6’4” – 263 lbs. – 4.82
Recorded two sacks as a reserve/rotational player during his true freshman season, then stepped into a starting role the following season and posted an impressive 60-17.0-5.5 line. Reprised that role as a junior and went 37-9.0-5.0 before foregoing his senior season to declare for the draft. Very well-built for a pro edge rusher, with prototypical height, solid bulk, and impressive length. During the games reviewed, lined up on the left side of the line as a sophomore and the right side as a junior, playing out of a three-point stance.
Looks pretty fundamentally sound as a run defender. Plays with a patient temperament and good awareness. Gets good extension with his arms and although he doesn’t possess overwhelming power to walk back tackles and reset the line of scrimmage, is able to lock out blockers, locate the football, and shed to make tackles. Overall radius is impressive and can occasionally bring down ballcarriers while engaged. Has a disciplined approach when left unblocked as the read man. However, would like to see a little bit more leg drive and physicality to try and compress the backfield. Shows a willingness to pursue but doesn’t have great straight-line speed or range.
Not the most explosive player, but covers a lot of ground with each step on passing downs. Bends a smooth arc around the edge when rushing the passer. Does a good job of using his hands to swipe, and can also use a rip when coming around the edge. Length helps him to finish his rushes, although he didn’t rack up a ton of sacks and lacks elite closing burst. Would like to see him do a better job of converting speed to power, or using counters/inside moves to create opportunities for himself when he’s not able to win the edge with speed. More of an edge rusher who doesn’t have a ton of suddenness with his inside moves. Some of his pressure also came when lining up in a wide technique to give him a boost from the edge.
A big, long-limbed lineman who comes with two years of solid production, defends the run with sound fundamentals, and looks smooth rushing the passer around the end, but who isn’t the most explosive, sudden, or physical player. Generally expected to slide into the mid rounds, but looks like a pretty polished, well-rounded player who could end up putting together a solid career as a secondary pass-rusher or rotational player.
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