From now until the 2020 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#8 DJ Wonnum/EDGE South Carolina – 6’4/5 258
The Good
– Long frame with ability to add weight and rare length for position (34 1/8 inches)
– Uses length well in run and pass game, creating length between him and blocker, helps initiate contact as a pass rusher
– High motor player who chases the run well, flies to the ball with top effort
– Wins against tight ends in run game, good hand use to shed blockers
– Willing to take on blockers in run game, doesn’t back down against pullers and able to wrong arm to defeat them
– Versatile player who lined with hand up/down, played both sides, open/closes, experience off ball and on zone drops
– Length will help knock ball out as pass rusher and get in throwing lanes
– Regarded as leader in locker room, good story who worked hard to return from injury for senior season
– Good starting experience
The Bad
– Wiry frame that doesn’t have much bulk, not as big as measurables suggest and has thin lower half
– Older than you’d like (will be 23 in October)
– Average to below average athlete, average snap off the ball
– Lacks hip/ankle flexibility to turn the corner, stiff player who struggles to bend through contact
– Doesn’t have go-to pass rush move, though shows decent plan and will attack in variety of ways
– Fails to show a heavy strike on his punch when he rushes with power, must get stronger overall
– Stiff and rigid in zone drops, looks robotic when moving backwards or changing directions, rarely if ever played man coverage on a back/tight end
– Production was never great
– Struggles to finish plays, misses too many tackles and left too many opportunities on the table
– Disappeared in some guys, hot and cold player statistically
Bio
– 30 career starts
– Career: 137 tackles (29.