Ryan Kerrigan Scouting Report

Defensive end Ryan Kerrigan of Purdue University is a 2011 NFL Draft prospect with tremendous pass-rushing ability who is a bit of a tweener that could ultimately play in a number of positions depending upon which team selects him.

Kerrigan is a relentless pass rusher with very few glaring weaknesses. He has a great frame, long arms and good lateral movement. He can bull rush to collapse the pocket and also has an arsenal of smooth moves to get after the quarterback.

If selected for a 4-3 defense, he will need to add weight and muscle. At his current size, he is ideal for a 3-4 OLB, but will need to learn some finer techniques. He doesn't have great straight-line speed and could greatly improve his reaction time in getting off the line of scrimmage. Once he gets moving though, he is relentless all game long. Kerrigan plays with a violent, tenacious attitude. He is currently tied for the FBS record for most forced fumbles in a career (14).

Against the run, he does a great job holding on the edge. He needs to improve his lower body strength, which particularly shows when he can't find outside leverage against a larger offensive lineman. When forced to run to the sideline he is out in space, so he needs to further develop his footwork and pursuit angles.

Scouts are hot and cold on Kerrigan after a mediocre performance at the 2011 NFL Combine. Some believe he isn't athletic enough to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense and may not be strong enough to play a 4-3 RDE. The bottom line remains his production at a high-level in a quality conference. He was named the 2010 Defensive Player of the Year in the Big Ten for a reason.

Kerrigan projects as a mid-first round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.