Film Watched: Marshall 2020, FAU 2021, Liberty 2021,
Pro's:
A physical specimen, with a frame that looks like it can hold even more muscle mass
Advantageous length – 34” arms
Insane burst off the line of scrimmage – challenges blockers to landmarks on every snap
Loose and agile, with good outside-inside move speed to challenge slivers of daylight
Good bend around the top of the arc and like a heat-seeking missile when beyond the tackle
Speed to power transfer on bullrush catches blockers off guard and he gets good displacement
Not easily manipulated through contact and can hold his ground and wait for the ball carrier
Good motor and will play to the whistle – happy to hunt down the football from the backside
Con's:
Raw. Undeveloped technique pretty much across the board
Hand placement erratic and doesn’t aid his pocket penetration
Limited pass rush moves, and hand usage restricted to simple swats as he attacks blocks
Inconsistent edge setter, mostly due to poor play diagnosis
Subdued by opponents who bring equivalent levels of aggression and physicality
The Verdict:
“Talk about upside - Alex Wright has been a productive edge rusher for the Blazers the past three seasons, and he’s barely scratched the surface of his potential. An intriguing blend of size, length, power and speed, Wright ticks all the measurable boxes and has predictably enjoyed a surge in his stock through the pre-draft process. Flashes of improvement in consistency and nuance as a junior tells you he can be developed, and it’s a scary thought to imagine him looking even bigger. Wright will undoubtedly need some time to hone his skills, and is probably restricted to a DPR role as a rookie. But with a ceiling of a high-level, scheme versatile starter, he’s exactly the kind of sleeper prospect teams look for on day three.”
PREVIOUSLY THE FOUNDER OF NFL DRAFT UK, SIMON HAS BEEN COVERING COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND THE NFL DRAFT SINCE 2009. BASED IN MANCHESTER, SIMON IS ALSO CO-CREATOR & WEEKLY GUEST OF THE COLLAPSING POCKET PODCAST.