Ed "Pi Double i" HendersonWorldWide Rams Who is the 6-foot-4 246 pound Dorance Armstrong Jr? Armstrong Jr, took his football talent from North Shore High School in Houston,Texas, to the Midwest, earning a scholarship to the University of Kansas. Armstrong’s talent allowed him immediate playing time as a true freshman for the Jayhawks, creating havoc for the opposing offenses. He started the final five games that freshman season recording 23 tackles (five for loss), tipped four passes, and made 3.5 sacks. His first start playing against the Oklahoma Sooners, he sacked the Sooner’s quarterback twice, including one on Baker Mayfield, the 2017 Heisman Trophy Winner. His sophomore season, he sprinted out the starter blocks terrorizing both against the run and pass, by registering 56 tackles (amazingly with 20 tackles for losses), 10 sacks, three forced fumbles, five quarterback hurries, and also recovered two fumbles. He was selected to the All-Big 12 First Team honors with his great play. His junior season in 2017, he became the Jayhawk’s first-ever football player to become the Preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and unanimous All-Big 12 First Team honoree. He was named on multiple preseason watchlist such as the Chuck Bednarik Award (presented annually to the defensive player in college football adjudged by the Maxwell Football Club, to be the best in the United States). In addition, the Bronko Nagurski Award, presented to the collegiate American football player adjudged by the membership of the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), (to be the best defensively in the National Collegiate Athletic Association); the award is presented by the Charlotte Touchdown Club and the FWAA. Despite playing on a poor Kansas Jayhawks team, that didn’t surround him with good. talent, he still accomplished to earn Second Team All-Big 12 honors by the league coaches and the Associated Press. The opposing offenses neutralized him with double team blocking schemes, or ran plays away from his side of the field, targeting the weaker defenders. Armstrong Jr completed his junior season with 63 tackles (nine tackles for loss), 1.5 sacks, seven quarterback hurries, four tipped passes, three forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. Armstrong Jr has an excellent skill set, and could be a good fit and is built for a 3-4 defense. Dorance Armstrong Jr. HighlightsStrengths He performed well at the 2018 NFL Combine, displaying very smooth and athletic talent in the field drills. Film study demonstrates that he’s a fast edge defender with very good athleticism. Is smooth and explosive in his movements, featuring considerable acceleration from a standstill position. Has the ability to change direction and still able to pursue all over the field. His long arms and angular athletic body, allow him to play with loose hips. Can rush the passer from either a standing stance or in a three-point stance. A repertoire of moves, specializing in an inside spin move. Has the ability to beat poor blocking with active hands and a jarring punch with upper body movement to beat the blocker to the level of the quarterback. Very explosive off the ball, and creates problems for stout linemen. Weakness Poor 40 times at the NFL Combine and his Kansas pro day hurt his stock, despite his excellent field skills. Better fit for a 3-4 defense, despite playing end in a 4-3 alignment. Will need to get comfortable and adjusting to an edge runner at the next level. Need to work on his all-around speed to reduce his 40 times, and become comfortable standing and handling added duties as outside backer. Doesn't have the base and play strength to withstand squared blocks at the point of attack, which allows him to opt for athleticism over technique. Will need to use his hands more in rushing and setting up his moves, and find a contingency plan for setting up blockers before engaging. Is he a fit for the Rams? Yes, Armstrong has the tools to eventually become a starter at outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Again, his 40 times hurt him, but he makes up for that with his skill and high motor techniques. His game revolves around athletic ability over technique, and Wade Phillips can find a way to explore his talent. Not certain if he will be around as the Los Angeles Rams select in the third and fourth rounds, but they shouldn’t hesitate in selecting Armstrong Jr if he’s still available. Draft Prediction 4th - 5th Round NFL Comparison
Kamerion Wimbley, Tennessee Titans
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