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10 Sleeper Defensive Linemen Bears Could Target In The NFL Draft

By Johnny Hatelak

Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Appalachian State defensive lineman Ronald Blair participates in workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Appalachian State defensive lineman Ronald Blair participates in workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Matt Judon-Grand Valley State-DE

Grand Valley State defensive lineman Matt Judon Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Grand Valley State defensive lineman Matt Judon Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

PLAYER OVERVIEW:

Yet another one of my sleeper edge defender picks. Like Justin Zimmer, Matt Judon can play on the edge as well as at defensive line. Already has nearly 280 pounds on him, so he’d only have to add 10-15 pounds which is an easy task once he gets in an NFL training program. Unlike Zimmer he probably profiles best as a 5 technique and maybe even an outside linebacker on occasion. He’s about as tall as Zimmer, but has longer arms at nearly 34″ long. Did very well at the combine. Turned some heads there. Probably the most impressive thing was him putting up 30 reps on the bench with those long arms of his. He’s also the reigning sacks leader in the nation for the 2015 season.

MEASUREABLES AND PRODUCTION:

Surprisingly bad SPARQ score which puts him at 38th overall of all edge players in this draft. Only 34.7 which puts him well below the average NFL edge rusher. However his combine numbers were extremely impressive, and he looks very athletic on film. You can see his combine numbers here. As for production he did lead all of college football with 20 sacks in 2015. Here are the rest of his career numbers.

SCOUTING REPORT:

Positives: Has great size to speed ratio. Possesses an ideal edge rushers build also has a great frame to be an excellent 5 technique in Fangio’s scheme. He has the requisite athleticism and strength combo Fangio loves in his defensive linemen. Plays with an excellent motor, and is a very coach-able kid. Comes off the edge quick and immediately threatens the edge and puts the offensive tackle in distress, and panic. Has a pressure nearly every rush he gets, but even bigger actually gets home to make contact with the quarterback or wrestle him down for a sack. can anchor and set an edge in the run game as well.

Negatives: Needs work on his hand use. Does not take advantage of his long arms. Very strong, but needs to work on getting a little better punch to jolt the blocker and knock him back on his heels. Never really played special teams so he will have to work on that aspect of his game to make the team. Does not really have a counter move. Pretty much follows through with his initial move and lives and dies with it. Does not have ideal height to play 5 technique although Fangio does not really emphasize height as much as he does strength and athleticism.

Next: Sleeper Defensive Lineman #8

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