Meet your newest Dallas Cowboy: Tyrone Crawford – DE – Boise State

Tyrone Crawford, DE

School: Boise State  |  Conference: MWC
College Experience: Senior  |  Hometown: Windsor, Ontario, Canada

 

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04/27/2012 – DE Tyrone Crawford, Boise State — A gamble based on his limited experience, Crawford is too small to be a base end and not disruptive enough as a rush linebacker in the Cowboys 3-4 defense. Projected as a 2nd round draft pick, ranked #54 overall.

Overview

Crawford attended Bakersfield College Career out of high school where he played for two seasons. He started as a sophomore and was the conference?s defensive MVP, finishing with 42 tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss and 8.0 sacks, earning Junior College First Team All-American honors. Crawford was a three-star JUCO recruit and transferred to Boise State after the 2009 season. He served as a back-up defensive end in 2010 as a junior, recording 32 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks, 1 pass break-up and 1 forced fumble. Crawford became a starter in 2011 as a senior (11 starts), finishing with 44 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss (team-high), 6.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery (returned 32 yards for a score), earning First Team All-MWC honors. Crawford has a strong, filled-out frame with adequate height and length for the position. He has good quickness for his size and looks coordinated in his movements, but he lacks the natural burst and get-off speed to be a consistent pass rusher. Crawford isn’t a quick-switch player, but can move up and down the line of scrimmage with very good strength. He is still raw and offers some upside as a base end in a four-man front or possibly as a five-technique in a 3-4 scheme and should hear his name early on the draft?s third day.

Analysis

Strengths: Looks the part with a strong, defined frame and good length. Has good quickness and athleticism for his size. Coordinated with smooth movement skills. High effort rusher and works through the whistle. Relentless worker, fighting off blocks and battling to the ball carrier. Has strong hands and holds his own at the point of attack. Stout anchor when he plays low to the ground. Has strong practice habits and coaches talk highly of his work ethic. Has been productive at the FBS-level with a combined 27.0 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks the past two seasons. Offers some scheme versatility.

Weaknesses: Not a quick-twitch player who will consistently threaten the edge. Has limited explosive qualities and lacks great initial burst or overall range for the position ? not overly flexible or loose. Has a limited array of pass rush moves and needs to improve his technique in this area. Struggles to locate the ball at times and needs to do a better job with his read/react skills. Has some durability concerns, missing time this past season with leg injuries. Has only year as a starter at the FBS-level and was part of a rotation-heavy defensive front limited experience against top competition.

NFL Comparison: Pernell McPhee, Baltimore Ravens — Dane Brugler