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2017 NFL Draft: Arkansas Deatrich Wise Jr. Scouting Report

By Jon Dove

Sep 5, 2015; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. (48) celebrates as the defenses stops the UTEP Miners on third down during the second quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2015; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. (48) celebrates as the defenses stops the UTEP Miners on third down during the second quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Arkansas is looking for a breakout year from defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr.

Deatrich Wise Jr. is a long and productive defensive end prospect. His combination of size and length means that he fits as a traditional 4-3 defensive end which are harder to find these days. This combined with his potential as a pass rusher should make him an attractive commodity come draft time.

Wise is successful because of his length and long arms. He’s able to keep blockers off his frame and quickly disengage. That arm length also helps him get his hands on the quarterback or football. His non-stop motor is another thing that helps his production. Wise doesn’t quit on the play and will routinely be seen chasing the ball several yards down the field.

He shows a feel for using angles and his body to keep the edge. This is important because Wise isn’t an explosive athlete. He lacks the short-area burst and quick-twitch ability that make post pass rushers effective.

It’s his long legs that hinder his explosiveness as he takes long strides which make it harder for him to reach his full speed. Wise also has some issues changing direction and limiting his suddenness and lateral wiggle. He’s not someone who’ll be able to counter inside with just his

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movements or quickness.

Wise also needs to get stronger in the run game and focus on keeping his pads down. He tends to play a little high which allows the blocker to get into his frame and drive him off the ball. If he focuses on keeping low and maintaining leverage he’ll improve in this area.

Overall, Wise has some good traits that give him the potential to be a productive NFL player. His length can’t be taught and something evaluators look for in a defensive end prospect. He has been productive at the college level and shows a knack for getting after the quarterback.

However, his lack of explosiveness is a concern which could make it tough to gain the edge against the more athletic offensive tackles in the NFL.

Current Draft Status: 2nd Round

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