ATLANTA — All 32 NFL teams showed at the University of Florida on Tuesday where top NFL draft prospect Dante Fowler Jr. is the featured attraction.
It’s unclear whether the Atlanta Falcons plan to put Fowler through a private workout. Coach Dan Quinn knows plenty about the game-changing pass-rusher, already having recruited Fowler to Florida when Quinn was the Gators’ defensive coordinator.
Although most project Fowler to be off the board when the Falcons make the eighth-overall pick, anything could happen between now and then. A lot of experts project Fowler going to Jacksonville with the third-overall pick. Remember, the Falcons discussed a possible trade with the Jaguars last season to move up in case another team was interested in taking Jake Matthews before the Falcons did at No. 6.
Former Florida head coach Will Muschamp, who had Quinn on his Gators staff, certainly believes Fowler and the Falcons would be a perfect marriage.
“I think Dante would fit perfectly for Dan in that Leo (stand-up pass-rusher) position,” ‘Muschamp said. “He’s the ideal guy for that position. I think Dante’s a good fit for anybody, really. But certainly Dan was very instrumental in his recruitment to come to the University of Florida. I know they are very close. And I know Dan feels very strongly about Dante.”
Fowler expressed his feelings about Quinn during the NFL combine. He offered more thoughts about Quinn in a recent interview with SI’s Jenny Vrentas.
Muschamp talked about what makes Fowler unique.
“Dante has great initial quickness off the ball,” Muschamp said. “He has a tremendous first step. He is an outstanding athlete. He’s really loose in his lower body; a very powerful guy. He’s as disruptive a defensive player as I’ve been around.
“He can play multiple spots. He’s a guy who can be a hybrid outside linebacker. He appeals to 4-3 and 3-4 systems. You can do a lot of things with him. His biggest asset, to me, is his motor.”
Muschamp believes reuniting with Quinn would only help Fowler’s growth on and off the field.
“Dan’s got a unique ability to appeal to anyone,” Muschamp said. “He’s a great motivator. He does a great job with the players, no matter what level, in letting them know he’s going to put them in the best position to be successful.”
ESPN
