NASHVILLE, Tenn. – We continue our series of possible future Titans with an edge rusher out of Nebraska. Most draft analysts are calling him the best edge rusher in the 2015 draft class, and many have tabbed him as the second overall pick in their mock drafts.
Randy Gregory, LB/EDGE (Nebraska)
Overview:
Gregory posted seven sacks as a junior in 2014 despite missing three games. His postseason honors include second-team All-American (FWAA), third-team All-American (AP) and first-team All-Big Ten (media and coaches). This season marked the second consecutive season Gregory earned first-team All-Big Ten honors.
In addition to the sack numbers, Gregory had one interception and two blocked kicks in 2014.
Gregory is currently ranked fourth on ESPN Draft Analyst Todd McShay's top 32. McShay says his best fit is as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, perfect news for Titans fans.
McShay's ESPN colleague Mel Kiper has Gregory fifth on his big board.
Strengths: Speed Kills
Miller: "I think Randy Gregory is the best edge guy in the draft. He is incredibly long and he's very, very fast off the edge. When you talk about explosive first steps, he's got that. The flexibility in his hips to turn the corner and accelerate, he can do that all day. He uses his length well. With him, you're looking at super big potential."
Needs to show: Ready for the Grind of an NFL Season
Miller: "He's had some injury issues. Not huge injuries, but little nicks that have kept him out of games like the Iowa game. He needs to prove that he can hold up at the next level and he's going to have to get a little bit bigger. He's only 245 pounds at 6-foot-six."
Apart from the workouts, the medical examination aspect of the combine will be huge for players like Gregory who have a history with injuries.
Miller: "With Gregory, they're going to want a full profile of his injuries, especially in regards to the Iowa game. That would have been valuable tape of Gregory going against Iowa's stud left tackle Brandon Scherff. It's super important for teams to get a closer look at these guys from the medical perspective.
NFL Comparison: Aldon Smith (Missouri version, not 49ers)
Miller: "He reminds me of Aldon Smith when he was at Missouri, not who he is now that he's put on some weight and filled out. Gregory is the same type of prospect that Smith was at Mizzou. You look at him and you think, 'Wow this dude could be amazing.' He's an elite prospect at this position."
