Mel Kiper Jr. Says Cincinnati’s Derek Wolfe is a First Round Pick

In a recent ‘ideal’ mock draft scenario for every team put out by Mel Kiper Jr., I discovered a very interesting first round pick. Kiper has been on the bandwagon of Cincinnati’s Derek Wolfe for a while now, but he now thinks the Cincinnati defensive tackle could be an ideal fit for the Denver Broncos with the 25th overall pick.

In my opinion, taking Wolfe with a first round pick would be a huge reach, but that doesn’t mean those types of things have never happened before. Still, I think his value lies more in the second or third round range. Certainly he’s been a guy who has performed at a high level for the Bearcats, but I’m not sure if he is an elite prospect that you’d use a first round selection on.

Here is our scouting report on Wolfe from Reggie McColgan earlier this year:

Pros:

Long arms

Consistent Production

Has the flexibility to play in both 4-3 and  especially 3-4 Schemes

Strong at Point of attack

Has great swim move

Team leader

Great motor

Cons:

Has not played elite competition

Would be limited in a 4-3 scheme

Can be pancaked by large offensive lineman

Not the quickest player off the snap

Limited athlete

Doesn’t have great pursuit speed

Doesn’t win at the line of scrimmage quickly, he has to work a lot to get free

Player Comparison:           Adam Carriker

Round Projection:               Late 2nd to Early 3rd

Summary:

Derek Wolfe was always a solid player but has turned in an elite Senior Season which has turned him into a late Day 2, early day three Prospect.  While he can play in both a 4-3 and 3-4, Wolfe would be much more productive in a 3-4 scheme.  Wolfe has a great motor and uses his hands very well.  He is more of a pass rusher than run stuffer but can hold his own against the run. Wolfe needs to get functionally stronger to hold at the base of the attack because he’s not going to be a pass rusher in a 34.  Teams needing more pressure from their 3-4 lineman would be wise to use a 2^nd round pick on him.  Teams such as the Jets, Bills, Patriots, Chiefs, Chargers, Cowboys, Packers, and 49ers.