Melvin Ingram Combine: Analyzing the Most Versatile Player in the 2012 NFL Draft

There are players who are totally dominant at their respective positions, and then there are players like South Carolina's Melvin Ingram who are dominant at not only multiple positions, but multiple facets of the game.

In short, the versatility Ingram displayed for the Gamecocks doesn't do justice to how complete a player he's developed into. Yes, every player has flaws and must improve, but having the ability to be utilized numerous ways shows a great football I.Q. as well as unselfishness.

By that token, here's a look at Ingram and what to expect at the 2012 NFL scouting combine.

Athleticism

At 6'2", 275 pounds, Ingram has excellent athleticism that complements his versatility very well. The man can play defensive end, tackle and linebacker, while providing a consistent pass-rush and the ability to sink into coverage against intermediate routes.

Ingram has great strength, and he increases that through explosion while remaining balanced in his get-off. Maintaining body control is arguably what Ingram does best considering how well he quickly changes directions.

Melvin also has impressive top speed which will bode well as an edge pass-rusher, and is very good at preventing blocks by setting up his feet right before making a quick move inside or outside.

Coordination

In correlation to athleticism, Ingram's coordination only enhances his versatility by playing both sides of the defense. He can line up as a right or left defensive end, tackle or outside linebacker and be just as effective on either side.

As for applying quarterback pressure and defending against the run, hand techniques are vitally important. Whether it's swim, rip or whip hand movement, the coordination of using both hands to go underneath, over, or to slide past a blocker is just another area of Ingram's talents.

What it basically comes down to is not allowing blockers to get their hands on the numbers to control a defender. If that happens, then it simply makes getting off blocks that much more difficult.

For his career, Ingram recorded 21.5 sacks (19 between 2010 and 2011) and 30.5 tackles for loss.

Considering that he played virtually everywhere along the defensive line, that production doesn't happen without the ability to be ambidextrous.

Dynamics

Ingram's proven his ability to return kickoffs (five for 90 yards as a freshman) and also was on South Carolina's hands team for recovering onside kicks.

Perhaps the most wowing aspect was his 68-yard touchdown run on a fake punt. There, Ingram displayed speed, agility, quickness and balance. Needless to say it was one of the most impressive plays of the 2011 college football season.

Defensively, Ingram scored two more touchdowns on fumble recoveries, intercepted two passes when dropping into coverage and defended a total of four passes last season. In the NFL, he'll fit any defensive system regardless of whether it's a 4-3, 3-4, 1-5-5, 4-2-5 or whatever.

He can play anywhere along the defensive line in a 4-3, outside linebacker in a 4-3, 3-4 or 1-5-5, and inside linebacker in a 3-4 look.

In other words, whichever team selects Ingram is not only getting a complete player, but a guy who's unselfish, has a great football I.Q. and will be productive anywhere he lines up.

John Rozum on Twitter.