INTEL: Scouting 2020 DE Braiden McGregor
It’s crucial for every program in the country to be stocked with defensive line talent, and Notre Dame is all-in on a couple of Midwest defensive ends in the 2020 recruiting class.
Port Huron Northern (Mich.) defensive end Braiden McGregor has been to South Bend twice since the spring and left feeling as a top priority each time.
The 6-foot-5, 240-pounder is being projected at the Drop position after recording 98 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and blocking three punts as a sophomore.
We caught up with our Midwest Scout this week and he feels the Drop is an ideal position for McGregor as he has the traits and athletic ability to play the position at a high level.
“One of McGregor's strengths is his versatility and athleticism for a prospect of his size,” stated the scout. “As a four-sport athlete (football, basketball, hockey and lacrosse) he can make an impact on the game from the stand-up edge linebacker position both in the passing game, setting the edge and defending the run and rushing the quarterback.
“At 6-foot-5, 240 pounds, he is an excellent athlete who shows good range sideline to sideline and an ability to quickly change direction in space as a pass defender. McGregor plays the game with a nasty streak whether be as a run blocker, on defense or making big plays on special teams.”
The three-star prospect has a chance to rise in the rankings over the next two seasons, and it starts with rushing the passer. McGregor had significant tackle numbers in 2017 but he can improve his sack numbers by being put in more situations to rush the quarterback.
“As a projected college defensive end, McGregor doesn't much film as a hand down pass rusher,” explained the scout. “Like many young defensive linemen, McGregor will need to continue to develop his pass rush skill set and ability to beat offensive tackles one-on-one.
“He will need to continue to develop as a run defender setting the edge against offensive tackles and tight ends.”
When it comes to a fit at Notre Dame, the scout does feel he would fit into the scheme and he has a little bit of position flexibility if need be.
“Often times fans and evaluators try to peg defensive ends as "pass rushers" or "run defenders, but McGregor is a prospect who can truly do both,” said the scout. “He could be in the 6-foot-5, 265-pound range and be a very good Drop in Clark Lea's defense. He has the experience as a pass defender and moves well enough in space to be a versatility piece of a defense.
"If he continues to develop and add bulk to his frame, he could play at the college level at 6-foot-5, 280 pounds and use his length and strength to be a stand out as a strong side defensive end.”
Notre Dame and Michigan are the two programs McGregor will likely decide between, and both schemes fit his skill set.
“McGregor best scheme fit would be a team that will keep him on the move and allows him to line up at a few different positions based on down and distance,” stated the scout. “As a high school player he will continue to play in space as an off the ball linebacker, but as he gets older, he will develop into a hand down defensive end. He could even kick inside to 3-Tech in some passing situations to use his speed and quickness against interior offensive linemen.”
Player Comparison
(Any comparison is made to give you an idea of a player's skill set, obviously not their career path)
Jamie Collins DE/OLB (HS: Franklin County HS (MS), College: Southern Miss, NFL: Cleveland Browns) (NFL Draft: 2013 R2 Pick 52)
McGregor has seen plenty of schools in the last few months, but he and his family have yet to go to a college football game. That will change soon as McGregor will be in South Bend to see Notre Dame host Michigan on September 1st.