Louisiana Tech defensive tackle Vernon Butler lettered in football, basketball and track while at North Pike High School. He recorded 13 sacks (37th in Louisiana) and 121 tackles and a fumble recovery on the way to being named all-district, all-area and all-state his senior year at North Pike. He tallied 21 total tackles as a freshman, 43 as a sophomore and 56 as a junior. In 2015, Butler's senior campaign, he received First Team All-Conference USA and All-Louisiana honors for his 50 total tackles, 10 TFL's and three sacks.
The Basics
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 323 lbs
Broad Jump: 104"
40 yard dash: 5.33
Arm Length: 35 1/8"
Bench Press Reps (BPR): 26
How He Compares To Other Defensive Lineman
DeForrest Buckner, DE, Oregon: 5.05 40 yard dash, 116" broad jump
Jonathan Bullard, DT, Florida: 4.93 40 yard dash, 23 BPR, 116" broad jump
Sheldon Day, DT, Notre Dame: 5.07 40 yard dash, 21 BPR, 102" broad jump
Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss: 4.87 40 yard dash, 28 BPR, 116" broad jump
Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Oklahoma State: 4.63 40 yard dash, 20 BPR, 121" broad jump
The Rundown
Positives
- His athleticism is somewhat impressive due to his size. Butler moves very well laterally and has great pursuit downfield
- Cuts through gaps with fiery explosion and utilizes the swim-move soundly
- Very versatile; aligned along every spot of the defensive line while at Louisiana Tech
- Uses his long arms to shed blockers violently
- Plays with strength and leverage to push the pocket
Negatives
- Not a great run-defender, but plays with high effort every snap
- Despite pass-rushing being the best facet of his game, Butler only managed to scrape up three sacks across the season
- Butler's pad-level tends to get tall at times allowing opposition to get underneath him and take him out of the play
Conclusion
At the next level, Butler looks to be a 4-3 defensive tackle in a three-technique, although he does have the capability of being a 3-4 defensive end. He is a long, versatile defensive lineman with the potential to even better his pass-rushing. As for his run-stuffing issues, Butler can improve his lower body strength and play with more leverage to keep himself from being driven out of the play. Butler may not get selected in the first round, but he flashes the potential to be. If the 49ers don't go defensive line with their pick at no. 7, he may very well be a smart choice in the second round.