2015 NFL Draft: Florida’s Dante Fowler Jr. Exploding Off the Tape
Sep 13, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Dante Fowler Jr. (6) rushes Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Patrick Towles (14) during the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Florida Gators defensive end/linebacker hybrid Dante Fowler Jr. didn’t exactly blow anyone away with his numbers in 2013 as a sophomore, but the former five-star recruit and top 30 prospect in the nation is finally starting to flex his talent a bit as a junior, and is looking like one of the best defenders in the country.
Thanks to the great folks at DraftBreakdown.com, we’re able to watch one of the nation’s best up-and-coming defenders grow before our very eyes. With 18.5 tackles for loss and six sacks through his first two seasons, Fowler Jr. has shown an ability to make plays in the backfield and disrupt opposing offenses. That is fully on display in this tape against Kentucky from the 2014 season.
What you see in that video is a player who has clearly expanded his role and earned a lot of trust from his coaching staff. Florida is moving the 6’3″ 265 pound Fowler all around the formation, including standing up as a middle linebacker and blitzing or dropping into coverage.
Where you really see growth in Fowler’s game and maturation as a player is his discipline throughout the video defending the read-option. He stays at home on a consistent basis, he pursues the play from behind when he needs to, and he’s relentlessly using his strength to gain an advantage on the offensive linemen.
Fowler’s quickness off the snap is impressive. In this particular game, he’s playing with great leverage and disrupting almost every play. He uses great hand placement and actually makes his listed size seem like a non-realistic number due to the fact that he’s so easily able to bend around the edge.
This guy has the look of a future elite NFL pass rusher. His blend of speed, power, quickness, instincts, and overall awareness of where the play is developing are all extremely impressive traits. The Gators will continue to get the most out of his talent by moving him all around the formation as a defensive end, outside linebacker, and middle linebacker, and that’s what you should do with a great talent.
This kid is going to be something special.