Austen Lane

DE · Murray State (OK)
Lane arrived on the Murray State campus at 220 pounds. He added nearly 50 pounds over four years while maintaining the burst off the edge to rank as one of the most dominant pass-rushers in all of college football. Starting a combined 19 games and registering 82 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and six sacks over his first two seasons with the program, Lane had established himself as one to watch. No one could have projected his breakout junior season in 2008. Despite only starting 10 of the 12 games in which he played, Lane exploded for 68 tackles, 22 tackles for loss and 12 sacks earning first-team all-Ohio Valley Conference honors. A year later, despite constant double-teams, Lane proved his junior campaign was far from a fluke, registering 64 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. The OVC Defensive Player of the Year and finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, Lane was invited to the Senior Bowl, proving to be a surprisingly effective pass rusher throughout the week of practice. His time in Mobile was highlighted by a fumble recovery and return for a touchdown that helped the North pull off the 31-13 victory. Even with the additional 50 pounds he added over his career, Lane isn't yet strong enough to hold up against an NFL running game. He is surprisingly refined as a pass rusher and has a blend of burst and size 3-4 and 4-3 defenses can work with. A team willing to invest a mid-round pick in Lane could see the move pay big dividends down the road.