2021 NFL Draft: Joe Tryon could be massive late first-round steal

In every draft, there are two positions that come as the most valuable behind the quarterback position: the offensive line and edge rushers. In the 2021 NFL Draft, we have the multiple edge rushers out of Miami, the raw talent Azeez Ojulari out of Georgia, and Joseph Ossai from Texas.

One guy that doesn’t get the amount of buzz as the other guys, but will still quarterbacks nightmares at the next level is Joe Tryon out of Washington.

We were not given the pleasure to watch Tryon this season for the Huskies. He stands at 6-foot 4, weighs around 250 pounds and has explosive athletic ability. During his time at Washington, Tryon was a premier pass rusher and set the edge for the Huskies. Tryon has the body and capabilities to be a 3-4 scheme outside backer and come off the edge or can put his hand in the turf and line outside in a 4-3 scheme as well, which could get him drafted early in the 2021 NFL Draft.

In the 2019 season, Tryon secured 41 total tackles and got home to the quarterback eight times. Tryon is a menace setting the edge with his strong frame and pure athleticism. Tryon gets a good jump on outside tackles with good hip flexibility and quick hand striking to great space for pressure. Tryon is very fluid in his motions and footwork to bend under blocks and has the strength agility to make inside moves as well making him a top edge rusher in the 2021 NFL Draft.

When watching Tryon, it is very clear that he always plays with a high motor. Tryon never quits on a play, from backtracking to the secondary to rack up receivers off short routes or going east to west to clean up outside runs to the other size. On top of that, he also shows good football IQ. Tryon made efficient decisions making on keeping the edge, but can some get ahead of himself and over attack leaving outside lanes on out of control rushes.

With his quick feet and stable flexibility, Tryon is also a good resource in the run game and not just a situational pass rusher. The ability to turn on a dime and put all momentum in to blow up runs was seen often in 2019 in many PAC-12 matchups. The loose hip flexibility and great hand movements always seem to put Tryon in the right position to make tackles.

Ideal size, fluid motions and flexibility to be a stand-up rusher or put his hand in the dirt make Joe Tryon an exciting rush prospect and potential all-down starter in the NFL. Tryon will have a great opportunity to show off his athletic upside at Washington’s Pro Day and you could easily see his stock rise up the draft boards at that time. Tryon has the size, ability and production to be a late first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and the upside to make that pick look like a steal.