Combine Proves Nebraska's Randy Gregory Best Suited at Linebacker in NFL

If you are an NFL team in need of a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker type of edge player, you are getting quite a show at the 2015 scouting combine. It is evident that the 2015 NFL draft is going to be dominated at the top by these athletic hybrid edge players, and Nebraska’s Randy Gregory showed this weekend he should be in that mix.

Every edge in this draft with top-10 aspirations knew that the competition was going to be daunting this week. Even with film being the deciding factor in most of these picks, acing the combine can really help a player’s case.

However, as with all these hybrid players, the dialogue always turns to their place in the NFL world. For a player like Gregory, there are really three spots where he could find a niche in the league.

The former Nebraska star could be viewed as a 4-3 defensive end in a Wide-9 type of role, similar to how the Seattle Seahawks use Bruce Irvin.

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Gregory could also be considered more of a pure 3-4 pass-rushing outside linebacker. This would maximize his ability to operate in space as well as drop down and rush the passer.

A final thought on Gregory is to use him as a 4-3 outside linebacker in a more classical role. Then on passing downs Gregory can still slide up and rush, similar to how the Denver Broncos use linebacker Von Miller.

It seems that the consensus at this point among pundits is that some manner of outside linebacker role is Gregory’s best bet. Gregory’s performance at the combine looks to have reinforced that. 

Here’s a look at Gregory by the numbers:

• Height: 6’5”
• Weight: 235 pounds
• Arms: 34”
• Hands: 10”
• 40-Yard Dash: 4.64 seconds
• Bench Press: 24 reps

Gregory also showed his trademark agility and movement skills in his individual drills. Check out this video below to see the fluidity that makes Gregory a natural linebacker prospect.

These numbers put him firmly among the top players at his position this year, minus one. Of the other players among this top tier, Gregory is noticeably lighter. As reported by Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller, Gregory ended the season at 218 pounds and is working his way up.  

"

I can confirm: Randy Gregory started Combine training at 218. Got up to 242 before getting sick. Weighed in at 238.

— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) February 20, 2015"

There are a couple of troubling points here. First, he played his way down to 218 pounds during the season without a medical cause, and that does not bode well for his ability to hold his weight during the rigor of an NFL grind. Getting back to 235 pounds is great, except that’s all he has had to focus on. I would not count on him playing at that weight during the season. Physiology just doesn’t say it can happen that way.

Eric Francis/Getty Images

So where does that leave Gregory? Pretty much the same place he’s been. Nothing Gregory has shown on film has screamed 4-3 defensive end. His bulk was in question all year, especially trying to disengage against the run.

Even in a 3-4, Gregory is going to be asked to slide up on the line of scrimmage and engage offensive tackles on a regular basis. And with how teams run out of traditional passing groupings, Gregory could find himself in trouble.

That’s why it feels like playing a weak-side linebacker in a 4-3 might ultimately be his best fit if his weight can’t be counted on. NFL.com’s Gil Brandt shared his concerns about Gregory’s size as well. 

"

Randy Gregory is smaller than you'd probably want in NFL at LB. Very explosive 1st step, though.

— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) February 22, 2015"

Bleacher Report’s Miller also discussed Gregory’s fit at linebacker.

"

Randy Gregory's movement is so fluid, so effortless. Hips of an outside linebacker.

— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) February 22, 2015"

To those discounting concerns over Gregory’s size, Bleacher Report’s Justis Mosqueda offered a bit of perspective.

"

(EDGE) Gregory: 6'4" 235 4.64 (Safety) Kam Cancellor: 6'3" 231 4.62

— Justis Mosqueda (@JuMosq) February 22, 2015 "

Obviously, Chancellor has freakish size for a safety, but the point stands. If Gregory plays the season at closer to 230 pounds, his role must be clearly defined.

When a guy like Florida’s Dante Fowler Jr. can do what he did carrying 26 more pounds, you go back to the film and realize that Fowler offers a much more scheme-versatile package of skills.

Speaking of skills, all measurables aside, you have to return to the film and see where the disconnect is. Here’s a nice look at Gregory late in the season, when his weight was presumably at his lowest. Thank you to the team at draftbreakdown.com for this video. 

This game was not a showcase for Gregory. In fact, he was largely ineffective. Was this a product of his weight? Well, I don’t know what Gregory weighed, but it was clear that he couldn’t get any sort of push.

And on the rare occasions he did get into the backfield, it was because he used that punch off the snap to keep the offensive lineman at bay long enough to either get around the corner or slip back across his face.

The bottom line is, Gregory is a dynamic playmaker who needs space to operate in. Playing outside linebacker will provide him with that space and clean air at the next level. Will his weight issues affect his draft status? I think in part, the answer is yes.

However, the ridiculously talented group of edge players in this draft were already pushing him hard. Don’t be shocked if he slips a little and a team like the New York Giants gets a star.