DeVaunte Sigler: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

DeVaunte Sigler is yet another promising part of a rich 2016 NFL draft class along the defensive line.  Is he good enough to sneak into the top rounds?

Position: DL

School: Jacksonville State

Year: Senior

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 298 lbs

History:

Lack of playing time and more choices got him kicked out of Auburn and almost cost him his career. Sigler hoped a transfer to Jacksonville State could jump-start things and the produce seems to reinforce that. He got his academics improved but his draft stock took a hit as injuries shortened his 2015 season.

STRENGTHS:

• Has the quickness of a classic one-gap penetrator. Good size and length to become a solid interior pass rusher if he learns to keep his pads low.
• Shows he can tilt his body to knife into the backfield without losing momentum.
• Makes proper use of his hands, working hard to shed blocks and make plays.
• Solid first step quickness, lending further to his upside as a possible three-technique in a 4-3 scheme.

Notice here how he’s able to tilt his body sideway and blows through the gap before the offensive line can react. If the play weren’t a quick screen that got the ball out fast, chances are he’s on top of the quarterback right away.

WEAKNESSES:

• Game is not based on power. Isn’t able to drive blockers off the ball nor anchor against the run.

Too many times during the course of this game was Sigler stonewalled by single blockers like this. It’s a clear indication of his limited power and inability to impact the game beyond the few things he does well.

• Struggles to find the football, leading to a loss of momentum and becomes easier to block.
• Lack of secondary moves and lower body strength means he is often taken out of plays if his first move and burst aren’t successful.
• While he uses his arms and hands correctly, he struggles to consistently get off blocks.

Pro Comparison: T.Y. McGill

Though a bit taller than the Colts defensive tackle, the values are no less the same. McGill is not a full-time starter but can be a rotational lineman who offers some pass rush upside (3 sacks in 2015).

Projection: 6th round to UDFA

There really isn’t much to love about Sigler. Unless he discovers more strength and a much higher motor, his best hope for making it in the NFL will be through his quickness and size to become a decent interior pass rusher.