Scouting report: Paul Kruger

Paul Kruger

6'5, 265 pounds | Utah | Defensive end

Strengths: Kruger excels at shedding blockers and working against the run. Against the pass, Kruger keeps low to get around the corner. Likes to bull rush, pushing linemen back into the quarterback. Solid tackler. Kruger is agility and changes direction with ease. Works down the line nicely. Does a nice job covering the flats. Had an impressive sophomore season statistically finishing with 61 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks and seven passes broken up.

Weaknesses: Although he's a big 265 pounds, Kruger could stand to continue adding weight. Due to his style of play, he should probably bulk up to 275 or so. Doesn't exactly explode off the snap. Uses only his speed as a pass rusher. Has no moves to speak of. Kruger only played two years of college football and originally signed as a quarterback out of high school. He's still learning the position. If he's asked to play 3-4 rush linebacker, Kruger will completely have to be coached on how to drop in coverage.

Final word: Some considered Kruger's early entry into the draft a surprise, but he will be a 23-year-old rookie. Spent two years on a church mission. Kruger's sophomore stats are somewhat deceptive. He wasn't a force in Utah's biggest games against Alabama, Michigan, Oregon State or BYU. In those four games, he had five tackles for a loss and two sacks. He's already very good against the run. If he can be coached up in the more technical aspects of pass rushing, he could be quite the find.

Round projection: 2