Alex McCalister NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Eagles Rookie

POSITIVES

With 12.5 sacks in the last two seasons at Florida, Alex McCalister proved himself as a quality sub-package rusher with 3-4 outside linebacker upside. Teams must weigh the off-field issues versus the on-field performance with the former Gator, but there is a lot to like.

McCalister has excellent length (36-inch arms) and uses his long limbs to keep linemen off his frame. He's a rangy and explosive player when he moves laterally and can make plays against the run as a chase defender. McCalister uses his length well to kick out blockers and will contain the edge with a free arm to make tackles. He has the recovery speed to gamble and get back into position.

As a pass-rusher, McCalister has ideal measurables with long limbs and quick hips. McCalister turns the corner with tight, quick feet and doesn't have wasted steps or space in his turns. A natural athlete with a high ceiling, McCalister has the tools to get on the field immediately as a nickel pass-rusher.

NEGATIVES

When McCalister was on the field, he was promising, but due to injuries and suspensions, he wasn't often seen.

McCalister only played in six games as a redshirt freshman due to injury and then only played in nine games as a redshirt junior due to a foot injury. During the 2015 season, McCalister was suspended for violating program policy. At the end of the season, the Gainesville Sun reported head coach Jim McElwain had dismissed McCalister from the team for violating team rules, and shortly after that report, he declared for the draft.

On the field, McCalister will have to fill out a very thin frame to see action on first and second downs against NFL competition. His lack of bulk and strength puts him both at the point of attack and in space, where his change-of-direction ability is hindered by long legs.

A lack of explosion out of his stance will limit McCalister's ability to generate separation in the NFL. Learning to lower his pads, and adding some lower-body strength, could quickly fix this.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 239 lbs.

40 Time: 4.80s

3-Cone: 7.01s

Short Shuttle: 4.00s

PRO COMPARISON: Quanterus Smith, Jacksonville Jaguars
FINAL GRADE: 5.70/9.00 (Round 4—Backup Caliber)