Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive end Randy Gregory (4) works against USC Trojans tight end Bryce Dixon (13) during the fourth quarter in the 2014 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Add Nebraska defensive end/outside linebacker Randy Gregory to the long list of pass rushers that are lining up meetings with the Baltimore Ravens ahead of the NFL Draft. Easily one of the most talented pass rushers and overall players in the draft, Gregory has a visit scheduled with the Ravens, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Randy Gregory is a bit of an athlete for a guy who goes 6’5″ and 235 pounds, plus he brings with him the ability to line up at multiple spots. Gregory ran a 4.64 second 40 at the NFL Combine and recorded 24 reps on the bench press, a 36.5 inch vertical leap, and a 10-5 broad jump.
Gregory is easily a top ten talent (many feel a top five) who has been universally mocked in that general range throughout the pre-draft process. After failing a drug test at the Combine for marijuana use, however, Gregory is facing the possibility of a draft day tumble. Many, including NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah, feel that this incident will cause Gregory to slide.
Adding to the complication is the fact that there is a lot of edge rusher depth in this year’s draft, and Gregory twice tested positive for marijuana while at Nebraska as well. Teams will be taking a role of the dice by selecting Gregory, which may make him too risky in the top half of the first round for teams that have witnessed the ongoing sagas of players like Josh Gordon and Justin Blackmon.
Having said that, Randy Gregory could be an absolute steal if he indeed slides and can put his past transgressions behind him. He racked up 17.5 sacks across two seasons at Nebraska, despite playing through injuries much of last season. His physical tools and upside are through the roof, though he does need to add some weight.
Gregory would be a fantastic get for the Ravens if he slides all the way to 26. It’s highly doubtful that he will, even with his disappointing failed drug test. But crazier things have happened, and I’m pretty sure the team would be thrilled to steal a top five talent at the tail end of the first round.
Next: The Ravens are Blowing Smoke Regarding Draft Plans
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