NFL Draft Profile: Tyrus Wheat, EDGE, Mississippi State Bulldogs
Tyrus Wheat
Mississippi State Bulldogs
#2
Pos: EDGE
Ht: 6022
Wt: 263
Hand: 0900
Arm: 3278
Wing: 7848
40: 4.65
DOB: 12/8/1999
Hometown: Amite, LA
High School: Amite
Eligibility: 2023
One-Liner:
Tyrus Wheat is an undersized EDGE with average athleticism and strength who wins with effort and utilizing his high motor. He would be best suited as a 2 pt, stand up OLB in 5 man fronts such as a base 3-4 or a 2-4-5
Evaluation:
Tyrus Wheat is a slightly undersized EDGE defender with average athleticism. With the mold of his frame, he has room to grow and continue to build strength at the next level. He is not a physical player in the trenches or on contact with the ball carrier, however, could improve with enhanced time in the weight room. Against the pass, Wheat can be satisfactory in zone coverage dropping 10 or so yards down the field in his backpedal. He will get to where he needs to be and should not be a liability - can cover bigger running backs in man in emergency situations. As a pass rusher, he never gives up on the play and will always continue to try to beat the blocker in front of him as he always displays great effort. However, Wheat does not possess the elite bend or athleticism to not be pushed around the pocket by longer or more athletic blockers. Against the run, Wheat can fight between double teams using his length and size to gain separation and slide between the blockers. He consistently sets the edge by reading the backfield, using his length to gain separation from the tackle or tight end, shed, and make a play on the rusher. Not a smooth mover by any means, but capable of doing so. Wheat can move laterally and change direction on occasion yet should not be asked to do so on a regular basis as it would be best suited in sporadic plays and packages. As a tackler, there are moments where he goes through the motions and does not firmly take down the ball carrier - this can be changed. Wheat constantly plays with a high motor which shows on nearly every play he is on the field. Wheat can dip either shoulder versus interior and exterior offensive lineman to effectively get around blockers and make a play in the backfield against the run and pass.
Grade:
5th Round
Background:
Originally from Amite, Louisiana. Attended Amite High School. Began his college career at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. As a freshman, played in ten games, totaling sixty five tackles and two interceptions. During his sophomore season, played in nine games, totaling thirty nine tackles, two forced fumbles, three fumbles recovered, and three interceptions. Transferred to Mississippi State University prior to the 2020 season. As a junior, played in nine games, totaling thirty tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one interception. During his senior season, started in all thirteen games, totaling forty six tackles, 7.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one interception. Decided to use his extra year of eligibility. As a graduate student, played in twelve games, totaling fifty three tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, one interception, and two fumble recoveries
