(Editor's Note: Heading into the upcoming NFL Draft, held May 8-10, DallasCowboys.com will take a closer look at the prospects, including some that could be potential fits with the Cowboys. Today's featured player is Oregon State's Scott Crichton).
Name:Scott Crichton
Position:Defensive End
College: Oregon State
Height/Weight:6-3/273
Age:20
Honors:The defensive end was named to the preliminary watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Award, the Bednarik Award and the Lott Trophy. He finished first in Oregon State history with 10 forced fumbles and third with 22.5 career sacks in just three years. He was also fourth on the all-time list with 51 tackles for loss.
Key stat: Crichton finished with at least six sacks all three seasons at Oregon State, including a career-high nine in 2012.
Where He's Projected:Most projections have Crichton around the early second round, but some have him as high as a late first-round pick. The defensive end class in this draft is not particularly deep, with Jadeveon Clowney the only consensus top 10 pick at the position. He'll likely be available by the middle of the first round, but it'd be a risk to wait for him at the same spot in the second. [embedded_ad]
How He Helps the Cowboys:The Cowboys need defensive line help, particularly at the end spots after DeMarcus Ware's release. Crichton plays with power and could immediately compete for a starting spot opposite George Selvie if he can play with more quickness. He'd likely start out as a piece of the pass-rushing puzzle rather than a replacement for Ware, but he has the strength to handle the role as a defensive end. Crichton put up 24 reps on the bench at the NFL Combine.
Scout's Take: Bryan Broaddus -Crichton's a junior that is coming out early in the draft from Oregon State. Has ideal size with tha rangy build. When you draw up a 4-3 end, this is the body type that you want. Really does a nice job of extending on the blockers. Using his length to his advantage, plays with leverage. Like how he sheds and tackles. Shows initial quickness off the snap. Can get to the corner in a hurry. Plays with hint of stiffness but gets after you. Quick arm over, then he attacks. Strong enough to hold the point, plays on offensive side of the ball. Can walk tackle back, plays with some power and snap. Aware to get his hands up and knock down the screen. Quick with the inside charge. When he is on the move, he can make things happen. Will stack and chase, then make tackle. Can play from either end and does so for the Beavers. Very active in how he plays. Up the field rusher . Did a fine job of playing the low block. Keeps his balance. Has to battle double team blocks and doesn't stay blocked long. Will play inside as a nickel rusher as well, did this a bunch against Oregon. Quick to slap hands down and to get to the outside. Puts pressure on you now with quickness. Will work down the line and close plays down. Explosive first step. If he has a weakness, he doesn't change directions well. Looked badly out of place playing inside at nose when the coaches asked him to play there. Wasn't the same play when they put him in there. Needs to be on the edge, more explosiveness there. I am a big fan of this player because I believe there is plenty to work with in his game. There is quickness and power along with the flexibility to play on either end. Clubs workout him out at the Combine as a linebacker but in my eyes he is an end all the way. There is enough quality film to put this player in the first round and would be a gift if he made it to the second but I honestly believe that doesn't happen.
