04-06-2018, 10:24 AM
I'm afraid they see Key as a possible replacement for Michael Johnson, i.e., as a 4-3 DE. Coming out of college MJ was 6' 7", 266 (now plays around 280). Key is currently 6' 6", 238 but he's played at 280 (albeit not that well). Optimal playing weight is likely around 250-255, although he's young and has the frame to pack on some more lbs. His 40 time was not quite as fast as MJ's (4.9 v. 4.75), but his other measurables are comparable AND he ran a faster 3 cone drill and 20 yd. shuttle, which are arguably more important for a DE than the 40 time. Plus, his pure pass rush skills are significantly better than MJ's were when he came out of Tech. Considering that he could have been a top-5 pick had he come out last year, I can definitely see our interest. Start him out as a third down/situational pass rusher with Lawson on the outside and Dunlap/Atkins inside ... it could work. Again, I hope they don't reach for him in 1, but I think he's in play at 2. I'd jump on him in 3.
