NFL Draft Rumors: Versatile Defender Melvin Ingram a Lock for Top 10

With the first round of the 2012 NFL draft Thursday, April 26, there are rumors flying about which talented prospects will fall down the board on draft day.

One name that has been mentioned as a possible falling star has been South Carolina defensive end Melvin Ingram. Despite the erroneous reports, there is no doubt that the versatile defender will be a top-10 first-round selection.

AOL Sporting News is reporting about the consensus feeling surrounding Ingram and where he fits in the NFL schemes:

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There has been a lot of chatter lately that because of Melvin Ingram’s arm length (31 1/2 inches), he is sliding down draft boards. Our sources have told us this rumor is false. There is a consensus among our sources that their teams have the South Carolina standout ranked as the best pass rusher in the draft. Furthermore, Ingram (6-2, 264) is considered the No. 1 defensive end in a 4-3 scheme and the No. 1 outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.

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With the amazing versatility of Ingram, there are many scouts who have compared the shorter speedster to a Dwight Freeney-type player. If that comparison even comes close to being true, a team will be snagging a serious playmaker.

As Ingram proved in college, whether it's pass rushing, stopping the run or dropping back into coverage, he has the talent to do it all. While he is built to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 or defensive end in a 4-3, he has the talent and versatility to play almost every position on the defensive line and in the linebacker group in any scheme the NFL can throw at him.

Add in soft hands for intercepting the ball and a willingness to get in on any play he is allowed and get his hands dirty shows he has the right work ethic for the next level. As we saw in college when he was on the field to catch an onside kick, his coaches and teammates trust him.

There is no doubt that a team in the top 10 will take a risk on the young star in the making, but the absolute farthest he could possibly fall would be No. 16 to the New York Jets. A more realistic set of circumstances would be Jacksonville taking him at No. 7 or Carolina taking him at No. 9.

With many teams trying to trade up and plenty trading back, there is uncertainty on which team will grab the stud, but it will surely be a top-10 pick that lands the Gamecocks’ standout.

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