2020 NFL draft: Anfernee Jennings scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Alabama edge defender prospect Anfernee Jennings

Anfernee Jennings | EDGE | Alabama

Elevator Pitch

A three-year starter at Alabama, Jennings has the experience, the power and tenacity to be a solid edge rusher at the next level, regardless of whether his hand’s in the dirt of if he’s serving as a stand-up rusher. Though he’s an average athlete with a set ceiling, he should be able to produce in the pros.

Vitals

Height | 6-2

Weight | 256

College Bio Page

Career Stats

Strengths

If you’re looking for power off the edge, Jennings is a guy you’d like to get to know.

Jennings, who had 13.5 sacks and 25.5 tackles for a loss in his final two seasons at Alabama, packs a powerful punch at the point of attack. He plays with nice force behind a muscular frame, showing off good timing, placement and power in his strikes. In addition to his powerful upper body, he also gets solid drive in his lower body when he executes a bull rush. He does a good job of placing his hands inside the shoulder pads of opposing blockers and being able to control his battle at the point of attack.

As his experience would indicate, Jennings is an intelligent edge rusher who does a good job of processing the action ahead of him. He plays with a calculated approach when defending RPOs and other option plays, squaring up in space and exploding onto whoever keeps the ball. He can read the set points of his opponents to expose their hip alignments and identify when to cut inside. While he isn’t a stellar athlete, he times his jumps well off the snap.

Weaknesses

While Jennings brings plenty to the table as an edge rusher, he doesn’t have the highest upside in the world due to a lack of premier athleticism. He’s a bit of a stiff athlete, as he doesn’t move around in space with much fluidity, limiting his value in coverage. His speed in the open field isn’t all that impressive, and he doesn’t offer much value as a backside defender in pursuit. Though he doesn’t have great length off the edge, he can struggle with staying low and consistently getting his weight underneath him when he engages with blockers.

Jennings can be thrown off balance by powerful blockers at times, and his overall coordination as an athlete can stand to improve a bit. He doesn’t have stellar speed when he turns the corner, which allows opposing quarterbacks to climb the pocket and scramble while the offensive tackle seals him off at the top of his arc. He also has a worrisome injury history, having suffered a high ankle sprain and PCL and artery damage in his leg that nearly required amputation, with both injuries having taken place in 2018.

Projection: 3rd-4th Round

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2020 NFL draft: Curtis Weaver scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Boise State edge defender prospect Curtis Weaver

Curtis Weaver | EDGE | Boise State

Elevator Pitch

An ultra-productive pass-rusher with intelligence, a high motor and a nice array of techniques in his game, Weaver has the potential to develop into a solid starter at the next level. While he doesn’t have the highest ceiling in the world, he does have a high floor and should be a solid defender in the NFL.

Vitals

Height | 6-2

Weight | 265

College Bio Page

Career Stats

Strengths

If you want a proven sack artist in this year’s draft, there aren’t too many better options than Weaver.

After redshirting his first year at Boise State, Weaver picked up 34 sacks and 47.5 tackles for a loss in the three seasons he played there. He never had fewer than 9.5 sacks in a single season, and his tackle for a loss numbers went up every single year. When you turn on the tape and watch him go up against Mountain West competition, that dominance is apparent. He’s a polished pass-rusher who uses his hands well and packs a powerful punch at the initial point of attack. He has shown that he can string moves together to beat the opposition, as well as execute a few counter moves, and he does a good job of consistently getting inside leverage with his hands.

Weaver plays with good pad level and has the hip flexibility to sink into contact and maintain leverage in that regard. He has solid acceleration off the snap and times his jumps appropriately. He was also a versatile defender in Boise State’s defense, having taken some snaps in coverage and playing in an off-ball role from time to time.

Weaknesses

While Weaver had plenty of production in college, his athletic limitations could prevent him from being the double-digit sack machine he was with the Broncos. He’s not a very fluid athlete in space, as he struggles to change direction and can be a bit stiff-hipped at times. His timing and instincts allow him to get good acceleration off the snap, but he doesn’t have particularly impressive speed in pursuit.

