Corey Liuget Scouting Report

Versus the Run: Doesn’t consistently show that quick first step off the ball. Struggles to anchor against double teams and often gets taken out of the play. Could get stronger to help at the point of attack. Does do a nice job of locating ball carriers and is a solid tackler. Also shows the ability to flow down the line of scrimmage to make tackles outside of the box. On occasion, he’ll over run a play and allow the ball carrier to cutback. In one-on-one situations does a nice job of using his hands to shed blocks. Shows adequate foot speed. Can be a disruption in the backfield, compiling 12.5 tackles for loss in 2010.

Pass Rush Skills: If matched up one-on-one can penetrate and wreak havoc in the backfield.  Shows a good bull rush, but needs to develop other pass rush moves.  Although he played mostly at the 3-technique, he also played a little 1 and 5-technique at times. For his size, he is a decent athlete.  If he’s not going to get pressure on the quarterback, he puts his hands up in an attempt to knock passes down. Being stout in stature and having a solid lower half helps him gain leverage. Can be dominant at times, but would like to see him be more consistent.

Quickness (hands/feet): At times shows a quick first step, but would like to see it more consistently. Will occasionally anticipate snap count and get off the ball quickly.  Does a nice job of getting hands up to shed blockers or go through them.

Toughness/Motor: Has a great motor. Rarely takes a play off or gives up on a play. On plays behind him, will turn and pursue to try and get in on the tackle. It does seem like he tires late in games. Will need to improve on his conditioning at the next level. Shows the toughness that teams want, and whats needed for the position.

Intangibles: Was a team captain in 2010. Earned second team All-Big Ten in 2010. Lost 30-pounds between the 2009 and 2010 season. Chose Illinois over Florida State, LSU, and Miami. Member of his high school wrestling team. Plays the game hard every snap. Only 21 years old, so he has a lot of football ahead of him.  Declared for the draft after his junior season.

Overall Stock: Corey shows the potential to be a solid NFL starting defensive lineman for many years. He has experience at multiple positions along the defensive line. It’s possible that a team may look at him as a 1 or 5-technique, but I believe he belongs at the 3-technique in a 4-3 in order to maximize his full potential. He can be a quick, gap shooting defensive tackle that lives in the backfield. I love his motor and the way he plays the game.  Would like to see him develop more pass rush moves and as a pass rusher overall. Could stand to hit the weight room to add more strength. At this point in time, I don’t think he can handle constant double teams. On draft day, Corey could hear his name called as early as the middle of the first round. However, I see his value being in the late first to early second round range.

NFL Comparison: Jonathan Babineaux

* * *