Biography: Started three games as a junior and finished the season with 18 tackles/3.5 tackles for loss/1.5 sacks. Served a six-game suspension for accepting impermissible benefits. Started 11 games as a sophomore in 2010, posting career-best numbers of 39/10.5/6.

Positives: Undersized college defensive end who displays a lot of skill rushing the passer. Athletic, breaks down well and fast up the field or chasing the action laterally. Easily moves about the field, displays good hand technique protecting himself and effective if asked to play off the line of scrimmage. Easily changes direction or alters his angle of attack. Quick getting out to the sidelines in pursuit of the action. Possesses tremendous overall quickness.

Negatives: Struggles getting off blocks and can be handled by tight ends. Not a strong wrap-up tackler. Adequate production in college yet never stood out.

Analysis: Vernon is an athletic prospect with the ability to be disruptive force behind the line of scrimmage while offering the skills necessary to play in space. He's a solid prospect who can play defensive end or outside linebacker in a 3-4, and he can be effective at the next level if given time to develop his game.

Projection: 5-6