Sobo's Players of Interest #3: Angelo Craig

The Cleveland Browns have spent their off-season re-building their defensive front seven. Could that effort continue on draft day? If so, the Browns may have to just go to the other side of the state to find defensive help...

Angelo Craig DE Cincinnati

Sobo Sez: New head coach Brian Kelly brought his winning ways to the Bearcat program this season.   After a run at a the Big East title, Cincinnati eventually fell by the wayside, but raised eyebrows along the way. 

 Another talented athlete out of the Cleveland Glenville pipeline, Craig was arguably the Bearcats most talented player on either side of the ball.   Yes, the offensive was explosive. Yes, the undersized duo of fellow defensive end, Anthony Hoke, and defensive tackle, Terrill Byrd, had better statistical seasons on the defense.  But it was Craig who was clearly the most physically talented player on the field each and every week and popped off the screen. 

At 6 feet 4 inches tall and 252 pounds, Craig possesses a good initial burst off the line and shows the ability to run the ring as a pass rusher making him a potential candidate as a 3-4 outside linebacker. The transition should be easy for him to make, as Craig spent the first two seasons at Cincinnati at linebacker.

 The long and lanky Bearcat does a nice job hustling and making plays while pursuing flat down the line of scrimmage but does have troubling anchoring and playing with leverage directly against the run.  The numbers overall did not translate for Craig this past season with only 43 total tackles, eight for a loss, and three sacks. Furthermorem he ran a poor time at the Combine after pulling up lame due to injury.

Craig did impress during his Hula Bowl All Star appearance racking up two quarterback sacks and being named the game’s defensive MVP. The former Bearcat is a talented late round prospect that brings a mixed bag of potential.

Tom Marino, NFL Scout: First year regular. Former WR, TE and LB before finding a home at DE. Craig is a good athlete, with foot speed and a burst. He can trim the edge and has the physical make up (long arms) to alter the throwing lanes (flashed impressive hand use).  Up and down playing intensity. Late consideration with the hope of developing at the LB position.