6’4” – 292 lbs.
Background:
Originally attended Iowa Western Community College, spending two years there before transferring to Oklahoma. Posted a line of 19-6.0-0.5 in his first year with the Sooners, then went 23-11.0-5.5 last season to conclude his collegiate career.
Positives:
Tall, long-limbed defensive lineman who carries his weight well. Has been asked to play various different techniques, as Oklahoma uses a lot of pre-snap shifts and different looks to confuse offenses; would often start off as a zero and shift to more of a three on a three-man line. Possesses the type of physical and athletic skillset to potentially function in either a one-gap or two-gap defensive front. Has some burst off the line to threaten gaps and draw double-teams from opposing interior linemen. Lateral quickness is well above-average for his position. A smooth, flexible athlete who shows coordination in his movements and the knee-bend to be competitive in the leverage battle. Functional strength is impressive; can walk back linemen with his bull-rush when he gets his arms extended, showing consistent leg drive. Flashes an effective swim move to penetrate. Overall level of activity is good, with an impressive motor and good range in pursuit. Nice closing burst and a wide tackling radius. Gets his hands up to contest passing lanes.
Negatives:
Looks relatively thin and could be asked to add additional bulk if teams want him to stay inside at the next level; built like an oversized defensive end. At this point, relies more on his power, athleticism, and effort than his technique. Pass-rush approach is still a work in progress. Could be more consistent about getting extension and using his hands; too often uses his body as a battering ram. Lets some defenders get into his body and can struggle to disengage in the run game. Minor issues with contact balance. Would like to see more snaps of him playing as a jumbo end.
Summary:
A prospect who shot up draft boards this past year, and who offers one of the most impressive combinations of size, length, coordination, flexibility, and intensity in the class. A bit of a difficult evaluation in that he was playing essentially a mix of three-technique and some zero-technique in college, but may be considered more of a five-technique or even seven-technique by some teams because of his build. The upside is clearly there, but will probably need further physical development and work on his overall technique if he’s going to reach his potential as a three-down starter. So far, it’s looking like he’ll be a second-day pick.
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