The Redskin Report

First up on our profiles of potential new players on your Washington Redskins, we take a look at Phillip Merling, defensive end from Clemson.  Merling is a guy who’s appearing more and more often on mock drafts in the Redskins slot and plays a position that the Redskins are likely to look at some point in the draft.

Scouting Reports

Scouts Inc

Strengths: Is a well built DE with adequate height and good bulk, arm length (33.2 inches) and hand span (9.5 inches). Has above-average initial quickness for size and can beat blockers to the point of attack. Moves well laterally and keeps head up when scraping down the line of scrimmage. Takes excellent pursuit angles, plays with a good motor and has above-average range. Generally does a good job of getting in position, plays with discipline versus the run and will execute his assignment. Thickly built with a strong lower body. Is able to take on blocks when he plays with leverage. Plays with a mean streak. Wraps up upon contact and is reliable open field tackler that can deliver the big hit. Uses hands to protect legs, shows good balance and can fight over cut blocks though is somewhat inconsistent in this area. Flashes the ability to turn the corner and is a relentless pass rusher. Athletic enough to redirect inside after starting outside and flashes an effective swim move. Stays alert, has long arms and gets hands up when isn’t going to get to the quarterback. Has experience lining up at defensive tackle, has experience dropping into coverage and is versatile.

Weaknesses: Has good size for a defensive end but stands up high too much and gets driven back on some of those occasions. Has some problems shedding bocks when he lets blockers lock onto his frame. Does not show powerful upper body strength (only 17 reps on bench press). Lacks elite closing speed for an end and is going to have a harder time turning the corner at the NFL level. Relies on quickness and athletic ability too much and isn’t much of a bull rusher at this point. Turns shoulders and creates running lanes too much. Doesn’t always rush outside in and lets quarterbacks break contain too much.

Overall: Merling played 271 snaps during his true freshman season in 2005. He started all 13 games of the 2006 season, finishing with 46 total tackles, including ten tackles-for-loss. Merling also recorded three sacks, 20 quarterback hurries and one forced fumble that year. In 2007, he recorded 78 total tackles, including 17 tackles-for-loss and seven sacks. Merling does not possess the speed of a dominant edge rusher and he needs to improve his upper body power. However, Merling is a gifted athlete for his size and he projects as an impact every-down starter in the NFL. While he could develop into a solid 3-4 end, we think his best fit is at the power-end position in a traditional 4-3 scheme. Regardless, Merling projects as a mid-first round pick.

 NFL Draft Countdown

Strengths:
Terrific size and bulk with long arms…Great quickness…Has a non-stop motor…Is very strong and powerful…Plays with a nasty demeanor…Excellent range and he is relentless in pursuit…Natural pass rusher with a variety of moves…Can take on multiple blockers and shed the double team…Does a nice job versus the run…Has good instincts & awareness…Reliable tackler…Solid technician…Does a nice job in space…Extremely versatile…Can play a number of positions in different schemes.

Weaknesses:
May lack elite athleticism…Won’t scare anyone off the edge…Does not have great timed speed and isn’t real explosive…Might be a bit of a ‘tweener…He can be too aggressive at times…Will get pushed back…Needs to work on his hand use…Has to work on keeping his shoulders square…Intelligence could be an issue with him.

Notes:
Uncle Chris Rumph was his position coach at Clemson…He prepped at Fork Union Military Academy…Has experience at both defensive end and defensive tackle…He can project to end or tackle in a 43 defense or end in a 34 scheme…Very different player from Gaines Adams but is a better all-around player…Not real flashy but is a very good prospect who will be in high demand…Awfully similar to Trevor Pryce

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