Steal of Draft! Michael Buchanan DE/OLB Illinois

A long, lean, fighting machine. I don't know why people don't like this kid. He wasn't as productive his Senior season as he was his Junior season but quite simply the kid can rush the passer. Could probably use another 10 pounds to play ROLB in a 3-4. I feel he could play LOLB in a 3-4 or DE in a 4-3 with his current weight. Has great size 6'5" 3/8 255 with some long arms. 22 reps with 34" arms is pretty good for an OLB in the 3-4. Has good hand fighting and his speed of the edge consistently causes problems for the OT. Not as stoudt as you would like to see in the running game so for him to be an elite player in the 3-4 he needs to add some weight to handle the physicality of the game. Hybrid players are some of the easiest conversions to the NFL because of their ability to rush the passer and they don't have to really learn anything new. Very underrated player in a pretty impressive LB corps. High-low comparison for Buchanan is Aldon Smith and Jason Worilds of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has a high ceiling but could end up just being an average NFL player. Bottom line is he has frame to easily add weight. Worth the gamble, had a DUI, could drop in draft because of that and so so Senior season.

NFL Comparison: Aldon Smith---Jason Worilds (high-low)

FST Grade: Early 3rd rd

Projected Round: Day Three

Player Value: 2.4/3.0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVrIjGI4TXg

--Buchanan 2011 Highlights