2020 NFL Draft November Big Board: Jalen Hurts, K’Lavon Chaisson on the rise
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K'Lavon Chaisson Edge
Scouting Report
Entering the season, K’Lavon Chaisson was a prospect who you either saw as a first-round pick or one that you just weren’t sure about. He has so many traits that will excite you yet he will too often disappear in games due to questions of his motor. In his biggest game of the year against Alabama, his motor ran all night long and his stock ran with it. He showed the ability to not only be a stand up edge but he also showed his ability and toughness to play with his hand in the dirt.
Chaisson has excellent bend coming off the edge that comes with a very good step that shows off how good his upfield burst is. He shoots out of his stance low while being able to dip his shoulder and run the track without losing speed. He has very good hip flexibility that allows him to play in pass coverage as well as an underneath defender.
There are plays where you can see him look comfortable in coverage while using his eyes to process routes and get depth. Chaisson uses his elite burst and athleticism to translate into good change of directions skills as a coverage linebacker. This level of versatility is what makes him exciting as a prospect who has so much boom or bust potential.
Most surprisingly in his game is how disciplined and willing he is to involve himself in the run game when his hand is in the dirt. Chaisson does a good job of squeezing the line and cutting off cut back lanes. He shows good strength to take on blocks without being driven off of the ball and using his length to extend and shed.
Missed his sophomore season after suffering an ACL injury in the first game, he hasn’t played a lot of football. The inexperience shows up in his lack of refinement as a pass rusher who needs to equip himself with more counters and learn how to use his hands. K’Lavon Chaisson is an exciting prospect who provides versatility with elite upside that should make him a first rounder come April.