With the 212th overall selection, the Eagles added Utah defensive end Joe Kruger. A position-mate of first-round pick Star Lotulelei, Kruger is the brother of Cleveland Browns rush linebacker Paul Kruger. At 6-6, 269, Kruger projects as another versatile piece for the Eagles' new-look defensive line.
Here's the scouting report on Kruger, courtesy of NFL.com.
OVERVIEW: Joe is the youngest of three Kruger brothers. Paul plays linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens and Dave just finished his Utah career as a four-year starting defensive tackle. His father played football for Oregon State and his brother-in-law, Tony Bergstrom, was an all-Pac-12 offensive lineman for the Utes in 2011, was a third-round draft pick of the Oakland Raiders. In high school, Kruger lettered all four years in both football and basketball. In his senior football season, he had 51 tackles and led the state with 15 sacks.
As a true freshman, Kruger saw action in all 13 games, but mainly as a special teams player. He earned Academic All-MWC honors. In 2011, Kruger played in 13 games, and logged seven starts. He had 35 tackles (five for loss), and three sacks. In his junior year, Kruger had 30 tackles (eight for loss), one interception (which he returned for a touchdown), and six sacks. He was an All-Pac 12 honorable mention.
STRENGTHS: Very impressive size. Athletic. Long arms. Plays with power, capable of bull rushing offensive lineman back into the quarterback. Extends his arms and can keep offensive lineman off his frame. Good first step, comes off the ball well. Plays with a firm base. Flows to the football well, and is an effort player. Possesses the ability to redirect.
WEAKNESSES: Plays with a high pad level too often. Pops upright off the snap and will give up leverage. Needs to add more weight. Struggles to bend as a pass rusher. Lacks counter moves, will get stuck on his block. Inconsistent hand placement.
NFL COMPARISON: Jared Odrick
BOTTOM LINE: Kruger has an great frame, and is highly athletic and powerful. His technique is raw, and he needs to work on improving his pad level, but he has plenty of upside as a 34 defensive end. Kruger will likely be selected within the first 100 picks.