Weaver can also stand to improve as a run defender. He can occasionally have issues with balance, which allows him to be pushed around by run blockers and sealed off easily. He can get better at setting the edge and standing his ground when taking opposing blockers head-on. His frame, while muscular, is also pretty stout for an edge rusher; he doesn’t have ideal length for his position.

Projection: Day 2

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2020 NFL draft: Julian Okwara scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Notre Dame edge defender prospect Julian Okwara

Julian Okwara | EDGE | Notre Dame

Elevator Pitch

Okwara is a lanky and athletic edge rusher who brings plenty of physical upside and value on passing downs. While he might be limited to a rotational role on passing downs his rookie year, the speed, fluidity and versatility he possesses should see him off the board before the third round starts, even with his broken leg.

Vitals

Height | 6-4

Weight | 252

College Bio Page

Career Stats

Strengths

It’s a shame Okwara was unable to participate in Combine drills, because he likely would have knocked them out of the park.

He is an athletic force off the edge who accelerates well as a stand-up rusher and has plenty of bend and flexibility when chasing down the passer. He is able to turn the corner very well, as his body control, flexibility and speed allow him to maintain sharp pursuit angles while ripping and dipping underneath offensive tackles. Okwara is a fluid player who can change direction seamlessly and move around naturally in space. That fluidity, along with his long arms and solid height, gives him some value when dropping back in coverage. He has the raw speed to chase down backside plays and still make an impact, as well.

Okwara plays with a high motor as a pass rusher and fights hard on every snap. He constantly fights to get inside hand leverage and keeps his feet churning when engages with blockers. He has flashed some quickness in his hands, swiping away his opponents’ hands and showing off some promise as a finesse rusher. His production in 2018 was impressive, as he tallied 8 sacks and 12.5 tackles for a loss. The former Golden Domer has NFL in his bloodline, too, as his brother is Detroit Lions edge rusher Romeo Okwara.

Weaknesses

As is the case with some of the lankier, more athletic edge rushers to come out of college, Okwara needs to improve his play strength. Granted, his Combine weight of 252 pounds was heavier than he was ever listed at when he played for Notre Dame – which is a good thing – but he needs to prove that his weight gain translates to a more physical style of play. He doesn’t have much lower-body strength in his frame, and he fails to generate much momentum when going for a power move. He doesn’t pack much of a punch at the initial point of attack either, and his upright style of rushing prevents him from rushing with power even further. His pad level will have to improve a bit in the pros.

Okwara struggles as a run defender, which will likely limit his snap count early on in his NFL career. He isn’t all that great at setting the edge or eating up gaps in run support. His grip strength could be worked on when he attempts to hold on through blocks against the run. He could also stand to add some counter moves to his arsenal, as he can be taken out of plays when he doesn’t win at the first sight of contact. Plus, with a broken leg having ended his 2019 season prematurely, the medicals will need to check out on him.

Projection: 2nd Round

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2020 NFL draft: Kenny Willekes scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Michigan State edge defender prospect Kenny Willekes

Kenny Willekes | EDGE | Michigan State

Elevator Pitch

A high-motored walk-on who defied the odds and became highly productive for Michigan State, Willekes has the determination and the work ethic to outplay his draft positioning at the next level. While average athletic traits will limit his ceiling, he’s an intelligent and refined rusher who should stick on an NFL roster.

Vitals

Height | 6-3

Weight | 264

College Bio Page

Career Stats

Strengths

If there’s one thing Willekes has plenty of, it’s determination.

Willekes fights hard on every snap and doesn’t stop fighting to get to the ball until the whistle. He keeps his legs churning and works to get inside hand leverage when engaged with blockers. He uses his hands well, as he has a solid arsenal of pass-rushing techniques in which he showcases solid quickness and a sound plan when he rushes the quarterback. Blockers can struggle against him when he gets leverage, as he plays with good pad level and has the strength in his lower body to drive them backwards.

