INDIANAPOLIS—The late-morning workout group of defensive linemen revealed several more pass-rush prospects to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. The Packers employ a 3-4 defensive scheme and are thought to be interested in drafting a pass rusher.
Bruce Irvin, an undersized defensive end at West Virginia, ran one of the fastest times for a defensive lineman in scouting combine history in the early-morning workouts on Monday at Lucas Oil Stadium. Irvin's 4.43 40 led a group of at least 11 college defensive ends that, as a result of their 40 times on Monday, are candidates to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defensive scheme. All of the 11 are undersized college defensive ends and accomplished pass rushers.
To put Irvin's 4.43 into perspective, it would be welcomed by most wide receiver prospects. At 245 pounds, Irvin is far too light to play defensive end in the NFL. His 40 time on Monday immediately shot him up draft boards around the league.
These college defensive ends also defined themselves as prospects to play outside linebacker in an NFL 3-4 defense: Southern Cal's Nick Perry (4.50), Clemson's Andre Branch (4.62), Illinois' Whitney Mercilus (4.63), Boise State's Shea McLellin (4.65), Miami's Olivier Vernon (4.68), Missouri's Jacquies Smith (4.68), South Carolina's Melvin Ingram (4.66), Virginia's Cam Johnson (4.75), Pitt's Brandon Lindsey (4.78) and Arkansas' Jake Bequette (4.78).
The cutoff time for an outside linebacker is widely considered to be 4.8. Marshall defensive end Vinny Curry, an undersized defensive end thought to project to outside linebacker, ran a 4.85.
All of the times above were provided by NFL Network and are unofficial. Linebackers were to work out in the afternoon.
