Quentin Groves, 2008 NFL Draft Prospect

Outside Linebacker 6' 4" 255 lbs. Speed: 4.51 Auburn Senior Scouting Report by Frank Misaege San Francisco 49ers Team Columnist

Quentin Groves is another in a long line of outstanding defensive players from the SEC, and more specifically, from Auburn University.  He’s got a number of NFL teams drooling at his physical abilities...which, first and foremost, is to put serious heat on opposing QB’s.  He played DE for much of his collegiate career, but also logged significant time as Outside Linebacker (OLB) in the 3-4 defense.  That’s where most teams see him...as a pass-rushing OLB. 

Groves has the physical attributes, at a sculpted 6’ 3” 255 pounds, he ran a 4.53 second 40 yd dash and benched 225 lbs an impressive 30 times at the NFL Scouting Combine.  He’s got wheels, as a junior, Groves has actually ran consistent 4.47 seconds in the 40 yard dash! It’s that strength and quickness that have NFL scouts thinking he’s a “can’t miss” prospect.  Some have questioned his “motor”...noting it’s been somewhat hot and cold at times.  Still, his rare take off skills and ability to close on the football make him a player to be reckoned with.  He’s shown a consistent ability to shed blockers and get after the QB or the ball carrier.  Groves is a sure and powerful tackler.  He finished his Auburn career with 26 sacks and 29 tackles for loss.

There have been some questions about his character...however, to his credit, Groves has been up-front in dealing with a domestic dispute with his wife and a vehicle accident.  There was some recent concern over an electrical abnormality that affected his heart.  But he had minor surgery to correct the condition on Mar 28.  Doctors have given him a clean bill of health.

He’ll need to improve in pass coverage...as all new OLB’s in the NFL do.  Since he’s considered to be a top-end athlete, all he needs to do to become an elite OLB is gain experience.  That’s something he’s sure to get, no matter what team drafts him.  A number of teams are looking for the next  Demarcus Ware or  Shawne Merriman...too soon to tell if Quentin Groves is that guy, but he’s anxious to follow in the footsteps of fellow SEC linebackers DeMeco Ryans and Patrick Willis. 

In 2007 Groves suffered from a toe injury which greatly hampered his production, he started just 7 games and finished with 38 tackles, seven tackles for loss and just three sacks. His 23 quarterback pressures were impressive and it showed he was just a footstep, or more likely an injured toe away from producing double digit sacks again last year. His stock has slipped a little, but he still figures to be drafted between 25-45 in the 2008 NFL Draft. Groves, however could prove to be an excellent bargain, because if he would have been 100% last year, he likely would have been a top 15 selection. NFL Draft Dog currently has him going to the San Francisco 49ers in the bottom of the first round in their 2008 Mock NFL Draft.