Robert Quinn NFL Draft scouting report

Robert Quinn
6'4, 270 pounds | Defensive end | North Carolina

Pass rush: Shows signs of being a very good edge rusher. Is very good at getting his shoulder down, bending his knees and working around the outside. Lined up at every game in 2009 at right end, which is impressive for a sophomore. Needs to develop a counter move to go with a terrific outside rip move.

Pursuit: Has shown the agility to move around and isn't just a straight forward pass rusher. Doesn't look stiff in the hips and is flexible in the torso. Plays with a lot of effort, so pursuit isn't a question. Has the kind of quickness to break to the outside to beat offensive tackles to the inside.

Run defense: Gets off blocks well, which helps him against the run. Outstanding short area quickness that helps him fire through to the tackle. However, Quinn needs to get stronger to better handle the run. Is better working the edge instead of standing his ground and driving his legs. As mentioned, he has the lateral movement to get outside and make plays.

Strength: Possesses decent strength. Doesn't have tight skin, but consistently jolts blockers with his first hand move. Sheds blocks especially well with an arm swipe. Still developing in this area and has the frame to get much stronger. Can be easily washed out by double teams.

Tackling: Explosive on contact, as evidenced when he had an nasty effort sack against Duke in 2009. Better tackling in the open field than most college defensive ends. Does a nice job of sinking his hips and firing through the ball carrier. Gives a great effort at all times.

Technique: Quinn gets so much pressure because of his leverage and hand usage. He does really well dipping to the outside and quickly disengaging.

Final Word: Robert Quinn is an incredibly hard prospect to judge. When he's played, he's played well. But he'll have sat out a whole year after the NCAA ruled him ineligible for accepting $5,642 in benefits from an agent. Still, it's hard to look too negatively at a player who had 19 tackles for a loss and 11 sacks as a sophomore in 2009. Quinn showed he has the talent as a pass rusher to be worth a top 10 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. His quickness is very good and he an uncanny ability to get around the corner after the passer.

Some teams may have medical concerns about Quinn. In high school, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Even though doctors told Quinn his playing career may be over, he persevered. One thing that can't be questioned about Quinn is his effort. He's a classic to-the-whistle player and gives a great second effort.

To stay as a 4-3 end, Quinn needs to get stronger to help support the run. But he showed in 2009 that he has the athleticism to move to outside linebacker in a 3-4 system. Gets compared to DeMarcus Ware of the Cowboys, but isn't quite as complete of a player. However, he has the upside to get there. Offseason workouts will be huge for Quinn.