Sharrif Floyd, DT

04/25/2013 - ROB RANG'S FINAL 2013 NFL DRAFT BIG BOARD: 3. *Sharrif Floyd, DT, Florida: Used predominately at defensive end in 2011, the 6-3, 303-pounder was moved inside to his more natural defensive tackle position in 2012 and flourished, earning first-team all-conference honors with 46 tackles, including a team-high 13 tackles for loss. While his Gators lost the Sugar Bowl to Teddy Bridgewater and Louisville, Floyd was dynamic, sacking the mobile sophomore quarterback twice and showing scouts flashes of untapped potential. Explosive and dedicated, he's viewed by scouts as a prototypical three-technique defensive tackle and a future Pro Bowl selection. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com

Full Sharrif Floyd News Wire

Floyd signed with Florida as the highest regarded prep defensive tackle prospect in the country, according to some recruiting experts.

While plenty celebrated as a prospect, Floyd had a rough upbringing. He didn't know his father, who has since passed away. He lived for awhile with his mother, his great-grandmother and several others throughout high school, including newly adopted parents in a scenario similar to that of Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Michael Oher, whose story made famous by the Michael Lewis book, "The Blind Side."

Upon signing with the Gators, Floyd immediately proved up to the hype, earning a spot on the 2010 All-SEC Freshman team (as voted by the coaches) with 23 tackles, including 6.5 for loss.

Floyd showed off the versatility that could result in his earning a high-round selection by playing every position along the defensive line for Florida as a true sophomore. Lining up predominately at defensive end, Floyd registered 46 tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. His sacks came against Ohio State in the Gator Bowl, foreshadowing a breakout performance throughout the rest of 2012.

The 6-3, 303-pound junior was moved back inside to his more natural defensive tackle position as a junior and stepped up his play. Though his tackle numbers remained the same (46), Floyd's big plays multiplied. He posted 13 tackles for loss in 2012, including 6.5 sacks, earning First Team all-conference honors.

While his Gators lost the Sugar Bowl to Teddy Bridgewater and Louisville, Floyd was dynamic, sacking the mobile sophomore quarterback twice, leading scouts to wonder what could be in store for 2013 and beyond.

STRENGTHS: Has a naturally powerful frame with wide shoulders, a surprisingly trim waistline and the thick lower-half conducive to anchoring as a two-gap defender and run-stuffing presence in the middle. Flashes a terrific initial burst off the snap, showing the quickness to split gaps or even challenge lethargic offensive tackles when he's asked to line up wide.

Uses his hands well to chop at blockers attempting to latch on to his chest, ripping away and showing a nice over-arm swim move. Good lateral agility to "get skinny" through gaps and shows enough short-area quickness to close when the ballcarrier is near. Has made gains each of his three seasons of collegiate football and could be just scratching the surface of his potential.

WEAKNESSES: Remains rough around the edges. While quick off the snap, Floyd has a tendency to lose sight of the ball and get too caught up in hand-fighting with offensive linemen. Some of this is due to the fact that he often stands up at the snap, losing his natural leverage advantage, as well as his impressive combination of burst and strength.

Has great initial quickness but does not appear to have the sustained quickness to translate into a consistent interior pass rush threat -- at least not against today's increasingly mobile dual-threat passers.

COMPARES TO: Corey Liuget, DL, San Diego Chargers -- Athletic, strong and capable of emerging as a standout as either a 3-4 defensive end or 4-3 defensive tackle, Floyd has talent and upside to virtually guarantee at top 10 selection despite the fact that he has flashed more than dominated throughout his collegiate career.