Tag: Nic Scourton

Bucs get edge rusher help in latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft

One part no one forgets about during the offseason is the NFL draft, with that comes mock drafts.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have needs at several positions as the 2025 offseason cycle heats up. Of course, we still have the Super Bowl to be played on Sunday before everyone joins the fun, but the Bucs front office has to know where they will go in the coming weeks.

One part no one forgets about during the offseason is the NFL draft, with that comes mock drafts.

One of the latest mock drafts published was by NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein. The longtime draft analyst published his first mock draft of the 2025 draft cycle. With the Bucs’ first pick at 19 overall, the Bucs were attached to edge rusher Nic Scourton. The Texas A&M defender has been seen by many as a great fit for the team, and if you look at Zierlein’s analysis, you will see that he would be a welcome addition to the defense.

“Scourton doesn’t seem to be getting much buzz these days, but he’s a three-down edge defender who rushes the passer with a good plan and has the skill to get home.”

Scourton transferred to the Aggies after starting his college career at Purdue. His film in the Big Ten was filled with more explosive plays but Texas A&M had his add some weight and it slowed him down but his instincts still had him in position to make plays.

Scourton would be a welcome addition to the Bucs edge rushers group if they decide to go his route.

Lions prospect profile: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

Scourton is a definite “crush the can” pass rush option with definite upside, though he’s got some legit negatives too

With NFL draft season now in full swing following the end of the Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl, it’s time to fire up the prospect profiles for players the Lions figure to have at least some interest in during the 2025 NFL Draft.

First up is a pass rusher who may or may not be available to Detroit with their first pick at No. 28 overall.

Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

  • Listed by the Aggies at 6-foot-4, 285 pounds
  • 14.5 TFLs, 5 sacks in 2024 and was voted Texas A&M’s defensive MVP
  • Transferred from Purdue after two seasons, where he led the Big Ten in sacks in 2023 with 10
  • 20 years old (turns 21 in August)

Scourton went back home to Texas A&M (he’s from neighboring Bryan, TX) after two productive years in the Big Ten at Purdue. He’s a large defensive end who played a fair amount at both schools from a stand-up OLB role as well as with a hand in the turf. He’s one of the youngest prospects in the draft.

Games watched: Texas, Arkansas, Notre Dame, LSU, South Carolina, Missouri, Michigan 2023 (in person), Iowa 2023

Positives

  • Definite “crush the can” pass rush style, power-to-speed off an impressive bull rush
  • Good use of his length and a violent initial jab on the pass rush
  • Has a nasty inside rip move and a quick (for his size) spin that can go inside or outside
  • Finishes with power and uses his length to corral well
  • Backside chase-down and contain effort is strong and kept improving
  • Gets good depth on his initial coverage drops from a stand-up start
  • Motor runs hot all the time

Negatives

  • Stiffer-than-expected lower body with poor bend around the edge
  • Consistently plays too high and narrow in the run game, especially from a 2-pt stance
  • Frequently the last lineman moving off the snap, even if it’s a half-count; the opposite of a snap-jumper
  • Chases the cheese on play-fakes and screens/swings too often
  • Will miss tackle opportunities by approaching too high

Overall

Scourton is a size/strength defensive end prospect who definitely fits the profile the Lions have looked for at EDGE. He’s a power-to-speed line anchor with pretty impressive power and a couple of nice pass-rush moves. Scourton plays hard and exudes energy, and he’s capable of playing on either side of the formation.

I have some concerns about his overall athleticism. Scourton is fast for his size but didn’t show a lot of flexibility or suddenness as a pass rusher, especially when starting from a 2-point stance. He’s going to need to play with better pad level more consistently and innately; Scourton flashed the ability to get low and anchor on the edge, but it wasn’t consistent. Other than a couple of splashy exceptions, Scourton was largely ineffective against top-50 offensive tackles like Armand Membou, Will Campbell and Kelvin Banks.

The upshot is that he doesn’t turn 21 until August and appeared to shed some bulk as his Aggies season progressed. That’s good, because at his listed 285 pounds he’s almost too big/sluggish for the position. The technical prowess of his game showed progress, but still needs more variety and a better sense of setting up moves.

I’ll be very interested in his official weight and his NFL Scouting Combine agility testing and the 10-yard split on his 40-yard dash. Scourton is currently my No. 44 overall player, but you’ll find many draft analysts have him as a top-20 prospect.

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PFF shares their perfect draft prospect for the New Orleans Saints

Pro Football Focus has found who they believe is the perfect prospect for each NFL team in the 2025 NFL draft class, and their choice for the Saints is an edge rusher

The 2025 NFL offseason is getting closer by the day as the playoffs continue toward Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. With that, we also grow nearer to the 2025 NFL draft, where the New Orleans Saints hold the No. 9 overall pick and good trade leverage when it comes to other picks. There will always be speculation when it comes to who teams will draft, and often times they will likely not be right.

