Carlos Dunlap

Blessed with a rare combination of size, strength and speed -- Dunlap has drawn comparisons to former No. 1 overall selections Julius Peppers and Mario Williams -- Dunlap appeared capable of challenging to be the top pick in the draft based on his production in the SEC. The first-team all-conference selection had nine sacks in 2009, including two against Cincinnati in the Sugar Bowl blowout, a solid follow-up to his sophomore season in which he posted 9.5 sacks en route to All-American and BCS Championship defensive MVP honors. With Tim Tebow, Brandon Spikes, Joe Haden and potentially even Urban Meyer moving on, Dunlap chose to enter the draft after his junior season. He left ranked 10th in Gator history with 19.5 sacks despite only starting 15 games over his career. An arrest for DUI only days before the SEC Championship game, however, clouds Dunlap's status. Scouts are giving Dunlap a high grade due to his unique frame and versatility, but his alcohol-related arrest, and the timing and details of that event, might give some teams pause before adding Dunlap.

strength

Good upper- and lower-body strength, but struggles maintaining leverage. Strong initial pop and can knock the run blocker back into the pocket to disrupt running plays. Good strength to walk the pass blocker into the pocket on the bull-rush. Good strength as a tackler.

explosion

Good initial quickness to challenge the tackle in pass protection. Forces the pass blocker wide, opening a lane for his spin back inside. Among his better traits is his explosive initial pop due to his upper body strength and long arms. Can knock back the run blocker and make the tackle in the hole. Good leaper. Has blocked four kicks in his career.

tackling

A classic drag-down tackler with the great strength to pull down ballcarriers on the move. Inconsistent effort in pursuit. Flashes impressive agility, balance and straight-line speed to pursue laterally, but shuts it down quickly once the ballcarrier gets up the field. Needs a lane to generate momentum for explosive hits. Only had one forced fumble despite 19.5 sacks in 40 games.

intangibles

While coach Urban Meyer called the incident way out of character and went to bat for Dunlap, others close to the Florida program have questioned his maturity. Was arrested and charged with a DUI after being found by police passed out behind the wheel at an intersection on Dec. 1 -- four days before Florida was to play Alabama for the SEC Championship. Was suspended for the game, which the Gators lost 32-13. Despite his hype and production, entered his junior season with only two career starts. Named the Defensive MVP of the 2009 BCS Championship victory over Oklahoma with four tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a blocked field goal and half a sack.

run defense

Stands up and plays too upright off the snap, but has good strength and rare arm length to lock out the tackle and keep him from grabbing to lock out. Good strength to toss the tackle aside once he locates the ball. Good feel for when the cut block is coming and shows the quick hands and surprisingly good balance to keep his feet and continue moving. Struggles with the trap block. Good lateral agility and balance to penetrate inside and tackle the back from behind or to string the play out to keep contain.

pass rush

Good, not great initial quickness to force the tackle on his heels. Isn't truly fast around the edge, but has such a long gait that he can get around most offensive tackles. Has developed an effective inside spin move. Often plays too high, but has good upper-body strength and long arms to push the tackle back on the bull rush. Adequate use of hands to slap away the tackle's efforts at getting into his chest to control him, but doesn't consistently enough use great technique. Shows a good 2- to 3-yard burst when the ballcarrier is near, but may not possess great closing speed. Improved his awareness of passing lanes as a junior, knocking down six passes in 2009 after deflecting zero over the first 27 games of his career.

nfl comparison

Jamaal Anderson, Falcons

An athletic defense man rated 15th on ESPN’S 150 and second among defensive ends

Also rated first among weak side defensive ends and fifth among all prospects according to Rivals. com

During his senior year, Dunlap recorded an outstanding 105 tackles, 35 tackles for loss and 24 sacks

Was chosen to participate in the annual Offense-Defense All-American game after his senior season

As a junior, Dunlap recorded 103 tackles, 22 tackles for a loss, nine sacks and scored four defensive touchdowns

Also returned kicks for his team

High school coach was Steve LaPrad

Parents are Diane Brown Ross and Carlos Dunlap.

Parents are Diane Brown Ross and Carlos Dunlap.