6’4” – 315 lbs.
Originally attended Texas, where he appeared in six games as a freshman. Sat out the 2017 season after transferring to Missouri, then put together a 24-8.0-3.0 line the following year. Followed that up with a junior campaign of 44-8.5-2.5 before declaring for the draft. Very well-built nose tackle with excellent height and bulk; carries his weight well and is considered a good weight-room worker. Tends to line up as a one-technique, but will occasionally play three-technique from the left side or even an inside technique as the team’s rightmost defensive lineman on a three-man line (right end but typically not a five-technique). Effective run defender who plays the game with some violence and power in his hands; should be able to rotate onto the field early in his career. Has excellent functional strength to hold the point of attack in the run game; looks comfortable digging in and anchoring against power. Not a pure space-eater, however; flashes impressive first-step explosiveness out of his stance and is capable of threatening gaps and blowing up plays in the backfield. Can use his power to walk back opposing linemen and make stops in the backfield, with good leg drive after contact. Flashes the ability to keep offensive linemen at bay, locate the ball, and make tackles while engaged. However, can sometimes appear a little bit slow to locate the ball. Overall range is limited; has some burst in a short area, but lacks the speed to flow and make tackles in pursuit more than a couple of yards in either direction. Wasn’t a hugely productive pass-rusher, but did often stay on the field on passing downs and is capable of generating pressure, displaying a solid motor. Has a powerful bull rush to walk back opposing guards when he gets extension and keeps his feet churning; at times, drew additional attention from protection units. Pretty active with his hands and flashes a viable swim move. Even on snaps in which he doesn’t successfully penetrate, can still occupy blockers and create opportunities for teammates. Executes stunts and twists pretty effectively, although he doesn’t have excellent closing burst to pursue fleeing passers. A very powerful player with excellent size, plenty of physicality, and a strong motor, he has the look of a potential starter or rotational run-stuffer at nose tackle or five-technique defensive end in a two-gap scheme. Looks like a second-day pick.
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