It’s an understatement to describe the NFL scouting process as “playing the long game.” It starts with the first impressions of the game film. Then you have the Scouting Combine, Pro Days, interviews, individual tape analysis, discussions with the other members of the scouting team/front office/coaching staff, and on and on.
By the time the Baltimore Ravens selected Adisa Isaac at pick No. 93 in the third round of the NFL Draft, they had done their homework and then some.
Of course, you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and Pass Rush Coordinator Chuck Smith described what he initially thought of Isaac.
“First time I seen him, just watching Penn State-Auburn, last year, or two years ago, and they beat the breaks off of Auburn,” Smith said on Monday.
“But I watched him, and he was fantastic. When I watched his film, he was explosive, had power, the ability to change directions and all those other things, it was super smart.”
Smith discussed how there was much more to it than just the on-the-field component. Isaac came off like someone who could easily fit in with Baltimore.
“He’s tall and long and he has a lot of strength, and he was a good dude…I thought he could fit in,” Smith continued.
The rookie is currently listed as the third-string WLB or Will (weakside) linebacker.
Added Smith:
“He’s out there just getting started, and it’s exciting to see him do some good things.”