Senior Bowl 2012: Jack Crawford Banking on Hard Work During Draft Season

When the scouts and experts give an opinion on Penn State defensive end Jack Crawford, it's usually a negative comment.

One blogger actually wrote that Crawford shouldn't have even been invited to the Senior Bowl. Tony Pauline of SI.com recently added, "Scouts want to like Crawford, yet the Penn State senior continues to disappoint them."

On the third day of Senior Bowl workouts, Crawford did everything but disappoint.

The British defensive end looked like a man possessed in one-on-one drills against the better of the two offensive lines represented at the Senior Bowl. 

Crawford's 6'5", 268 lb. frame is what has some scouts salivating, while others continue to lament his lack of consistency on the football field. 

What Crawford showed on day three is exactly what he needs to continue to do throughout the week. The former Nittany Lion is physically gifted enough to dominate on the football field, and he's shown that he can do that in short spurts throughout his career at State College. 

Following Wednesday's practice, Crawford was happy with his latest effort. "I definitely bring speed and power to the table," said Crawford. 

The defensive end prospect continued, "I think (today's success) is really about work ethic."

Crawford certainly showed what he's been working on this week in Mobile. He has the ability to completely overpower offensive tackles, and although it may take a while to get cranked at times, Crawford's motor—when fully engaged—is as good as any defensive end at the Senior Bowl. 

Although some experts have suggested that scouts aren't impressed with Crawford, the 6'5" end tells a different story. 

"I've heard real good things (from scouts)," Crawford said. "The thing is staying healthy and keeping focused."

Crawford's team-high 6.5 sacks in 2011 tied him for sixth in the Big Ten in the category. 

"The thing about me that sticks out is just hard work, effort and working 'til the whistle blows," Crawford said Wednesday.

If that continues with any consistency throughout draft season, Crawford will move up plenty of draft boards in the weeks to come. 

(All quotes were obtained first-hand at the Senior Bowl unless otherwise noted.)