NFL Combine: Pass Rushers Dive Into Their Skill Sets
The NFL Combine is underway with defensive linemen and linebackers speaking to the media on Wednesday. The Indianapolis Colts don't necessarily have a pressing need at any of these positions, but it is always important to keep an eye on players that could fit the Chris Ballard mold.
I was able to speak with three defensive linemen during this media session that could fit the height/weight/speed thresholds that Ballard covets in the draft. Could any of these players end up with the Colts this year?
Trajan Jeffcoat, Arkansas
Jeffcoat is a former three star recruit that began his collegiate career at Missouri. He accumulated 11.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for a loss over his first four seasons with the Tigers, including a standout six sack campaign as a sophomore. He transferred to Arkansas for his final season, where he finished the year with 8.5 tackles for a loss and four sacks with the Razorbacks.
The 6'4" 266 pound edge rusher possesses the requisite size and length (33.5 inch arms) that Ballard covets at the position. Jeffcoat wasn't a Senior Bowl invite, but he did flash some ability at the Shrine Bowl this offseason. If he can hit strong explosive scores at the Combine this week, he could easily be a Ballard fit at defensive end on day three of the draft.
You were at the Shrine Bowl this offseason. What was that experience like for you?
TJ: The Shrine Bowl was a great experience for me, man. It was great to be around new people and to have that new experience but also to be around those kids. You learn to understand that your words are very powerful and you can encourage those kids as well. It was great work seeing the NFL players that came in to talk to us. It was just an awesome experience all around.
When you approach a certain match-up, what are you looking for on film from that player?
TJ: I'm looking at how he sets, his demeanor, how strong he is, how good his hips are.. Is he good at combating finesse? Is he good at combating power? There is a lot of things that I look at that decide how I'm going to attack my opponent.
Do you have that go-to move in your back pocket that you rely on more than others?
I would say the bull.. but it's not exactly a bull rush. I would say a stutter to an outside swipe or the spin back in. I feel like those last two just developed over time. I gained an understanding of where the quarterback is in the pocket and how to close that space quickly and I found those last two moves really helped me be disruptive.
Myles Cole, Texas Tech
Cole is a former two star recruit that began his collegiate career at Louisiana Monroe University. He spent four years with that program, where he totaled 3.5 tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks as a defensive end. He transferred up to Texas Tech for his final two seasons, spending time at both edge rusher and defensive tackle with the program.
The 6'5" 272 pound Cole is one of the freakiest defenders in this draft class. He was a Feldman's Freaks list candidate for 2023 and his insane 36.375 inch arms were the longest among all players at the Senior Bowl this year. Cole is an extremely raw pass rusher but he has the traits that Ballard is bound to love in this upcoming draft.
You spent some time in college at both outside linebacker and defensive tackle. Where do you see your best fit in the NFL?
Yeah when I first arrived at Texas Tech they had me playing a lot of defensive tackle before moving me out to outside linebacker this past season. I felt much more comfortable at linebacker this year so I'd say that would be my best fit for sure.
What would you say is the biggest difference between rushing from the interior and rushing from the edge?
The space. Everything is happening right now when you are rushing from the inside but the outside is all about working your way into that contact zone before the battle begins. You really have to think on your toes when rushing inside though because that contact zone is right there in front of you.
What would you say is your go-to move as a rusher?
I like to finish with a rip regardless of where I'm rushing. Finishing with a rip and bending around the blocker is how I like to win my rushes.
Nelson Caeser, Houston
Caeser is a former three star recruit that spent his entire college career at Houston. He came along slowly his first two seasons in college, totaling 7.5 sacks and 14 tackles for a loss over that time span. He emerged as a legit contributor in his junior season, however, notching 13.5 tackles for a loss and 9.5 sacks for the Cougars in 2023.
Caesar is a bit on the lighter end but he is a developed pass rusher with a lot of juice. He had a solid Senior Bowl week this offseason and could prove himself to be a Colts' fit with a strong showing at the Combine this week.
Patrick Paul was a massive and athletic tackle that you had to face every day in practice at Houston. How would you prepare to attack a tackle with his type of skill set?
What I normally do to attack an offensive tackle is start with a power move first. I think a lot guys expect speed when they see move so I like to go power move first. Once I do that, I like to mix in some finesse and some speed to power moves. I like to change up the plan when I'm pass rushing.
Do you like to change your plan based on the offensive tackle or do you rely on your skill set at the end of the day?
I feel like pass rush is all about feel. Sometimes it does depend on the game situation. Early in a game, when I'm juiced up and everything, I like to throw bulls and set the tone. After a while I see what's working and I develop a plan of what I want to set up and mix in.
What would you say is your go-to move as a pass rusher?
If the game was on the line and I had to beat the guy in front of me, I would go stab single for sure.
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