6’5” – 304 lbs. – 5.11
Redshirted, then enjoyed three reasonably productive seasons with the Tar Heels before declaring early for the draft. Massive, long-limbed collegiate nose tackle who has a very desirable build for a pro defensive lineman, whether on the inside of an even line or on the end of the line in an odd front. Arms measured over 34.5” in Indianapolis. Plays with a physical, tough on-field temperament. Fires out of his stance low and with some explosiveness. Effective two-gapper who can use his length and power to attack and control blockers in the run game. Strength is probably more impressive in his lower body. Anchors well against power on the inside. Has active hands with plenty of power and which measured nearly 11” at the Combine; would be at his best in a scheme which allows him to stack and shed at the line. Able to scrape down the line and flow toward the play direction, although he is more explosive in a short area than rangy. A little bit lumbering and lacks the speed to pursue to the sidelines. Reliable tackler with a wide radius and strong grip, but who is more likely to clog holes than to bring down ballcarriers. At times, play-recognition skills seem to lag a little bit behind what’s going on. More limited as a pass-rusher; something of a one-trick pony who relies on his bull rush and who will let his pads rise at times and negate his natural power. Flashes suddenness but doesn’t really have the quickness to threaten opposing blockers as a gap-shooting tackle, and generally ends up around the line of scrimmage trying to bat down passes at the line; does, however, have the height and length to disrupt passing lanes, having defensed ten throws throughout his career. Can occasionally draw some extra attention and create one-on-one matchups for his teammates on the outside. Nonetheless, may end up as more of a rotational run-stuffer than an every-down player; was also part of a rotation at the college level. Medical history may be a concern, having suffered from complex regional pain syndrome in the past and having been limited by injuries as a redshirt sophomore. May never be more than a two-down player and probably has little value for a defense with one-gap principles up front, but offers a very impressive combination of size, strength, and physicality which could earn him a mid-round selection from a team seeking to get tougher in the trenches.
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