Andrew Billings Declares for 2016 NFL Draft: Latest Comments and Reaction

Baylor Bears defensive tackle Andrew Billings announced Tuesday he'd forgo his final year of eligibility in Waco, Texas, and enter the 2016 NFL draft.

ESPN 1660 had the news on Billings' decision, along with his statement on going to the pros. In addition to the expected thanking of friends, family and coaches for his time at Baylor, Billings spoke of his plans to finish his education despite his early departure:

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The last week or so I have been trying to carefully and thoughtfully make a very difficult decision as it relates to my future as a college athlete. After considerable thought, discussions, and praying with my family and coaches, I have decided to declare my intention to enter the 2016 NFL draft. My football career at Baylor will end this year but I plan to continue my course work as a part-time student until I finish my degree.

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The 19-year-old standout had 39 total tackles (14 for loss) this past season along with 5.5 sacks, per cfbstats.com. Bleacher Report draft expert Matt Miller believes Billings could be in the first-round discussion:

Billings is the type of space-eating nose tackle who commands double-teams and is capable of blowing up a running play or collapsing the pocket from the inside. Listed at 6'2", 310 pounds, he isn't as heavyset as some nose tackles and is therefore able to be lighter on his feet.

NFL.com's Lance Zierlein highlights a sequence in which Billings uses his superior athleticism and football savvy to force a negative play:

For a player who's still so young, Billings has an impressive understanding of technique and fundamentals in addition to an excellent motor. He doesn't simply rely on raw strength and quickness to win at the point of attack. Billings demonstrates the wherewithal to use his physical gifts to his advantage.

Instead of squandering his obvious talent by freelancing and being out of position, there's evidence of gap discipline and an attention to detail in Billings' game despite the fact he exists in the trenches.

The Big 12 is known for its spread offenses and shootout games with uptempo attacks and an absence of defensive stops. Such circumstances necessitated exceptional conditioning by Billings, which will prepare him well for the NFL level.

Here's some visual evidence of Billings' hustle, courtesy of ESPN.com's Max Olson:

Unlike other players of Billings' ilk who tend to lean heavily on natural ability and often disappear on film by taking plays off, he consistently jumps out.

The only factor that may keep him out of the first round is a loaded 2016 defensive tackle class, which figures to feature the likes of Alabama's A'Shawn Robinson and Jarran Reed, Ole Miss standout Robert Nkemdiche and UCLA's Kenny Clark, among others.

If Billings were to fall to the second round, any team in need on the defensive line, regardless of scheme, would do well to pounce on him.