WVU NFL Draft Players

[Squirrel]

Not much for WVU in the draft this year expect 2 players.

First one is Bruce "Almighty" Irvin

Dude could be a steal in the draft DE play 2010 season as a 3rd down specialiast finishing the year with 21 total tackles, 18 unassisted, 14 sacks, one pass breakup and two forced fumbles in limited time. 2011 was supposed to be his breakout year but he was injured part of it.

But finished with 8.5 sacks 41 tackles will fit better in a 3-4 as OLB. Project the first couple of seasons but if he can learn and show improvement he could blow up into a great player.

My pick this year is Keith Tandy CB think Brandon Hogan but better. He and Hogan was a big reason WVU had the #2 Defense in 2010. Always around the ball and good tackler team him and Hogan back up and we will be set at CB for awhile with Gamble.

[jtnc]

Any chance Irvin could be as disruptive in a 4-3 like Von Miller?

[JawnyBlaze]

I don't know anything personally about Irvin, but I've read a bit about him. He's not too big for 4-3 OLB, like Upshaw might be, he's only 235 from what I read. He's quick and has pass rush skills, which means I think he has the physical attributes to succeed as a 4-3 OLB. It all depends on his football intelligence. LB is the most cerebral position on the defense, so if he can get that I think he can do well.

[Fenrir]

This guy was so close to becoming a Vol. What could have been... :(

[carpanfan96]

Any chance Irvin could be as disruptive in a 4-3 like Von Miller?

I think Irvin could succeed as a player you move around a lot. (Denver ran a lot of offset 4-3/3-4 looks with Miller at the line on the edge standing up.) You could line up Irvin in a similar fashion, at DE and at OLB in the dedicated 3-4 looks. Irvin didn't really drop back a lot and really doesn't have the size to play as a DE in the NFL, but he would excel in a limited basis there (3rd down passing situations) and as a Rush LB.

Miller is 6-3, 236/240 and runs around a 4.4/4.45

Irvin is 6-2/ 6-3, 246 and runs around a 4.45-4.5

Irvin draft analysis.

Read & React: Has natural instincts for defense despite his lack of experience, though he is obviously still learning. Finds the ball regularly and has the change of direction ability to get to it.

Run defense: Gives some effort to chase down running backs. Miscast as a hand-down player and played mostly in passing situations, but has some fair strength for his size and does not break down easily against the run. Should have no problems getting off tight end blocks at linebacker to contain against the run.

Pass defense: Limited experience dropping into coverage, primarily used as a pass rush specialist. Has change of direction skills and hustle to track down ballcarriers in the open field, but will need to learn how to handle coverage responsibilities.

Tackling: Strong wrap tackler who can dislodge the ball with power and goes for the strip if his target is holding the ball low or loose. Brings down quarterbacks much bigger than he is. Very good motor, regularly chases down plays from behind. Used on special teams coverage units because of his tenacity and speed.

Pass Rush/Blitz: Best attribute. Extreme quickness off the edge, has flexibility to turn the corner. Shows toughness to get under the pads of tackles to bull them, club them upfield to get the inside lane, or fight through blocks to for secondary rush when passer steps up. Keeps feet moving after initial contact. Jumps inside as a counter to typical rush, but needs to show a larger variety of moves. Gets pressures on inside stunts, too explosive for college guards to handle.

Intangibles: Tough player, gets up from being planted and comes hard on the next play. Comes from rough background, almost threw away talent but earned GED, walked onto junior college team and continues to work hard towards his goal of playing in the NFL.

[Kuech the Sneak]

I'd take Irvin if we have a plan for him like the broncos with miller, mayock always says that's the key with these tweener type players is that you need to have a specific plan on how your gonna play them

[rayzor]

if we could take irvin in the 2nd round i'd be massively happy. i like him a lot. the dude is a pass rushing beast.

i just wish he could do more than pass rush.

if we take him we'd have to be planning on using him as a joker and moving him around a lot. i don't like him on the Dline at all.

i agree with mayock in that you draft him with a specific plan for him and a specific role to use him in. you take him realzing that he's essentially a one trick pony, but you take him because he is phenomenal and pretty near unstoppable with that one trick.

[carpanfan96]

if we could take irvin in the 2nd round i'd be massively happy. i like him a lot. the dude is a pass rushing beast.

i just wish he could do more than pass rush.

if we take him we'd have to be planning on using him as a joker and moving him around a lot. i don't like him on the Dline at all.

i agree with mayock in that you draft him with a specific plan for him and a specific role to use him in. you take him realzing that he's essentially a one trick pony, but you take him because he is phenomenal and pretty near unstoppable with that one trick.

Yep, at least for the first few years any way. He's got the speed and instincts to play OLB (he plays the run pretty good too.) He'll need to be developed on coverage skills and technique though. If he gets that down he would develop into a 3 down LB.