OVERVIEW
Typically, 300-pound defensive tackles are not among the nation's leaders in sacks -- even at the FCS level. But the 2014 and 2015 Associated Press All-American and MEAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2014 ranked third in the FCS with 16 as a junior -- a whopping six against Bethune-Cookman, a figure that tied the FCS single-game record -- and 13.5 more this fall. He also had 45.5 tackles for loss over those two seasons. His size and brute strength overwhelmed his competition throughout his career, even racking up good numbers in his FCS Freshman All-American (45 tackles, 4.5 for loss) and sophomore (12.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks).
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS Thick bubble and burly thighs. Compact frame allows him to play low and dip around the corner when playing in gaps. Dominated his level of competition. Surprising foot quickness with an adequate spin move. Plays with quick burst upfield and into blockers. Plus motor and effort and willing to pursue around the field. Better upper body power than in his trunk. Inconsistent with his hands, but when he uses them, they are effective. Raw, but has potential and flashes playmaking ability.
WEAKNESSES Squatty with short arms and tiny hands. Very raw as a pass rusher relying on athleticism over moves and counters. Lacks instincts and feel for the position. Doesn’t anticipate down blocks and can be knocked around because of it. Doesn’t play with enough anchor. Lack of length could become a non*starter if he doesn’t play with great quickness. Feel for the game and technique could take extended time to learn.
DRAFT PROJECTION Rounds 3 or 4
SOURCES TELL US "You don't think much of him going in because of his size, and then he's all over the place. He's had a good week." -- NFC scouting director from East-West Shrine Game practices
BOTTOM LINE Raw, but athletic one*-gap penetrator who dominated his level of competition with effort and quickness. Credited with 16 sacks and 23.5 tackles for losses, Hargrave has the ability to play on the other side of the ball, but the jump in talent and size could be challenging for him. Hargrave is better than a “project," but he will require patience and much more coaching to realize his potential.
RELATED LINKS
Reuter: Hargrave among draft's most explosive players