Lewis: Kasim Edebali could follow in Junior Galette’s footsteps
 

Once upon a time Junior Galette was Kasim Edebali. Or Seantavius Jones. Or Lawrence Virgil. Or Tobias Palmer.

Undrafted free agents, anonymous to most fans, knowing that their chances to make a lasting impression are both limited and dwindling, especially with the initial roster cut less than a week away, maybe even sooner for some of them.

Saints today. Gone tomorrow.

But not always.

“I had full confidence in myself that I belonged in this league,” said Gallette, who has gone from Division II Stillman College to being one of the NFL’s top pass rushing threats in just four years. “I got up every morning saying, ‘I’m not going to be the guy who gets cut today.’

“You’ve got to have that edge, that chip on your shoulder. And you learn quickly that everything in this league is earned, not given.”


Read more: Lewis: Kasim Edebali could follow in Junior Galette’s footsteps | Saints | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Re: Lewis: Kasim Edebali could follow in Junior Galette’s footsteps
 

Lots of buzz about this guy going on. Looks like a solid PS candidate.

From NFL.com...


Overview

The native of Hamburg, Germany, arrived in the United States in 2007 as part of the USA Football International Student Program; although he had played American football (he was a tight end for the German under-19 national team at the 2006 European Championships), he spoke limited English. After playing for a New Hampshire prep school for two years, he enrolled at Boston College and redshirted as a freshman in 2009. Played in 13 games in '10, including four starts at defensive end, and had 13 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and zero sacks with one pass batted. Started 12 games in '11 and had 27-.5-0 with five passes batted. In 11 starts in '12, he registered 59-7.5-1.5 with four passes batted and one forced fumble. Missed the Clemson game with a shoulder injury. Had a solid senior season in '13, starting all 13 games and tallying 67-14-9.5 with five passes batted and three forced fumbles. Team captain.
Analysis
Strengths
Good get-off. Shows an arm-over to defeat tackles. Has some disruptive ability to penetrate gaps. Reads plays and locates the ball. Uses his arms to create room to operate. Good motor in pursuit -- forces runs outside and chases to the boundary. Strong tackler. Tries to disrupt passing lanes. Intelligent and articulate. Hardworking, well-respected captain with a professional approach to the game. Three-year starter. Graded very highly vs. Ohio State.

Weaknesses
Lacks ideal size. Overpowered at the point of attack. Pops up off the snap. Needs to develop pass-rush moves and use his hands more violently. Average flexibility, foot speed and change of direction -- exposed in space and shows when he runs the arc. Power element missing. Will be a 24-year-old rookie.
Draft Projection
Rounds 6-7

Bottom Line
High-motor, effort-based pass rusher who could warrant developmental consideration as a situational 4-3 rush end or stand-up 3-4 linebacker. Is not a natural, physically gifted hunter, but football smarts, competitiveness and effort give him a chance.

Re: Lewis: Kasim Edebali could follow in Junior Galette’s footsteps
 

I expected to see more of him in preseason. He hasn't played a lot. I'd rather see him at this point than Ronald Powell who is getting the playing time but just looks bad.

Re: Lewis: Kasim Edebali could follow in Junior Galette’s footsteps
 

Remember when junior was a rookie, he lacked any real pass rush prowess but his motor was and still is insane

I remember him rushing the passer, who then pitched the ball to a RB, then 10 yards down the field junior still ran him down and made the play

That's how galette made the team

Re: Lewis: Kasim Edebali could follow in Junior Galette’s footsteps
 

Another guy to pull for. Gotta love the lunch pail guys that may not be the greatest athletes but make up for it with hard work and smarts.

Re: Lewis: Kasim Edebali could follow in Junior Galette’s footsteps
 

Re: Lewis: Kasim Edebali could follow in Junior Galette’s footsteps
 

Love to root for someone like this. Many of us were Junior fans when he was playing his ass off to earn a spot.