2015 NFL Draft Profile: Randy Gregory, DE Nebraska
By Adam Carlson
As usual, pass rushers should be at a premium in the 2015 NFL Draft and very few of them have the talent that Nebraska defensive end Randy Gregory has. He’s got the ability to be either a 4-3 defensive end or a 3-4 outside linebacker.
Gregory is tall and thin, but deceptively strong. He can easily power his way through lesser blockers on his path to the quarterback. He’s one of those players that has a non-stop motor, but could really use some good coaching to help him fine tune the fundamentals. In addition, a history of injuries could have some teams worried about his durability.
But a player with the natural ability and physical talent like Randy Gregory won’t last long on draft day when many teams are fighting hard to get a solid pass rusher. Teams will be gambling a bit when they select Gregory, but it’s one that could have a huge payoff.
Nov 15, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive end Randy Gregory (4) during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 59-24. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Combine Measurables:
- Height: 6’5″
- Weight: 235 pounds
- Arm Length: 34″
- Hand Size: 10″
- 40 Yard Dash: 4.64 seconds
- Bench Press: 24 reps
- Vertical Jump: 36.5″
- Broad Jump: 125″
Draft Projection
CBS Sports has Randy Gregory as their #9 overall prospect and #1 defensive end. He should be a top 10 selection at the 2015 NFL Draft.
NFL Player Comparison
- NFL.com: Miami Dolphins Dion Jordan
- CBS Sports: San Francisco 49ers Aldon Smith
Fit For The Vikings
With both Everson Griffen and Brian Robison locked up to big contracts, defensive end isn’t a huge need unless one is selected for competition or depth.
My Take
If Randy Gregory is somehow sill available when the Vikings are on the clock at the 2015 draft, expect many teams to be trying to trade up to get him. The Vikings could get a pretty hefty haul for the rights to him. Unless something happens with Griffen or Robison, I don’t expect a defensive end to be the Vikings top pick.
Next: Top 10 Biggest Vikings Salaries For 2015
More from The Viking Age
- 6 biggest draft steals in Minnesota Vikings history
- Former Vikings first-round pick could reportedly return to NFC North
- Bears analyst has extremely embarrassing Kirk Cousins take
- 6 Vikings who (maybe) won’t make the 53-man roster in 2023
- Predicting what the Vikings will do in the 2023 NFL Draft based on 2022