The athletic interior lineman out of Louisiana Tech, Vernon Butler, in action at the combine.
Rayshawn Jenkins catches a football during practice on Monday, Nov. 6, 2017.
Rayshawn Jenkins catches a football during practice on Monday, Nov. 6, 2017.
Korey Toomer wraps up a dummy in a drill during practice on Monday, Nov. 6, 2017.
Korey Toomer wraps up a dummy in a drill during practice on Monday, Nov. 6, 2017.
Jahleel Addae turns his hips as he drops back into coverage at practice on Monday, Nov. 6, 2017.
Jahleel Addae turns his hips as he drops back into coverage at practice on Monday, Nov. 6, 2017.
Anthony Lynn watches over a running backs drill during practice on Monday, Nov. 6, 2017.
Anthony Lynn watches over a running backs drill during practice on Monday, Nov. 6, 2017.
Melvin Gordon completes a drill during practice on Monday, Nov. 6, 2017.
Melvin Gordon completes a drill during practice on Monday, Nov. 6, 2017.
Derek Watt squares up to make a catch during practice on Monday, Nov. 6, 2017.
Derek Watt squares up to make a catch during practice on Monday, Nov. 6, 2017.
Anthony Lynn gives instruction to Melvin Gordon during practice on Monday, Nov. 6, 2017.
Anthony Lynn gives instruction to Melvin Gordon during practice on Monday, Nov. 6, 2017.
*In order to familiarize fans with some of the top names in the 2016 NFL Draft, Chargers.com will be highlighting a different prospect each weekday leading up to the first day of the draft on April 28th. *
We continue the series with a scouting report of Louisiana Tech DT Vernon Butler.
Name: Vernon Butler
School: Louisiana Tech
Height: 6-4
Weight: 323 pounds
Position: DT
NFL Network Pro Comparison: Muhammed Wilkerson
Vernon Butler may hail from a small school, but the big defensive tackle made a monster impact during his collegiate career at Louisiana Tech.
Butler totaled 170 tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss and five sacks in 49 games over four years, coming on strong his final two seasons. He recorded 56 tackles and 13.5 tackles for loss as a junior in 2014 before earning first-team All-Conference USA honors as a senior last year with 50 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, three sacks and eight QB hurries.
A 6-4, 323-pound behemoth in the trenches, Butler possesses ideal size that all teams covet. Stout against the run, he holds strong at the point of attack with a powerful base. He's also an underrated pass rusher with the ability to get to the quarterback largely thanks to an explosive bull rush move off the snap. Scouts rave about his versatility as he can play DT, NT or DE in a 3-4 scheme.
Many pundits say Butler reminds them of Muhammed Wilkerson, although note it's premature to expect similar production as the Jets' perennial Pro Bowler. Nonetheless, with a powerful frame, high motor and natural skillset, Butler figures to make a seamless transition from Louisiana Tech to the NFL.
Combine Metrics
40-Yard Dash:5.33 seconds
Bench Press: 26 reps
Vertical Jump: 29.5 inches
Broad Jump: 104.0 inches
3-Cone Drill: 7.82 seconds
The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed above do not represent the opinions or policies of the San Diego Chargers' front office staff, coaches or executives.
