NCAA Scouting – Player Profile: Larry English, DE / LB, Northern Illinois by Jody Jamieson 28/2/2009
The truth about Larry English is that while I have him down as a DE/LB hybrid and he did play his entire college career with his hand in the ground, he’s got one role and one role only in the pros. He’s going to be a 3-4 rush linebacker. It’s sometimes a little too easy to look at ends now and project them this way, but there’s simply no other option for English unlike with Brian Orakpo or Everette Brown. Both project to play linebacker, but both could arguably be as effective playing defensive end in a 4-3. But to pigeonhole English doesn’t take away from the fact that he’s an impressive player with a lot of upside and a guy who’s got the ability to play as a linebacker in a 3-4 to a good level. The only way he’s drafted by a 4-3 team is if he falls to Day 2, and even in the third there are more than likely going to be better options to play 4-3 than English. Mike Mayock likens him with LaMarr Woodley of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the comparison couldn’t be more appropriate. When you watch English play, you see a bit of Woodley in him, and you believe with the right fit, he can have similar success.
Two notable prospects are coming out of the Mid-American Conference this year in English and Western Michigan safety Louis Delmas. The beauty of the Internet and the vast TV coverage of the draft is that these players get more of a chance to make a name for themselves with their ability without having the school they go to “hold them down” if that’s a fair way to put it. Delmas isn’t a guy I’ve seen a lot of tape on just yet (I know he can tackle, but how good is he in coverage? I have no idea), but Larry English is a guy who definitely has ability. Unfortunately, there’s just too many worries about what he can really be in the pros to project him as a first round pick. I’m not sure I would take him before the middle of the second round, and that’s even if I am operating a 3-4 defense. If I’m a 4-3 team there’s no way I can justify taking him on Day 1.
What we like about English
Has a good variation of pass rush moves and doesn’t stop going. He really is a relentless pass rusher. He’s a sure tackler who can wrap up or deliver the big hit, depending on the situation. Makes good decisions. Double teams in college didn’t stop him being productive. Plays with excellent leverage and has the strength to shed blocks well.
Question marks about English
Was injured way too much in college. Didn’t miss a lot of time, but he rarely played without a niggle. Kudos to him for playing through it though and being productive. Doesn’t offer much scheme variation, and will have to learn a slightly different position. Isn’t quick enough to beat good footwork round the outside. Needs to learn to support the run rather than going for the QB on every single down.
Highlight of his college career
Larry English destroyed Idaho in 2007 with an incredible 5 sack, 12 tackle performance and was the MAC defensive player of the week after his dominant performance.
Other snippets
Measured in at 6′ 2″ and weighed in at 255 lbs at the Combine. Ran a 4.85 40 at the Combine and benched 225 lbs 24 times. Any 3-4 team with a late second round pick or an early 3rd round pick will have a look. Kansas City in the second is his absolute peak, but it’s more likely to be Dallas, Miami or Cleveland in the 3rd who take him.
NCAA Scouting – Player Profile:
Two notable prospects are coming out of the Mid-American Conference this year in English and Western Michigan safety Louis Delmas. The beauty of the Internet and the vast TV coverage of the draft is that these players get more of a chance to make a name for themselves with their ability without having the school they go to “hold them down” if that’s a fair way to put it. Delmas isn’t a guy I’ve seen a lot of tape on just yet (I know he can tackle, but how good is he in coverage? I have no idea), but Larry English is a guy who definitely has ability. Unfortunately, there’s just too many worries about what he can really be in the pros to project him as a first round pick. I’m not sure I would take him before the middle of the second round, and that’s even if I am operating a 3-4 defense. If I’m a 4-3 team there’s no way I can justify taking him on Day 1.
