Charles Snowden NFL Draft Overview
Position: Outside linebacker
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 243 pounds
School: University of Virginia
Pro Day Results
40-yard Dash: 4.65 seconds (Projected time)
Bench Press: 21 reps
Arm Length: 34”
Charles Snowden 2021 NFL Draft Profile
Charles Snowden was a three-star recruit coming out of St. Albans High School in Silver Spring, MD. Despite only being ranked as a three-star prospect, he came to Virginia as one of their most highly sought after recruits in the 2017 class. At almost 6’7″, he was already one of the most physically imposing players on the team, and his body was already filled out well for an 18-year old freshman. From the moment that he stepped on campus he was one of UVA’s top edge players. Over the next four years he started in 35 out of 45 total games played, en route to being named an All-ACC performer twice. He was a team captain in 2020 and the heart and soul of the Cavalier defense despite only playing in eight games due to a broken ankle that he suffered late in the season.
As an edge player, Snowden does a lot of great things that NFL defensive coordinators like to see. Not only does it help that he played in a 3-4 defense in college (which about 50% of current NFL teams run), but he has shown that he excels in that system. Every season there are players that are considered to be “tweeners” in terms of whether they can play as a 4-3 defensive end or a 3-4 outside linebacker. Historically, being this type of player can hurt your draft stock because teams are unsure about whether or not they can be successful in making a transition. Charles Snowden has shown that he is a true 3-4 outside linebacker. He has an extremely high football IQ and is very disciplined with his keys and play recognition.
Snowden does a good job of “staying home” when making is play-action reads and does a great job of using his hands to shed blockers on a consistent basis. He also excels in playing “long.” As an edge player, you want to create as much space between you and the blocker as possible. He is able to consistently do this with his 34” arms, and he has a good repertoire of pass rush moves to pair with the type of conflict that he puts the blockers into. One of the only negatives about Snowden is how slender and thin he looks. He needs to add more weight and strength in order to ensure that he won’t struggle in making the jump to the NFL.
Strengths
- Long arms;
- High football IQ and play recognition;
- Great edge-setter against the run;
- Polished hand usage;
- Great tackler;
- Shows good speed off the edge as a pass rusher;
- Takes great pursuit angles when chasing plays down from the backside;
- Adequate short-area quickness and twitch;
- Uses his length as a tool.
Weaknesses
- Thin, slender body;
- Coming off of a broken ankle in November that ended his senior season after 8 games;
- Doesn’t have the best “bend” when it comes to rushing the passer;
- “Raw” overall pass rusher in terms of being consistent with technique.
NFL Comparison: Leonard Floyd
Projection: Fourth or fifth round
Teams With Need At Position: Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Jets, Houston Texans
Bottom Line On Charles Snowden
Charles Snowden is an extremely tantalizing prospect. He jumps out on film more often than not, and he makes a lot of great NFL type plays. He is extremely good against the run, but is still somewhat raw as a pass rusher. Snowden has a lot of potential and ability to succeed as a pro if he goes to the right situation. If he can spend a couple of seasons refining his pass rushing skills and is able to be coached well, there is a good chance that he can be a consistent starter in the NFL.
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