Dee Ford
South defensive end Dee Ford (30) of Auburn celebrates after a sack of the North quarterback during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
AUBURN, Alabama -- Dee Ford is not dreading his arrival on the NFL's big stage.
The NFL Combine begins Thursday and the former Auburn defensive end is ready to perform and show he's worth a first-round selection rather than the fulfilling the early second-round projections many experts have him slotted.
"I'm not nervous at all," Ford said Tuesday on the NFL Network. "I'm prepared, I already know I'm trying to go there and shock the world. That's something I've been preparing for, for a long time. I feel like if you're not prepared then you're nervous, but I'm prepared."
Ford blew past offensive tackles with relative ease during Senior Bowl preparations and again in the game itself. He picked up Defensive MVP honors in Mobile and has been training for the upcoming combine ever since.
Ford jumped on most teams' radar in Mobile and as a result took some pressure off himself heading into the NFL Combine, where he will be quizzed by scouts as much as he will be tested in the 40-yard dash and in the weight room.
Mike Mayock of the NFL Network lists Ford as the third-best defensive end prospect behind South Carolina's Jadeveon Clowney and Missouri's Kony Ealy, though it's very possible Ford moves to outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.
Ford has been "really working on that speed" in the weeks leading up to the combine.
"It's a great opportunity to really show how athletic you are," Ford said. "I'm going to take advantage of every drill, so I'm working on every drill and I'm there to compete. I want to win every drill. I want to have the best time. I'm not looking over this thing. I know I can play football, but I want to show my athleticism, too."
Ford recorded 10.5 sacks, finishing second only to Missouri's Michael Sam during his senior season in the SEC. His explosiveness off the edge as a pass rusher, especially his first step and improved counter moves, sticks out to the scouts.
Ford is scheduled to perform Monday at the NFL Combine.