2015 NFL Combine: The Edge Rushers Are Measured

The offensive linemen and tight ends may have run through their gauntlet of drills earlier this morning, but today was perhaps even more important for a select few defensive linemen and linebackers as they were weighed, measured, poked, and prodded. Considering that Romeo Crennel's stable of outside linebackers looks murky at best with Brooks Reed’s contract expiring, Jadeveon Clowney still recovering from major knee surgery, and Whitney Mercilus still not quite living up to his first round draft status after three seasons, it would not be a surprise at all to see Bill O’Brien and Rick Smith target that position (yet again) early in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Here are a few numbers from some of the most notable edge rushing prospects that could have their names called by the Texans in a few months. The complete numbers for every prospect so far can be found in this handy spreadsheet courtesy of the NFL Draft subreddit.

Alvin "Bud" Dupree

HT: 6’4"

WT: 269 lbs.

Arm: 32 5/8"

Hand: 9 3/4"

Hau’oli Kikaha

HT: 6’2"

WT: 253 lbs.

Arm: 32 1/2"

Hand: 9 5/8"

Vic Beasley

HT: 6’3"

WT: 246 lbs

Arm: 32 1/2"

Hand: 9 3/8"

Trey Flowers

HT: 6’2"

WT: 266 lbs

Arm: 34 1/4"

Hand: 10"

Dante Fowler

HT: 6’2 1/2"

WT: 261 lbs

Arm: 33 1/4"

Hand: 9 1/2"

Randy Gregory

HT: 6’4 7/8"

WT: 235 lbs

Arm: 34"

Hand: 10"

Eli Harold

HT: 6’3"

WT: 247 lbs

Arm: 33"

Hand: 9 3/8"

Danielle Hunter

HT: 6’5"

WT: 252 lbs

Arm: 34 1/4"

Hand: 10 1/2"

Shane Ray

HT: 6’2 1/2"

WT: 245 lbs

Arm: 33 1/8"

Hand: 9"

Nate Orchard

HT: 6’3"

WT: 250 lbs

Arm: 33 3/4"

Hand: 10 1/4"

There are plenty of surprising and not-so-surprising measurements in just this small grouping alone. Vic Beasley came in at a respectable 246 pounds, a full 20 pounds over what some thought he would weight coming into this weekend. Randy Gregory, however, showed up rail thin at just 235 pounds despite having a nearly 6’5" frame with 34 inch long arms. The amazingly explosive duo of Kentucky’s Bud Dupree and Missouri’s Shane Ray also both measured in smaller than some expected, with Dupree having just 32 5/8 inch arms and Ray’s being only slightly longer at 33 1/8 inches. LSU’s Danielle Hunter, however, came in with a perfect "NFL body" at 6’5", 252 pounds, and 34 1/4 inch arms.

All of these edge rushers (and more) should end up going off the board within the first three rounds. The only question is which one the Texans will pick up to reinforce their pass rushing corps for the umpteenth time.