Grade
90.9 ?4.83 SEC
Top Performer25 REPS
Top Performer31.0 INCH
Top Performer111.0 INCH
Top Performer7.30 SEC
Top Performer4.40 SEC
Top Performer
- 6'3" Height
- 33 1/4" Arm Length
- 266LBS. Weight
- 9 5/8" Hands
Overview
As a sophomore high school exchange student from Germany, Werner wowed his Salisbury (Conn.) teammates and coaches by racking up 12 sacks in eight games. He missed his home country, however, so he moved back to Berlin -– but kept his mind on the game by playing on a national team. Colleges were very happy he returned to Salisbury for his senior season; Florida State and its then-new head coach Jimbo Fisher eventually won the battle to secure his services (over Chip Kelly and Oregon).
It didn’t take the already-married Werner long to make an impact in Tallahassee, playing in all 14 games with six tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks as a true freshman. He started all 13 games as a sophomore, earning honorable mention All-ACC recognition with 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Werner also scored a touchdown versus Clemson, catching a failed throw-away attempt by Tigers QB Tajh Boyd that went straight up in the air and into his arms. Werner was good in 2011, but was great in 2012, earning ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors after leading the conference in sacks (13). He also had 42 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 8 passes break-ups. Capitalizing on his productive junior season, Werner decided to forgo his final year at Florida State and enter the NFL draft.
Analysis
Weaknesses
Lacks elite length for the position and doesn’t have the natural start/stop explosion of some pass rushers. Pops straight up out of his stance at times, losing strength at the point of attack, and is inconsistent turning the corner as a pass rusher. Usually looks for misdirection when unblocked but loses contain when getting caught up in pulling guards instead of keeping outside leverage. Motor tends to run hot/cold at times, especially late in games or if the play isn’t to his side of the field. Needs to consistently finish when he gets his hands on the ball carrier. Has a history of several minor injuries, including a left hand issue that bothered him this past season.NFL Comparison
Chris LongBottom Line
Born and raised in Berlin, Germany, Werner enjoyed American football growing up and joined a club team before moving to the United States as a high school exchange student, playing two seasons and emerging as a top recruit. He has developed his football knowledge and technique substantially the past five years, flashing a top football IQ and instincts. Werner has the frame and athleticism to win with speed or power and, although he needs to improve his motor for all four quarters, he often looks like he’s playing at a different speed than everyone else. He has proven to be much more than just a pass rusher, showing much better awareness against the run and at the line of scrimmage to swat passes down –- a possible top-five overall draft choice with the potential to be an impact starting strong-side DE in a four-man front.
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| Grade | Title | Draft (Round) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96-100 | Future Hall of Famer | Top Pick | A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played |
| 85-95 | Immediate Starter | 1st | An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter). |
| 70-84 | Eventual Starter | 2nd-3rd | A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position. |
| 50-69 | Draftable Player | 4th-7th | A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential. |
| 20-49 | Free Agent | UDFA | A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body. |
