Round 3, Pick 9: DE Olivier Vernon PDF Print E-mail
Written by Dave Blake   
Friday, 27 April 2012

 Miami addressed another big need for a pass rusher with local product and potential gem in DE Olivier Vernon of Miami.  He has the size and physical ability th at you like and his stock was on the rise.

 

NFL.COM

 

Overview

Vernon entered the draft after a disappointing year in which he only started three games after slowly coming back from an NCAA suspension. He is an undersized defensive end who likely will be moved to outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, where he has much more value. He excels as an edge rusher and has a serious opportunity to boost his second-round value because he has so much to offer.

Analysis

Strengths

Vernon is a strong and powerful athlete who gets good leverage to set the edge. He is solid against the run and can play from different alignments. He also is a very competitive player who is capable of working sideline to sideline.

Weaknesses

Vernon is limited simply by his inexperience. He hasn't had many opportunities to cover in man schemes and really struggled the few times he was asked to blanket faster players.
 






Overall Football Traits

Production 3 "2009: (11/2) -- 25-7-1.5. 2010: (13/11) -- 39-10.5-6 2011: (6/3) -- 18-3.5-1.5 Career: (2009-11) -- 1 FF, 1 FR. "
Height-Weight-Speed 3 Lacks prototypical height and arm length (33'). Possesses big hands (10 1/8'). Bulk and top-end speed are adequate but 10-yard split (1.64) is above-average.
Durability 2 Missed Oklahoma game in 2009 due to a leg injury. Other than that has remained healthy throughout career.
Intangibles 4 "Suspended for the first six games of the 2011 season by the NCAA for taking $1,200 in improper benefits from Miami booster Nevin Shapiro. "
 
 
1 = Exceptional2 = Above average3 = Average4 = Below average5 = Marginal

Defensive End Specific Traits

Pass Rush Skills 3 Can anticipate the snap count more consistently but does display above-average first-step quickness. Displays enough torso flexibility to bend the edge and shave the corner. Possesses explosive power when transitioning speed-to-power and can rock tackles back on the heels. Flashes quick hands in combat but needs some refining in this area. Can become off balance too easily and needs to learn to tempo and show more body control with his rush at times. Closing burst is above-average but not elite.
Versus the run 2 Area of strength. Displays a quick first step to establish positioning or create penetration when need be. Plays with leverage at the point of attack and can stack blockers when having edge contain. Flashes explosive and strong hands to disengage from blocks. Also shows quick lateral agility to redirect and find the ball. Displays above-average range and is a strong and reliable wrap-up tackler.
Versatility 2 Has experience playing both from a three and two-point stance. Appears to have the athleticism and enough open field fluidity to spot drop in underneath coverage to make the transition to a 3-4 OLB at the next level. Also has some experience reducing inside to a 3-technique in obvious passing situations.
Instincts/Motor 3 Instincts are adequate but have room for improvement. Can be a second late recognizing and reacting to plays on occasion. Tough and plays with a solid motor. Hustles in pursuit and made several second effort plays throughout film study.
 
1 = Exceptional2 = Above average3 = Average4 = Below average5 = Marginal

 

 

 

RotoWorld

The Dolphins stayed in the same area code with this selection and took Vernon who left school after his junior season after being linked to the Shapiro fiasco. Vernon is versatile player that has experience as a defensive end in four man fronts or rushing the passer in a two-point stance. A talented athlete that posted six sacks as a true sophomore, Vernon struggles with counter moves, especially when having to start his motor after his momentum was stopped.

 

 

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