NFL Draft Profile: UCLA DT Ellis McCarthy

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As part of our coverage leading up to the 2015 NFL Draft we will provide profiles of 200 prospects, including what the scouts around the league are saying and video interviews with each player.

Ellis McCarthy (DT), UCLA

6’5” | 338 lbs.

2014 stats:

21 tackles, 3.0 TFL, 3.0 sacks, fumble recovery

Projection:

6th/7th round

What scouts are saying:

"Rare size. Has thick lower body and is rarely manhandled by a single block. Has potential to play several positions along a defensive line including end in a 3-4. Has natural strength to leverage his gap and take on double team blocks. Improved hand usage from 2013 to 2014. Flashes ability to collapse pocket as bull rusher." — Lancie Zierlein, NFL.com

"Look the part. Sports a prototypical defensive tackle build with broad shoulders and a thick lower half that make him tough to move. He shows position (and scheme) versatility, lining up inside and out. Possesses the core strength to anchor against double-teams and has long, strong arms to latch on and drag ballcarriers to the ground. When healthy and in shape, McCarthy can stun opponents with his initial quickness and agility and uses an effective bull-rush to push blockers deep into the pocket." — Rob Rang, CBSSports.com

"Will let pad level rise and doesn't consistently fire into blockers as expected. Slow to shed despite size/strength advantage. Very limited play radius. Plays man in front of him rather than seeing through to the ball. Slow-twitch player lacking passion and determination in his play. Struggled with fluctuating weight which ballooned up to 350 pounds at one point. Conditioning is an issue. Has had surgery on both knees including one for a torn meniscus." — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

Fit for the Bears:

Heading into the 2015 NFL Draft, the Bears defensive line is a position that may need more attention than others. They made some solid additions on the line with Ray McDonald and Jarvis Jenkins, but could use more depth. Something that might make Ryan Pace & Co. give Ellis McCarthy a good look is his potential to play several positions along a defensive line in a 3-4 defense. A versatile player like McCarthy could be a nice find on Day 3.

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