Nate Orchard 
Utah, RE/RLB
Height: 6.2
Weight: 250
Age: 22
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Athleticism: C+
Average athlete but is more than the sum of his parts athletically. Does not have instant quickness, but accelerates well and has a burst to close. Very agile for a defensive lineman and shows the hips and movement to drop into coverage. Needs significantly more reps before he can convert to a starting linebacker, but has the athletic traits to do so.
Pass Rush: B-
Uses a strong blend of technique, savvy, effort, and athleticism as a pass rusher. Seems to shed with ease using his hands and is very active in his upper body when rushing the passer. Very good agility and slip past interior blockers with a move. Quick enough to run the arc. Will get his hands up on occasion when he is the path of the quarterback. Lacks the elite athleticism and length of some of the NFL’s top sack masters.
Run Defense: D+
Lacks the size and strength to play the run with his hand in the ground in the NFL. Lacks a steady anchor and will get moved off the ball by stronger opponents, especially when his pads rise. Doesn’t have the penetrating burst or instincts of a one-gapping defensive end. Needs to protect his lower body better and will get his legs cut out from underneath him.
Technique: B+
Shows very quick and active hands, and they are possibly his best asset. Doesn’t pack a jarring blow in his hands but can rip and disengage well with them. Generally plays with good leverage, but pads will rise on occasion and isn’t powerful enough to get away with poor leverage. A good, heavy tackler, but questionable ability to tackle in space.
Intangibles: A-
Hard worker on the field and doesn’t take plays off. Pursues hard, especially laterally. Instincts need some improvement and would take a beat to identify the ball carrier. Flashes very good snap anticipation, despite average get off burst. Mature individual and has good football and personal character by all accounts.
Red Flags: Tweener
Bottom Line: Though he doesn’t ooze potential, Nate Orchard is a ridiculously productive player. Orchard isn’t in the mold of the in vogue pass rusher who is long and explosive, but he gets the job done with effort and technique, which are highly underrated in prospects. While Orchard will likely need to transition to a 3-4 outside linebacker role in the NFL, he can be a situational pass rusher from day one, who can develop into an above average starter.
Comparison: Vinny Curry
Grade: 8.6 (2nd Round)
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