Deep Pass-Rusher Class Shows Off

Despite weighing in at 248 pounds, Nevada defensive end Dontay Moch posted a quicker 40-yard dash time than some of the fastest wide receivers at the NFL Scouting Combine.
 
He was joined by a cast of other lesser-known athletes with jaw-dropping combine stats, which speaks to the depth of the pass-rushing class that NFL draft analysts have long been trumpeting.
 
If the Ravens want a speed rusher to help get more sacks, they’ll likely have quality options to pick from throughout the draft.
 
Moch ran a blistering 4.44, the fastest time amongst defensive linemen since 2000 and best amongst pass-rushing linebackers and defensive ends this year. Moch bested all linebackers in vertical jump (42 inches) and broad jump (10.8 inches).
 
The undersized lineman will likely need to convert to a stand-up defender in the NFL after recording 29 career sacks at Nevada. According to NFLDraftScout.com, Moch is projected as a third-round pick.
 
Illinois linebacker Martez Wilson, who stands 6-foot-4 inches and 250 pounds, recorded the second-best 40-yard dash at 4.49. His outstanding measurables could lead to a second-round selection.
 
Another smaller name is Ohio State’s Brian Rolle, who had the fourth-best 40-yard dash at 4.56, and was fourth in bench press with 28 reps. The 5-foot-10 outside linebacker is projected as a sixth-round pick.
 
Maryland’s linebacker Adrian Moten, who reportedly met with the Ravens, ran a very fast 4.62 40-yard dash. He’s seen as a sixth or seventh-round pick.
 
Texas A&M’s Von Miller, who is expected to be a top-10 selection, represented the big-name athletes atop the leaderboard. Miller logged the top broad jump amongst linebackers at 10 feet, six inches, third-best 40-yard dash (4.53) and a 37-inch vertical leap. He looked explosive in his position drills as well.
 
Georgia’s Justin Houston and Purdue’s Ryan Kerrigan had solid workouts, particularly in the weight room where they logged 30 and 31 bench press reps, respectively.
 
Several other prospects around the end of the first-round, where the Ravens will be picking, didn’t stand out at the combine.
 
UCLA outside linebacker Akeem Ayers was much slower than expected at 4.80. Missouri’s Aldon Smith, Iowa’s Adrian Clayborn and California’s Cameron Jordan were all relatively fast for their size, but not outstanding. Ohio State’s Cameron Heyward did not participate.