With the No. 24 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Florida State defensive end Bjoern Werner. Werner was the top-ranked defensive end in the draft rankings from SB Nation's Matthew Fairburn and the 11th-ranked player in Dan Kadar's overall rankings.
Tomahawk Nation on Bjoern Werner
Over his last two seasons, Werner recorded a sack or TFL in 17 of FSU's 27 games and he recorded a tackle in 34 consecutive games. He was one of just four defensive linemen in the NCAA to have eight or more pass break-ups and none of the other three players had more than five sacks compared to 13 for the FSU defensive end and none had more tackles for loss.The Colts made the playoffs in 2012, but they finished the season with the No. 26 ranked defense. In order to address the problem, the Colts used their first-round selection on Werner, who should boost the team's front line. The Colts are switching to a 3-4 defense in 2013 and will need new players to help fill out the depth chart. Werner should fit nicely at defensive end. Werner should be able to step in and start for the Colts right away and make an impact on the defensive line.
Combine results
Height: 6-3
Weight: 266 lbs.
Hand size: 9.6 inches
40-yard dash: 4.83 seconds
Vertical jump: 31.0 inches
Werner had an impressive 2012, finishing the year with 42 tackles, 18 for a loss, 13 sacks and eight passes broken up. He finishes his college career with 23.5 sacks, the second-highest three-year total in FSU history.
Werner's athletic background has more soccer in it than football, something that can scare off NFL teams, but the speed he displays for a man his size than other prospects with similar experience. His combine performance was a slight disappointment, but his long list of accolades (Sporting News All-American first team, AFCA FBS Coaches' All-American first team, AP All-American first team, CBSSports.com All-American first team, Pro Football Weekly All-American first team, among others) likely helped sell teams on his skills.
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