Should we draft Jerry Hughes?

APTCU's Jerry Hughes

Jerry Hughes, TCU (6-1¾, 255)

COMBINE RESULTS:

1.59 = 10 yard split

Hughes a former high school running back was made to adapt to the defensive side of the ball once he got to TCU, and he believes that he can make similar adjustments to playing as a 3-4 OLB.

Hughes was one of only four true freshman to play in 2006. He didn't rack up a ton of stats but he showed enough upside for him to be considered for a significant amount of playing time his Sophomore year. But it wasn't until Hughes' Junior year until he exploded on to the scene. He could have been a very high draft pick if he would have come out last year but instead decided to stay for his Senior year and graduate. He was a major contributor in '08 and '09 to help the Horned Frogs reach bowl games in each of those years.

CAREER STATS:

National Football Post's Wes Bunting:

Not only does Hughes have the type of initial burst out of his stance to reach the corner, but combine that with his lateral quickness and body control when flattening out around the edge and you have one of, if not the most well-rounded pass rusher in this year’s draft. Hughes can win his one-on-one battles with pure explosion and consistently gets on top of offensive tackles quickly, which is directly indicative of his 10-yard split. But what makes him so tough to block on the edge is his ability to counter off his speed rush, cleanly change directions and consistently keep opposing linemen on their heels and guessing on his pass rush.

Projected Round: Bottom 1st

Strengths

Hughes greatly improved his draft stock with an impressive combine, recording a 4.58 40-yard dash at 6'2, 255 pounds. On top of his pure athleticism, Hughes has great instincts on the field. He had a nose for the ball at TCU and contains the edge of the defensive line very well. He also has the strength to get off tight end or full back blocks and has the recovery speed to catch backs that are five or six yards ahead of him. Hughes has enough speed to hang with backs or tight ends and can recognise where the ball is thrown to make a play on the ball. He's an explosive tackler with a wide wingspan and has the form to properly wrap up backs. He'll often go for the chop to force a turnover and is exceptional in space, often wrapping up the most elusive backs. Hughes is a violent pass rusher, who uses his explosive speed to get to the quarterback. He's a bull rusher and will fight even through triple teams. Hughes was a great teammate at TCU and the coaches loved his work ethic. He plays with a fiery attitude till the whistle blows.

What does Jerry Hughes need to improve on?

His run defence is still a little below average for a player hoping to go in the first round, he will need to improve on that area of his game is he wants to be an every down player. Can sometimes be too aggressive, and his speed takes him beyond the play sometimes. Wouldn't hurt to develop more pass rushing skills to combat games where he will face quicker more agile tackles on the outside. Sometimes has an issue using his hands to get off blocks