Whitney Mercilus, DE, Illinois

[Razor]

What's the inside scoop on this guy? Can he play OLB in a 3-4? He's only a junior, but if he declares where would he go? He already has 8.5 sacks this year which on paper at least is pretty impressive. Anyone?

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[TheSlinger]

Solid name.

[ChiFan24]

Probably best as a 3-4 backer at the moment. Really athletic but undersized, natural pass rusher.....that whole thing.

[bigbenn]

What's the inside scoop on this guy? Can he play OLB in a 3-4? He's only a junior, but if he declares where would he go? He already has 8.5 sacks this year which on paper at least is pretty impressive. Anyone?

jVBOcYWvYy8&feature=related


He can definitely play OLB in a 3-4. I think if he keeps this pace up and declares, he's looking at 2nd round at least but he's going to run a 4.55-4.6 at 265 pounds and his stock will REALLY shoot up. I personally hope he stays so he can get 1st round buzz next year.

[keylime_5]

I noticed Illinois' defense played a scheme similar to what the Colts do with their defensive ends where they sell out to rush the passer a lot even on running downs. Towards the end of the game yesterday they were playing more read and react of course (Ohio State only threw 4 passes in the whole game) but their scheme is very beneficial to the DEs. Just an observation. That said he is having a great year none the less and he has an awesome last name.

[ToldLikeItIs]

I like this kid.

Illinois has done a good job developing DL as of late.

Mercilus reminds me of Jason Babin.