Though not a speed demon in space, Willekes is a consistent tackler, regardless of whether he’s engaged with a blocker or is facing up to a ball carrier in the open field. He’s fairly slippery too, as he can rip and dip past blockers and attack their set points with precision. His production in college is also certainly impressive: he had 23.5 sacks and 49 tackles for a loss in the three seasons he played.

Weaknesses

There’s a bit to like in Willekes’ game, enough that he should be able to be a solid contributor for an NFL team. However, it’s unlikely he’ll become anything more than that. His physical tools don’t jump off the page, as his athleticism is below average for the edge rusher position. His lateral agility prevents his range as a tackler and his effectiveness as a stand-up rusher, and his straight-line speed prevents him from making more plays in space.

Willekes can do a better job of plugging up holes against the run, in that he can enhance his ability to hold blocks and preventing opponents from sealing him off. His counter moves, while showing some promise, could stand to improve a little bit more.

Projection: Day 3

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2020 NFL draft: Zack Baun scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Wisconsin edge defender prospect Zach Baun

Zack Baun | EDGE | Wisconsin

Elevator Pitch

Baun is a highly-athletic defender who broke out onto the scene in 2019. His range as a tackler, acceleration off the snap and motor with which he rushes the passer gives him a high ceiling at the next level. He’s a bit undersized, but NFL defensive coaches will have fun utilizing him in numerous different roles.

Vitals

Height | 6-2

Weight | 238

College Bio Page

Career Stats

Strengths

If you’re looking for a front-seven defender with athleticism and versatility, Baun is your guy.

Baun consistently accelerates well off the snap and has great burst coming out of his stance. He has impressive lateral agility in the open field, as he changes direction very well and is able to flip his hips fluidly and accelerate coming out of his breaks. This gives him a lot of range as a tackler in space. He’s able to turn the corner very well, as his hip and ankle flexibility allows him to dip underneath offensive tackles while still maintaining sharp pursuit angles to the quarterback. His quick-twitched athleticism gives him value bouncing inside on stunts: his mobility makes him a difficult pass rusher to keep up with.

When Baun rushes the passer, he plays with a high motor and fights hard on every play. He does a good job of churning his lower body and working to get inside hand leverage. His hands have shown some potential, as he plays with good quickness and has a handful of finesse moves in his arsenal as a pass rusher. He’s also pretty quick to diagnose plays and position himself in the best possible way to make a play. His athleticism for his size also gives him plenty of value dropping back in coverage, which should help him see the field more as a rookie on passing downs.

Weaknesses

For all of his athletic talents, Baun is lacking a bit in the size and strength department. As a light and undersized edge rusher, it may be tougher for him to match up head-on with NFL offensive tackles who would be 70 to 80 pounds heavier than he is. That may kick him to an off-ball role as a 4-3 SAM linebacker. He doesn’t pack much of a punch at the point of attack, and he isn’t able to generate much force in his lower body when he goes for a power rush. His pad level could stand to be more consistent, too.

Baun is also a bit of a one-year wonder. Though his 2019 production was no doubt impressive, he wasn’t nearly as productive in 2018 and didn’t do much in 2016. His 2017 campaign was ended in the preseason due to a foot injury. Is he able to sustain that high level of play and carry that momentum into the pros, or was this past season a flash in the pan? Teams will have to figure that out when evaluating him.

Projection: Day 2

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2020 NFL draft: Terrell Lewis scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Alabama edge defender prospect Terrell Lewis

Terrell Lewis | EDGE | Alabama

Elevator Pitch

Lewis is a lengthy and athletic edge rusher who brings plenty of explosiveness, range and upside to the table. The injury history might affect his stock a bit, but if he can stay healthy, he can be a quality starter at the next level.

Vitals

Height | 6-5

Weight | 262

College Bio Page

Career Stats

Strengths

The long-awaited debut of Lewis as a full-time contributor in Alabama’s defense finally came in 2019, and he made the most out of the opportunity.

