sound in coverage
Shows plus pass rushing moves
Very quick first move
Plays well in big games
Long Arms to knock passes down
Good motor
Cons:
Doesn’t have an explosive first step
Plays too high at times
Struggles when run at
Does not force many fumbles
Could struggle in 4-3 due to small size, and in 34 because of athletic limitations
First year he has dominated in sack totals
Doesn’t play with great functional strength
Doesn’t have great speed
Player Comparison: Raheem Mathis
Jesse’s player comparison: A much less athletic Aldon Smith
The thing we noted about Smith last year were his active hands, motor, and overall savvy, these are similar traits that can be found in Frank Alexander. Alexander doesn’t play with ideal leverage and is a bit stiff which makes him risky in a 34 and if he can’t improve on that could be more of a situational pass rusher than a potential starter, bu the has ability, he plays intelligently and is pretty sound technically in all phases of the game, I wouldn’t expect the kind of production from Alexander Smith is putting up this year, but in time he could develop into that kind of player.
Round Projection: Day three
Summary:
Frank Alexander has a decent first step and has a repertoire of pass rush moves. This season at Oklahoma he has played well standing up and looks like a natural. He is sound in the technical aspects of the game. One of the few DE that can play just as effectively in 4-3 and 3-4 defenses in college, but might be out of sorts a bit in the N.F.L.. Has plus physical attributes like his long arms and in time in time he could become a good pass rusher. Teams that utilize speed over size in their DE or 3-4 teams will target him…teams picking in the early second round such as Dolphins, Bills, Colts, Jaguars, Browns, Chiefs, and Eagles.
NFLmocks preseason bio:
Alexander is consistently coming into his own as a pass rushing defensive end, but is one of the more complete DE prospects available next year. Probably a better overall athlete than Jeremy Beal was coming out this year, but is really just scratching the surface of what he can be. Has been in a three man rotation at defensive end for most of his career, but has still been productive. Had six sacks last year and 11 tackles for loss. Had his best game against Nebraska with four tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and a forced fumble. Probably a mid-round pick at this point, but should get a fair shake in the NFL.
video
Vs Texas 2011 (jmpasq on youtube visit draftbreakdown.com)