6’5” – 280 lbs. – 4.89
Was a state wrestling champion in high school. Redshirted, then contributed 29-4.5-2.0 the following year, starting one of fourteen games. Started at the Buck linebacker position the following year and finished with 26-13.5-7.0, missing two games, then lost his starting job last season and finished with 15-3.0-0.0 as a junior before declaring for the draft. Tended to line up on the right end as a sophomore, typically playing out of a two-point stance, but was playing different techniques out of a three-point stance during the junior games reviewed. Very well-built for a pro edge defender, with an excellent combination of size, bulk, and length; should meet any team’s size requirements.
Gritty defender who plays with toughness and physicality to set the edge; doesn’t shy away from contact and has a pretty strong anchor to hold the point of attack. However, would like to see more patience and technique in that capacity. Has a tendency to throw his body into opponents instead of using his length to lock them out and read the play. Tends to get too far inside, lose track of the ball, and let opposing ballcarriers get out from between the tackles; overall awareness and gap discipline are lacking. Gives solid effort in pursuit from the backside, although his speed is nothing special.
More impressive as a pass-rusher, and was productive in that capacity as a redshirt sophomore. Tends to go with a power-based approach, showing some ability to walk back opposing offensive linemen with his bull rush. Overall level of activity in his hands is good. Can convert speed to power and use heavy hands to shed opposing blockers and pursue the quarterback. Has some ability to generate pressure with inside moves. Also appears to have some untapped potential on passing downs, as he tends to play high, negating his natural power. Flashes a nice rip on the edge, although his bend is average at best. However, explosiveness and closing burst are just average. Seems to lack counters to free himself up when his initial move doesn’t work.
Put himself on the map with a strong 2018 campaign, but almost everything went wrong this past season and looks like a mid-round pick at best at this point, particularly after testing extremely poorly at the Combine, both in terms of his timed speed and his leaping. However, the size, strength, and physicality are there, and could end up succeeding if he’s able to improve his leverage, use his length to lock out blockers, and do a better job of locating the football.
DRAFTEXAMINER 