2012 Possible Atlanta Falcons Draft Pick Profile: OLB/DE Bruce Irvin

Atlanta is looking at quite a few pass-rushers in this year's draft and Irvin is easily one of the top players who can get after the quarterback. Irvin could be the Falcons' second-round pick if they decide to lighten up the "Falcons Filter."

Bruce Irvin

Outside Linebacker/Defensive End

West Virginia University

Combine Measurements

Height: 6'2.5" Weight: 245 pounds

Arm Length: 33.375" Hand Measurement: 9.625"

40-yard dash: 4.50 sec. 20-yard split: 2.66 sec. 10-yard split: 1.58 sec.

20-yard shuttle: 4.03 sec. 3-cone Drill: 6.70 sec. Bench Reps: 23 reps

Vertical Jump: 33.5" Broad Jump: 10'3"

Stats

2008: Junior College

2009: Junior College

2010: 13 Games, 0 Games Started, 21 Tackles, 14.0 Tackles for Loss, 14.0 Sacks, 2 Fumbles Forced

2011: 13 Games, 13 Games Started, 40 Tackles, 14.5 Tackles for Loss, 8.0 Sacks, 3 Fumbles Forced 

Scouting Report

Strengths

He's one of the top players in the draft as a pass-rusher and is the fastest to get off the line. He's extremely natural when it comes to blasting off the edge, looping around the offensive tackle and running the arc to create pressure.

He's got a repertoire of pass rush moves and can use a bull rush, spin-and-dip move effectively. He's able to also stand up an generate pressure as an outside linebacker and has the versatility and athleticism to play either linebacker or end.

Weaknesses

As a defensive end, he is very undersized at only 245 pounds and will need to gain bulk in order to stay at the spot. He isn't very good in coverage or at setting the edge and that can be a real issue if someone was to move him to linebacker.

Overview

Only a one-year starter in the college ranks, however, he was an excellent option as a pass-rusher and created complete mismatches against offensive lines with his size and speed combo which was innately unique for his position at defensive end.

How He Would Fit into the Falcons' Plans

Irvin could be the Falcons pick in the second or third round because he is one of the top pass-rushers in the draft. He wouldn't be a guy who would instantly start but he would be used in multiple packages for the Falcons as an OLB, a DE and even a DT.