The stats always Surprise me. To simply compare our measurables to these high level athletes it is laughable. These guys are just built different. And most of us are 15 years older than them.
Driven by competitive edge. The pads are smaller but more protective. Players over the last 10 years have been indoctrinated with mobility and calisthenic fitness over shear power and dynamic strength.
It never made sense for a defender to wear large pads to allow more surface area. Offensive skill positions which must move through tackles and breaks also value this.
Some NT's and OL still have big wide pads but the large pads block movement and were always a hindrance
The comp to Gabe Davis, a 4th round pick, that came in as 4/5 behind a young Diggs, Beasley, McKenzie, Sanders, and Knox is funny.
Davis developed as a 4th rounder. 2nd rounders who were nearly a first rounder is a funny comp
This, and for whatever reason I just don't look at any FSU players coming from a culture that works. That Florida State attitude of the 80s and 90s has dried up.