With The First Pick
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Derrick Nnadi, Florida State: 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Jon Dove

Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (91) reacts after a sack with defensive end Josh Sweat (9) in the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (91) reacts after a sack with defensive end Josh Sweat (9) in the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
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Florida State’s Derrick Nnadi is a disruptive interior defensive line prospect who should be an early 2018 NFL Draft pick.

Derrick Nnadi is a well-rounded defensive line prospect who can support the run and create pressure. He features a short build with a thick lower half. His low center of gravity provides him with natural leverage.

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Nnadi routinely generates a strong initial jolt. He explodes out of his stance, rolls his hips and creates movement. His commitment to gaining inside hands allows him to control the action. Nnadi is a naturally strong individual which helps him dominate at the point of attack.

Against the run, Nnadi anchors after contact and is rarely moved off the line of scrimmage. He routinely knocks the opposing offensive lineman into the backfield off the snap. This disrupts the timing of the entire offense.

His strong upper body allows Nnadi to easily disengage and pursue the football. He also has the closing burst to make plays away from his frame. This is an instinctual player who easily locates the ball carrier and pursues.

Nnadi’s combination of power and quickness make him an effective pass rusher. His ability to push the pocket into the face of the quarterback really interrupts the flow of the offense. Florida State is aware of this value and mainly asks Nnadi to utilize this skill.

However, he does flash the lateral quickness and burst to also work through the gap. His wide-range of pass rush moves make him a major threat. It also means that he’s an ideal fit to play 3-technique in a 4-3 attack.

The one concern, which is minor, is his overall size and length. However, we have seen smaller defensive tackles like Aaron Donald take the league by storm.

Nnadi is an impressive prospect who could a dominant force along the defensive front. He’s a two-way player who can impact the run and passing attack equally. His potential as a disruptor is something every defensive coordinator will notice.

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