Here is the PFF draft profile for Florida defensive end Jonathan Bullard, which incorporates PFF’s college grades and scouting intel from our team of analysts. To see all of PFF’s 2016 scouting reports, click here.
Position fit:
4-3 defensive end on early downs, movable interior rusher in nickel and dime. Could possibly hold up in every down 3-technique role, but not ideal.
Stats to know:
Top grade against the run among interior defensive linemen in nation in 2015, sixth in the nation with 42 stops.
What he does best:
• Beats blockers whether lined up head up or while penetrating, can disrupt and finish in the running game
• Can play stout at the point, and will find the football
• Very good block recognition. Feels where the block is coming from and can defeat all block types
• Can handle double team on the interior
• Anticipates the snap, will get a few great jumps off the ball
• Knocks blockers off balance with initial punch
Biggest concern:
• Underwhelming pass rush productivity over two-year period, though he did improve in 2015
• May not have clean positional home. Questions about his ability to hold up on an every down basis on the
interior or his ability to rush the passer off the edge
• Gets caught upfield at times
Player Comparison:
Derek Wolfe. Prior to his 2015 breakout as a pass rusher, Wolfe was primarily a force in the running game along multiple spots on the defensive line. Bullard has that same potential to make an impact against the run, while possibly developing into more of a pass rushing presence later in his career.
Bottom line:
A lack of positional clarity and a skill set that plays better in the run game may ultimately hurt Bullard’s value. He can play up and down the line of scrimmage, but he needs to improve as a pass rusher to warrant a high end pick.
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