With that said, Pro Football Focus shared their predictions and analysis for who they believe is the best prospect for each team in the upcoming draft class. Their choice for the Saints is edge rusher Nic Scourton out of Texas A&M. Here’s the rationale provided for this pick:

“The Saints team pass-rush grade was 65.5 in 2024, which ranked 23rd. Chase Young led the team with 47 pressures on the year, followed by Carl Granderson and then the talented but aging star Cam Jordan.

While there is only one Cam Jordan, Nic Scourton could be an important piece in trying to replace Jordan in the aggregate. Jordan only played 564 snaps in 2024, but that was following 13 straight seasons of at least 770 snaps per year. Nic Scourton is a heavy-handed, big, strong defensive lineman who, at 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds, is almost the identical size as Jordan. While Jordan played predominantly on the left side during his career, Scourton has played over 500 snaps on both the left and right side of the Aggies defense over the last two years.”

When it comes to predictions, Scourton feels very similar to what the Saints look for at defensive end. Large body and frame with proven versatility at their position, solid but not elite production, and some element of potential that leaves room for development.

With Brian Young taking over many of the defensive line coaching duties previously, and a new head coaching hire incoming this season, we may see a complete staff overhaul which could be positive or negative pending who it is. Regardless, it gives Scourton and any other prospects a chance to come into something new and develop at a reasonable pace, which is positive for their careers.

Overall, the edge position has been difficult for the Saints in recent years, and if they are going to take one it needs to be someone they are sure is going to pan out. Scourton is solid no doubt, but there may be better options up at the No. 9 pick as well, so we will see how it plays out.

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Packers assistant coach will get up close look at potential first-round targets during Senior Bowl

Packers assistant Wendel Davis will get an up close look at some top prospects while coaching at the Senior Bowl.

Green Bay Packers defensive quality control coach Wendel Davis will lead the linebackers and edge rushers for the American Team during Senior Bowl practices throughout the week. It’s a group that includes a pair of players who could be targets for the Packers in the first round of the 2025 draft.

Let’s take a look at five players from this group that could be targets for Brian Gutekunst:

Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M

The Purdue transfer recorded 14 tackles for loss, five sacks and 36 pressures during his lone season at College Station. Scourton is a powerful edge rusher, who may have the best spin move in this draft class. If Scourton is on the board when the Packers are on the clock with the 23rd overall pick, it would not be shocking to hear his name get called.

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Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M

The Texas A&M defensive lineman has a unique blend of power and speed. He’s listed at 6-6, 290 pounds and moves closer to a player built like Clay Matthews. Stewart would bring instance juice to Green Bay’s pass rush while providing a powerful presence against the run. If he’s still on the board when Green Bay is on the clock, it would not be surprising to see Gutekunst add Stewart to the defensive line mix.

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Barryn Sorrell, Edge, Texas

A member of Bruce Feldman’s Freaks list, Sorrell is a well-put-together edge rusher. As a run defender, he snatches and tosses and sets a hard edge. The Texas edge rusher finished this past season with 11 tackles for loss, six sacks and 49 pressures.

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Shemar James, LB, Florida

James shows good range in pass coverage. He plays with the lateral athleticism to match up with tight ends in coverage. The Florida Gator linebacker shows good burst in pursuit.

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Princely Umanmielen, Edge, Ole Miss

The Florida transfer has a quick first step and is a twitched-up edge rusher. He’d bring instant juice to Green Bay’s pass rush. He finished his lone season as a Rebel with 14.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks and 55 pressures. He’s not a dominant force against the run, but he has the functional strength to hold up on the edge.

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Cardinals land pass rusher in new mock draft

In the latest mock draft from Draft Wire, the Cardinals pick up a pass rusher from the SEC.

The Arizona Cardinals’ greatest offseason need is arguably at outside linebacker, where they lack consistent pass-rushing production. In a new mock draft from Draft Wire’s Curt Popejoy, they address it.

In these projections for the first round, the Cardinals select Texas A&M edge rusher Nic Scourton.

He is big at 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds.

Last season for the Aggies, his only season at Texas A&M, as he played previously for Purdue, he had five sacks and 14 tackles for loss.

That came after a 10-sack season with 15 tackles for losses with the Boilermakers.

He is projected to go somewhere from the middle to the end of the first round, based on what most mocks say.

Last season, the Cardinals’ leader in sacks was Zaven Collins with five. Yes, BJ Ojulari will come back from a torn ACL, but he has only played about half a season in two years.

Popejoy ranks Scourton as his No. 3 edge rusher in this draft.

