FROM THE FILM:

A scheme-independent defender, Fowler might be a little better suited for the 3-4 than the 4-3, but he can easily handle both, and can smoothly transition between stand-up and down roles.

"It can help me a lot just because I play anywhere, I can play some linebacker to D-end to edge rusher, I can do a lot for a team," Fowler said at the Combine. "I create a lot of problems for the offense."

Although there will be the inevitable fits and starts for a rookie, Fowler's overall game is so complete that he will not be a liability in any aspect and should be able to play every down immediately. Of the edge rushers in this year's class, Fowler is the one who best blends coverage speed and intelligence with stoutness at the point of attack, the ability to set the edge and a willingness to use multiple pass-rush moves to get to the quarterback.

His all-around strength is the primary reason why he is widely considered the best edge rusher in this class, and he should go off the board within the first five picks -- and perhaps the top three.

OF NOTE:

Teams will not worry about Fowler's Combine numbers, which for the most part were average among edge rushers tested there, because his film -- and his complete skill set -- overshadows that.

Fowler points to DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller as two of the players after whom he tries to pattern his game. Fowler likes Miller's pass-rushing skills and Ware's versatility in succeeding at both linebacker and defensive end.

"(Ware) was really good at putting his hand in the dirt and playing (linebacker). That's why I like to do both," Fowler said.

COMBINE MEASUREMENTS:

Height:6-foot-3
Weight:261 pounds
Arm:33 3/4 inches (T-10th among 35 Combine edge rushers)
Hand:10 inches (T-14th among 35 Combine edge rushers)
40-yard dash:4.60 seconds (T-10th among 30 Combine edge rushers tested)
Bench press:19 repetitions (T-21st among 27 Combine edge rushers tested)
Vertical jump:33 inches (T-17th among 27 Combine edge rushers tested)
Broad jump:9 feet, 4 inches (T-21st among 27 Combine edge rushers tested)
Three-cone drill:7.40 seconds (T-18th among 22 Combine edge rushers tested)
Short shuttle:4.32 seconds (T-12th among 23 Combine edge rushers tested)