| Dwight Freeney |
21 |
Syracuse |
54 |
DE |
| PLAYER |
AGE |
SCHOOL |
NO. |
POSITION |
|
|
|
 |
Height |
6'1" (measured 6'0 7/8" on 1/21/02) |
| Weight |
250 lbs. (weighed 268 lbs. on 1/21/02); Added weight, strength and bulk. He's very thick in his lower body which has helped his power. |
| Speed |
Estimated at 4.5. |
| Intelligence |
Good football intelligence. |
| Toughness |
One of his biggest assets. |
| Strength/Flex |
Excellent strength and flexibility. |
| Durability |
Has played through pain during the season. Out of game with left ankle sprain. |
| Character |
Solid character. Leader by example with his effort on the field. |
| Production |
All-time NCAA single season sack leader. Has been very productive at college level. |
|
|
| DL SPECIFICS |
| Pass Rush |
A+ |
Quick first step, very explosive, has counter moves and can bull rush. This is his forte. |
| Defense vs. Run |
B |
Will get locked up at times. Must improve. Added weight and bulk should help because he plays with good leverage. |
| Tackling |
A |
Good tackler. Will wrap ball carrier and can hit with explosion. |
| Initial Quicks |
A+ |
Great first step. His top asset. |
| Pursuit |
A+ |
Really showed up on the practice field. Shows good chase speed. Great motor. |
| Recognition |
A |
Reads and reacts to blocks very well. |
| Neutralize Block |
B+ |
Can grab and shed. Will struggle when a big guy gets his hands on him. |
| Shed Block |
B+ |
Power and explosiveness help him get rid of blockers. Knows how to use his hands. |
|
|
| PRACTICE NOTES |
Monday (1/21/02):
Dwight Freeney was very explosive off the snap and was unblockable in one-on-one drills. He exhibited loose hips, used his hands very well and was effective with counter moves. Freeney could not be blocked in pass drills. During the team period, he making plays from the backside and chasing the ball. Freeney was very active all day in both the run and pass phase.
Tuesday (1/22/02):
Dwight Freeney sprained his ankle in a pass rush drill on a bull rush where he just picked up the lineman and drove him back to the quarterback. He had been dominant as a pass rusher up to that point. Freeney was doing himself a lot of good in the practice sessions. He's probably out for the week and is doubtful for the game on Saturday. Freeney is meeting the trainers and doctors at 2:30 today.
Wednesday (1/23/02):
Dwight Freeney's MRI results have not been released, but his ankle sprain will keep him out of Saturday's game. His future's too big to risk it.
Thursday (1/24/02):
Dwight Freeney did not practice today due to his left ankle sprain. He won't play in the Saturday's game. Freeney did receive some good news. The MRI on his ankle injury came up negative.
|
| |
|
| SUMMARY |
*Note: Dwight Freeney would have a higher final grade if he had completed the week of practice at the pace he started the week.
Dwight Freeney's in the Hugh Douglas mold. He's got excellent bulk and quickness. The thing that could push him into the first round is his pass rush ability. He's got the speed, power, good hands and counter moves to be very effective. Freeney needs to work on his defense against the run. It will be important for him to learn the techniques and fundamentals of run defense.
|
| |
|
|
|
