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2013 NFL Draft: Lerentee McCray - LB - Florida


NFLDraft101

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Overview
                            
                            

Sometimes it takes until a player’s senior season before he
gets a chance to realize his potential -- as McCray will tell you. A
four-star prospect from Ocala, Florida, he had three tackles in the
prestigious U.S. Army All-American Bowl after putting up over 200
tackles and 20 sacks in his junior and senior seasons in high school.
But it took until his senior year to become a full-time starter, mostly
due to an injury to talented sophomore Ronald Powell, before he could be
healthy enough to saty on the field. Despite this delay, scouts have
seen enough of his raw size and athleticism to consider him a potential
contributor at the next level.


                                               

McCray played in eight games on special teams in 2008, making

five tackles on the season. He only played three games the following
year, again being credited with five stops as a reserve before receiving
a medical redshirt. McCray got in 10 games as a reserve in 2010 (six
tackles, one for loss) and nine in 2011 (five starts, 24 tackles, 7.5
for loss, 1.5 sacks, three pass break-ups), but missed seven games over
those two seasons due to shoulder and ankle maladies. As a senior,
McCray recorded 25 tackles (4.5 for loss), three sacks, and an
interception.


                            
Analysis
                        
                            
Strengths Versatile defender who rushes the passer from
either side of the line, with his hand down or standing up. Solid
get-off from a hand-down position, can stay low and has excellent
flexibility to turn the corner, length to wrap up quarterbacks and
separate the ball on impact. Also wins B-gap by coming off low and
strong. Uses his length to get leverage when bull-rushing or facing
double teams on the edge despite his slight build. Powerful hands that
result in a jolt on contact. Works hard through blocks to reach the
quarterback if the ball stays in the pocket. Hustles to chase plays
across the line and downfield. Stays on his feet through cut blocks,
uses his hands to keep balance. Agile enough to drop into a zone. Shows
hands for the easy interception.
                            
                        
                        
Weaknesses Has an injury history, also rotated out of
games regularly; must prove stamina to be an every-down player. Lean
defender who can be knocked off his path as a pass rusher by a strong
punch. Relies on outside rush too often, needs counter moves to take
advantage of inside lane. Struggles to get off blocks when leaning into
his man on the edge. Must prove he has the agility and bend to move with
receivers outside in coverage.
                            
                        
                        
NFL Comparison Bryan Thomas
                            
                        
                        
                            
Bottom Line One particular game of note for McCray this
season came against Texas A&M and Luke Joeckel, where McCray's
powerful hands and strength gave Joeckel noticable issues. McCray has
missed nearly two seasons of games due to injuries. But when healthy,
the former four-star high school recruit flashes enough strength, length
and athleticism to be a mid-round pick capable of contributing as an
outside linebacker in a 3-4 system.
                            
                        
                    
                
           
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