6’4″ – 347 lbs. – 5.10
Played in thirteen games as a redshirt freshman, then started five of fourteen the following year and became a full-time starter as a junior before declaring for the draft. One of the most straightforward evaluations in this year’s draft class. An absolutely massive run-stuffer with below-average length but world-class size and bulk for an interior lineman. Played all over the defensive line for the Huskies; typically the left defensive tackle on the team’s four-man lines, and a zero-technique nose tackle or five-technique end in odd fronts. One of the most physically overwhelming players in the class. Has incredible strength and dominated collegiate linemen. Excellent two-gapper who uses brute force to control blockers, driving them into rushing lanes to create a mess in the middle of the line. Has active, heavy hands to ragdoll opponents when stacking and shedding. Digs in easily in the run game and can handle double-teams, eating blocks to free up teammates. Hits like a ton of bricks. Doesn’t have a great tackling radius but puts himself in position to make tackles on inside attempts and can use his grip strength to bring down ballcarriers while engaged. Good instincts, tends to flow in the play direction. Gives effort in pursuit and has relatively impressive athleticism for a player of his size, but overall range is generally limited to playing between the tackles. More of a facilitator in the passing game than a threat to bring down the passer; remained on the field in some passing situations at the college level, although some teams may view him as more of a two-down option at the next level. Get-off at the line is just average, but comes out low and can bull-rush opposing linemen into the pocket to disrupt attempts. Active hands in the run game carry over into the passing game; uses a swim move and (less frequently) a spin, but is far better at attacking blockers than shooting gaps. Gets his hands up to contest passing lanes when he’s unable to reach the quarterback. Draft stock will be determined more by philosophical concerns than by differing evaluations of his overall skillset and performance; how much are teams willing to invest in an elite run-stuffer who may not offer much in the passing game? If the draft status of former teammate Danny Shelton is any indication, he should end up going somewhere in the first round.
DRAFTEXAMINER 