2021 NFL Draft: Get to know the underrated Victor Dimukeje

Where Dimukeje wins

With any player along the defensive front, whether its interior linemen, edge defenders and even to a lesser degree linebackers, teams need those players to reach a certain athletic threshold. Edge defenders in particular, need to be able maintain the outside leverage against to close down gaps in addition to bull rushing offensive tackles. Dimukeje displays good functional strength, allowing him to hold his own at the point of attack.

In addition to display quality functional play strength, Dimukeje is also a good technician with his hands and how he reads blocks. Using a great first step as well, he does a good job at coming off the ball with low pads, getting good hand placement on tackles on run fits. His run defense technique is also helped by his great football IQ and adherence to gap responsibilities, making him one of the better run defenders in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Versus the pass conversely, Dimukeje has a solid plan to attack the passer. Typically he goes in favor of the speed to power rush, hitting lineman with a strong punch to catch them off-balance and push them back into the quarterback. However, he also tends to use the classic shoulder dip and rip moves. And while not super bendy, there are flashes of ankle/hip bend that allows him to smoothly move through his arc.