With the 59th pick overall of the 2012 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles have selected Vinny Curry, outside linebacker / defensive end from the Marshall Thundering Herd. This pick matches projections for Curry, as the 6'3" 266lb player was expected to go in the middle of the second round.
Curry was a three year starter for Marshall, and saw big production in his junior and senior year. The 59 tackles and 3.5 sacks from his 2011 season were especially impressive considering that he consistently drew double teams. Curry could fit into a 4-3 scheme or a 3-4, and opinion is split on which would favor his talents. Curry has a strong motor and good power, but what draws the most praise is his work ethic. From Mel Kiper:
You turn on a Marshall game, I don't care who it's against.. You notice the kid. He's a difference maker. He had 22 more tackles this year than Quinton Coples. He had 37 more tackles than Bruce Irvin. The guy's productive, that's all he does. And he loves the game.
The Eagles didn't have an acute need for a DE/OLB, but Curry was too talented for them to pass up.
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