OFFSEASON » Runde 5: #154 Cliff Ryan DT

OVERVIEW

Ryan was originally recruited as an outside linebacker, playing that position briefly before shifting to rush defensive end in 2003. As he continued to grow in size, the coaching staff utilized him as a strongside defensive end as a sophomore and junior, shifting him to weakside defensive tackle for his final season.

Ryan enrolled as a 260-pound outside linebacker at Michigan State in 2002. He played in two games before the coaching staff decided to redshirt him, as he was limited to a pair of tackles. He moved to rush end in 2003, playing behind Greg Taplin, finishing with 16 tackles (10 solos), a sack and two stops for loss.

In 2004, Ryan took over strongside defensive end duties. In 12 games, he collected 41 tackles (29 solos) with 2½ sacks, seven stops for loss and seven quarterback pressures. He also caused a fumble and deflected a pass. Ryan struggled with his weight in 2005, as he played at more than 300 pounds. The strongside end managed 34 tackles (22 solos) with three sacks, as he caused and recovered a fumble. He also had three pressures.

Ryan shifted inside to weakside tackle in 2006. He delivered just 25 tackles (16 solos), but produced 13 pressures with four sacks, six stops for loss and two forced fumbles.

In 50 games at Michigan State, Ryan started 35 contests. He made 118 tackles (78 solos) with 10½ sacks for minus-62 yards, 19 stops for losses of 94 yards and 23 quarterback pressures. He caused four fumbles and recovered two others while also deflecting a pair of passes.
ANALYSIS

Positives: Has a thick frame with a firm lower body … Has good weight-room strength, but must have it translate to the field better … Shows adequate quickness out of his stance and does a decent job of stringing plays out … When he keeps his pads down, he is able to generate enough of a burst to gain advantage off the snap … Does a good job of adjusting on the move and has shown improved hand usage in attempts to shed … Gives adequate effort in his lateral pursuit and has functional pop on contact … Improved his wrap-up tackle technique, doing a better job of facing up and striking as a senior … Flashes quick hands with strength to jolt and fend off blocks, but needs to do a better job of protecting his body … Was much better in 2006 when trying to flash that extra surge after separation to close on the play … Might be a better fit for the under tackle position, as he lacks the quickness to play on the edge … When playing tackle, he showed better ability to get under the blocker's jersey and was more efficient taking on the lead blocker to clog the rush lanes … Takes better angles from the two-gap than from the edge (will take a wide loop in order to avoid when playing end) … Has the leg drive to anchor and hold ground, but needs to do it with more consistency … His 13 pressures in 2006 indicate he could be effective on stunts, and he showed better lateral mobility in attempts to push the pocket.

Negatives: Frame lacks muscle tone (thick, but not well built) and is at maximum growth potential (added more than 40 pounds since his freshman year) … Slow to read and react to plays and will throttle down when not involved in the action … More of an assignment type (does what he is told) than one who plays on instincts … Has generated little production as a tackler, but shows adequate ability to pressure the quarterback … His weight room strength fails to translate to the field, as he struggles to stack and control, shed and anchor (did show better anchor working inside in 2006, though) … Doesn't have the balance to make plays in space … Slow to stunt outside, as he takes false steps in his change of direction … Has a good short-area burst, but his feet die when having to labor long distances … Needs to use his hands better to deflect passes at the line, and also must do a better job of keeping those hands inside the frame (takes wild swipes and leaves his chest exposed too often) … Might be better off dropping some pounds, as his added bulk led to tired legs and calf problems.

Compares To: ORIEN HARRIS-Cleveland … Ryan might be a better fit at tackle than guard. He has some redeeming qualities to fill a roster spot, as he can play inside in a 4-3 or bounce wide in a 3-4 alignment. However, with only 118 tackles in 50 games, including 35 starts, you can see he has not been productive. He showed better run-stuffing skills at tackle in 2006, but if a team drafts him to play end, he will have a short summer in training camp.
INJURY REPORT

2006: Bothered most of the year by a calf strain.
AGILITY TESTS