Sharrif Floyd: How High Will He Rise?
By Luke Sims
November 17, 2012; Gainesville FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd (73) gets ready to rush against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Jacksonville State Gamecocks 23-0. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
There’s a lot to be said about pre-draft rises. Sometimes it is because the player plays a position with inflated value (see: Gabbert, Blaine) and sometimes it’s because other players at their position suddenly don’t appear as valuable as they are. Florida defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd is benefitting from the latter.
It became evident at the NFL Scouting Combine that Floyd was one of two very good defensive tackles coming out in this year’s draft. The position is deep for 2013, but Floyd and Utah’s Star Lotulelei are the cream of the crop. With the reveal that Lotulelei has a heart condition (an echocardiogram found out his left ventricle is pumping at only 44% efficiency), Floyd has emerged as the premier defensive tackle talent.
Floyd has the tape to back up his decent combine – he didn’t wow during workouts but looked good during field drills – and is a good size for his position. If teams are looking for a space eater, then Floyd could easily be their man. He is a strong pass rushing defensive tackle who can collapse the pocket and will demand extra attention from the offensive line. He also has experience along the entire defensive line, giving teams a bit of versatility if need be.
Right now, it looks like Floyd’s rise could bring him as high as number two in the draft. A lot of teams in the top five could very well pick him, even with incredible pass rushing prospects still on the board. I don’t see the Kansas City Chiefs making him the top selection in the draft, but the Jacksonville Jaguars at number two seem plausible.
Floyd warrants closer attention from NFL teams, but in such a deep draft he will have to continue to separate himself from those in his position group and those at other positions if he expects to remain in contention as a top-5 pick.
– Luke N. Sims
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