Robert Quinn: 2011 NFL Draft Prospects

PLAYER PROFILE

Defensive end Robert Quinn (H: 6’5″ – W: 270 – College: North Carolina)

University of North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn is among the many players who will likely go among the first players drafted in the 2011 NFL Draft. Quinn was suspended for the entire 2010 NCAA college football season due to receiving improper benefits from sports agents and lying to NCAA officials. Quinn has since admitted that he made a “selfish mistake” and “truly” apologized for his decision.

Quinn had a stellar 2009 season with the Tarheels where he posted 52 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles and 11 sacks. He was named to the CBSsports.com Second-Team All-America list, the 2009 ACC Defensive Player of the Year Runner-Up and First-Team All-ACC.

In high school, he played at Fort Dorchester High School in South Carolina. He was a four-star recruit according to Rivals.com and had scholarship offers from schools all across the east coast and south including Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Virginia Tech, Rutgers, Tennessee and many others.

In 2007, Quinn was diagnosed with a small benign tumor in his spinal cavity, right near his brain. After treatment, doctors told him he was lucky to be alive and were surprised he was lucky to not be brain-dead or have brain damage due to the tumor.

Quinn is expected to be a top 15 selection in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

SCOUTING REPORT

Strengths: Plays fast and very athletic for his size. Consistent pass rusher with good first step. Strong enough to bull rush and collapse the pocket. Good tackler and hits hard. Stays low and uses his hands well in space to rip free from blockers. Good finesse pass-rush moves. Relies on speed to get around the corner. Great length, long arms. Versatile prospect who can play 3-4 OLB or 4-3 DE. Missed no games before suspension. Good work ethic.

Weaknesses: Needs to add weight and maintain speed. Could afford to be stronger in lower body. Struggles against big linemen if he can’t hit the edge. Rarely takes a blocker straight on unless he is bigger than them. Suspended for 2010 season as mentioned above. Character concerns stem from this suspension and lying to NCAA. Hasn’t played competitive football in well over a year.

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