STRENGTHS
D’Andre has a high football IQ and this along with his athletic talent will allow teams to use him in different positions along the defensive front seven. He can play on the edge and rush the passer and has enough agility to cover those pesky running backs on those swings routes out of the back field. He also has the size and burst to the play to be moved to an inside linebacker position and to be used on stunts to get into the back field, sack quarterbacks and run-down players from behind. He has excellent instincts to the play and shows leadership skills through his play on the field. What I also see is, respect from his teammates when D’Andre makes a play and he seems to be well liked on the field. D’Andre’s potential reminds me a lot of the Buffalo Bills Lorenzo Alexander and I believe once D’Andre gains the experience and is in the right defense for his talents he can impact in the same way and became a fan favorite and a core player for his team’s defense.
CONCERNS
D’Andre may lack the elite overall athleticism and size but makes up for it with a high football IQ, instincts and effort on every play. If D’Andre stays on the outside as an edge rusher he will need to get quicker getting off blocks and needs more strength in his lower body to deal with those big offensive lineman and double teams.
TALENT BOARD ROUND 2.53
D’Andre is the style of player the Patriots, Steelers, Ravens find in the draft to make their defenses the best in the NFL. They have the coaching and mental flexibility to use a player like D’Andre and get the most out of him. I think D’Andre could be moved to middle linebacker or used outside in a 4/3 and I think he can be used inside or as an edge rusher in a 3/4 defense also. He is a little short as an edge rusher but he gets the job done. He needs to get stronger against the run on the outside but he will, I have no doubts. There is never a lack of effort on every down and his instincts, allow him to play faster than his workout numbers might show. Like I said, D’Andre might be a fit for certain teams because only those teams will see his potential and not try to pigeon hole his talents because he might not fit the parameters of a pure edge rusher. Then again, I agree he doesn’t fit the parameters of a pure pass rusher for the NFL but he does fit the parameters of a football player and that’s what I would be interested in if I was selecting a player for my team.
