2019 NFL Draft: Carl Granderson equals the next Jabaal Sheard
By Erik Lambert
Carl Granderson will be part of what could be an exceptional edge rusher class in the 2019 NFL draft. So where will he fit in?
Position: DE
School: Wyoming
Year: Senior
Height: 6’5
Weight: 261 lbs
STRENGTHS:
- Size is what teams look for in edge rushers. Has the desired length and bulk without the fat, hinting that he takes care of himself in the gym.
- Tends to have a strong get-off. While not lightning fast off the snap, he’s not a half step late either. This allows him to stay on time and have ample chances to get the QB.
- Particularly effective when running stunts. Does a good job selling the rush upfield and then has the quickness to jump towards the inside to get a clean shot at the passer.
- Shows an awareness for the football at all times. Can routinely find it and either chase down the ball carrier or even knock it out of their hands.
Teams are going to love this about Granderson. His awareness is always on point. He immediately recognizes the offense is trying to run a screen. He sits back to watch the quarterback, who tries to loft a pass over him. Using his big body and long arms, he snags the interception then shows his athleticism by running back all the way to the 2-yard line to set up points for his team.
- His strength and his use of hands are two big assets for him. He uses them to great effect to shed blocks before flowing to the ball.
- Holds his ground well against the run. Doesn’t lose containment on counter or RPO plays and is consistent with his ability to make tackles.
- Athletic enough to play from a two-point stance. Has experience doing so. This should increase his value to teams that run a 3-4 alignment.
WEAKNESSES:
- Not one would call explosive. He can look a bit lumbering at times in his pass rush. Doesn’t show the consistent ability to beat a blocker to the edge.
- Tackles with good technique and fundamentals should be able to handle him. He’s not one they’re going to have to worry too much about in terms of speed.
- His bull rush lacks a proper punch. After a brief surge, he tends to lose momentum and is either held up or ends up on the ground.
- His legs can be his enemy sometimes. If his initial rush is stifled he tends to stop churning and searches for a different lane, which kills his momentum.
- Bit of a tweener in terms of his skill set. Has the body of a 3-4 outside linebacker but mostly plays like a 4-3 defensive end. It will be interesting to see if he can play either.
Pro Comparison: Jabaal Sheard
Sheard has never been the primary guy when it comes to rushing the passer during his career, but he’s carved out a nice run with a number of different teams. He has 45.5 sacks to this point and has posted at least 5 sacks in a season six times. He’s known for having a big body, long arms, and strong hands and being a bit more athletic than he looks. That may not be flashy enough for fans, but coaches love grinders like him.
Projection: 3rd round
Believe it or not, the NFL isn’t made up entirely of elite pass rushers. Guys like Granderson have a place in it too. An important one at that. Teams will gladly accept players who can provide 5-7 sack every year as a rotational pass rusher. It’s possible that he could become more than that but the tape doesn’t show it at this point. He’s a decent talent who should go before the end of business on Day 2 of the draft.