Vinny Curry Combine: Analyzing and Projecting the DE for the 2012 NFL Draft

Arguably, the best and most naturally talented pass-rushers in the 2012 NFL draft is Marshall's Vinny Curry. He is an expected mid to late second-rounder this April.

That being said, Curry also has a couple of weeks before the Thunder Herd's pro day on March 13.

View all dates for campus pro days.

Combine Analysis

As for the combine, Curry measured at 6'3", 266 pounds which proved to be a little undersized for a 4-3 defensive end. Still, Curry had decent numbers with 4.98 seconds on the 40-yard dash, a 32-inch vertical leap and 9'2" on the broad jump.

Considering his size, Curry displayed good explosion but not elite top speed and it wouldn't hurt him to get stronger either. With other top defensive lineman such as USC's Nick Perry and Illinois' Whitney Mercilus who are just as big but also faster, Curry is a half-step back.

Therefore, it's important for Curry to add a little bit of bulk but nothing too significant. Just enough to increase his acceleration because Curry has impressive footwork and body control.

The man ran 6.9 seconds on the three-cone drill, which was third among defensive lineman and 4.4 seconds on the 20-yard shuttle, so the lateral quickness and agility is where Curry has an advantage.

Draft Projection: Tennessee Titans, Round 2

Last season the Tennessee Titans finished 9-7 and the defense was ranked No. 14 against the pass and No. 24 against the rush.

Combined, Tennessee allowed 355 total yards per game which ranked 18th. However, the Titans only allowed 19.8 points per games which ranked 8th in the NFL. So what's the problem? A lacking rush defense and pass rush.

Tennessee allowed 128.3 rushing yards per game and recorded just 28 sacks in 2011 (ranked 31st). Only Tampa Bay had less sacks with 23.

That said, the Titans lost four games by one touchdown or less and only allowed 30-plus points in two games. Not to mention they allowed 4.5 yards per carry (ranked 22nd), so games were slowed way down and their offense was limited in possessions to score.

Therefore, enter Vinny Curry and his awesome pass rushing skill set. With defensive tackle Karl Klug working the interior (seven sacks in 2011), the Titans need someone to complement Akeem Ayers.

Curry recorded 171 tackles (40 for loss), 23 sacks the past two seasons, as well as 24 quarterback hurries and nine forced fumbles.

Whether the Titans use him as a true 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 outside linebacker, Curry's addition only helps against the run and prevents offenses from isolating Ayers and Klug. And with the Titans having to play Jacksonville and Houston twice a year, proving to shutdown the run is required to win.

John Rozum on Twitter.