Way Too Early 2016 NFL Draft Profile: Tyriq McCord

Heading into his senior season with 10.5 career sacks, 14 TFL, 3 INT, and 76 total tackles.

Former 4 star product from Tampa's Jefferson H.S.

Listed at 6'3 236 and runs in the 4.6-4.7 40 range.

Played a lot of 3-4 DE and pass rushing OLB through his first 3 years, but us expected to play primarily OLB this coming season.

By all accounts/reports, was very solid this spring at his new permanent position, and is still expected to get plenty of reps rushing the passer.

McCord has missed a decent amount of time during his career with injury, and a healthy and productive 2015 will be key to his draft stock.

Had his knee scoped post spring, but is expected to be 100% ready for the summer/fall.

McCord considered leaving early, but wisely decided to come back to UM for his senior campaign.

Tyriq McCord said he sent paperwork to NFL Draft Advisory Board. Like Deon Bush, Duke Johnson, he hasn't heard back.

— Matt Porter (@mattyports) December 12, 2014

Let's take a closer look at what he does well and what he will need to improve, to be a future force on NFL Sundays.

Strengths:

#1 Burst around the edge -  McCord has good speed and well above average athleticism for a 240 pound man. He also uses his hands well, especially the swim move, to separate from offensive lineman.

#2 Big Play Ability -  TM's sacks tend to be timely, and he has a knack for separating the ball carrier from the ball especially QB's.

#3 Good out in Space -  When dropping back in coverage, Tyriq has shown a knack to deflect balls, and even has a few INTs.  One on one in the flat he is a pretty sure tackler as well.

Weaknesses:

#1 Not that stout at the point of attack -  Whether dropping back in coverage, or more often rushing the passer, you are far more likely to hear McCord's name on passing downs than on running downs.

#2 He is a tweener -  His natural skill set is that of a pass rushing end,  but his size is more that of an OLB. He'll get far more opportunities at the latter this coming season. Trying to figure out where he projects best in the NFL could hurt his stock come the 2016 Draft.

Summary: This coming season is going to be a very interesting one for McCord. Al Golden, Mark D'Onofrio and Co. switching him to OLB seems more of an indication of the lack of depth at that spot. as well as the potential emergence of both Chad Thomas and Al-Quadin Muhammad at DE, than it does McCord being a natural fit for the spot.  Nonetheless, it could be a blessing in disguise for the senior to be, in terms of impressing scouts. If he continue to produce big plays as a pass rusher (7-10 sacks would be ideal) and show something when in coverage/against the run, I could see him being a 3rd/4th round pick or higher.   If he struggles with the transition and has another 4-5 sack season, he's looking at the strong possibility of trying to earn a spot via the UFA route.