Here is my scouting report on Jachai Polite, EDGE out of Florida.
General Comments:
- Shorter than ideal with shorter arms and not as much overall quickness.
- Not going to have enough ability to withstand punches by NFL offensive lineman
- Like his aggressiveness and pursuit at the ball carrier
- Gets hands up in pass rush when he sees QB look to throw
- Maturity issues. Poor interviewer. Seemed disinterested with the whole NFL process.
- Susceptible to cut blocks on edge.
- Pretty good chase around the field
- Best in a two-point stance lining up as a wide-9.
- Going to be used in pass only situations to start his career.
Pass Rush:
- Solid first step quickness.
- Decent hip bend.
- Great pursuit.
- Good counter outside spin move to get around blocker after setting inside
- Good acceleration and rip move around edge
- Good inside first step to get an offensive lineman to stay tight before widening around with his bend
- Natural quickness to step around and set up blocks.
- Instinctive and natural ability
- Good transition in moves. Fluid.
- Can get blown off his spot by a strong punch or shove.
- Wins with quickness in space, fluidity between moves, and pursuit
- Pass Rush Moves: Chop-rip move around edge with good bend, Counter moves (spin) are developed, Spin move after using speed-rip around the edge
Pass rush will fail:
- Can get widen around the edge without finishing up into quarterback path
- While he has decent hand placement, his speed-to-power conversion isn’t great
- Struggles to disengage on rip move around edge
Run Defense:
- Great backside chase and pursuit down the line of scrimmage
- Potential as stunt penetrator, but doesn’t have length and strength to hold up at point of attack
- Doesn’t have the length as an edge defender against the run to beat offensive tackles.
- Uses his hands well to disengage and fight off blocks to pursue RBs
- Great footwork and penetrating ability.
- Playmaker.
- Good awareness on handoff and misdirection
