2021 NFL Draft defensive tackle rankings: Jaylen Twyman is underrated
By John Blair
3. Jaylen Twyman, Pittsburgh
6-foot-2, 290 pound
2021 NFL Draft grade: Second round
One of the biggest sleepers in the 2021 NFL Draft is Pittsburgh defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman. While Twyman has only been a one-year starter for the Panthers it was quite the year as he became the first interior defensive tackle to lead Pittsburgh in sacks since Aaron Donald in 2013. In somewhat of a puzzling move Twyman decided to opt-out of the 2020 season, for non-Covid related reasons.
What is so exciting about Twyman is his athletic ability. He shows a very good burst off the ball and moves extremely well for an interior defensive lineman. This athletic ability should continue to allow him to be a feared pass rusher in the NFL. He displays nice balance as well and is rarely forced off his feet.
One question with Twyman is how much does he love football. The fact that he opted out of the 2020 season to protect his draft value raises serious concerns about how much he wants to improve and if he will just be happy to get the big paycheck. Twyman also lacks elite size and bulk which makes him somewhat of a liability vs. the run.
There is no doubt Twyman has the potential to be one of the best defensive tackles in the 2021 NFL Draft, with his elite athleticism and ability to get after the passer. However, he is going to have to show he wants to be great to live up to this potential.