NFL Draft Watch: Utah’s Nate Orchard Racking Up Sacks

Oct 4, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Brett Hundley (17) is tackled by Utah Utes defensive end Nate Orchard (8) during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

In case you were wondering why Brett Hundley and the UCLA Bruins were upset by Utah in early-season Pac 12 play, look no further than Utes pass rusher Nate Orchard, who dominated this game. Orchard came away from the matchup against UCLA with four sacks, increasing his season total to 8.5 which leads the nation, and helping Utah to the nation’s overall lead in sacks this season.

Orchard’s pass rush ability has been on display in prior major upsets. He had two sacks in a 2013 upset over the Stanford Cardinal, and now made his mark in a big national spotlight against the UCLA Bruins and a potential first round quarterback in Brett Hundley.

So far in his senior season, the 6’4″ 255 pound Orchard has racked up 34 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks. He’s putting up huge numbers but this big game against UCLA has propelled him into the NFL Draft discussion after flashes of brilliance. This week’s Pac 12 defensive player of the week originally came to Utah as a 195 pound wide receiver. He’s displayed incredible discipline in adding size and strength since moving to the defensive side of the ball early on in his career.

That hard work has paid off, and will someday soon pay off in the form of an NFL contract and a shot to make an impact as a pass rusher at the highest level of football. As a former wide receiver, Orchard’s quickness is evident when you see him play. He gets off the ball in obvious passing downs quicker than a lot of guys that have been picked really high in the last couple of years.

I’m really intrigued to see if Orchard can string together some consistency with this kind of high level production. Perhaps not four sacks every game, though no Utah fans would complain, but find ways to get to the quarterback at least a couple of times per game and keep the pressure on every play.

Able to line up as both a linebacker and a defensive end, Orchard is a versatile pass rusher that is firmly planted on the NFL radar after a phenomenal start to this season.