Lorenzo Mauldin DE Louisville #94
Wt: 259
[level-scouting-reports]
Size/Athleticism: Average size for a 4-3 edge-rusher or a 3-4 outside linebacker. Shows good lateral quickness and decent change-of-direction ability. Looks a little oversized. Might actually benefit from shedding some weight to improve his mobility.
Run Defense: Limited strength prevents him from anchoring at the point of attack. Lacks the lower body strength and doesn’t play with enough leverage and can be a liability in certain situations. Tendency to pin his ears back in an effort get into the backfield can cause him to over-pursue and he can be baited into favorable situations for the offense on draw plays.
Pass-Rush: Tries to win with speed but doesn’t have the explosive ability to fly past the game’s more athletic tackles. Flashes some burst but against his toughest competition his mediocre explosion shows up (Miami’s Erick Flowers handled his speed rush easily). Does a nice job sinking his hips and dipping his shoulder to turn the corner. Lacks a strong counter move to recover once he’s engaged. Doesn’t shed blocks well once offensive linemen get into his pads. Does a nice job getting his arms up into passing lanes.
Versatility: Can play end in a 4-3 or outside linebacker in a 3-4. At his best when lined up wide and give room to gain momentum and avoid immediate contact.
Intangibles: Team captain. Loved by everyone in the Louisville program. Praised by coaches for his work ethic. Had a tough childhood. Both parents spent time in prison and he primarily grew up in foster homes.
Durability: Played through a shoulder injury in 2013 and missed 2014 spring ball after shoulder surgery. Missed time in 2012 with a torn MCL.
[/level-scouting-reports]
Overview: Mauldin is a bigger and slightly less-athletic version of former teammate and Eagles 2014 first-round pick Marcus Smith. He’s a reasonably explosive edge-rusher but doesn’t have the elite athleticism to project as an immediate difference-maker. If Mauldin can refine his technique and develop a reliable counter move he can develop into an adequate pass-rusher, but his immediate value may be limited.
