Dean Lowry NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Packers Rookie

POSITIVES

A versatile defensive lineman considered a prospect at both defensive end and defensive tackle, Dean Lowry impressed with a 4.87-second 40-yard dash at 6’6” and nearly 300 pounds.

Lowry combines quick, active hands with great use of strength and leverage to beat offensive linemen. Lining up over the tackle, he has enough speed and twitch coming out of his stance to bend the edge, but he can also line up in a gap on the interior of the line and get enough push to fold the pocket.

As a tackler, Lowry will put runners in the dirt. He has a big frame and the wingspan to pull down ball-carriers in space. He’s technically savvy when working through gaps in the run game and does an excellent job locating the ball on the go.

NEGATIVES

Lowry is a one-move pass-rusher who has to win with speed or he’s out of the play. As a rusher, he lacks a plan and shows no true countermove once a tackle or guard resets and adjusts to his speed. If locked up, he doesn’t have the moves or hand strength to break free and make a secondary attempt at the backfield.

A long strider, Lowry is stiff when asked to turn the corner. He’ll take a wide, looping path to the quarterback, which creates a natural lane for the passer to step up and fire the ball or scramble. Without the loose hips needed to tightly bend the edge, Lowry projects as more of a 5-technique. The issue there is that he lacks stunning power at the point of contact and can be moved around if his leverage isn’t spot on.

Lowry is a solid enough player to hear his name called on draft day, but he is a work in progress as he’s rounded out to a more complete 3-4 defensive end.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 296 lbs.

40 Time: 4.87s

3-Cone: 7.26s

Short Shuttle: 4.38s

PRO COMPARISON: Kendall Reyes, Washington
FINAL GRADE: 5.50/9.00 (Round 6—Backup Caliber)