5 Traits That Make Bruce Irvin an Ideal Pro

Looking at Bruce Irvin, you see a well-defined football player. He is tall at 6'3" and 245 pounds and looks the part. But what part is that?

Irvin, a defensive end for the West Virginia Mountaineers, is hoping to hear his name called this week at the NFL draft. Like so many other "hybrid" defensive ends, there are questions about where to play the "tweener" on the defensive line or as a stand-up linebacker.

If his abilities in 2010 were any indication about how he can and will play, when he finished second in the nation with 14 sacks, then there will be a place for him on the next level no matter where he ends up.

Here are reasons to believe Irvin will be a true star in the NFL.

You Cannot Teach Speed

This is where being listed as an outside linebacker will help Irvin in pursuit of the passer.

At 6"3 and 245 pounds (I expect him to gain another 10 pounds in the offseason), he will be able to come off the edge in a 4-3 defense and run right through the backfield.

I see him as a smaller Jeremy Mincey-type of player who won't give up on the play.

Determination

He is a small end or a good-size linebacker. Whatever the case is, there will be detractors who think he cannot handle the rigors of the NFL.

Personally, I like guys like these who have to fight their way through the questions and prove themselves.

Irvin is listed among the top 70 players on many draft boards, so the teams and scouts all know about his talents and are keenly aware of what he can do.

Versatility

While he was truly miscast in the Mountaineer defensive scheme, he can still play multiple positions.

If he plays on the line, look for him to move to either side to confuse the offense. He can come off the edge in a 3-4 defense as a pass-rushing specialist, and of course, he can move inside to help stop the run from the middle of the field.

He Has Natural Instincts

Keep moving. Get after the ball. Find the runner. Cover the receiver across the middle. Make sure you hit someone.

Those instincts make him a nice find for someone at the end of the second or in the third round of the draft.

He is always on the move on the field and will get to the ball and the player.

Can Help Contain the Run

Not only can he play on an edge or cover a receiver across the middle, he can stay at home and make the runner fear the middle of the defense.

It's great to have 245 pounds of muscle and wall waiting for someone to try and come through a small hole.

Irvin won't overpursue and will bring the runner down.