04/30/2012 - A closer look at the Raiders' picks: 5/158 - Jack Crawford, DE, 6-5, 274 Penn State...The London-born Crawford was late to football but showed promise with 6.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss, batting down six passes. COULD SURPRISE: Defensive end Jack Crawford: Although he disappeared at times at Penn State, Crawford could become an asset in nickel situations with his long arms and ability to deflect and bat down passes, as well as on extra points and field goals. - The Sports Xchange
Crawford was born and raised in London and moved to the U.S. in high school to play basketball, but began playing football as a junior and quickly established himself as a top recruit. He is unpolished with his technique, but has the hard-working attitude to put in the time on and off the field to get better -- effort isn't an issue. Crawford looks the part with NFL size and frame, but isn't overly impressive athletically with most of his impact coming on hustle plays -- very unpolished and is more of a project than immediate contributor at the next level, but is a late round prospect with some potential.
Analysis
Looks the part with 10-inch hands, 33 1/2-inch arms on a tall, long frame. Solid musculature and he's a hard work off the field. Gets his hand in the passing lanes and will make hustle plays. Decent production -- 14 career sacks -- and has shown steady progress.
Negatives: Lacks overpowering strength and can stick to blocks. Lacks explosive speed to bend and flatten off the corner with stiff hips and ankles. Not flexible or fluid. Uncreative pass rusher who lacks counter moves. Raw technique. Streaky and slow to react. Has some durability concerns stemming from foot issue lingering from 2010 to '11.
