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2024 NFL Scouting Report: Adisa Isaac

From Role Player To Breakout Starter

Adisa Isaac NFL Draft Overview

Position: Defensive End
Height: 6’4 (Unofficial)
Weight: 255 lbs (Unofficial)
Age: 22 years old
School: Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State, for decades, has been an elite college football program. With two national championships, four Big Ten titles, and numerous top draft picks, the Nittany Lions are football royalty. Adisa Isaac is following in the pipeline and is a talented football player. Isaac was a four-star top 70 recruit out of Brooklyn, NY, committed to Penn State. Isaac was a role player in his first two years and unfortunately tore his Achilles his sophomore year. Junior Isaac returned to form solidly as a redshirt, starting 13 games with 28 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and four sacks. Senior year was even better, amassing 37 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks. It was great to see Isaac bounce back from a devastating injury. However, did he do enough to earn a first-round grade? Let’s dig into the film!

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2024 NFL Draft: Adisa Isaac Scouting Report

Strengths

He has a good first step and is quick to fire his hands with a first mentality.
When left unblocked, he plays his keys and does not gamble.
He stays close to the line of scrimmage and does not get fooled by fakes.
He makes tackles in the backfield on keeps and keeps contain exceptionally well.
One of the best in the class at DLINE stunts, twists, and games. Can help him get on the field on third downs.
Has a solid number of pass rush moves. Has two hand swipe, rip move, and inside counter.
Occasional bull rush to keep Tackles honest, but not his specialty though.
He has good lateral quickness and agility to make plays in the backfield and potentially to cover.

Weaknesses

Poor and inconsistent run defender despite occasional splash plays.
Too many times, he has seen “ole” blocks or running around, blocks leaving his gap responsibility wide open.
Late get off vs. the run many times, he got “hooked” on reach blocks by Tackles and Tight Ends.
If not corrected, he will be picked on in the run game at the NFL level.
Inconsistent as a pass rusher. Does not get consistent push nor consistent dominance rushing the passer.
His inconsistent pass rush moves and hand placement lead to easy defeats.
Does not have an elite edge rush bend

Projection: Fourth Round Pick

NFL Comparison: Joseph Ossai

Best Fits: Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans.

Bottom Line

Adisa Isaac has the potential to be a quality NFL starting edge player but has significant holes in his game. He has a good get-off when rushing the passer, plus an array of pass rush moves. He has a great feel vs. the run when left unblocked and can be a day one-third down specialist on twist and stunt. However, he needs better play strength, consistent push as a pass rusher, and better ability to take on blocks. He is even at times scared to take on blocks and gets knocked on the ground too often. I have a 4th-round grade on Issac, as there is some potential for boom or bust.

Main Photo: David Reginek – USA Today Sports

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