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Blogging The Boys will begin taking a look at some of the NFL Draft prospects that will be in the 2018 NFL Draft class. Some weeks, we will look at potential targets that will be within the Cowboys’ expected draft range. Others, we will highlight some of the elite members of the class.
Another week, another draft prospect to familiarize yourself with here at BTB!
We have mainly focused on defensive prospects because, you know, but last week we took a look at one of the most dynamic offensive players in the upcoming draft class. In total, we have looked at eight defensive prospects and offensive prospects. To get caught up with all of our previous installments, make sure to scroll down to the bottom of this article for all of the reviews that we have done.
This week, we stay on the defensive side of the ball. Demarcus Lawrence has played like a man possessed, David Irving has certainly had his moments, and even Taco Charlton recorded a strip-sack on Thursday Night Football! But, would the Cowboys want to add another defensive lineman/pass rusher to the mix? If so, here’s a name to look out for.
Harold Landry — edge rusher, Boston College Golden Eagles
6-foot-3
250
Senior
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Harold Landry has been talked about as one of the premier players in the 2018 NFL Draft class for a while now. The senior pass rusher burst onto the scene with a monstrous junior season at Boston College, and his next-level hype has not wavered at all.
Landry fell a little bit under the radar as a recruit, as the three-star end from North Carolina inked with BC in the 2014 signing class; nonetheless, Landry saw the field immediately for the Golden Eagles as true freshman. In his debut season on the collegiate level, the NC native played in six games, totaling 10 total tackles (six solo) and 1.5 TFLs. As a sophomore, though, his role really began to increase for Steve Addazio and company.
In 2015, his numbers jumped up across the board in every statistic. Landry totaled 50 more total tackles than he did in 2014, 32 more solo tackles, 16 TFLs, and was credited with 3.5 sacks as a true sophomore for Boston College. He even forced three fumbles and recovered one, showing glimpses of the special talent that he possesses. It’s only been up from there.
If 2015 showed the glimpses of freakish potential, the 2016 season showed that he is one of the best defensive players in all of college football.
Landry’s junior season in Boston was incredible. He totaled 50 total tackles, 34 solo tackles, and a whopping 22 TFLs on the year. The two most eye-popping numbers, though? The junior end got to the quarterback 16.5 times, picked off one pass, and forced seven fumbles. His game-breaking ability earned him first team All-ACC and All-American honors from publications all over. He had the opportunity to leave for the draft last season with a shot at the first round, but Landry wanted to finish out his collegiate career before pursuing the pro game.
2017 has been another solid season for the senior edge rusher. Because of his breakout sophomore season and dominant junior campaign, teams have been more aware about the talented superstar more than ever. Opponents have double-teamed him, used backs and tight ends to chip him, and all other techniques to prevent no. 7 from wreaking havoc. An ankle injury caused him to miss four games of his final season for the Golden Eagles. Still, though, Landry totaled 38 total tackles, 8.5 TFLs, and five sacks in just eight games. That’s pretty impressive.
Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller has the Cowboys opting to pair their beast of a defensive end Demarcus Lawrence with Landry using the 13th pick in the draft, giving Marinelli two stud ends to work with to go along with developmental project and last year’s first-round pick Taco Charlton.
The Pick: EDGE Harold Landry, Boston College
The Dallas Cowboys defense needs a major shakeup in the front seven, with a focus on more speed at linebacker and in the pass rush. There are some building blocks in Maliek Collins, Taco Charlton and Jaylon Smith, and soon-to-be free-agent defensive end Demarcus Lawrence is having a career year, but there still needs to be more talent.
Harold Landry is a fantastic edge-rusher with the speed and agility to dip and bend around the corner. At 6'3", 250 pounds, he might not fit the size profile every scout likes, but has the quickness to be a threat off the right side.
It wouldn't be a shock if Dallas picked a wide receiver, but the priority should be on defense.
Landry appears to be a solid all-around prospect that has the potential of becoming the NFL’s next dangerous edge rusher. The Tank has been a monster all season long, but wouldn’t it be nice to pair another pass rusher on the opposite side? Landry seems to be a player more than capable enough to make an impact immediately on the next level.
Harold Landry shows incredible burst off of the edge, doesn’t quit on plays, and can single-handedly improve a defense. What do you think, BTB?
*Gifs courtesy of Ben Brave Productions (video included above); stats gathered from sports-reference.com
Catch up with our previous installments below!
NFL Draft Prospect to Know: Austin Bryant, DE Clemson
NFL Draft Prospect to Know: Tarvarus McFadden, CB Florida State
NFL Draft Prospect to Know: Martinas Rankin, OL Mississippi State
NFL Draft Prospect to Know: James Washington, WR, Oklahoma State
NFL Draft Prospect to Know: Dre’Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State
NFL Draft Prospect to Know: Bradley Chubb, DE, NC State
NFL Draft Prospect to Know: Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan
NFL Draft Prospect to Know: Daron Payne, DT, Alabama
NFL Draft Prospect to Know: Isaiah Oliver, CB, Colorado