Justin Scott (defensive tackle, Miami) showed up during the Hurricanes’ playoff run. It was enough to earn mention in some early first-round mock drafts. What does the tape show?
Justin Scott 2027 NFL Draft Early Scouting Report
Measurables
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 303 lbs
Statistics
2025: 26 tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss and 1 sack
2024: 7 tackles, including 2 tackles for loss and 1 sack
The Tape
Games Watched: at Virginia Tech, Texas A&M (playoff first round), and Indiana (National Championship Game).
Strengths
Scott plays anywhere from the zero to three technique position. He can line up right over a blocker, shading him, or in the A or B gap. His range from inside is impressive and highlights how good of an athlete he is. Coupled with a high motor, it means Scott is involved in plays outside the tackle box.
Justin Scott is over the left guard – plus range here, chasing down this wide run.#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/fDx0OEl9lE
— Paul Emery (@UKDraftFan) July 19, 2026
Scott can turn that speed into power. His initial punch is excellent, and it gets blockers on their heels to give him the advantage.
When he’s face up over a blocker, Scott is able to two-gap effectively. His eyes are looking beyond the blocker, and he’s able to shed and move either side of him depending on where the play is going. This gives him scheme versatility and means he will fit one-gap or gap-and-a-half schemes.
Scott’s get-off as a pass rusher causes problems for less athletic interior blockers. When one-on-one, Scott looks dangerous when attacking half his man. His best flashes as a pass rusher come this way. There are also flashes of a bull rush, with the speed to power proving effective.
Areas to Improve
At times, Scott can play too high. When he does so, he gives up his chest too easily and really struggles to counter. This leads to too many reps where he’s controlled by a single blocker.
At times, Justin Scott plays too high. This play is an example. It also shows his need of a counter when blockers get into his chest.#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/Xvmycd0AEw
— Paul Emery (@UKDraftFan) July 19, 2026
Despite the flashes, Scott has just two career sacks. There was a missed tackle against Virginia Tech, which he left on the field, but the sack production isn’t there. Scott has the raw tools, but needs refinement. He’ll need to play lower more consistently and work on a counter when his initial move doesn’t work. He’ll also need to think ahead. That should improve with time and coaching.
It is worth noting that Scott wasn’t always on the field in obvious passing situations, which does go some way to explaining the lack of sack production. Against Texas A&M, his snap count was lower than the Virginia Tech or Indiana games. Miami would sometimes kick Rueben Bain Jr. or Akheem Mesidor inside, pushing Scott to the sideline. With the pair now in the NFL, it should give Scott greater pass-rushing opportunities.
Scott plays the zero or one techniques, but is not necessarily suited to hold up against double teams. He’s a little light for such a role, and when double-teamed, he can struggle to anchor. Playing high doesn’t help him in his attempts to do so.
Key Tests in 2026
NFL scouts will be hoping for another Miami playoff run as the 2026 schedule has just one preseason top 25 team. The November 7 trip to South Bend to take on Notre Dame is the standout test for Scott.
Other tests include at Clemson (October 3), Florida State (October 17), and Pitt (October 24).
The full schedule can be found here.
Justin Scott 2027 NFL Draft Projection
Scott projects as a three or five technique, from where he can use his athletic ability to cause problems. The production is not that high, particularly as a pass rusher, but he has the raw tools.
He’s the type of prospect who the NFL will love because of his traits. If he grows as a pass rusher, particularly in terms of having a rush plan and developing counters, he has the tools to be a first-round pick. If he doesn’t grow from his 2025 tape, he still has the raw tools to be a day two pick.
Main Photo: [Jerome Miron] – Imagn Images
