Grading System

DAN KLECKO

Position: DT Class: Sr School: Temple Conference: Big East Ht., Wt.: 5'11½, 283 40 Time: 4.89 Grade: 3.52 Selected by New England Patriots Round 4, pick 20 (117 overall)

BIO: Four-year starter named 2002 Big East Conference Defensive Player of the Year and to several All-America teams after posting 68 tackles and leading the league with 22 1/2 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. Junior totals were 62-19.5-6.5 after 21-7-1.5 as a sophomore Made an immediate impact as a true freshman with 53-16-8, ending the year with Freshman All-America recognition. Son of former New York Jets All Pro Joe Klecko. POSITIVES: Relentless, game disrupting defensive lineman who never hears the word stop. Explosive off the snap, fierce and plays sideline-to-sideline. Keeps his pad level low, quickly alters his angle of attack and displays a great burst of closing speed bearing down on ball carriers. Flashes on the scene and quick in every aspect of the game. Doubled by opponents, holds his ground against blocks and rarely off his feet. Great football intelligence and sense of anticipation. NEGATIVES: Not strong in his upper body, wears down or engulfed by bigger opponents. Short for end and small for tackle. ANALYSIS: Like his father, a tremendous football player with the mental intangibles needed for the game. Were he four inches taller and twenty pounds heavier, potentially the first pick of the draft, but limited by size and a lack of growth potential. Will no doubt make a roster next season and be successful for a team that rotates its lineman on the front four. PROJECTION: Early Fifth Round