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Tanoh Kpassagnon, DL , Villanova: 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Eric Robinson

Jan 28, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad quarterback Nate Peterman of Pittsburgh (4) is pressured by South squad defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon of Villanova (92) during the first quarter of the 2017 Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad quarterback Nate Peterman of Pittsburgh (4) is pressured by South squad defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon of Villanova (92) during the first quarter of the 2017 Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats defensive lineman Tanoh Kpassagnon (92) on the field against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the third quarter at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats defensive lineman Tanoh Kpassagnon (92) on the field against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the third quarter at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

With the 2017 NFL Draft soon approaching, we take a look at a raw prospect that can develop into an established talent within the NFL, defensive lineman Tanoh Kpassagnon. 

Around collegiate sports, Villanova University is synonymous with it’s basketball history. A university with two national championships in men’s basketball and respectable history women’s basketball.

Every now and then, the university puts respectable talent within the NFL. Names such as running back Brian Westbrook, wide receiver Brian Finneran, and defensive end Howie Long are the more recognizable of Villanova Wildcats within the NFL. This draft cycle has another Wildcat that has generated notable buzz within NFL circles. Here is the scouting report on Tanoh Kpassagnon.

Measurables 

Height: 6’7

Weight: 290 lbs

Strengths: Large, imposing frame…..Nice blend of size, strength, length, and quickness…..45 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks in 2016…..First team AP FCS All-American in 2016, sixth in the FCS in tackles for loss and fifth in sacks…..Combination of length and strength gives him considerable leverage in one-on-one battles with blockers…..Massive hands at 10 5/8 inches…..Has a toughness at the point of attack, difficult to move…..Nice athleticism given his freakish frame…..Quickness at the snap and capable of beating lineman around the edge…..Intelligent ballplayer.

Weaknesses: Kpassagnon is a legitimate project…..Not a ton of fluidity in hips, very stiff in that department…..Also, his level of competition will legitimately be in question…..At times, fails to utilize his big hands when pass rushing; will have to refine his hand technique in the NFL level……Will on occasion lose track of the ball; must improve his situational awareness…..While he is 6’7, his pad level must be adjusted; has the tendency to play with high pad level and consequently, it limits his ability to rush properly.

Bottom line: In conclusion, Kpassagnon is an intriguing prospect. Even with the step back in competition, the tall pass rusher has enough talent to carve out a nice niche. What will be needed with Kpassagnon is patience. He’s nowhere near a finished product, which elevates the intrigue in the raw prospect.

At his current talent level, Kpassagnon is worthy of a third or fourth round selection. Again, time will be needed with the former Villanova Wildcat. He has the capability to be useful as a 4-3 strong side defensive end or a 5-technique 3-4 defensive end. If a team wanted to be creative, he has the frame to pack on more weight and be an aggressive interior, versatile defensive lineman. All things considered, the number of possibilities that a team can have with Kpassagnon makes him a very interesting prospect.

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