Every day this week I am going to spotlight a player with the most to prove at the upcoming NFL Combine.
Robert Quinn
At 6’4, 270 pounds Robert Quinn shows signs of being the next in the line of dominant North Carolina pass rushers. Quinn is a skilled pass rusher with an uncanny ability to dip his shoulder and bend at the knees and blow by offensive tackles.
As a sophomore, Quinn had 19 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. He was ruled ineligible for his Junior season due to accepting $5600 in benefits from an agent.
Pros: Elite pass rusher with freakish athletic ability. Good strength and an explosive first step. Has the athleticism to switch to 3-4 OLB. High motor and overcame a brain tumor in high school after doctors told him he may never play again. Has the frame to add more muscle. Outstanding short area quickness.
Cons: Ruled ineligible for 2010 after accepting benefits from an agent. Needs to develop a counter to his outside rip move. Instincts aren’t the best and takes himself out of plays by getting too far up the field. Hasn’t played in over a year. Needs to add bulk to be an every down 4-3 DE. Medical concerns stemming from the brain tumor in high school
What he needs to prove: All scouts will be interested to see what Quinn was doing during his year away from football. 4-3 teams will want to see his strength and bulk to determine whether he can hold up against the run. 3-4 teams will be looking at his coverage skills in the agility drills. He will be drilled in interviews on the character concerns after accepting benefits from an agent.
Bottom line: Quinn is an impressive athlete that will shine at the Combine. I fully expect him to raise his stock by showing his freakish skill set and doing well in the interviews. He is a well spoken young man that appears to be on his way to a top 10 selection this April.
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