[div align=\\\"center\\\"]Lo Rax Opts for Draft Route
Lo Rax rushing the passer as a down lineman[/div]
Buffalo, NY - UB Bulls' defensive end/linebacker hybrid Lo Rax has decided to roll the dice on the NSFL, opting to take the draft route in the coming days. As a late addition to the draft pool, and coming from a smaller football program, it's likely that Rax will be selected in the later rounds, but that doesn't appear to be a problem for the Buffalo native.
"Yeah, I don't really put a whole lot of thought into where I end up getting drafted. I get it, you know? I'm the type of player who will do anything he's asked to do; and do it competently - but I know I'm not a complete stud at any particular position, like a lot of the guys who will come off the board first. When you add in the fact that I'm a late addition to the draft pool, and I came from relative obscurity in Buffalo, it all adds up to a late round pick. But, someone is going to get good value for me, that's for sure."
The 6'2", 280 lbs defender, who is officially listed as a Defensive End, brings a balanced style of play to the field, which allows him to line up at multiple positions. Ultimately, that will allow him to fit into any defensive scheme employed by a team. Where his size doesn't make him the most staunch defensive lineman, he's a serviceable edge setter who can use a mix power and speed moves to occasionally reach the QB - all the while, and his build and athleticism allow him to drop back into a LB role, he's able to carry seam routes from TEs and also set the edge against them, where he has a slight advantage over facing bonafide OL. Teams can also expect a special teams contribution from #57, as he's historically played on both punt and kick coverage teams, making him a true 4 down player.
Rax's closest NFL comparisons in terms of production closely resemble a Manny Lawson, Jabaal Sheard, or Lorenzo Alexander. Like those players, expect him to line up predominantly on the strong side of the ball, as an off the ball LB in an under DL look, or an edge setting DE in an over defense. Given his speed, Lo may also be serviceable in a wide-9 alignment, with sufficient bend to pester QBs, and the strength to set the edge. That being said, a team with a shortage at MLB or weak slide rush LB/down linemen could likely use LoRax as a stop gap until they brought in more upper end talent.
Lo has only played in single gap defenses, so his ability to 2 gaps i relatively unknown, something which may affect his draft stock. The other big knock is his god given talent. Lo is fast enough to be versatile and make plays, but he doesn't have the top end speed, agility, or strength to be a consistent all star at the next level. He may get beat in 1 on 1 coverage situations, he's best suited for zone deployment; and the faster RBs in the league could be difficult for him to chase down. When drawing a double on the DL he's prone to giving up some ground in run stopping, so if he's to be a starter on any squad, it will have to be with a team who has a stud DL to draw that double, giving Lo 1 on 1 situations - where he can win. He projects to be a nice depth piece early, but may take some time to grow into a full time starter role.
At the end of the day, looking at his scouting report, one can see why Lo is unlikely to go first round. The fact of the matter is, given his physical limitation, he'll never be on the level of NFL star parallel players like Von Miller, Mario Williams or Justin Houston. But, he will be the player who enables those who are at that level to operate free of interference from OLs and TEs making it to the second level. He can make occasional splash plays, and is the type of role player any team could use. His wholesome off the field behavior, and his dedication to the sport make him a low risk option, he's sure to stick on any roster if given the chance, so that could help his odds as well. We'll see when draft night rolls around.
Lo Rax rushing the passer as a down lineman[/div]
Buffalo, NY - UB Bulls' defensive end/linebacker hybrid Lo Rax has decided to roll the dice on the NSFL, opting to take the draft route in the coming days. As a late addition to the draft pool, and coming from a smaller football program, it's likely that Rax will be selected in the later rounds, but that doesn't appear to be a problem for the Buffalo native.
"Yeah, I don't really put a whole lot of thought into where I end up getting drafted. I get it, you know? I'm the type of player who will do anything he's asked to do; and do it competently - but I know I'm not a complete stud at any particular position, like a lot of the guys who will come off the board first. When you add in the fact that I'm a late addition to the draft pool, and I came from relative obscurity in Buffalo, it all adds up to a late round pick. But, someone is going to get good value for me, that's for sure."
The 6'2", 280 lbs defender, who is officially listed as a Defensive End, brings a balanced style of play to the field, which allows him to line up at multiple positions. Ultimately, that will allow him to fit into any defensive scheme employed by a team. Where his size doesn't make him the most staunch defensive lineman, he's a serviceable edge setter who can use a mix power and speed moves to occasionally reach the QB - all the while, and his build and athleticism allow him to drop back into a LB role, he's able to carry seam routes from TEs and also set the edge against them, where he has a slight advantage over facing bonafide OL. Teams can also expect a special teams contribution from #57, as he's historically played on both punt and kick coverage teams, making him a true 4 down player.
Rax's closest NFL comparisons in terms of production closely resemble a Manny Lawson, Jabaal Sheard, or Lorenzo Alexander. Like those players, expect him to line up predominantly on the strong side of the ball, as an off the ball LB in an under DL look, or an edge setting DE in an over defense. Given his speed, Lo may also be serviceable in a wide-9 alignment, with sufficient bend to pester QBs, and the strength to set the edge. That being said, a team with a shortage at MLB or weak slide rush LB/down linemen could likely use LoRax as a stop gap until they brought in more upper end talent.
Lo has only played in single gap defenses, so his ability to 2 gaps i relatively unknown, something which may affect his draft stock. The other big knock is his god given talent. Lo is fast enough to be versatile and make plays, but he doesn't have the top end speed, agility, or strength to be a consistent all star at the next level. He may get beat in 1 on 1 coverage situations, he's best suited for zone deployment; and the faster RBs in the league could be difficult for him to chase down. When drawing a double on the DL he's prone to giving up some ground in run stopping, so if he's to be a starter on any squad, it will have to be with a team who has a stud DL to draw that double, giving Lo 1 on 1 situations - where he can win. He projects to be a nice depth piece early, but may take some time to grow into a full time starter role.
At the end of the day, looking at his scouting report, one can see why Lo is unlikely to go first round. The fact of the matter is, given his physical limitation, he'll never be on the level of NFL star parallel players like Von Miller, Mario Williams or Justin Houston. But, he will be the player who enables those who are at that level to operate free of interference from OLs and TEs making it to the second level. He can make occasional splash plays, and is the type of role player any team could use. His wholesome off the field behavior, and his dedication to the sport make him a low risk option, he's sure to stick on any roster if given the chance, so that could help his odds as well. We'll see when draft night rolls around.