Elvis Dumervil DE/OLB 5'11 258 Louisville
By: Robert Davis

There was nobody on the defensive side of the ball that dominated like Elvis Dumervil did in 2005. During his first three years at Louisville, Dumervil combined for 86 tackles, 19.5 for loss, 12 sacks, and one forced fumble. In 2005 he had 63 tackles, 23 for loss, 20 sacks, and an NCAA record 11 forced fumbles. Dumervil won the Big East Defensive Player of the Year Award, Hendricks Award(Best DE), Nagurski(Best defensive player in the nation), and was named to everybody's All-American lists.

Dumervil is an explosive pass rusher. He has an incredible burst off the line which allows him to gain penetration right out of the block. Once he gets into the backfield, he quickly diagnoses the play and reacts to the play. He can adjust his pass rush and stuff the run, or close on the quarterback and make the sack. He makes plays up and down the line of scrimmage and when he hits someone, they go down - a lot of the time without the football.

With all of his success on the field(30 sacks the past two seasons), one would think he is a Top 10 lock. Dumervil has some serious questions about how how projects to the next level though. As a defensive end, he lacks the height, bulk and strength to hold up on every play. When he fails to get a step on the tackle off the snap, he is a non factor in the play. His size is more suited for an outside linebacker, but he is still short for that spot, and does not have the experience playing off the line.

Elvis Dumervil will get to the quarterback at the next level. He is an outstanding pass rusher, and has the talent to make an impact. Just on what level is the question. His ideal position may be as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, but there may be an adjustment period with such a move. In the more traditional 4-3, he may only amount to a situational pass rusher because of his lack of size. Whatever his role, Dumervil should end up being a contributor in the NFL. Workouts will dictate everything in regards to his draft stock. He was invisible during the Senior Bowl, but still has time to improve his stock. With the value on edge rushers in todays game, he should hear his name called in the third round somewhere, but could fall to the early second day.