Among elite-level NFL draft prospects, there can be a degree of cherry-picking when it comes to the NFL Scouting Combine drills. Often, they won't perform the drills at which they are least proficient until their on-campus pro day weeks later.
Florida defensive end Dante Fowler, however, is ready to compete in every way.
"I'm going to do everything," Fowler said, when asked about his level of participation in a Tampa Bay Times video.
In fact, Fowler said he plans to perform drills designed to evaluate both defensive ends and linebackers for NFL coaches and scouts at the annual event in Indianapolis, Feb. 17-23.
NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah rates Fowler as the No. 7 overall prospect in the draft and projects him to be the No. 3 pick to the Jacksonville Jaguarsin his initial mock draft. Analyst Bucky Brooks sees Fowler headed to New Orleans with the No. 13 pick, an outcome Fowler said he would embrace for the chance to be reunited with former Gators teammate Ronald Powell. Both were pass-rush specialists at Florida, though Powell's college career was beset by injuries that helped usher in Fowler's extensive role in the Gators defense.
"Rob Ryan, he's a great defensive coordinator, and I've been leaning on Ronald Powell ever since I was in high school," Fowler said. "That was my backup position coming into UF, and I've always gone to (Powell) for advice. He took me in as a little brother."
Fowler said he is working to improve his upper-body strength to help him be more of a commanding presence against the run. At 277 pounds, he is a pass rusher with an explosive first step and made 8.5 sacks as a junior. Fowler said he expects NFL clubs to be most impressed by his versatility.
"I think the scouts will like how versatile I am, being able to play in a multiple defense," he said. "My freshman and sophomore year, having the experience playing defensive end and D-tackle, then being able to show I can play out in space this past year."
Scouts should also like Fowler's willingness to compete in every way when he gets to Indianapolis.
*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread*.
