Jerry Hughes Scouting Report

Four-time All American (by three different media outlets), two-time Bronko Nagurski Trophy award nominee and a Walter Campbell honorable member; That's how Jerry Hughes' resume looks like coming out of TCU. A two year starter, the 6-foot-2 DE/OLB is one of the hottest commodities heading to the 2010 NFL Draft. He played little as a true freshman in 2006, and then started one and played in all 13 of TCU's games in 2007. That season he registered 29 total tackles, 3.5 for loss, with one sack. Hughes then had a breakthrough junior campaign, racking up 52 total tackles, 19.5 for losses and with an eye popping 15 sacks. This season he compiled 11.5 sacks to lead the Horned Frogs to their first BCS bowl game. Hughes is an explosive, athletic defensive end/linebacker type similar to Baltimore's Terrell Suggs. He plays with a mean streak and can hold his ground at the point of attack. He can be extremely disruptive when turned loose and on the move in the open field. Shows good range, and takes adequate pursue angles. He is a straight-ahead player who primarily rushed the passer on passing downs. With excellent first step, he does a good job on anticipating the snap; is an intense tackler and always seems to be near the ball. Though, he does not always use his hands well. He has problems making the play once an offensive lineman locks on; he also runs around too many blocks and gets out of position. He tends to lack pass rushing moves. Hughes does take false steps and is overaggressive at times and is vulnerable to the play action. He must improve on the mental and technical transition to outside linebacker. One of the faster rising players on the board, some scouts have him going in the later stages of the first round. Hughes has talent to be selected that high, but his lack of size and poor technique will probably push him to the late second / early third round territory. Although he has all the tools to be a very productive player in the NFL, something seems to be lacking. Overall Jerry Hughes is a good, but not great prospect. 4/1 Update: Hughes will not fit into every NFL system. It has become quite clear that he is a linebacker who was an end in college. He simply lacks the size and strength to play at the end spot at the next level. That could slip him down into the early portion of the second round, but after a solid combine, Hughes is holding onto hopes of hearing his name called on the first day of the draft.