In addition to the lengthy frame he possesses, Lewis is a great athlete for an edge rusher. He shows explosiveness coming out of his stance off the snap, and he has the mobility to move around fluidly in space and jump inside on stunts. He has good closing speed as an open-field tackler and offers some value as a pursuing backside defender. His ability to bend his hips to obtain pad leverage has shown some flashes at times, and the motor with which he plays in space is commendable.

Lewis has also shown plenty of upside in terms of his hand usage. He plays with quick hands and has flashed some strength in his swipes and jabs when stringing moves together. He’s also a smart player who has a good sense of where the ball is and where it’s going to go, and he can work off of blocks upon reading the play to quickly disengage and work to make a play on the ball.

Weaknesses

The biggest issue with Lewis is his durability. He’d be a pretty safe first-round pick with a clean bill of health, but he suffered a torn elbow ligament that forced him to miss 10 games in 2017, as well as a torn ACL that made him sit out all of the 2018 season. His bad luck with injuries is a bit of a red flag, so whichever team chooses him will have to be able to convince themselves that his skill set is worth the risk.

On the field, Lewis can do a better job of maintaining consistent pad level, as he rushes a bit high at times, preventing him from generating more power in his lower body. He doesn’t really have a power move in his arsenal yet; he’s much more of a finesse rusher at this stage in his career. His ability to set the edge as a run defender could use some work, and the power he plays with in his hands could be improved.

Projection: Day 2

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2020 NFL draft: Yetur Gross-Matos scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Penn State edge defender prospect Yetur Gross-Matos

Yetur Gross-Matos | EDGE | Penn State

Elevator Pitch

A lengthy edge defender with plus athleticism and plenty of physical tools, Gross-Matos is a low-floor, high-ceiling prospect who’s a major work in progress but has the potential to be a talented pass-rusher at the next level. His upside should be enough to get him selected somewhere in the first round.

Vitals

Height | 6-5

Weight | 266

College Bio Page

Career Stats

Strengths

The combination of size and athleticism gives Gross-Matos a very high ceiling at the next level.

He has great length with long arms off the edge, and his frame has the potential to add even more strength to it. He’s impressive from an athletic standpoint, as he fires off the ball well on a consistent basis. Gross-Matos’ flexibility and fluidity is top-notch, too, as he is capable of changing direction seamlessly in space and sinking his hips to rip and dip underneath offensive tackles. He has the agility to cut inside on stunts, and his fluidity in coverage makes him a valuable three-down defender.

Gross-Matos has plenty of range as a tackler in space, given his long frame and the mobility he possesses. He has shown some potential in regards to the technique in his hands, as well. He plays with quick hands and has been able to shed blocks in pass-rushing situations. His production at the collegiate level was also impressive, as he tallied 17 sacks and 34.5 tackles for a loss in his two seasons as a starter.

Weaknesses

Though his physical attributes are enticing, Gross-Matos still has a ways to go as a technician when rushing the passer. His pad level can be more consistent – his ability to generate power in his lower body isn’t all that great, and despite his flexible hips, he struggles with being the lower man on a regular basis. He’s a top-heavy defender who doesn’t offer a lot of anchor strength to hold blocks in run support yet.

Gross-Matos doesn’t have an extensive array of pass-rushing techniques yet, and there are some cases in which he struggles with keeping a plan when he rushes the quarterback. He doesn’t pack a powerful punch at the initial point of contact, and his ability to disengage with blockers in space isn’t all that great. His tackles for a loss numbers are impressive, but a lot of them took place when he was schemed in space, as opposed to plugging up holes.

Projection: 1st Round

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2020 NFL draft: Bradlee Anae scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Utah edge defender prospect Bradlee Anae

Bradlee Anae | EDGE | Utah

Elevator Pitch

Anae is another one of the Utes that will be looking to make the jump to the pros, and one of five on defense. Anae isn’t a speed rusher but is one of the more technically sound edge defenders for the upcoming class and could make an immediate impact as a rotational player with opportunity to work his way into a starting role. His best fit is in a 4-3 with his hand in the dirt.

