Nate Orchard DE/LB Utah #8
Wt: 250
Size/Athleticism: Average size for an edge defender. Moderate athleticism. Not very explosive. Extremely productive as a speed rusher but does not appear to have the athleticism for a smooth transition to the NFL in that role.
Run Defense: Lacks awareness. Does not consistently follow the ball and gets lost at times. Decent length and keeps linemen from getting into his chest. Strong enough to shed blocks consistently and take off in pursuit.
Pass-Rush: Extremely productive (18.5 sacks in 2014) but stats are inflated due to his role. Primarily lines up in a 9-tech position in passing downs and flies into the backfield. Speed was enough to be disruptive at times in Pac-12 but it doesn’t appear to translate naturally to the NFL. Surprisingly effective converting speed to power. Occasionally used in three-tech position and was able to generate an adequate bull rush at times.
Versatility: Plays a hybrid role, with a split of playing with his hand on the ground and standing up. Frequently lines up in a wide-nine position in obvious passing situations. Some experience lining up over the slot and dropping into zone coverage. Looks choppy dropping in coverage. Struggles to stay with running backs and tight ends and looked lost in coverage at times.
Intangibles: Team captain. Married with a daughter. Changed his last name from Fakahafua in 2013 to take the name of the family that adopted him when he was 12.
Durability: Three-year starter. Never missed a game.
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Overview: Orchard was extremely productive at Utah, but played a favorable role in a very blitz-friendly scheme which helped pad his stats. He won almost exclusively with speed in college, but he’ll need to refine his technique and win with more counter moves to remain productive in the NFL. He’s a hard worker and praised by the coaching staff, so there is certainly reason to believe he can adjust his game, but it may not be a seamless transition. Despite his production, he’s still a bit of a developmental prospect.
