College: Auburn

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 252

Strengths

Speed: Ford is incredibly fast off the snap of the ball and his speed combined with his smaller frame makes it difficult for offensive tackles to get their hands on him.  This will also translate well to the NFL where the former Tiger is expected to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme that will occasionally ask him to drop into coverage.

Strength/leverage: For a man who is just 6’2” tall,  Ford is extremely strong and uses what he has very well.  Undersized defenders naturally play with good leverage but Ford goes a step further and adds power to that part of his game.

Motor: Ford is relentless from play to play and never gives up.  Coaches and scouts hate to see guys taking plays off and the Senior Bowl MVP rarely does.

Weaknesses

Pass rush repertoire: During his five years at Auburn Ford failed to develop moves that will help him at the next level.  As of now,  Ford simply speed rushes or bull rushes the tackle and at times the offensive lineman could often predict what was coming.

Run defense: This is mainly due to Ford’s size and weight but he is what he is.  He won’t grow any taller and adding pounds may slow him down. This obviously affects his draft stock but there is nothing that can be done about it.  In the NFL Ford could be a menace on passing downs but I think that’s all he will be – which is not a bad thing.

NFL Comparison

Robert Mathis,  Indianapolis Colts: This is more of a projection than what Ford is right now.  If you are to see a lot of Ford over the next decade he needs to follow the lead of Mathis who also came into the league undersized and developed superb pass rushing skills to not only survive but have a fantastic career.

Draft Outlook

Sorry if all I have talked about is size related but that is really all that separates Ford and the top half of the first round come May.  Instead,  he likely goes early in the second round were a number of pass-rush needy teams pick.

Best Fits

The New Orleans Saints would be an ideal fit for Ford.  Although somewhat of a reach,  in my opinion,  at number 27 in the first round,  Ford would work perfectly in Rob Ryan’s 3-4 scheme.  With Cam Jordan and Junior Galette already proven commodities,  Ford would become the third pass rusher while giving the saints flexibility with Victor Butler.

The Bengals would also make sense,  as would the Arizona Cardinals.