Take the award away from Downs. Take a look at this
The best player not invited to the combine (also not invited to any all star games) is a senior outside linebacker. He's 6'2, 233lbs, and, according to nfldraftscout.com, he runs a 4.69 40. A 4.69 40 at 233lbs is average to mediocre. Not great by any stretch of the imagination, but definitely passable.
Now, for his stats.
2012: 120 tackles, 10 TFL's, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions
2011: 123 tackles, 6 TFL's, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions
That's near Khaseem Greene territory. Plus, his measurables are pretty similar to those of Greene. And here's the most surprising part.
He played his entire career at an SEC school (and a good one, too).
How in the world a player be so dominant at an SEC school, have measurables that are pretty much average, and not even get an invitation is beyond me. And I'm sure it's beyond Mississippi State outside linebacker Cameron Lawrence.
Now for a quick scouting report.
The first thing that jumps off the tape is his strength and toughness. He's the SEC's closest thing to a John Simon esque gym rat. 233lbs sounds a bit undersized, but he has the the strength to make up for it. Best example: 4th and 1 in the 2011 Auburn game. They hand the ball off to Michael Dyer, and Lawrence wins the battle in an intense collision, simply throwing Dyer to the ground leaving him just short of the first down marker. Also; he's the first 4-3 outside linebacker I can recall regularly drawing double teams against the run (all of the Tennessee game). If you are a 233lb linebacker and drawing guard/tackle double teams on run plays against SEC teams, you know you are doing something right. On top of his strength, he uses his hands really well, understands leverage, and gets off blocks as effectively as any 4-3 linebacker in this class. On top of that, his instincts approach Kuechly levels. He's not as quick in pursuit of the ball as Kuechly, but his ability to diagnose plays, find holes in the blocking scheme, and take a good angle to the ball is second to none in this draft class. Something special. As for his long term position, it could be inside or outside linebacker depending on his playing weight. In his junior season, he physically looked like he was 233lbs (still had the strength of a 260lbs player), and, because of the mediocre bulk, he had the above average lateral quickness/range needed for the coverage responsibilities of outside linebackers. In 2012, however, he may have been listed at 233lbs, but I'm convinced that weight is from spring practices; he looked visibly bulkier in 2012. No less than 246lbs. At this point, he drew attention against the run like he was an interior lineman, but the lost lateral quickness and added stiffness was pretty staggering. The 246lbs version of Lawrence should have been limited to inside linebacker because coverage was a chore. I personally favor the 233lbs version, but that's just me. Still, his instincts are terrific (in coverage as well), he doesn't ever miss tackles, his strength for his size is off the charts, and he's a passable athlete. I give him a late second round grade.
