Melvin Ingram scouting report

Melvin Ingram DE South Carolina #6
Ht: 6’2″Wt: 276  
Strengths:
Impressive strength. Plays with a constant motor. Impressive speed and athleticism for his size. Speed/strength combination makes him tough to block; can lower his shoulder and get around the edge, or simply bull rush his way into the backfield. Also has a nice spin move in his repertoire. Surprisingly effective dropping into coverage. Effective wrap-up tackler and a hard hitter. Experienced lining up at end, tackle and linebacker.
Weaknesses:
Only one year of starting experience. Kind of an awkward athlete, and would probably benefit from losing some weight. Plays out of control at times; doesn’t take good angles in pursuit. Doesn’t always play with good balance and leverage. Spends too much time on the ground. Needs to do a better job keeping his eyes in the backfield; seems to lose track of the ball carrier too often. Missed entire 2008 season with broken foot. Suffered a broken hand in 2010, but played through.
Comments:
Ingram has a ton of potential, which will likely land him in the mid-to-late 1st round. However, there are some concerns about his ability to transition to the next level. At South Carolina he lined up at various spots on the field in different situations to best utilize his strengths. That type of versatility is certainly an asset for a players trying to earn playing time, but few starters rotate positions throughout the course of a game. Due to his versatility and overall skill set, he may be most valuable to the teams which run some form of a hybrid 3-4/4-3 defense, and need players capable of adjusting their roles (Colts, Ravens, Jets, Patriots – to name a few). Ingram definitely has a high bust factor because, despite his talent, he just doesn’t have an obvious role in the NFL.
Videos:
2011 vs Nebraska
2011 vs Auburn
2011 vs Georgia
2011 vs East Carolina