Washington Redskins Draft Profiles: Randy Gregory, OLB/DE

Randy Gregory

Outside Linebacker/Defensive End

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 245 lbs

Nebraska

Strengths: Very long limbs.  Some of the longest arms in this draft.  Very explosive athlete with an impressive get-off at the snap and very rare, excellent, explosive burst to get after the QB in a flash.  Incredible speed for his size and can run down most RB's and/or QB's.

Very quick in short spaces, as well.  Moves well laterally and has good hips.  Demonstrates an ability to play standing up in space.  Good at using his quickness to avoid blockers all together.  Appears natural standing or with his hand in the dirt.  Excellent at changing directions and plays with a great attitude.  Doesn't give up and even when you think he's out of a play, he keeps fighting and frequently makes a play.

Weaknesses: He's too thin.  Very little body fat and with super long limbs.  Lanky.  He'll need to get bigger, heavier, and stronger at the next level.  Not weak, but certainly not known as a very "powerful" player, either.  Relies more on speed then strength.  He has trouble anchoring and is susceptible against the run.  Combination of height and weight causes difficulty with leverage once engaged.  Good at dropping low to get around OT's, but once engaged, he can get stood up too easily.  Could be improved with more weight/strength, but he's not getting any shorter.  Has dealt with injury over the past year.

Bottom Line: Many have compared Gregory to Aldon Smith.  I think that's apt.  He has a rare combination of explosiveness and speed and has the length to be very disruptive.  He controls the LoS and is dominant.  After starring in JUCO his freshman year, Gregory made a huge impact during his sophomore season with Nebraska collecting 66 tackles, 19 TFL, and 10.5 sacks.  He's had some injury trouble this past season (knee, head, ankle), but still managed 50 tackles, 10 TFL, 7 sacks, and 2 blocked kicks this past season as a junior... even with missing a couple games due to injury.  He's a bit raw and thin, but he has all the tools (length, explosion) to display the upside and potential of an Aldon Smith.

Projected Round: 1

Team He Fits Best On: Titans, Jaguars, Raiders, Redskins