STRENGTHS
Chris is a technically sound, stand-up Defensive End. He has good size and is very smart and shows leadership skills through his consistent play on the field. He is the perfect fit for a Bill Belichick defensive system stand-up, edge rusher because he is smart and doesn’t make mistakes. He does his job. Chris has solid overall athletic talent to play his position. He has almost the perfect size and arm length teams that play Bill’s style of defense look for also. Chris has the mental stamina to play with the consistency needed through all four quarters, that not many players have. This almost mind-numbing, consistent play, allows Chris to make plays in the fourth quarter against more athletically talented players who lack the ability to be consistent. Chris is that player that waits in the weeds for you to make a mistake and that’s when he takes advantage.
CONCERNS
Chris is not the type of player you put in a three-point stance. He has to see into the backfield before the snap to be effective. He also is not explosive off the ball. He is a “read and react” type of player and not a “react and read” type of player. Chris can drop off the line into zone coverage but don’t expect him to single-cover a player too far off the line of scrimmage.
BOTTOM LINE: 3.97
Chris is a good solid football player. He makes plays because others make mistakes and he is always doing his job. The biggest draft issue for Chris, and the one that will affect his draft status is, that he really only fits a certain type of defense to be effective and not many teams play that style of defense. He is limited athletically compared to most others in the draft and could get lost in the selection process. Nevertheless, Chris can become a core player and a fan favorite if he gets on the field in the right style of defense. Here’s the catch, with the new kickoff rules Chris becomes a more “sort-after type” of football player because of his size consistent play, and leadership skills. You know long have to have blazing speed to be effective with these new rules. It will take more of an ability to get off blocks quickly and attack with the consistency of staying in your lane. Engage, shed the block, and make a sure tackle.
