Jonathan Bullard

The state of North Carolina was kind to the Gators in 2011 as Florida lured Bullard and 2015 first round pick D.J. Humphries south to The Swamp. It didn't take Bullard long to make his presence felt at Florida, as he played in all 13 games and even started two as a true freshman, recording 27 tackles, including five for loss and 1.5 sacks. Despite nagging injuries shortening his season in 2013, Bullard's production rose to 33 tackles (but just 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks) in 11 games as a sophomore, starting eight times. He made big strides in 2014 (52 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks) while starting all 12 games. . After a productive junior year, many expected him to turn pro, but he chose to return to Gainesville for his senior year, boosting his draft stock in the process. Bullard set career-highs in 2015 and led Florida with 17.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks, earning First Team All-SEC honors.

in our view

Bullard is a classic two-gap run-stuffer with size, physicality and a blue-collar playing style. Teams will appreciate his no-nonsense game along with his positional and schematic versatility to play outside or inside. Bullard will attract some first-round attention.

strengths

The broad-shouldered defender was asked to line up at virtually every spot along Florida's defensive line, but projects best as a base defensive end in the NFL, exhibiting the length, strength and toughness to intrigue scouts from 4-3 and 3-4 schemes, alike. Bullard is appropriately named as his game is about bullish power. He flashes an explosive burst off the ball, and does a nice job of getting his arms into passing lanes to distract quarterbacks.

bullard's value lies in his ability to hold up at the point of attack in the running game. exhibiting impressive lower-body strength, he anchors well and has the length to set the edge and keep containment responsibilities. he doesn't possess dexter fowler's nimble change of direction or explosive closing speed, but locates the ball quickly and shows good strength to latch on and drag down ballcarriers in his vicinity.

He also will receive praise from NFL scouts for his willingness to play through pain and still make an impact as a senior.

weaknesses

Has a tendency to stand too upright and shows less-than ideal lateral agility to create space between he and blockers, limiting his ability to create a lane for himself to pursue the quarterback. High cut and plays with lower-body stiffness, showing some 'tweener traits. Overaggressive downhill and doesn't consistently come to balance in pursuit. Plays through pain, but often banged up and medical reports will be important.

A five-star prospect according to Scout.com and Rivals.com

Rated the No. 6 overall prospect by Rivals.com and the No. 2 prospect in the state of North Carolina behind fellow signee D.J. Humphries

Also ranked the No. 1 strongside defensive end recruit in the nation by Rivals.com and the No. 4 defensive end overall by ESPN and Scout.com

Ranked No. 37 on the ESPN 150

Named an Honorable Mention All-American by Sports Illustrated

Participated in the prestigious U.S. Army All-American Bowl

Selected to the AP All-State First Team as a senior

Recorded 82 tackles and 16 sacks during his senior season

Helped lead Crest to a 12-4 record his senior season and finished as the NCHSAA Class 3AA runner-up

Chose Florida over Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, South Carolina and Nebraska

Coached by Mark Barnes.