4. Ross Blacklock, TCU (DE)
Size: 6-3, 290
The Good: In terms of upside and potential, he might be the most promising interior pass rusher in the draft. He only came up with 5.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss in his two seasons, but he’s a versatile option with sub-5.0 speed and the explosiveness that defensive coordinators are all looking for.
Always working and always hustling, he requires constant attention with the ability to jump off the ball and bother the lumbering interior offensive linemen. He’ll require double-teaming depending on his role and where he lines up – he could end up living as a big end more than on the inside.
.@TCUFootball DL Ross Blacklock runs a 4.97u 40-yard dash.
Blacklock is @MoveTheSticks' No. 19 overall prospect. @1krozayy
📺: #NFLCombine on @NFLNetwork
📱: https://t.co/vDFxxNddNZ pic.twitter.com/9TvrDPERqS— NFL (@NFL) February 29, 2020
The Not-So-Good: His sack production was a bit light – just 5.5 in two years – considering he’s got all the skills to be special behind the line. Don’t get excited about him as a run stopper – he’s fine, but hardly amazing – and good luck finding a set home for him if you don’t have a preconceived idea of how you’re going to use him. Injury-wise, he came back and produced after missing all of 2018 with an Achilles’ heel injury, but that’s still part of the resumé.
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: There are way too many positive tools and raw abilities to not think of him as a possible late first rounder. He might not have the bulk that some teams would like, and the overall production was just okay, but it’s dangerous to pass on athletic big guys who’ll work as hard as he does and will bring the effort he does.
Projected Round: First