Overview
Position: Defensive tackle
Height: 6’2
Weight: 304 lbs
School: Oklahoma Sooners
Neville Gallimore 2020 NFL Draft Profile
The Oklahoma Sooners football program has recruited and developed All-American defensive tackles that transition well to the NFL and may well include Neville Gallimore. Gerald McCoy (2006 to 2009) and Tommie Harris (2001 to 2003) are two examples of the program’s development of top-tier interior defensive linemen. Neville Gallimore is the next Sooners defensive tackle to transition into the NFL after a stellar four-year career at Oklahoma. In his senior season, Gallimore was named as a second-team All-Big 12 selection and a third-team AP All-American. While his production in total tackles decreased from his junior year to his senior year from 50 to 29, he increased his efficiency as an interior pass rusher. This past season, Gallimore accounted for 6.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. He did this while playing more snaps at the one-technique tackle as opposed to a player like McCoy, who plays closer to the edge.
Gallimore is in a 2020 NFL Draft class that is stocked with talented and distinctive defensive tackles. Auburn’s Derrick Brown (one-technique) and South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw (three-technique) are among those top-tier prospects in the draft. Gallimore has already done well in the 2020 Senior Bowl and the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine to put his name in the first-round discussion come April 23rd. In the combine, Gallimore ran a 4.79-second time in the 40-yard dash, which is tied for seventh-fastest among all defensive linemen. Gallimore and Nebraska’s Khalil Davis are the first defensive linemen to run a 4.8-second time at over 300 pounds for the first time since 2006. Gallimore is a player whose stock has been rising ever since he finished his career at Oklahoma. While he is not a stats builder, he can be a player who can impact his selected team immediately on every play.
Strengths
- Great and fast get-off
- Ability to pass rush at the one-technique
- Able to penetrate the backfield consistently
- Strong bull rush
- Hits the opposing offensive lineman hard at the snap of the ball
- Doesn’t give up on the play; will chase the running back and screen player
- Some speed and agility for a tackle his size
- Possesses great spin moves
- Can still pass rush while double teamed
Weaknesses
- Stands up too tall which allows linemen to block him below the shoulder pads
- Gets pushed down as a result of standing too tall
- Balance is poor when driving linemen
- Awkward control of his motions
- Loses momentum after initial contact at the line of scrimmage
- Fails to use hands consistently to shed blocks
- Isn’t great when down blocked by opposing offensive linemen
- Shorter arms
- May be limited to be a three-technique in the NFL
Comparisons: Geno Atkins (Cincinnati Bengals)
Teams with position needs: Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Projection: late first round to early second round
Bottom line
Gallimore is a gifted prospect that can stop the run at the line of scrimmage and pass rush. His strength, aggressive get off, and rare speed for a defensive tackle over 300 pounds shouldn’t be overlooked. He can be an impact player immediately for any team that drafts him. Gallimore played at a more impactful position for the Sooners at the one-technique. He was still great as a three-technique as he consistently won one-on-one matchups. He has a ton of potential to be a contributing player for an aggressive NFL defense.
Gallimore is too unstable in his balance to play at the nose guard in a 3-4 defensive front. He might not be efficient enough to play full-time at the one-technique in a 4-3 front. He is too big and not elusive enough to play full-time at the three-technique in a 4-3 front. Whichever team drafts him, they will need to have a systematic defensive philosophy in place with countless rotations. But a player who can impact the defense against the run and pass will be worth the experiment and the potential that Gallimore can bring.
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