Ryan Kerrigan (Purdue) - 2011 NFL Draft Pick #16 by WAS
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Ryan Kerrigan (2011 NFL Draft)
Player Profile:
- Name: Ryan Kerrigan
- Position: Linebacker/Defensive End
- College: Purdue University
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 250 lbs
Strengths:
- Highly productive pass rusher with a strong ability to get to the quarterback.
- Excellent motor and work ethic; consistently gives full effort on every play.
- Versatile player who can line up in multiple positions along the defensive front.
- Strong upper body and hand technique; adept at shedding blocks.
- Good football IQ; understands offensive schemes and can diagnose plays quickly.
Areas for Improvement:
- Can struggle against faster, more agile offensive tackles; may need to refine his pass-rush techniques.
- Needs to improve his coverage skills to be more effective in a 3-4 scheme.
- At times, can get caught up in blocks and may not disengage quickly enough.
Overall Assessment:
Ryan Kerrigan was regarded as one of the top defensive prospects heading into the 2011 NFL Draft. His combination of size, speed, and productivity made him a coveted player for teams looking to improve their pass rush. With a strong collegiate career at Purdue, where he established himself as a dominant force on the defensive line, Kerrigan was projected to be selected in the first round. His work ethic and determination were frequently highlighted as key attributes that would translate well to the professional level.
Projected Draft Position: Late First Round to Early Second Round