03/22/2012 - Nevada Pro Day: Versatile defender Brett Roy also boasted a significantly improved time in the 40-yard dash. Roy, who signed with Nevada as a safety then moved to linebacker, then defensive end as he gained weight and eventually moved inside to defensive tackle, participated in linebacker drills, himself. Roy was clocked between 4.86-4.90 in the 40-yard dash Wednesday after his fastest time in Indianapolis was a 5.0 at 6-3, 275 pounds. Unlike Johnson and Marshall, each of whom fared well in positional drills, Roy's inexperience was obvious as he struggled with balance when changing directions while going through linebacker tests. Among the heavy-hitters attending Nevada's workout were a trio of College Scouting Directors -- Green Bay's John Dorsey, Oakland's Jon Kingdon and Philadelphia's Anthony Patch. Also present were Philadelphia's and Miami's linebackers' coaches Mike Caldwell (Eagles) and George Edwards (Dolphins). - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com
In much the same way that the Indianapolis Colts built their defense around the scoring potential of a Peyton Manning-led offense, the Wolfpack defense was designed to attack offenses attempting to keep up with head coach Chris Ault's "Pistol" attack. That led to the 6-3, 263-pound Roy to start (and emerge as a star) at defensive tackle for Nevada.
He didn't emerge as a starter until his junior season, but in 2010 Roy burst onto the scene with 50 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks. A year later, he earned All-American honors from Sports Illustrated after leading the Western Athletic Conference in both tackles for loss (18.5) and sacks (10).
As productive as he was for the Wolfpack, at that weight it is going to be tough for Roy to remain at defensive tackle in the NFL. However, teams are growing increasingly willing to play undersized defensive tackles on obvious passing downs. Considering Roy's relentless motor, he could prove quite an effective rotational defensive tackle.
Roy also presents some intriguing options at linebacker in the 3-4 scheme. Considering the 18 sacks he's registered over the past two seasons, he's shown enough ability as a pass rusher to potentially play on the outside. If he proves too slow-footed to make it on the outside, his vision and closing burst should still give him a chance at a roster spot on the inside.
Analysis
Positives: Possesses a compact, athletic build. Good initial quickness off the snap. Can shake heavy-footed offensive linemen in tight quarters due to his good lateral agility and active hands. Shows good football intelligence, recognizing where the ball is heading and breaking free to be in position to make the play. Pursues with passion even 50-plus yards downfield if still in position to make the tackle (Boise State). Has a legitimate burst to close and is an effective wrap tackler. Highly regarded by the coaching staff due to his work ethic and leadership. Captained the football, basketball and track-and-field teams in high school.
Negatives: Lacks the size to compete as a traditional defensive tackle and is a projection to any other position. Locates the ball quickly and pursues with passion, but may lack the foot speed to handle the transition to linebacker. Routinely blown off the ball against the run. Doesn't possess the elite speed his statistics would indicate as Nevada's aggressive scheme and talent surrounding him have inflated his production.
