Arik Armstead Declares for 2015 NFL Draft: Latest Details and Reaction

As expected, Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Arik Armstead has thrown his name into the 2015 NFL draft hat. The junior announced his decision on Tuesday.

GoDucks.com confirmed the news and provided comments from Armstead:

"

After three years preparing with my teammates and coaches, I feel I'm ready to test myself at the next level. All the support I've received from Coach Pellum and Coach Aiken, the rest of the Oregon coaches and staff and in my academics has prepared me to make this jump.

I’ve had an awesome three years here, and I'm so happy I made the decision to be a Duck. I want to thank my coaches, the academic support and athletic training staffs, the Eugene community and Duck fans everywhere for supporting me throughout my three years here. I’ll always be a Duck.

"

Ryan Kang/Associated Press

Although his numbers through three seasons with the Ducks aren't going to jump off the page, Armstead's potential is undeniable.

With a freakish combination of massive size (6'8", 290 lbs) and impressive athleticism and mobility, he can create penetration, fill gaps, command double-teams and make things easier for others on the defensive line.

One NFL talent evaluator, via The Oregonian's Andrew Greif, recently raved about Armstead's ability and future:

"

But you don't build guys like that too often. He's a monster of a dude. What I saw in the first couple games is he's putting it all together with his ability and football savvy. He's being disruptive, getting upfield and shedding blocks. I think a lot of 3-4 teams would fall in love with him because he's strong, and at the same time, he is a good athlete. As far as a run stopper and a big disruptive guy, that's what you want.

"

The Associated Press' Ralph D. Russo put it a little more simply:

As far as Armstead's stock, most evaluators seem to project him somewhere outside the first 32 picks, but that could certainly change in the coming months.

The draft combine sets up particularly well for a player with his kind of physical gifts. If NFL scouts see the behemoth of a man showing off basketball-caliber agility (he played with the Ducks' hoops team for a while before focusing solely on football), sub-5.00 speed and a vertical that could reach 40", there's a good chance his stock will skyrocket.

He is still a bit raw, but players with his kind of size, length, athleticism and power simply don't come around often. "Physical freak" is probably a phrase you'll hear thrown around quite a bit. 

While he has some work to do during predraft events, one thing is certain: Whatever team ultimately selects him will be getting a tantalizing prospect with an almost unmatched upside.