2014 NFL Draft: Auburn DE Dee Ford Boosts Stock at Senior Bowl

Jan 25, 2014; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad defensive end Dee Ford of Auburn (30) sacks North squad quarterback Logan Thomas of Virginia Tech (3) during the first half of a game at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Auburn defensive end Dee Ford enjoyed a breakout season in the Tigers’ magical 2013 campaign which resulted in a disappointing loss to Florida State in the National Title game, and pushed himself even further up draft boards with his performance this past week in Mobile at the Senior Bowl.

Ford was unblockable at times, and had a great week of practices capped off by some explosive pass rush ability in the game, notching two sacks and a really nice pass batted down behind the line of scrimmage.

At 6’2″ 243 pounds, Ford finished up his senior season at Auburn with just 29 total tackles, but a really solid 10.5 sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss, 17 QB hurries, and two forced fumbles.

Ford missed most of the 2011 season due to injury, but was granted another year of eligibility and has made the most of it.

Coming out of this season, most people thought he might be a second round pick, but most are in agreement that he’s boosted his stock up a full round, and he’s now expected to be a first round pick in May.

He showed a great combination of burst and closing speed off the edge, beating tackles all week long at Senior Bowl practices. His performance earned him MVP honors for the game, and now you’ll see his name start popping up in the first round of most mock drafts.