Check out these photos of Randy Gregory, a tenacious defensive end/outside linebacker out of the University of Nebraska.
*Each week leading up to the NFL Draft this year, Redskins.com will be bringing back its "Mock Madness," a compilation of what pundits and various media members believe the Redskins should/could do with their No. 5-overall pick. *
Here's an extended look into ESPN.com's Mel Kiper Jr.' s latest mock draft pick selection for the Redskins:
As the Redskins look to possibly bolster the pass-rush, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. currently has University of Nebraska product Randy Gregory as Washington's pick at No. 5 overall in his latest mock draft (ESPN Insider subscription needed).
Gregory – a 6-foot-6, 240-pound defensive end/outside linebacker – has all of the physical tools needed to succeed in the NFL, along with experience against some of college football's top talent -- some of which he'll face on Sundays for years to come.
In two seasons at Nebraska, Gregory recorded 60 tackles with 16.5 sacks and two interceptions.
According to Kiper Jr., Gregory is the "type of pass-rushing talent that can transcend systems."
"Long, athletic and highly explosive coming off the edge, he's a little undersized as a classic 4-3 defensive end and could play in space a little better as a 3-4 outside linebacker," he writes. "But he can flat out cause disruption -- not just as a pass-rusher, mind you, because he'll also play with good leverage against the run and make plays in the backfield. Washington should be purely in the 'take a great football player' category, and Gregory fits the bill and can make them better as a rookie."
NFL.com's profile for Gregory is similar to Kiper Jr.'s thoughts, highlighting his ability to use his lengthy frame to his advantage.
"Tall with long levers and a lean, sinewy build. Batted down four passes in 2014. Stronger than expected at point of attack. Able to lock out and stay square against big offensive tackles and can whip most tight ends. Unhinges and gets tentacles on running backs bursting through gap. Room for more thickness on long frame. Competitive and shows toughness against run. Can chase and limit outside runs with speed. Secondary motor to stay in hunt downfield as tackler. Explosive hips. Gets instant change of direction to hound quarterbacks in play-action. Played standing up and with hand in ground. Rushed occasionally from ILB spot. Stride and second gear for quick close. Has bend and hips to convert speed to power. Showed improved timing and understanding of how to set up inside pass-rush move as season progressed. Hands are a blur. Explosive play traits to overwhelm technically deficient tackles. Can counter and recover from cut blocks. Flashes plus hand-feet coordination. As blitzer from ILB, will coil and explode into guard on contact step. More than tough enough. Willing to take on pulling guards with low pad level and aggressive pop."
As for his impact both early and long-term, NFL.com's Lance Zierlein said Gregory's a "high-ceiling, low-floor prospect."
"A 3-4 outside linebacker with the length, toughness and closing burst to immediately help a run defense," he said. "Gregory could stand to add more weight to his frame and needs plenty of technique work and a patient coach for his pass-rush skill to match his traits."
