Ikaika Alama-Francis DE Hawaii 6'5 276 4.85

Alama-Francis is a late bloomer. After combining for just 24 tackles, three for loss in his first two seasons, he busted out as a junior in 2005. He had 49 tackles, 7.5 for loss, and five sacks that season. As a senior, he had 39 tackles, 10 for loss, and four sacks on the year.

Upside and potential are the best ways to describe Alama-Francis. He is loaded with both. He has excellent size, and the frame to continue to grow. He also is very strong, and plays with an attitude on the field. He combines that size and strength with excellent athleticism. He is quick, and has the ability to change direction, and close on the ball carrier. Alama-Francis has all the talent to develop into an all around force on the defensive line.

The same two traits - upside and potential - can also be seen as a negative. He is a work in progress, and is very raw. He relies on his physical gifts too often. He will need to refine his skills as both a run stopper and pass rusher in the NFL.

Alama-Francis is an intriguing player because of his combination of talent and upside. He has the talent to play DE in a 4-3 or 3-4 defense, and may even have the frame to eventually grow into a DT. Scouts even had him run drills as a tight end at his pro day, which just shows you how versatile he is. He may not provide an immediate impact, so patience will be needed, but he could develop into a player that can both rush the passer, and stop the run.