Arik Armstead DE/DT Oregon #9
Wt: 292
[level-scouting-reports]
Size/Athleticism: A decent athlete for his height/weight. Moves well reasonably well for his physical profile. Shockingly short arms for his height. Also played basketball as a freshman at Oregon.
Run Defense: Does a nice job keeping offensive linemen from locking on to his pads so he can slide down the line and make an effort on interior runs. Sheds blocks with ease, but could improve his reaction time. Often late to getting to the ball carrier. Quick enough to spin outside and help contain edge runs, but lacks the speed to make plays in pursuit without a favorable angle. Weak at the point of attack. Does not have the overall strength to absorb a dominant initial punch from the offensive line.
Pass Rush: Bull rush is weak. Easily neutralized by double teams. Struggles to push his way past interior offensive linemen if he can’t fire into the gap immediately off the snap. Generates almost no pass-rush from the 5-tech spot—lacks the strength to bull rush and lacks the quickness to move from that position into a gap. Come production as a pass-rusher on his few snaps from a 3-tech position. Lacks a closing burst.
Versatility: Primarily lines up in the 5-tech position in a 3-4 front. Occasionally plays from the 5-tech spot. Drops in coverage at times and looks fluid doing so and is capable of playing some zone, primarily to guard against screens.
Intangibles: Looks lost on the field at times. Awareness and football intelligence appears to be lacking. Brother, Armond, played at USC. Is not related to former NFL linebacker Jessie Armstead, as has been incorrectly reported by some media outlets in the past.
Durability: Missed time in 2014 with ankle and leg injuries.
[/level-scouting-reports]
Overview: Armstead is a complicated prospect. For starters, don’t get caught up in marveling at his height. His arms are only 33″, which is actually below average for an NFL defensive tackle—and length is far more valuable than height to a defensive line. He does have the athleticism to develop into a disruptive force, but he plays hesitant and his motor is hot and cold. He has potential as a 3-4 end or a pass-rushing 4-3 three-technique tackle, but he’s purely a developmental prospect.