Vitals

Height | 6-3

Weight | 257

Class | Senior

College Stats

College Bio

Combine Profile

Strengths

The Hawaii native is technically savvy with his hands. Often he attacks quickly with the first punch. He is one of the more advanced technicians among this edge class that gets pretty weak after Chase Young at the top. Anae can use a plethora of moves that he has in his tool box. He uses his length to his advantage, his push-pull technique is probably his best move.

Despite not having top end speed, Anae shows a good first step. He uses that to get the offensive tackle off balance and goes on the attack. He is a lunchpail, blue collar player. His motor and high energy is on full display when he is on the field. Doesn’t give up on plays as Anae continues to pursue.

Weaknesses

The biggest question mark that surrounds Anae will be attacking in the run game. While his play is solid on the edge, he can get washed out on blocks with more physical tackles. Needs to work on strength in his upper body to work on shedding blockers at the point of attack.

Anae has to win with technique given the fact that he isn’t one who can win with speed around the edge. Doesn’t have the bend that some of the other weakside defensive ends have at the NFL level. So working on his spin that is rather ineffective and inside pass rush will be key in his development.

Projection: Day 2

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2020 NFL draft: Josh Uche scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Michigan edge defender prospect Josh Uche

Josh Uche | EDGE | Michigan

Elevator Pitch

Uche brings plenty of athleticism and versatility to the edge rusher position. The burst he brings off the edge, his fluidity in space and the flashes he’s shown as a pass-rushing technician make him an intriguing project, though he might not be able to take on a full-time starter role early on in his career.

Vitals

Height | 6-1

Weight | 245

College Bio Page

Career Stats

Strengths

The pure athletic ability that Uche brings to a defense makes him a valuable chess piece.

An explosive rusher off the edge, Uche has great first-step acceleration for a 245-pounder. He is a fluid defender who has top-notch hip and ankle flexibility, which allows him to rip and dip underneath offensive tackles, as well as change direction in the open field. That athleticism also gives him some value dropping back in coverage, as he is able to offer solid range in zone, as well as above-average abilities as an edge rusher in man.

Though Uche is a shorter edge rusher, he uses that to his advantage. He plays with good pad level and does a good job of being the lower man in most of his reps. He has flashed the ability to convert speed to power, and his hand usage has been impressive at times, especially at the Senior Bowl.

Weaknesses

Uche has athletic tools to spare, but he still has some work to do before becoming a full-time impact starter in the NFL. Part of that stems from his play strength: he doesn’t pack a powerful punch at the point of attack, and his anchor strength is inconsistent. That lack of power in his game also makes it tougher for him to make an impact against the run.

While he has shown some promise with his hand usage, he’s still a work in progress in terms of his instincts and heading into each rep with a plan as a pass-rusher. He’s also only a one-year starter, and his lack of length off the edge is below average.

Projection: Day 2

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2020 NFL draft: A.J. Epenesa scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Iowa edge defender A.J. Epenesa

AJ Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa

Height | 6-6

Weight | 280

Class | Junior

College Bio Page

Career Stats

Strengths

Excellent hand usage and strength at the point of attack
Powerful hands that overwhelms offensive tackles
Plays with great leverage at the point of attack
Very developed pass rusher with wide array of moves
Showcases ability to use club, push-pull, bull rush, and other pass rush moves
Tireless motor and energy on every play
Excellent closing speed in pursuit of the ball carrier
Great timing off the snap
Excellent leadership on and off the field for the Hawkeyes

Weaknesses

Good bend, but not great around the edge
Not very explosive off the line, wins mostly with technique
Overall speed and athleticism are a bit of a concern as he isn’t elite in these areas
Needs to work on his counters after his initial rush move is stopped

Bottom Line

One of the top players in the country, Epenesa looks to be a top pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. His strength, technique, and leadership should make him one of the safer picks in this draft class as he does everything that a coach could want from a defensive end.

He had a fairly quiet start to the 2019 season, but all the traits from a technique standpoint are there on film. The only concern is if teams will be willing to overlook some athletic limitations in his game that may limit his upside. He should be a very good NFL player for a long time regardless.

Current Projection: Top 15

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