Packers 2018 draft prospect profile: Boston College DE Harold Landry
We spoke to Rick Serritella founder of NFL Draft Bible to learn more about Boston College defensive end Harold Landry. Could the Green Bay Packers potentially select Landry with the 14th pick? How would he fit in Green Bay?
Landry played in only eight games in his final season at Boston College. The 6-foot-3 rusher played his final game of the season on Oct. 21 against Virginia. He was sidelined the remainder of the season battling an ankle injury.
Prior to getting injured, he had 38 tackles and five sacks. Despite missing five games, he still led the Eagles in sacks.
As a junior, Landry exploded and made a name for himself. He led the nation with 16.5 sacks, a single-season Boston College record and led the country with seven forced fumbles.
The North Carolina native finished his career with 25 sacks, second in the BC record books.
According to ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Landry is considered the third best outside linebacker in the 2018 NFL Draft.
I spoke with Rick Serritella, founder of NFL Draft Bible to learn more about the BC standout.
What are Landry’s strengths?
“The best attribute of Landry’s game is his lightning quick first step, which allows him to win on the edge with speed and quickness,” Serritella said.
“His athleticism and ability to dip and rip through linemen make him difficult to fend off. Opposing teams usually account for his pass-rush presence by sending double teams his way.”
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What are Landry’s weaknesses?
“The one area of his game that he needs to work on improving is gaining additional strength. Once he gets into a NFL weight training program, this should be easy to achieve. Too many times, Landry can get lost in the shuffle against the run and tends to get pushed around by some of the bigger, stronger linemen.”
How would Landry fit in with the Green Bay Packers?
“With the hire of Mike Pettine, the Packers will be playing a 3-4 base, which means Landry would project as an outside linebacker. He possesses the speed and hands required to be the rush backer in Pettine’s scheme, which primarily requires him to get after the quarterback. That would likely mean Nick Perry would man the SAM position, while Clay Matthews kicks back inside.”
How significant is his ankle injury, is this something that will make him drop in the draft?
“Traveling up to Boston College versus Florida State to find out that Landry would not be playing due to an ankle injury was surely disappointing. While the school seemed to be coy about the injury and he has not played since, Landry has stated that he fully intends to participate in the Senior Bowl.
Should he get through the week without any issues, it should not have much impact on his draft stock. If he appears to still be hampered by the injury in Mobile, then his medical check in Indianapolis could carry some weight but he seems destined to be selected in the top half of the first round.”
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NFL comparison?
“Watching Landry provides shades of Terrell Suggs, as he has similar skill-sets and is projected to play the same type of ‘elephant’ role at the next level.”
Make sure to read Rick’s entire scouting report on Harold Landry.
A standout edge rusher is a huge need under new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine. Landry possesses the skill-set that would help him be an impact player for the Green Bay Packers.
The Packers have a huge decision to make with Clay Matthews, who will turn 32-years-old this offseason and is heading into his final year of his contract. Green Bay can save just over $11 million by cutting the veteran.
Matthews has lost his step and recently underwent minor knee surgery, according to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky. If the Packers were to draft Landry, he would immediately fill the Matthews void.
His ankle injury is a concern, but if he can get through the Senior Bowl and combine without any issues, teams will be lining up for him.
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If Landry is available when the Packers are on the clock, and their medical staff isn’t concerned with his ankle, Green Bay should pull the trigger immediately.