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2015 NFL Combine Preview: Auburn Defensive Lineman Angelo Blackson

By Nicholas Ian Allen

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The 2015 NFL Combine is underway this week in Indianapolis, and defensive tackle Angelo Blackson is one of seven Auburn football players that will participate in the event.

What Did Angelo Blackson Do at Auburn?

One of the more underrated members of the Auburn football team over the past four seasons, Angelo Blackson never missed a game for the Tigers. He even played in all 12 contests as a true freshman in 2011.

Nov 1, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive lineman DaVonte Lambert (86) Ben Bradley (50) Gabe Wright (90) Jeffrey Whitaker (54) and Angelo Blackson (98) celebrate at the conclusion of the game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Auburn defeated Ole Miss 35-31. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

As a senior, Blackson played in all 13 games and started five. His impact went far beyond statistics – keep in mind that defensive tackles are asked to eat up space and blockers (especially double teams) at the line of scrimmage to free up linebackers to make plays – but Blackson put together a solid stat sheet anyway.

In 2014, he recorded 17 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss and an impressive (for a defensive tackle) three sacks. Also, the Tigers struggled all season to put pressure on the quarterback (Kris Frost and DaVonte Lambert tied for the team lead with 3.5 sacks), but Blackson helped create a pass rush from the interior defensive line.

Blackson played in 14 games as a junior in 2013 and made four starts. He had 16 tackles, three TFLs, half a sack and forced a fumble, but had his most productive season as a sophomore. In 2012, the Delaware native had 26 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, one sack, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and he also blocked two kicks.

What is His Current Draft Stock?

It’s not uncommon for a player to rise in the NFL Draft despite flying under the radar as a college player, and Blackson could certainly fall into that category.

To many, Blackson’s invitation to the NFL Combine might have been a bit surprising, but there’s already been some buzz surrounding his abilities. Blackson made an impression on an unnamed NFL scout early in the 2014 season, according to Chase Goodbread of NFL.com:

"An NFL scout has identified Auburn defensive lineman Angelo Blackson as a breakout prospect on a national scale, and among a group of burgeoning defensive pro prospects at Auburn that are more impressive than those at Alabama."

Still, he’s very much an under the radar player that most analysts see as a late round pick or undrafted free agent.

What Can He Improve?

His versatility. Blackson held typical defensive tackle responsibilities at Auburn, often as a run stopper and making piles at the line of scrimmage, but because of his ability to rush the passer, he could play a couple of roles in the NFL.

If he tests well at the Combine and shows to be athletic enough, Blackson could prove valuable to teams as a 3-4 defensive end. That would boost interest from teams, and in turn, his draft stock.

However, having added weight (he was listed at 6-foot-4 and 306 pounds at Auburn but weighed in at the Combine at 318) makes it more likely he will play nose guard.

NFL Combine Objective

Simply, to make the most of the opportunity he’s been given. There are only so many players invited to the NFL Combine, and an argument can be made that there are more talented players than Blackson that weren’t invited to Indianapolis.

With nothing to lose and everything to gain, Blackson can make an impression on scouts, general managers and talent evaluators this week and cause one franchise to fall in love with him enough to select him on Day 3 of the draft.

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