6’3” – 304 lbs. – 5.07
Redshirted, then worked into the defensive line rotation as a freshman before enjoying two impressive seasons to conclude his college career, foregoing his final season of eligibility in order to declare for the draft. Has a very thick torso and arms which measured nearly 34.5” at the Combine; a little bit top-heavy. Often plays as a one-technique nose tackle out of a four-point stance, but was asked to do a few different things, including rush or spy out of a two-point stance in psycho looks; rotated out of the game fairly regularly. Comes out low and with a little bit of burst. Gets his arms extended and has an adequate anchor at the line of scrimmage in the run game. Can create problems for opposing offensive linemen with his upper-body strength alone, although he doesn’t always keep his legs churning to capitalize on his other advantages. At his best, is capable of clogging lanes as a two-gap player. More rangy and athletic than is typical for a player with his size; has the ability to flow down the line against stretches and outside attempts, and will give good effort in pursuit for a big man. Flashes the ability to shed blockers and make tackles near the line when two-gapping. Length gives him an impressive radius and flashes some burst to close. Awareness and instincts seem to be a little bit lacking; nimble and powerful enough to get where he wants, but can be fooled by misdirection. Struggles to find the ball while engaged. Could stand to play with more discipline in terms of his run fits; will overpursue and get sealed away from the play. Not a pure bull-rusher on passing downs; will work in rip and spin moves, but isn’t particularly explosive or dangerous as a penetrator. Plays high and is not much of a bender. Sack production is more impressive than his skillset. Might be rotated off the field in some obvious passing situations. Also has value blocking kicks on special teams. Has a pro-caliber combination of length and upper-body development, but instincts in the run game are a little bit raw and may not offer much as a pass-rusher, either. Probably more of a mid-to-late-round pick for a team seeking a developmental defensive tackle who can two-gap in the run game. Could potentially work his way into a defensive line rotation in a year or two.
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