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The two best defensive linemen in college football will head to San Diego for this year’s Holiday Bowl. Leonard Williams of USC and Randy Gregory of Nebraska will take the field in an attempt to improve their NFL Draft stock in what will likely be the final collegiate game for both.
Both players are still in the running for the No. 1 overall pick in April’s draft, although Gregory has seen his stock slip over the last few weeks. The performance that will hurt Gregory and the rest of the Cornhuskers’ defense is the Wisconsin game. The Badgers ran for 581 yards, including a then-FBS record 408 yards from RB Melvin Gordon. While teams often run away from Gregory’s side of the field, Gordon gained 158 of his yards running right at the 6-foot-6 defensive end.
The following week, Nebraska took on the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Despite allowing almost 300 yards on the ground, Gregory played fairly well. He finished with eight tackles and a blocked field goal, but was also injured in the game. At only 240 pounds, his durability is a concern. He also underwent arthroscopic knee surgery earlier this season.
Although his toughness isn’t in question, his ability to survive an NFL schedule is. Even as a 4-3 defensive end, he will need to add weight. His measurements at the NFL Combine will be critical to his draft stock.
The biggest hit to his stock occurred in the final regular season game. His pass-rushing ability is well known, but the run game is where he needs to show improvement. Against Iowa, he would have lined up across from Brandon Scherff, the best run blocker in the nation. Unfortunately, Gregory was unable to play, leaving his ability to play the run in question.
The positives heavily outweigh the negatives when scouting Gregory. For someone who has only played two seasons of FBS football, he’s miles ahead of where he should be. The majority of his 17.5 career sacks were a result of his natural athletic ability. Once he learns proper technique and how to shed blocks, Gregory could become an elite pass rusher at the next level.
Raw defensive ends such as Jason Pierre-Paul and Ezekiel Ansah were both top-15 picks who were drafted based on potential. At this point in his career, Gregory is better than both of them.
In the Holiday Bowl, Gregory has a chance to shine. He’ll be going one-on-one with true freshman left tackle Toa Lobendahn. While Lobendahn has played well this season, he hasn’t faced anyone as talented as Gregory. With USC QB Cody Kessler averaging 37 pass attempts over the last four games, Gregory will have plenty of opportunities to make his presence felt.
In the end, Gregory’s draft position depends on the quarterback situation at the top of the draft. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans and New York Jets are more likely to select a QB than the Oakland Raiders or Jacksonville Jaguars. With Williams and Gregory the top two non-quarterbacks on the board, the Cornhuskers’ DE will likely end up somewhere in the top five.
Shawn Spencer is an NFL Draft writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Spencer_NFL, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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