West Virginia LB Bruce Irvin to visit Bills

DE/LB Bruce Irvin will visit the Bills and could we see even more pass rush added?

The visits are coming in fast and furious now as we have learned the WVU DE/OLB Bruce Irvin will visit the Bills in Orchard Park soon. Irvin is a pass rush specialist that many project as a 34 OLB but his size may be limit him to a 43 scheme.

This now makes four confirmed visits after learning about TCU LB Tank Carder and two other prospects who will be coming into Buffalo.

Irvin who has an explosive first step does a good job on his arc rush and has the athletic ability to run the corner on even the most athletic OT’s and get after the QB. He played in an unconventional 335 defense in Morgantown which saw him play with both his hand down and from the two point stance.

People are going to immediately draw the comparison between former Buffalo Bill Aaron Maybin and Bruce Irvin but we don’t see that as a fair comparison. Irvin played at around 240 in college where as Maybin was 10-20 pounds lighter. Irvin also has an inside move to compliment his inside rush while Maybin does not. Suffice it to saw we don’t see Irvin and Maybin as a fair comparison.

Irvin participated in the NFL Combine in Indianapolis where he came in a 6030, 245 lbs, ran a 4.41 40, and had the 2^nd fastest 10 yard split at 1.55 among the DE’s and LB’s combined. His 6.70 3 cone drill, which measures change of direction, destroyed any other DE or LB’s time by a full tenth of a second.

Here are his full workout numbers;
Height: 6030
Weight: 245
Hand: 9 5/8”
Arm: 33 3/8”
Wingspan: 78 ½”
Bench Press: 23 reps
40 yard: 4.41
10 yard split: 1.55
20 yard split: 2.57
Vertical Jump: 33 ½”
Broad Jump: 10’03”
20 yard shuttle: 4.03
3 Cone: 6.70

Irvin is a former HS WR who went the JUCO route and became a defensive end. He had 14 sacks as a part time pass rusher in 2011, and this year put up another 8.5 despite being double teamed and chipped by the TE or RB. His explosive ability fits in well with what the Bills are looking for in a pass rusher and he could contribute immediately as a pass rusher on passing downs and on special teams.

There are some character concerns with Irvin as he was recently arrested for destruction of property in Morgantown.

We would put Irvin as a 2^nd-3^rd Round pick right now.

Read Bruce Irvin’s Scouting Report

Related posts:

1. LB Bruce Irvin Scouting Report
2. LB Aaron Maybin Cut
3. Buffalo Bills 7 Round Mock Draft v2.0