The NFL draft will begin April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

 

Commanders land pass rusher in latest Mel Kiper mock draft

ESPN’s Mel Kiper predicts that the Washington Commanders will land a pass rusher in his latest mock draft.

While the Washington Commanders remain focused on their post-season endeavors, a portion of the organization must focus on the future. Whether they win or lose, the 2025 NFL draft is still happening in April, and they have to evaluate their needs and which draftable players can fill that need.

One of the Commanders’ biggest weaknesses all season was their run defense. They were the third worst run defense in the NFL in 2024, allowing a total of 2,337 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground, an average of 4.8 yards per carry. One of the ways they can address the run defense is with the draft, and ESPN’s Mel Kiper has a candidate in mind:

Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M

The Commanders are picking this late (and possibly later) largely because they got immediate star power from their 2024 first-round pick: quarterback Jayden Daniels. Can they take another step forward by acing their 2025 first-round selection? Scourton plays with power. And while he can get to the quarterback as a pass rusher (5 sacks), I really like this fit because of his run defense. Washington was chewed up for 4.8 yards allowed per rush this season, 28th in the league. But Scourton has the strength to set an edge against the run, and he finished the season with 14 tackles for loss and 11 run stops.

Even if the Commanders drop in the draft because they win on Sunday, there’s no reason to think that Scourton wouldn’t be available to them anyway. He’s a good fit for what the Commanders need and has the ability to make an immediate impact, which is rare among rookies.

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A look at the Lions picks from Dane Brugler’s latest mock draft

A look at the Lions first two picks from Dane Brugler’s latest mock draft at The Athletic

Mock draft season is in full swing. All-star games are right around the corner and there is just one game left in the college football season, Ohio State vs. Notre Dame for the National Championship on January 20.

The latest mock draft we’ll take a look at is from Dane Brugler of The Athletic. Brugler went two rounds in this mock and we’ll touch on both of those picks.

Brugler went with regular-season finishes to determine picks 25-32 and 57-64. The final order of those picks will be determined based on postseason results. For now, the Lions ended up with the No. 32 pick in the first round. Lions fans are hoping that ends up being the reality, as that would mean the Lions will have won the Super Bowl.

At pick 32, the Lions go with Texas A&M edge rusher Nic Scourton. Scourton and Lions head coach Dan Campbell have a couple of things in common. They’re both built with a powerful motor and just get after everything they do. They’re also from the same school. Campbell also played his college ball at Texas A&M. (Note: Scourton was a transfer from Purdue.)

“There should be a few options for the Lions to add key depth at edge rusher late in Round 1,” wrote Brugler. “Scourton has mostly Day 2 draft grades around the league, but he projects as a starter because of his ability to wear down blockers with a motor that doesn’t quit — something Dan Campbell (a former Aggie himself) would appreciate.”

Lions fans will get a chance to watch Scourton in a few weeks at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.

Scourton finished the 2024 season with five sacks and 27 tackles. He recorded 17 sacks in his career, including a ten-sack season in 2023 with Purdue.

At pick 64, the Lions add to their secondary room with Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison. Morrison has a ton of talent but a hip injury will cause him to drop on boards. He played in just six games this season for the Irish but did record three passes defended and 20 tackles. For his career, Morrison has 84 tackles, 18 passes defended and nine interceptions.

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13 players Packers could target with 23rd overall pick in 2025 draft

The Packers have the 23rd overall pick in the 2025 draft. Who could be some early targets to monitor?

The Green Bay Packers officially own the 23rd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The last time the Packers held the 23rd overall pick, the franchise selected Bryan Bulaga in the 2010 NFL Draft. As a rookie, Bulaga started at right tackle during Super Bowl XLV for the Packers.

After a disappointing end to the season, the Packers need Brian Gutekunst to put together another stellar draft class and it starts with finding an impact player in the first round.

Who could be available when the Packers are on the clock on April 24th? Let’s take an early look at the landscape.

Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State

Williams is a roadblock against the run. He controls his gap and can peel off blocks to get his hands on ball carriers. The Ohio State defensive tackle has the tools to wreck the opposing team’s ground game.

Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M

Scourton has an ideal frame and plays with a ton of power. He has a spin move that would make Dwight Freeney smile and will turn 21 in August. He finished his lone season at College Station with 14 tackles for loss, five sacks and 36 pressures.

Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M

The Texas A&M defensive lineman has a unique blend of power and speed. He’s listed at 6-6, 290 pounds and would bring juice to Green Bay’s pass rush. He’s a player Jeff Hafley could move up and down the defensive line.

Josh Conerly Jr, OT, Oregon

Oregon’s starting left tackle has an NFL frame and gave up one sack and nine pressures this season. He has the lateral quickness to mirror edge rushers and is a good athlete in space.

Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

The Michigan State transfer has bully power to drive offensive linemen backward. Harmon is quick out of his stance and finished this past season with 11 tackles for loss, five sacks and 55 pressures. He’s stout at the point of attack, with the power to shed and toss.

Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss

The Alabama transfer finished this past season with four tackles for loss, three interceptions and 13 pass deflections. Amos has an ideal frame and a track background.

Shavon Revel Jr, CB, East Carolina

The East Carolina cornerback suffered a torn ACL in September. If it wasn’t for that season-ending injury, Revel would likely have been a Top 15 pick in the upcoming draft. He’s an athletic, lanky cornerback with the tools to lock down half the field.

Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Death, Taxes and Ohio State having an NFL-ready wide receiver in the NFL Draft. Brian Hartline deserves a raise. Egbuka is a detailed route runner and has sharp footwork. He’s adept at finding the open spots in zone coverage and has sticky hands. He’d quickly become Jordan Love’s best friend.

Landon Jackson, Edge, Arkansas

Jackson is a Gutekunst pass rusher through and through. He’s a power-packed edge rusher with an ideal frame. He’s a sledgehammer and finished this past season with 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and 35 pressures.

Jahdae Barron, DB, Texas

Last season Barron was one of the best slot defenders in the country. This season he’s shown that he can survive on the boundary. Barron led the SEC in interceptions (5) and added 11 pass deflections. He has the drive explosion to arrive before the pigskin and has wide receiver-like ball skills. He’s a physical downfield defender and stays balanced as a tackler.

JT Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State

Standing at 6-4 and weighing 270 pounds, Tuimoloau looks like he was sent from central casting. Tuimoloau rushes the quarterback with power and has heavy hands.

Kelvin Banks Jr, OL, Texas

Banks finished his career at Texas with 42 starts at left tackle to his name. Banks has good range as a run blocker and has good movement skills. Some teams may view him as a guard. Given his athleticism, age (21 in March) and potential tackle-guard versatility, Banks could be high on Green Bay’s board.

Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

The Texas A&M transfer recorded 14 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and 35 pressures during his lone season at Ole Miss. He has excellent quickness and change of direction skills. Nolen has an explosive first step and could help bolster Green Bay’s interior pass rush.

2025 mock draft: 49ers may be able to maximize talented edge rusher

New mock draft, new pass rusher for the 49ers.

There’s not a more important aspect of the San Francisco 49ers defense than their pass rush.

That unit struggled in the 2024 season, which didn’t help the struggles that led to the ouster of defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen. Addressing that group has to be a priority in the 2025 NFL draft, and they do so in a new mock draft from the Draft Wire.

In that recent one-round mock, the 49ers select Texas A&M edge rusher Nic Scourton with the No. 11 overall pick.

Scourton is an intriguing prospect with good size and athleticism that should quickly translate to the NFL. He’s listed at 6-4, 280 pounds, but he moves laterally like a much smaller DE.

He spent his first two years at Purdue and led the Big 10 in sacks with 10.0 in the 2023 season as a sophomore. Scourton transferred to Texas A&M for the 2024 season and didn’t have as much success getting quarterbacks on the ground in the SEC, finishing with 5.0 sacks. Pro Football Focus had him down for an impressive 42 pressures in 263 pass rush snaps in 2023. That number dropped to 35 pressures in 318 pass rush snaps this season.

It’s easy to see why San Francisco would be intrigued with Scourton based on his tools as an edge rusher, but his size may afford him the versatility to kick inside and contribute as an interior pass rusher as well. If the 49ers think they can snag a pass rusher who can make an impact at two positions, it’s hard to imagine they’d pass on him with their first-round choice.

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Texas A&M DL Nic Scourton accecpts the invite for the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl

Bryan-College Station native Nic Scourton is headed to the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl

The 2025 NFL draft is a few months away and players are finding ways to increase their draft stock. One of the biggest platforms will be Reese’s Senior Bowl which will take place in early February in Mobile, Alabama.

It’s been confirmed that Texas A&M junior defensive lineman Nic Scourton has accepted the invite to participate in the week-long event at the Hancock Whitney Stadium from January 28 through February 1.

Scourton came to A&M has one of the top DL transfers in the country and fulfilled a dream of being able to play college football in front of his hometown. He also wanted to show that he could compete in the SEC, and he proved that he did belong. His numbers do not jump off the page with only 37 tackles with five sacks but at 6’4″ 285lbs, he will be an intriguing prospect at the next level.

The Reese’s Senior Bowl is widely regarded as the preeminent college football all-star game and the first stage in the NFL Draft process. The longest continual-running all-star game has taken place in Mobile, Alabama the past 76 years.

Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.