Dee Ford

Ford was ranked as the nation's No. 26 defensive end by Scout.com coming out of Odenville, Ala., where he was selected to the Class 4A All-State team. He appeared in 13 games as a reserve for Auburn in 2009, totaling 12 tackles. Ford started his first career game the following season, registering 11 tackles and two sacks while seeing action in 13 games overall. Ford entered the starting lineup in 2012, with eight starts at defensive end. His junior season was highlighted by two sacks and seven total tackles against Clemson. He really emerged as a force in 2013, finishing the regular season with 12.5 tackles for loss, including 8.5 sacks in earning first-team All-SEC honors from the league's coaches and the Associated Press. Medically excluded from participating in the combine based on readings of remnant issues from a 2011 procedure on his back, Ford put on a show at his pro day workouts that backed up his game production and his boasting -- both of which are considerable. His intense focus was reflected first at the Senior Bowl and then by dropping eight pounds in 10 days before his pro day. At 244 pounds, he looked like a classic convertible -- able to move from a 4-3 defensive end to a destructive 3-4 outside linebacker or hybrid pass rusher if necessary. His pro day show included a 35 1/2-inch vertical, 10-foot-4-inch broad jump, 29 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press and a 40-yard time of 4.53 seconds. There is something special here. Ford is a vocal and physical leader who could pay the most consistent, long-term dividends of any defensive end in this draft -- yes, including Jadeveon Clowney. He would be a steal after the middle of the first round, assuming his back in OK

also possesses long arms and broad shoulders. these give him better pop at the point of attack than his opponents expect. while he's not going to be able to hold up against a powerful run-blocking right tackle all day long, ford shows some toughness in setting the edge and does a nice job of jumping outside to keep contain.

Best of all, while most of his snaps due come from the three-point stance, he is occasionally asked to drop back into coverage, giving scouts evidence that he'll be able to handle coverage duties. Ford shows balance and efficient change-of-direction skills when operating in reverse, making him one to watch as a linebacker convert.

strengths

Fluid athlete with impressive burst, agility and underrated strength. As his size suggests, Ford relies on his burst off the snap to gain the corner against offensive tackles. He accelerates smoothly and is flexible enough to bend around the corner as a pure speed rusher.

compares to

Corey Lemonier, OLB, San Francisco 49ers - Like Lemonier, a former teammate, Ford is an undersized pass-rusher who primarily lines up at defensive end for Auburn but will be asked to transition to outside linebacker in the NFL.

weaknesses

Lacks the size and leverage ability to routinely hold his ground at the point of attach against tackles, when asked to defend the run. Lacks consistent rep experience dropping into coverage and may have a learning curve there at the next level, where he'll need to show an ability to contribute if he hopes to be an every-down NFL player.

High School Coach: Charlie Boren

as a senior, had 90 tackles (40 solo, 50 assists), including 38 tackles for loss and 18 sacks, intercepted a pass and broke up three

selected 2008 Star of Alabama for his game against Hokes Bluff with 12 tackles including five sacks for a loss of 40 yards, and an interception

as a junior, had 87 total tackles with 36 solo, 16 tackles for a loss and 12 sacks. Class 4A All-State team by the Alabama Sports Writers Association as a senior

ranked as the nation's No. 26 defensive end by Scout.com

listed as the nation's No. 35 defensive end by ESPN.com/Scouts, Inc.

listed as the No. 7 player from Alabama by SuperPrep

ranked 62nd among outside linebackers and 27th on the Alabama Postseason Top 40 by Rivals.com Personal | Birthday is March 19

son of James and Debbie Ford

Major: Public Administration

Birthday is March 19

son of James and Debbie Ford

Major: Public Administration.