Arizona State University defensive lineman Marcus Hardison is set to join the Cincinnati Bengals after being taken with the No. 135 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. The versatile Hardison was Sun Devils’ top pass rusher last season.
NFL Draft picks 2015: Marcus Hardison taken by Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals landed Marcus Hardison of Arizona State in the fourth round.
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A former Juco transfer, Hardison put together two solid years in Tempe. He spent 2013 as a rotational defensive lineman, flashing his potential during a five-tackle, one-sack performance against the Pac-12 rival Washington State Cougars. By his senior season, Hardison had earned a starting role and became the key cog in head coach Todd Graham’s defense.
Hardison can play multiple spots along the defensive line. At Arizona State, he lined up both as a defensive end and as a three-technique tackle. He has the size (6’3, 307 pounds) and the athleticism (4.91 second 40-yard dash, 7.35 second three-cone drill) to move up and down the line as dictated by the situation.
But while Hardison can play multiple positions, he has yet to master them. Smaller offensive linemen can sometimes push him off the ball because he doesn’t get his pad level low enough. He also still has work to do as a run defender. It will take a few years of coaching before these problems can be fully resolved.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Hardison only participated in the bench press (27 reps). He performed the rest of the drills at his pro day, running a 4.91 second 40-yard to go with a 7.25 second three-cone. He also recorded a 25 1/2” vertical to go with a 107” broad jump.
Hardison finished his college career with 58 tackles including 16 for loss. He also registered 11 sacks, three forced fumbles and two interceptions.
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