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NFL Draft Profile: Ezekiel Ansah, DE, BYU

Douglas C. Pizac-US PRESSWIRE

As the draft moves closer and closer to fruition, we are winding down our "Pound the Table" players. Today's entry is that of Eagle Page's guy, BYU multiple threat Ezekiel Ansah. Here is what Eagle Page had to say about the stud from Ghana:

Ezekiel "Ziggy" Ansah might be the most intriguing non-QB prospect in this year's draft. The 6'5, 275 lbs. senior DE/OLB from BYU is a rough diamond waiting to be crafted into a stud defensive player. With his combination of size, speed, power, and versatility Ziggy will have most defensive coordinators salivating on how they can use him.

Pros:

One of the first attributes that one notices while watching Ansah is his freakish athleticism. It is a scary thought for a man of Ansah's size to run a 4.63 40 time. He has a massive wingspan that should be helpful at batting balls down near the LOS, and a frame that should allow him to add more muscle mass if needed.


Another aspect of his game that I noticed was his exceptional balance and motor. Rarely have I seen him fall, and when he did it was usually an attempt to try to bring the ball-carrier down. He has good strength and can, at times, over-power offensive linemen. He has good burst off the line and when playing with proper use of his hands, can be nearly unblockable. Ansah also is a solid run defender who holds his points well in one-on-one situations and against double teams.

Ansah's versatility might be the best for any defensive linemen in this upcoming draft. Having played as a 3-4 DE, NT and OLB in BYU's 3-4 defense, he is a scheme diverse player suited for the multiple front defenses that many believe the Eagles will run. In addition, his intelligence is also impressive. There were times where Ziggy's awareness made me forget how new he is to football.

Cons:

The biggest problem that most scouts have with Ansah is his newness to the game. Being a native from Ghana, Ziggy's first contact with football was only a couple of years ago, so it is natural for him to look lost at times because of his inexperience. Another problem is his lack of production. For such a gifted athlete, Ansah only posted 4.5 sacks and 6 QB hurries. Lastly, he is inconsistent with his hands. As stated above, when playing with proper hand techniques Ansah is nearly unblockable, but he will, at times, forget to use his hands making it easier for offensive linemen to block him.

Overall:

Ansah would become a cornerstone for Chip Kelly's multiple front defenses. His versatility will come in handy, allowing the Eagles to move him around as either a 3-4 DE, OLB, 4-3 DT and 4-3 DE. I truly believe that Ansah will be one of the best defensive players in the league and hopefully the best defensive player in the NFC East with the Eagles.

Next up, is our last player before the trade up scenarios, with Lip-Out pitching "his guy" Georgia's Jarvis Jones to the BGN Community.

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