2012 Possible Atlanta Falcons Draft Pick Profile: DE Melvin Ingram

Atlanta would be smart to add more depth to its pass-rush. However, looking at Melvin Ingram could signify a trade-up possibility for the Falcons. He has visited the team as one of their visits this year.

Melvin Ingram

Defensive End

University of South Carolina

Combine Measurements

Height: 6’1-1/2” Weight: 264 pounds.  

Arm Length: 31-1/2" Hand Measurement: 9-5/8"

40-yard dash: 4.79 sec. 20-yard split: 2.63 sec. 10-yard split: 1.62 sec.

20-yard shuttle: 4.18 sec. 3-cone Drill: 6.83 sec. Bench Reps: 28 reps

Vertical Jump: 34.5" Broad Jump: 9'1"

Stats

2007: 12 Games, 0 Games Started, 14 Tackles, 1.0 Tackles for Loss, 1.0 Sacks

2008: Medical Redshirt (Broken Foot)

2009: 13 Games, 1 Games Started, 16 Tackles, 3.5 Tackles for Loss, 1.0 Sacks

2010: 14 Games, 1 Games Started, 28 Tackles, 11.0 Tackles for Loss, 9.0 Sacks, 1 Fumble Forced

2011: 13 Games, 13 Games Started, 48 Tackles, 15.0 Tackles for Loss, 10.0 Sacks, 1 Fumble Recovered, 2 Interceptions, 2 Carries, 87 yards, 1 TD

Scouting Report

Strengths

Versatility is Ingram’s major strength. He can play all over the formation and is a jack of all trades that can fill a role similar to Justin Tuck of the Giants. He’s an excellent pass-rusher with multiple pass-rush moves and creates great leverage.

He has a nonstop motor and long-term could remind many of Dwight Freeney. He has the best first step off the line in the entire draft and can really do damage wherever he lines up because of it.

Weaknesses

His size is only at 6’1” 264 pounds and is on the small side for a 4-3 defensive lineman. He has an issue getting inside of defenders, but that is correctable. He relies on his athleticism off the edge a bit too much and needs to learn how to correct this issue.

Overview

Ingram is a versatile piece who can play in the 4-3 or 3-4 at defensive tackle, defensive end or linebacker in any of formation you put him in. He would be a defensive coordinator’s dream and would be an excellent fit character-wise for everyone’s team as he is one of the hardest workers at South Carolina.

How He Would Fit Into the Falcons' Plans

Ingram is expected to go anywhere from the top 10 all the way to the early second round. He’s the wild card in this draft, and if he falls to the second round, expect the Falcons to at least explore a trade up for him.