Big time OLB prospect from small school

[CJGoCanes]

Don't know how many people have heard about DE-OLB Austen Lane from Murray State. He's 6'6" 258# and reportedly runs a 4.65. I've seen him listed as a 2-3 round player by NFL Draft Scout, but it looks like in the end he'll probably go in the 2nd round. He's flying up draft boards.

The Bleacher Report has an in-depth (10 pages) scouting report on him where they say :

What they are all seeing is a player in the mold of New York Giants standout pass rushers, Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka and Osi Umenyiora. Lane has the lateral agility, balance and foot speed that Kiwanuka possesses, showing excellent pass coverage skills that could see some team line him up at strong-side linebacker on occasion. He has the long frame with deceptive power and that keen sense for the flow of the ball that Tuck features in his game. He also demonstrates that explosive first step, hand usage and urgency getting to the quarterback that Umenyiora has utilized in ranking with the elite sack artists in the league.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/272406-austen-lane-is-on-the-right-road-to-nfl-stardom

Obviously that's a little exaggeration but the Football Post goes on to compare him to a young Jason Taylor

Ever since my initial player rankings were posted in September, Murray State’s Austen Lane has always been a top-20 defensive end prospect in my mind. As soon as you pop in a tape of any Murray State football game and watch Lane perform, it’s obvious the guy is ready to take his game to the next level. He finished the season with 64 total tackles, 19½ tackles for loss and 11 sacks and wrapped up his college career last weekend vs. Tennessee Tech with 10 total tackles and 1½ tackles for loss. Lane possesses a freakish combination of size (6-6, 258), length and body control and has a physical skill set very similar to Miami Dolphins OLB/DE Jason Taylor. In no way am I saying Lane will have a career similar to Taylor’s because those kinds of expectations are too much for any prospect to live up to. However, what I am saying is that Lane is a highly gifted athlete who, with a strong postseason showing, could end up being one of the most coveted pass rushers in the draft.

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Scouts-notebook-defensive-review-7586.html

And here are some highlights even though I haven't watched them because I don't have the latest version of Windows Media Player

http://www.goracers.com/newMediaPlayer/consolewmp.htm?id=639254&type=vod&oemid=6700&KEY=


I hope to see him get more press closer to the draft and maybe see him as our 2nd round pick

 

[dolfan91]

I've been reading about Lane since the off season College magazines, I'm no expert, but if drafted it sounds like he could come in a provide instant pass rush help, while learning the OLB position ... his height concerns me for a OLB; there hasn't been many 6'6' OLB's in the NFL that have been very successful ... IMO he's more of a rotation guy with alot of talent to rush the passer ...

 

[AllFinsAllDay]

Willie mcginest comes to mind with that type of size. I have to wonder if his speed might be a problem playing the outside.

 

[CJGoCanes]

Getting hype from NFL Draft Countdown:

3. Austen Lane, DE, Murray State
This is the time of year when we begin to see small school prospects start moving up draft boards and Austen Lane is a perfect example after the amazing season he has had. Though not a household name, Lane is a player who figures to impress in workouts so if he can shine on the all-star circuit the sky may be the limit for him on Draft Day. At 6’6 and 258 pounds, Lane is an excellent pass rusher with terrific speed, fluidity, and a burst. If he can show a little better presence in the run game Lane could profile as a solid all-around defensive end at the next level. The NFL places a huge emphasis on pass rushers so some team will likely be eager to take a chance on Lane’s upside, especially after he racked up 11.0 sacks and 19.5 tackles for a loss as a senior. It will be interesting to see how Lane performs against better competition in the post-season all-star games and that could determine just how early he is selected next April.

http://www.draftcountdown.com/features/HotList/Hot-List.php

 

[Vertical Limit]

Sounds like another Jason Taylor. Same size, with freakish athleticism.