Eddie Vanderdoes, DT, UCLA: 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Eddie Vanderdoes is an intriguing talent that hasn’t received a lot of attention in this years defensive line class, but he’s someone who more people should get familiar with.

Eddie Vanderdoes was a highly recruited prospect out of high school, receiving multiple offers from prestigious Division 1 schools. He opted to join the Bruins and earned playing time very early in his collegiate career.

With impressive seasons as a freshman and sophomore, he seemed primed for a breakout season as a junior. However, a torn ACL during the season opener would cut the year short.

He would return for his senior year, earning honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors and finishing the year with 27 tackles and 1.5 sacks on 11 games.

Despite the injury and fairly mediocre senior year, Vanderdoes possesses some intriguing traits that should appeal to NFL evaluators. If he can test well through the pre-draft process, he may see his stock rise enough to hear his name called during the 2017 NFL Draft.

Measurables

Height: 6’3″

Weight: 305 lbs

40-yard: 4.99 seconds

Arms: 33 1/8″

Strengths

The first thing you notice about Vanderdoes is the surprising athleticism for a man his size. He shows strong agility and lateral movement with quick feet. He’s a relentless pursuer that chases running backs, even if the play goes behind him.

Vanderdoes displays powerful hands and explodes off the snap, often gaining immediate leverage on opposing lineman. He’ll do a fantastic job knocking guys back and off-balance.

While not overly large, he’s shown he can take on double-teams and hold his own. Vanderdoes is a tough and tenacious player who demonstrates a lot of pass rushing potential, and has versatility, playing either 3-technique or nose tackle.

Weaknesses

As mentioned before, the pass rusher suffered a torn ACL and missed virtually all of the 2015 season. When he came back for his senior year, he never seemed to return to pre-injury form.

As a result, production has been sub par and has likely effected his draft stock, despite the potential he carries.

He’ll need to prove to teams that his ACL issues are behind him and that he is capable of becoming the player he was during his early years at UCLA. Reports have surfaced that he may have issues controlling his weight, will need to ensure he maintains if he hopes to have an impact in the NFL.

Final Thoughts

Vanderdoes is an intriguing talent and would likely be drafted early, if based solely on his performance in 2014 and into 2015. However, the injury has pushed him down draft boards and his inability to produce in 2016 didn’t help.

If Vanderdoes can prove he can overcome the injury and maintain his weight, he is capable of being an early starter and valuable piece of a defensive line rotation.

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