NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Report, Harold Landry, Edge, Boston College
Harold Landry, Edge, Boston College
Combine Measurements
- Height: 6’2-3/8”
- Weight: 251 lbs
- Arm Length: 32 7/8”
- Wingspan: 78 7/8”
Games Watched
- Notre Dame (2017)
- Clemson (2017)
- Wake Forest (2017)
- Virginia Tech (2016)
Instincts
Displays the ability to feel and fight off pressure while having the ability to readjust his body on certain situations. Diagnoses plays quickly with his quick twitch ability to plant his foot in the ground and cover ground quickly. Does not get out of position but at times does over pursue plays and does not “gather” himself to make the play.
Explosive/Leverage
The first thing that stands out in his film is his quick-twitch first step off the line of scrimmage. He displays good hip flexibility to be able to have low sudden movements and the ability to unlock his hips when coming off the line of scrimmage. While dealing with an injury in 2017 at times, his didn’t have consistent leverage for when he did in 2016. When he did have good leverage, he showed the ability to lock out the offensive lineman and squeeze down and close the running lane effectively while staying square to the line of scrimmage.
Lateral Movement/Athletic Ability
This is where Landry stands out his overall athletic ability, with his good hip flexibility and the ability to transition in and out of breaks without a loss in his quickness. He displays the ability to bend and turn the corner without losing his balance. He takes the proper angle to track the ball carrier from the backside of the play, also has long strides when runs and covers a good amount of ground quickly.
Tackling
He has been seen as a “grab and take down” type of tackler, though not consistent he is aggressive in getting to the ball carrier to make the play. When in open space, he tends to lunge at the ball carrier and lose his power at times, displays the ability to make big tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
Block Shedding/Hand Use
He displays quick hands in disengaging off blocks, having constant movement with his hands. Shows the ability to have consistent proper hand placement, though at times he has shown to miss when punching at his target and leaving his chest open for the offensive lineman to grab hold and overtake him.
Pursuit/Play Speed
Plays with a high motor on each play with being quick off the ball and shows a sense of urgency in getting to the football. As stated before, he shows the ability when he runs that he has long strides in covering ground quickly and doesn’t get caught in traffic in getting to the football.
Pass Rush Ability
Displays a compact stance before the snap of the football when in a three-point stance, uses that to propel himself off the line of scrimmage. Labeled as a “speed” rusher, he gains ground on that first step and has the ability to bend the corner. He is more of a finesse pass rusher, moves seen are the “club rip” and “arm over”. He does at times gets caught in the offensive lineman when trying to bull rush instead of rushing “half of the man” meaning still showing good gap control, he goes “full man” and loses contain at times.
Versatility
He was used in a variety of alignments in Boston College’s defense due to his athletic ability. He was either a 5 technique (outside shoulder of the offensive tackle), a stand up linebacker in which he was moved all over the front seven to find a mismatch, or his most common a tilted “wide 9” (split out further from the offensive tackle at a tilted angle aiming at the quarterbacks back hip).
Bottom Line
Landry was a different prospect in 2017 than he was in 2016, mainly due to injuries that occurred during the season. He displays great athleticism and a quick-twitch first step off the line which allows him to gain ground quickly when rushing the passer. He does need to refine his technique to be more consistent against the run and his game overall and also not be just labeled a “speed rusher”. He has the ability to come in his rookie season to be a pass rush specialist and make an impact. He can develop into a 3-4 outside linebacker or a weakside defensive end in a 4-3 defense.
Draft Projection
Mid to late first round
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