6’3″ – 265 lbs. – 4.80e
Played in over two-hundred snaps as a freshman, then earned a starting role the following season, which he retained as a junior and as a senior. Achieved consistent production over each of his three years in the starting lineup. Team captain who generally plays on the end on first and second down, then slides inside and serves as an interior rusher on passing downs, including some snaps as a zero-technique nose tackle. Has a thick build with a solid combination of size and length. Comes out of his stance with some explosiveness and generates enough power with his bull-rush to generate push, even against opposing interior linemen; strong player. Has power in his hands and flashes the ability to shed blocks. A pretty good mover for his size who complements his athleticism with a solid motor. Length gives him a solid tackling radius. Frame is that of a potential edge-setter, although he doesn’t do that on a consistent basis. However, instincts can leave something to be desired; struggles to locate the ball, possibly because of balance issues. Has a tendency to bend at the waist and lower his head. Doesn’t always keep blockers out of his pads and can get stuck on blocks for too long; has the physical attributes and strength to two-gap but negates some of that. More of a pressure-generator in the passing game than the sack artist his production would suggest. At his best, can convert his explosiveness into power and use his heavy hands to ragdoll opponents, but doesn’t present a major threat on the edge. Lacks counters and is somewhat predictable. Can be pushed past the pocket by opponents more often than he should because of his balance issues. Given a clear path, exhibits the closing burst to finish his rushes. When he doesn’t make it to the quarterback, is pretty consistent about getting his hands up to contest passing lanes. Has even made limited drops into zone coverage on occasion. Not one of the sleekest or quickest defensive line prospects, but one who offers a combination of bulk, strength, and versatility, spending a lot of his time rushing from the inside. Those traits, combined with his collegiate production in a major conference, should be enough to get consideration in the middle rounds, although he may never be a dynamic pass-rusher. Somewhat resembles former Carolina Panthers second-round pick Kony Ealy.
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