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2017 NFL Draft: Christian McCaffrey rushes into first round

By George Stockburger

Nov 19, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) points to the sky in celebration after a touchdown against the California Golden Bears during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Stanford defeated California 45-31. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) points to the sky in celebration after a touchdown against the California Golden Bears during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Stanford defeated California 45-31. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes defensive end Hunter Dimick (49) and teammates celebrate a 24-17 victory over the Michigan Wolverines at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes defensive end Hunter Dimick (49) and teammates celebrate a 24-17 victory over the Michigan Wolverines at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Stock Up: Hunter Dimick, DE, Utah

A redshirt senior playing for the Utes, Hunter Dimick has done a lot over the offseason to improve both his pass rush and his run defense.

Last week that work paid off with a pair of sacks against Oregon, falling off the five he recorded the week prior against Cal. In the past month, Dimick has 9.5 sacks and two pass deflections thanks to his hard work in practice. He’s quickly become one of the most underrated defensive ends not just in the PAC-12, but in the country.

Thanks to his recent surge, Dimick has surpassed Florida State defensive lineman DeMarcus Walker as the nation’s leading pass rusher.

With an advanced repertoire of pass rush moves, Dimick has transformed from a straight bull-rushing end to a versatile defensive end. He has learned how to play the run, fake inside moves and spin to the outside, and work against zone-reads.

While not projected to be a high draft pick, teams can find Dimick mid-way through the 2017 NFL Draft and possibly have a diamond in the rough. A very good showing at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine in the coming months could push him even higher up draft boards.

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