Melvin Ingram
DE, South Carolina · 2012 NFL Draft, Round 1, pick #18 (SDG)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Nothing in our pre-draft data flagged him as a steal: his age, school, testing and position profile looked like a typical pick in his range. The gap opened after the draft, on the field.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #16 (#3 at his position), close to where he went (#18).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
23 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.4% of the time (2,127 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
South Carolina: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.69 40-yard dash at 264 lbs: faster than 85% of DLs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.6% of the time (973 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
DE (DL group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 53% of the time (966 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 148 of ~195 possible regular-season games from 2012 through 2023 (~76%). Last NFL season: 2023.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 148 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 6 |
| Pro Bowls | 3 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 57 |
| Rushing | 1 att, 0 yds, undefined TD |
| Defense | 298 tackles, 58.5 sacks, 3 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2023 |
The 2012 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2012 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| Age 23 | 50.4% n=2,127 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Top 25% at his position | 51.6% n=973 | |
| Position DL | 53.0% n=966 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 1", 264 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.69 s |
| Bench press | 28 reps |
| Vertical | 34.5" |
| Broad jump | 109" |
| 3-cone | 6.83 s |
| Shuttle | 4.18 s |
| Arm / hand | 31.4" / 9.5" |
| Age at draft | 23 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #16 overall (#3 DE) |
Picked around him 2012 redraft
| 15 | Bruce Irvin | redraft #41 |
| 16 | Quinton Coples | redraft #87 |
| 17 | Dre Kirkpatrick | redraft #55 |
| 19 | Shea McClellin | redraft #89 |
| 20 | Kendall Wright | redraft #62 |
| 21 | Chandler Jones | redraft #9 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.