A look at potential draft picks: Sharrif Floyd

Originally published on SBReport.net on April 17, 2013

With the draft just eight days away, it's time to start looking at some of the Raiders' potential draft picks. For this series of pieces, lets just make the assumption that the Raiders are unable to find a trade partner to trade down with.

Don't be surprised to hear commissioner Roger Goodell utter the words: "With the third-overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft, the Raiders select defensive tackle out of the University of Florida, Sharrif Floyd."

The departure of Richard Seymour, Tommy Kelly and Desmond Bryant certainly leaves a void at the defensive tackle position.

Floyd would be a solid replacement on the defensive front as he has experience playing both at defensive end and at defensive tackle.

Floyd was widely regarded as the top defensive tackle recruit when he joined the Gators, and immediately made his presence known by racking up 23 tackles (6.5 for a loss) enroute to being named to the 2010 All-SEC Freshman Team. For his sophomore season, Floyd played at the defensive end position and racked up 46 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

It wasn't until his junior season last year that the Gators moved him to defensive tackle, where he starred in Will Muschamp's defense. In 2012, the athletic lineman tallied another 46 tackles (with 13 for a loss) and 6.5 sacks, all while making the First-Team All Conference team.

The 6'3", 297-pound defensive lineman possesses great athleticism that allows him to play any position on the line, even standing up outside of the tackles at times with Florida. This versatility could be appealing to Raiders head coach Dennis Allen, who aspires to have a defense that is "multiple".

Floyd's quick first step and strength give offensive lineman fits as he uses them to get into the backfield. Floyd also appears to use his hands well to get offensive linemen off of him. Though, when watching tape, it appears that Floyd has a tendency to sometimes get too high on the offensive lineman, losing the leverage battle.

Overall, selecting Floyd with the third-overall pick would be a solid addition to a defense that is rebuilding. His experience, size, and athleticism allows him to serve as a 3-4 defensive end or a 4-3 defensive tackle, giving him versatility that the Raiders coaching staff desires.

Floyd's NFL Scouting Combine Results

40-yard dash: 4.92 seconds

Vertical jump: 30.0 inches

Broad jump: 106.0 inches

Three-cone drill: 7.40 seconds

20-yard shuttle: 4.75 seconds