2015 NFL Draft Rankings: JBB Big Board (1-10)
Oct 12, 2013; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Stanford Cardinal quarterback Kevin Hogan (8) fumbles as he is hit by Utah Utes defensive end Nate Orchard (8) during the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Utah defeated Stanford 27-21. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Nate Orchard, DE, Utah: 93
Pros: I can absolutely accept that I am significantly higher on Orchard than others will be. Most of all I love his explosiveness. His first step is exceptional and considering the fact he faced so many double teams and produced as he did, it is very impressive.
His sort of quick twitch movement is what allows him to beat double teams early and often. More important than his quick step is his ability to use his long arms to keep offensive linemen on their back feet and forcing them to disengage. Coupling that with his rip move, and he is a devastating defender at the point of attack. Nate has the talent to be an exceptional 43 defensive end.
Cons: Although rare, he can get over his pads at times. Although he has a solid bull rush, rip, and disengage technique, he does not always use them in conjunction and once he is stopped on one move he does not go directly to the next. I would like to see him focus on stripping the ball more often.