Sheldon Rankins

Rankins turns 22 on the first day of the NFL Draft, and should hear his name called as a birthday present as he has steadily climbed up many draft boards following a 2015 season that saw him earn third team All-ACC honors from the media. Rankins started all 13 games and finished the season with 13 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks among his 58 tackles, along with a pass breakup, four quarterback hits and a fumble recovery. Lorenzo Mauldin was the top pass-rush threat for Louisville in 2014, but it was Rankins who led the Cardinals in both tackles for loss (13.5) and sacks (8.0) that season, also besting Mauldin with 53 total tackles. He added a pair of interceptions, a surprising number for a 300-pounder, and thrived under defensive coordinator Todd Grantham's multiple odd/even fronts.

impressed for a 300-pounder when asked to line up at defensive end due to injuries at times in 2015.

WEAKNESSES

kawann short, dt, carolina panthers - although he has the skill-set that supersedes scheme, rankins is ideally suited as a three-technique in a four-man front, fitting a similar role as short in carolina.

IN OUR VIEW

needs to continue to refine his skills. has active hands, but is still developing his pass rush moves and the placement of his punch. often the last lineman to move off the ball and needs to improve his snap anticipation. doesn't always rush with a plan and lacks consistent move-to-move transition. will stand up at times and needs to play with lower pad level.

COMPARES TO

he was nearly unblockable during one-on-one drills at the senior bowl due to his quickness off the whistle and powerful arms to drive blockers backward. he used a variety of hand moves to swat jabs and swim past the blocker's shoulder. also impressed during 11-on-11 reps due to his ball awareness, and his ability to read, detach himself from the block and make plays in the backfield.

Has heavy hands and terrific initial momentum to generate movement at the point of attack, seeing through blocks to accurately track the ball. Redirects well for a man his size, collecting himself on the move to break down in small spaces.

rankins is one of the better run defenders in this draft class and continues to grow as a pass rusher. he entered senior bowl week with first-round grades and he only helped himself there with a dominating week.

--Dane Brugler (2/10/16)

strengths

Offers the power to line up in the "A gap" and take on multiple blockers, but also has the lateral quickness to stunt and loop around bodies to close on the pocket. Displays terrific effort and is a determined chaser to catch ballcarriers from behind away from the line of scrimmage.

2016: Sat out the Senior Bowl after suffering a sprained knee during the week of practices.

Played for Rick Hurst at Eastside High School

Three-star recruit by Rivals.com and Scout.com

Rated as the No. 32 strongside defensive end and No. 43 player from Georgia by Rivals

Recorded 50 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and nine sacks as a senior

Two-time second team All-State honoree.

Son of Cheryl and Ira Rankins

born 4/2/94

health and human performance major.