If your favorite NFL team is looking for a defensive line prospect in the 2020 NFL draft who can do it all, Auburn’s Nick Coe should be on their radar.
Coe recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine, how playing at Auburn prepared him for the pro ranks, and what kind of player he’ll be at the next level.
JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?
NC: It was definitely a very different experience. You certainly don’t have any experience with anything like it going into the event. It was all new to me. There’s nothing in college that can really prepare you for that. I’m just working hard to reach my goals. It’s part of the process. I enjoyed my time out there.
JM: What do you feel is the overall impression that you left out there?
NC: I believe that I left a pretty good impression out there. I think that I proved that I’m a versatile guy. I played multiple positions across the Auburn defensive line and that’s something that I expect to do at the next level as well. The combine definitely surprises you. You don’t really know what you’re getting yourself into. I’m glad I did it. I paid attention to the finer details. You have to choose your words carefully. Everything you say is very important. It’s basically the biggest job interview of your life. I think it went great for me.
JM: Did you have a lot of formal or informal interviews out there?
NC: I had a lot of meetings, yeah. It’s all a blur right now. I met with so many teams. We had some great discussions. The informals can get a little hectic. You’re just walking around and chatting. I feel good about it.
JM: What was the strangest question you were asked at the combine?
NC: I didn’t get asked anything strange. Whew, what a relief that was (laughs). I’ve heard some of the stories. I guess I was one of the lucky ones. Every question was pretty straight forward. We just talked about life and football. They just asked me some basic questions.
JM: How would you describe your pass rush arsenal?
NC: I would describe it as versatile. I could rush from any stance or position. That’s basically what I did at Auburn. They moved me all over the place. I played some outside linebacker at Auburn. I’m used to standing up as well. I’m a versatile rusher. My pro team can play me at any position across the line really.
JM: How do you switch things up throughout the course of a game to keep an offensive tackle on his toes?
NC: I just try to make sure I’m doing a great job stopping the run and setting the edge. It’s all about playing big. That starts to really get under his skin after a while. He’ll start to lose energy throughout the game. He may not be used to that. Pass rushing is more about having a variety of moves. If you’re switching it up with success, he doesn’t know what’s coming next. You just gotta throw everything at him. That’s the best way to handle it.
JM: Playing at Auburn afforded you the opportunity to play against the best competition college football had to offer. Who are some of the best tackles you’ve gone up against?
NC: I have to go with my own teammate. Braden Smith was by far the best tackle I’ve ever played against. Jedrick Wills from Alabama was a great one as well. Those are the two that stick out to me.
JM: If you were going into battle tomorrow and you could only bring one teammate with you, who would you bring and why?
NC: I wanna say myself. Can I say that? I would clone myself and bring myself with me (laughs). To be honest, I would bring Marlon Davidson with me. He knows so much more about this country than I do (laughs). He’s just a smart guy. I would definitely want him with me.
JM: What kind of player is Nick Coe going to be at the next level?
NC: They’re getting a trustworthy guy that’s been a productive, versatile player at a big school. I’m an honest guy. I enjoy life. I love life. They’re getting a very happy person.
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