Valentine's career showed real promise at times, yet was marked by inconsistency and injury. He played in all 13 games as a redshirt freshman in 2013, getting a starting call six times (the first four, and the final two) in order to make 21 tackles, five for loss and a sack. In the Illinois high school all-state picks sophomore season, it looked like the consistency was coming as he started 11 times, recording 45 stops, seven for loss, and three sacks in the middle. A knee injury slowed him down during his fourth and final year on campus, limiting him to seven starts, 10 tackles, four for loss, and three sacks. Instead of returning to school to prove himself to scouts, Valentine chose to leave early for the NFL with his diploma in hand.
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Burly calves and and thick legs that look like sacks of grain. Proper study requires viewing of 2014 tape when he was healthy. Can sit down and live in his space. Has power to thrash undersized centers right out of the picture. Able to eat up double teams and roadblock his run fit when he's on his game. Reactive quickness to turn and snap onto running backs attempting to dart past him. Finished with more career sacks than teammate Maliek Collins.
WEAKNESSES
Carries excessive weight in the middle and lacks desired lean muscle mass for his frame. Could get more from his power with proper hand usage. Scouts question effort level in 2015. Slammed by insiders for a lack of conditioning and practice habits. Missed extensive time due to high ankle sprain.
DRAFT PROJECTION
Rounds 6 or 7
NFL COMPARISON
Darius Kilgo
BOTTOM LINE
His draft grade will likely be higher than his 2015 tape would indicate due to a high ankle sprain that limited his overall play and production. Valentine needs to carry more "good weight" and commit to the work that has to be done leading up to the game. If he can do those things, he has enough power and ability to become a backup nose with eventual starter potential.
2016 NFL Draft Profile: Vincent Valentine
