2015 Atlanta Falcons Potential Draft Pick Profile: Edge Player Dante Fowler Jr.

In a continuing theme, the Falcons' pass-rush issues need to be addressed. Dante Fowler out of Florida might just be the best player in the entire draft and is currently the most well-rounded and explosive pass-rusher that the Falcons could potentially bring in at pick No. 8.

Fowler has experience in multiple defenses as a defensive end or edge-rushing linebacker. He did play for new Falcons head coach Dan Quinn at Florida and could benefit from that connection should he slip at any point during the whole process.

Dante Fowler Jr.

Edge Player

University of Florida

Combine/Pro Day Measurements

Height: 6'2 ⅝"	Weight: 261 pounds	Arm Length: 33 ¾"
Hand Measurement: 9 ½"	20-yard shuttle: 4.32 sec.	40-yard dash: 4.60 sec.
10-yard split: 1.56 sec.	3-cone Drill: 7.40 sec.	Bench Reps: 19 reps
Vertical Jump: 32 ½"	Broad Jump: 9'4"

Stats

2014: 12 Games Played, 60 Tackles, 15.0 Tackles for Loss, 8.5 Sacks, 17 QB Hurries, 2 Fumbles Forced, 1 Fumble Recovered, 1 Pass Deflection

2013: 12 Games Played, 50 Tackles, 10.5 Tackles for Loss, 3.5 Sacks, 7 QB Hurries, 3 Fumbles Forced, 1 Pass Deflection

2012: 13 Games Played, 30 Tackles, 8.5 Tackles for Loss, 2.5 Sacks, 1 QB Hurry

Scouting Report

Strengths

Explosion is the name of the game for Fowler. Off the line, he generates some of the most power in the class despite being just 261 pounds. He's got ridiculous upside because of it, and despite a three-cone time that would suggest otherwise, he does have the ability to bend the edge effectively.

On top of that, he sets the edge well when he plays the run and has shown the ability to do so either standing up as an outside linebacker or with his hand in the dirt. He profiles extremely well to new head coach Dan Quinn's defense based on his versatility and overall talent level getting after the passer.

Weaknesses

Despite dropping into coverage often, Fowler wasn't extremely effective playing in it. He did make a couple of plays, but his best role would be one where he can pin his ears back, get after the quarterback and cause turnovers. There are times he gets fooled from play actions and will over-run the play.

That includes on both standard play-action passes and draw plays. Fowler also needs to develop a stronger repertoire of pass-rushing moves, as he could drastically increase his sack totals if he can shed blockers more effectively than he has through his career at Florida.

How Does He Fit the Comrade Filter?

Fowler was recruited by coach Quinn at Florida. He's been referred to as a teddy bear off the field by Ed Thompson of the Orlando Sentinel. And if you continue on into that link, you'll notice that multiple teammates are impressed with his motor and drive on and off the field.

The Florida defensive end stated it best when Thompson quoted him: "I'm the coolest dude off the field. It's hard for you not to like me. But once it's time to handle business, it's time to handle business. ... It's about being consistent and just being relentless and not being denied." Safe to say that he'd be an ideal fit for the Comrade Filter.

Overview

When looking for fast and physical players, Fowler has the personality both on and off the field that Quinn is trying to get the Falcons to exemplify. He's a great pass-rusher who fits multiple roles in Atlanta and could play "Leo" or strong-side defensive end.

His pass-rushing prowess is the best asset in his game right now, but he's also an excellent run defender who could create some of his own pass-rush situations by setting the edge effectively. The only real question is coverage, but with his attitude, he could improve there to be serviceable.

How He Would Fit into the Falcons' Plans

Fowler would have to be the Falcons' first-round pick if they even have a shot at selecting him at all. There's a very real chance that Fowler could be taken by Jacksonville at pick No. 3, Oakland at pick No. 4 or even Chicago at pick No. 7.

However, if he slipped to the Falcons, he'd be ideal for the strong-side defensive end role that Michael Bennett played in Seattle. He would instantly be one of the Falcons' best pass-rushers and would give them someone who could positively impact games in multiple ways.

All stats used are either from Pro Football Focus' Premium Stats, ESPN, CFBStats or the NFL. All combine and pro day info is courtesy NFL Draft Scout. All contract information is courtesy of Spotrac and Rotoworld.

Scott Carasik is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He covers the Atlanta Falcons, College Football, NFL and the NFL draft.