Check out these photos of Dante Fowler Jr., an energetic and relentless edge rusher of the University of Florida.
While he spent his collegiate career as a defensive lineman, University of Florida's Dante Fowler is not only expected to make the transition to outside linebacker at the professional level, but he's graded out as one of the top overall prospects in the 2015 NFL Draft.
CBSSport.com's Dane Brugler, in his first mock draft of the year, has Fowler going to the Redskins with the fifth-overall pick.
As Brian Orakpo's future with the Redskins remains uncertain, Brugler thinks Fowler could help fill the void left behind by the three-time Pro Bowler if he does not return to Washington in 2015.
"With Brian Orakpo set to hit free agency, pass rusher will be high on the Redskins' wish list," Brugler writes. "Fowler projects best to the NFL as a stand-up edge rusher, using his relentless energy to be effective disrupting the pocket."
Fowler was selected as a first-team All-SEC defensive end during the 2014 season, logging 60 tackles and 8.5 sacks.
In the Birmingham Bowl against East Carolina, his last game as a Gator, Fowler recorded three sacks.
According to his NFL.com profile, Fowler can "rush from two- or three-point stance" and is able to play multiple positions in different packages.
"Well-built, athletic frame with very long arms. Has transformed body since coming in, losing 25 pounds while adding substantial explosiveness in space. Versatile -- was moved around field for Gators. Good first-step quickness. Uses improving spin move to counter when rush stalls high-side. Can dip and turn corner against upright tackles. Slants inside with devastating quickness. Well-timed arm over to whip lungers. Rangy in pursuit. Has hips and feet to change direction seamlessly. Can chase play-side running back to sideline and terminate with very little angle. Length to stifle cut blocks. Strong hands and arm extension to set edge and maintain."
Lance Zierlein writes that Fowler may turn out to be like last year's fifth-overall pick – Oakland Raiders linebacker Khail Mack.
Mack recorded 75 tackles and four sacks in his first NFL season.
NFL.com BOTTOM LINE: "Strong-side 3-4 outside linebacker with the physical traits and above-average potential to set the edge or spill runs wide to an early demise. Fowler is a competitive pass rusher getting by on athleticism and inside moves right now, but has a Pro Bowl ceiling with double-digit sack potential if he takes coaching and addresses his rush technique."
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