Mini-Scouting Reports: Robert Nkemdiche

Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

Robert Nkemdiche / DL / ‘Ole Miss
6’4″ / 296lbs / JR / #5

Overview: Nkemdiche is a powerful rushed who plays in flashes. In some contest, this Rebel can single handedly take control of a game, in other’s … it’s difficult to know if he even dressed. Nkemdiche’s raw talent makes him an interesting draft prospect, but it’s going to take a dedicated defensive line coach and defensive coordinator to maximize his potential in the NFL.

Strengths:

• Naturally strong, can bully offensive linemen
When he can get low enough, Nkemdiche’s strength does most of the work pushing blockers back and
closing the pocket on the quarterback
• Sifts through traffic and hunts down the ball carrier
On short passes and runs, he keeps his eye on the ball and can disengage from his blocker work his way
to the ball carrier, and assist in stopping him
• Gets skinny, can squeeze in and shoot between gaps
Can zip past offensive linemen with ease if he beats them of the ball, has a knack for getting skinny
for a big guy

Weaknesses:

• Flash player, shows up big then … disappears
A frustrating trait, Nkemdiche has outstanding games and then disappears weeks at a time, he’ll need to be more
constant this season to prove he can play at a high level
• Demands double teams, but he can rarely beat them
Nkemdiche’s size and strength forces teams to use two blockers on him, however he seems to freeze, doesn’t
possess the “fighter” type mentality to shed his blockers
• Doesn’t utilize his hands and long arms, gets hung up on blockers
This defensive linemen must display a better array of pass rush moves as he is limited to the bull rush

Take a look at Nkemdiche’s performance against Texas A&M from last season courtesy of our friends at DraftBreakdown.com.

Prospect Grade: B-
Draft Projection: Mid 1st – 2nd