Shilique Calhoun: Spartans DE 2015 NFL Draft Scouting Report

We continue our 2015 NFL Draft scouting report roundups with another defensive lineman in a class that is full of talent up front. Michigan State Spartans DE Shilique Calhoun has turned heads during the beginning of his college career. Fans have been calling for the junior to declare early, others feel the young defensive end needs one more year to craft his game.

Here’s a breakdown of Calhoun as a prospect, including his potential draft stock if he does decide to declare for the draft in the spring.

STRENGTHS

Calhoun has many physical attributes that you’d like to see in a 4-3 defensive end. He has a huge frame and uses it very well; blockers have a very tough time figuring out where to attack him. His body-type is helped by his massive lower-half, something that gives him a nice drive off the edge.

When Calhoun wants to turn on the jets, he can get an incredible burst off the outside shoulder of the opposing offensive tackle. There’s no doubt that his leg drive can be elite when he wants to go 100-percent (see below).

While it’s not a sexy skill, Calhoun does a nice job with containment on the outside. He knows his job, and does it extremely well.

WEAKNESSES

Often times, it looks like Calhoun will “waste his skill” when he’s taking a play off. We’ve seen some incredible things from the MSU defender off the edge, but he’ll too often let his skill go to waste when he doesn’t go 100%. He’s not an athletic freak, but he has the frame to dominate at the next level when he wants to go all-out. There’s a little stiffness in his game, something that will come when you’re as bulky as he is. I see him as a very effective player, but he’s probably limited to a 4-3 DE at in the NFL. There’s not too much versatility here.

DRAFT STOCK

Some label Calhoun as a possible top-10 pick, but I wouldn’t be shocked if he falls down throughout the season. I’m not so sure he’s a lock for the first round at this point.