2012 NFL Draft: Bruce Irvin, West Virginia OLB, Selected No. 15 By Seattle Seahawks

Former West Virginia outside linebacker Bruce Irvin was the first player from the Big East selected in the 2012 NFL Draft at the 15th pick by the Seattle Seahawks.

Irvin’s selection was surprise to many mock draft experts, as he was projected by most as a second round pick. ESPN NFL Draft expert Todd McShay had Irvin ranked  as the 56th best overall prospect. According to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk, however, at least seven teams had Bruce Irvin in their top 15.

Irvin is a fantastic pass rusher with elite athleticism, but he has a checkered past. After dropping out of high school as a junior, Irvin spent two weeks in jail following an arrest in which he was caught by police as he tried to rob a drug dealer’s home with a firearm in his waistband.

Irvin earned his GED and played junior college football at Mt. San Antonio College before transferring to West Virginia in 2010. He finished second in the nation with 14 sacks. In just 10 games in 2011, Irvin racked up 8.5 sacks.

The 6-foot-3, 245 pound defensive end/ outside linebacker has struggled against the run,  but, with his 4.5 speed, gives offensive tackles fits. Aware of the unhappiness regarding his selection, Irvin tweeted:

Seahawks nation I know some of y’all are questioning the decision but you all will see soon. #WVU #seahawknation I got y’all!

— Bruce Irvin (@BIrvin_WVU11) April 27, 2012