Dominique Easley is a problem for NFL teams. What do you make of an NFL Draft prospect with first-round talent but a history of knee problems? Easley tore both of his ACLs during his career at Florida, most recently last September when he tore the ACL and meniscus in his right knee. Since, he has been preparing for the draft, culminating in an all-important pro day Thursday.
Dominique Easley pro day results: Florida DT moves past ACL injury
Dominique Easley drew a big crowd to Gainesville for his pro day Thursday. He impressed everyone with his mobility after tearing his right ACL last September.
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Easley didn’t disappoint with 18 NFL teams in attendance, per Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union. Despite injury concerns, he received plenty of attention, and left scouts thinking that he could go early on Day 2 of the draft.
Dominique Easley/DL/Florida drawing heavy interest from Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, NE Patriots & San Fransisco 49ers...saying 2nd rnd
— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) April 17, 2014 Chicago Bears DL coach Paul Pasqualoni works with ex-#Gators Dominique Easley on a drill. pic.twitter.com/qMzPze4dOB
— Jeff Barlis (@JeffBarlisESPN) April 17, 2014 Easley, at 6'2 and 288 pounds, doesn't have ideal size for an NFL defensive tackle. He makes up for a lack of bulk with his explosiveness and high motor. He has the potential to provide the interior pressure that many teams crave these days. It helps his case that Aaron Donald, another undersized but relentless defensive tackle, has been projected as a top-10 pick by some. Teams disappointed that they missed out on Donald may be happy to snatch up Easley as a consolation.
Easley's quickness was easy to see relative to teammates Ronald Powell and Darrin Kitchens:
The St. Louis Rams, Oakland Raiders, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants, San Diego Chargers, Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs were also on hand, according to ESPN's Jeff Barlis. Easley reportedly impressed them despite only being "80 percent" recovered from his ACL injury.
Not that Easley is one to make excuses.
Dominique Easley on the experience of recovering from an ACL tear: "I don't expect sympathy from people. Life is not about sympathy."
— Bryan Holt (@Bryan_Holt) April 17, 2014 See More:
