Randy Gregory Declares for 2015 NFL Draft: Latest Details and Reaction

Nebraska Cornhuskers star defensive end Randy Gregory has all the makings of a top-tier pro prospect. On Tuesday, Gregory announced he'd forgo his senior year in Lincoln to declare for the 2015 NFL draft.

ESPN's Josina Anderson had the details on Gregory's decision:

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Breaking: Nebraska DE Randy Gregory announces to me plans to enter the 2015 NFL Draft. STATEMENT: University of Nebraska Defensive end announces his future plans. Defensive end Randy Gregory burst onto the scene for Nebraska as one of the most dynamic defenders in the nation. Gregory was a dominant pass rusher from his defensive end spot.

"I chose the University of Nebraska because of the rich tradition, the great academics and sense of family I felt when I stepped onto the campus. It has been everything and more for me and I'm thankful to the Nebraska faithful. Coach Pellini having an NFL background helped me understand what it takes to play at the next level. He and Coach Kaczenski did a great job in helping me reach my goals this season. People expected me to come out last season, but I knew I had more work to do. Coach Papuchis also helped me take my game to another level.

As I declare for this year's NFL draft, I'm ready for the next challenge in my life. I look forward to the coaching I will receive and the chance to push myself alongside the best players in the world. Thank you to my coaches from all levels, the Nebraska fans, my teammates, and my family who have supported me from the start."

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Gregory is a supreme athlete who projects as a defensive end or 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL thanks to his versatility. At 6'6" and 240 pounds, he is athletic enough to drop in coverage, and utilizes his length and explosiveness to create leverage at the point of attack.

Cornhuskers defensive coordinator John Papuchis discussed in October what makes Gregory so special.

"...We have to move him around and be creative with him," said Papuchis, per The Associated Press, via USA Today. "There's a lot he can do because he's athletic. He's smart and he can process a lot of information."

In a pool of NFL prospects that figures to be littered with premium pass-rushers and standout defensive ends, there's a chance Gregory winds up as the best of the bunch.

Bleacher Report NFC South Lead Writer Brent Sobleski weighed in on what Gregory stands to improve as he prepares for an NFL transition:

But teams looking for a potential elite pass-rusher near the top of the first round will have a hard time passing on Gregory if he's on the board when they choose.

If he can add a bit more bulk onto his frame, Gregory could become an unstoppable force. With how gifted he is physically, it will be important that Gregory lands in the right situation and receives the proper coaching to reach his immense ceiling.

Having a good motor is a highly coveted intangible for defensive front-seven prospects. That is a trait Gregory possesses in spades, so he just has to hone in on his technique to harness his talents and emerge as one of the gems of this 2015 draft class.