Dante Fowler Is Anxious To Make His NFL Dream Come True
By Dan Durkin-
INDIANAPOLIS (CBS) -- Florida outside linebacker/defensive end Dante Fowler looked as comfortable at the podium Friday as he does chasing down a quarterback in the pocket.
"I'm a loose guy," Fowler said from the NFL Combine. "This is a dream come true. I've been wanting to do this since I was a little kid. I started playing the game when I was four years old. My dad was a coach, so I was always around football. So, this is like a passion for me. I'm just happy to be here."
In a draft class that's loaded with talented edge rushers, Fowler is among highest-rated prospects. He grew up playing linebacker and transitioned to defensive end during his sophomore year of high school.
Fowler was used in a variety of roles at the University of Florida, which is a boon for his NFL prospects, as he's capable of playing in either a 3-4 or 4-3 front. He finished his collegiate career with 34 tackles for loss, 25 hurries, 14 sacks and five forced fumbles, electing to forgo his senior year and enter the draft.
"I really can play anywhere," Fowler said. "In coach (Will) Muschamp's defense, it was multiple, we played a 3-4 and 4-3. My freshman year, I played a lot of defensive end. My sophomore year, I did a lot of both. Then in my junior year, we played a lot of 3-4, so I was the 'buck' and I stood up and ran around."
NFL teams are constantly seeking versatility, particularly along the defensive front. Bears coach John Fox reiterated that while the Bears will be a 3-4 base defense, they will be a hybrid defense that shows multiple looks, which makes Fowler an intriguing fit.
"I can play anywhere," Fowler said. "I can play from linebacker to defensive end and then go into the trenches and playing three-technique to nose guard. I can do a lot for a team."
On Friday, Fowler officially measured in at 6-2 1/2 and weighed 261 pounds, which was his goal weight and the heaviest among his immediate peers -- Nebraska's Randy Gregory was 235, Missouri's Shane Ray was 245 and Clemson's Vic Beasley was 246. Fowler carries his weight well on the field and flashes an explosive first step.
Fowler mentioned Ray Lewis was his favorite player growing up and has admired DeMarcus Ware's versatility. He also spoke about "new generation guys" like Von Miller and Aldon Smith, whom he tries to model his game after.
Coincidentally, Miller and Smith were drafted in the first round of the 2011 draft by Denver and San Francisco, respectively. That was the same year Fox took over the Broncos and new Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio took over as the 49ers defensive coordinator.
Fowler's tape speaks for itself, but during his interviews, he wants to leave an impression about his football character.
"I want them to know one, that I'm a coach-able guy," Fowler said. "Two, that I'm a team player. Three, that they know I'm going to fit for their team. I want to be that type of guy that can come in and play, that can turn the team around and turn the defense around at the same time."
Dan Durkin covers the Bears for CBSChicago.com and is a frequent contributor to 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter at @djdurkin.
