Lorenzo Mauldin NFL Draft 2015: Scouting Report, Grade for Jets' 3rd-Round Pick

STRENGTHS

Louisville edge-rusher Lorenzo Mauldin passes the eyeball test on and off the field. He's a high-motor, long defender with the first-step quickness and burst to make plays in the backfield. His straight-line speed is impressive in a short area, and he combines that with a high football IQ to make plays in the run and pass game. He's shown enough agility to bail into the flats in coverage and can run with backs and tight ends. Mauldin uses his length well in both the run and pass games and has been a productive player on all three downs.

WEAKNESSES

Mauldin looks like an athlete, but he doesn't wow on film and in testing appeared average. His average frame and questionable athleticism make him a question mark in space, but at 259 pounds, he's small to place in a defensive end role. He won't show you flexibility and agility in space and doesn't work his shoulders and hips together to slip past blockers. And he has one more—upfield burst. Mauldin's lack of size and strength makes him a liability against the run.

2014 STATISTICS

Tackles: 51  
Sacks: 6.5
Tackles for Loss: 13.0

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Barkevious Mingo, Cleveland Browns

Mauldin isn't as naturally athletic as Mingo is, but he is another undersized defender with the potential to develop into an outside edge-rusher.

FINAL GRADE: 5.55/9.0 (Future Starter)