Dan Bazuin DE 6'3 266 Central Michigan 4.77

As a redshirt freshman, Bazuin had an immediate impact for the Chippewas, showing big play ability. He was a freshman All American after finishing the season with 70 tackles, 14 for loss, and six sacks. The numbers dipped a little as a sophomore to just 50/8/3, but Bazuin really turned it on as a junior. He had an amazing season, winning MAC Defensive Player of the Year honors after a career high 74 tackles, 26.5 for loss, and 16 sacks. He received a lot more attention as a senior, but still had a great year with 67 tackles, 15 for loss, and 10.5 sacks.

Dan Bazuin flashes solid all around ability as a defensive end. His biggest impact has come as a pass rusher, where his relentlessness makes him a constant force off the edge. He jumps off the line very quickly, and keeps chugging until he finds the ball carrier. He will not quit on the play, and he can wear tackles out with his aggression. He is very active and shows the ability to diagnose the run and be a force stopping the run as well.

For his success as a pass rusher in college, he may lack the explosive athleticism or speed to be a true force off the edge. As a run stopper, he is active, but can be tied up at times and needs to learn to disengage blocks better. He has a solid frame, but may need a few more pounds at the next level.

Bazuin may not have as much success rushing the passer as he did in college, but his all around ability should make him a solid defensive end in the NFL. He’s not a gamebreaker, but a guy you know what you will get out of on every play.