STRENGTHS
Devonte has all the attributes teams look for in a defensive lineman for the next level. He has the size along with the quick feet, long arms to shed blocks, and overall has what is needed physically and athletically to be an impact defensive lineman for the team that selects him. Devonte is quick and does an excellent job getting into the backfield on passing downs to make a sack or disrupt plays. He can run down quarterbacks who leave the pocket because of the effort and zeal he seems to have to make sacks and create havoc in an opponent’s backfield. He definitely fits what I call a 1 gap attack defensive line scheme and, in that system, could impact.
CONCERNS
Devonte, for his size and athletic talents, does not do well against the run. He doesn’t get off blocks or fight through double teams. He doesn’t change the line of scrimmage in his favor on running downs or seems to have an interest in using consistently the techniques needed to be successful at the next level to stop the run. Right now, I’m looking on film at a very talented player who lacks the mental strength to do the “grunt work” that his position requires to be consistent at the next level.
BOTTOM LINE 2.64
After playing four years at a top college program and with Devonte’s size and athletic talent I would expect more of a well-rounded Defensive Lineman than what I see on film. He has excellent talent but watching him flash on passing downs and then watching him be nullified on running downs makes me think that Devonte has a lot to learn about playing his position for the next level. Nevertheless, his athleticism and size impressed a lot of people at the senior bowl and we all know that there are a lot of media and Head Coaches that look at workouts and practice as the measuring points for their evaluations of players for the draft. I know, call me crazy…I look at film and how a player played the game all season long and when I see Defensive Tackles, handled in the running game the way Devonte gets handled, I sense that player will struggle to be consistent and effective at the next level. That being said, Devonte has the talent to impact in the right system but needs time to develop to be effective in any style of defensive scheme.
