Jalen Redmond NFL Draft Overview
Position: Edge Rusher/Defensive Lineman
Height: 6′-3″
Weight: 292 pounds
School: Oklahoma
2023 NFL Draft: Jalen Redmond Scouting Report
Jalen Redmond has decided to leave Oklahoma early and enter the 2023 NFL Draft. Redmond spent four seasons with the Sooners. In his first season in 2018, Redmond saw action in just three games, but made six total tackles (Four solo, two assisted), during those games. During his second season (2019), Redmond had 23 total tackles (14 solo, nine assisted), and also had an impressive, 6.5 sacks, with one forced fumble and two passes defensed. However, in what would have been his third season in Norman, Redmond opted out due to the Covid-19 pandemic and due to issues with blood clots.
Unfortunately, Redmond’s numbers dropped significantly in 2021. After appearing in 13 games in 2019, he appeared in only eight games for the Sooners where he recorded 19 total tackles (11 solo, eight assisted), had only 3.5 sacks. He did, however, recover two fumbles. In his final season in 2022, Redmond played in 12 games matching his total tackles number from 2019 (23, 10 solo, 13 assisted), while also recording four sacks, and having four passes defensed.
Strengths
- Has an NFL-ready, lean mass-to-muscle ratio;
- Easily fights through double teams;
- Reaction time from snap to pass rush is minimal;
- NFL-caliber hand-fighting ability;
- Very powerful for his size
Weaknesses
- Has difficulty defeating reach and down blocks;
- History of blood clot issues;
- Slow footwork capability;
- Does not maintain a low posture when trying to pursue the quarterback and or ball carrier;
- Struggles with reacting to a ball carrier who changes direction.
NFL Comparison: A heavier, Matthew Judon
Teams With Need At Position: Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Rams, Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons. Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Los Angeles Chargers, New Orleans Saints
Projection: Late Round 1, Early Round 2
Bottom Line on Jalen Redmond
All in all, Jalen Redmond had four productive seasons for the Oklahoma Sooners. He has the size, musculature, and power to be a successful edge rusher or defensive lineman in the NFL. His medical history is a bit concerning, as he has had issues with blood clots in the past; however, there have not been any issues related to blood clots since 2020. Many of his weaknesses seem to be due to a lack of both lower and core body strength, which, in the NFL is easily fixable with each team having expert strength and conditioning staffs to remedy such issues, quickly and effectively.
Jalen Redmond is likely to be chosen between rounds one and two. The 2023 NFL draft has a large number of talented edge rushers. Redmond’s ability to play an interior position makes him a versatile option for teams who need upfront defensive linemen. He had arguably the best combine performance of any prospect, regardless of position. Because of his versatility, his productive four seasons in Norman, Oklahoma, and his memorable performance at the NFL combine, all of the aforementioned factors yield the rationale as to why Jalen Redmond will be a first-round to mid-second round draft pick.
Main Image: Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports
