Breaking Down DE Dadi Nicolas and DT Anthony Zettel

[RS12]

Dadi Nicolas – DE – Virginia Tech

Nicholas is a fifth-year senior and a two-year starter for the Hokies. He is listed as a defensive end but plays both up and down in their scheme. He had a disappointing season statistically, as he finished with only 1 sack this year after getting 9.0 sacks in 2014. Has 16 career sacks. He has already graduated and is presently working on a second degree.

Size –

6’3″ – 228 – 4.68 (all estimates)

Strong Points –

Tall, long and very athletic, great speed. Shows he can play on his feet. Is a consistent competitor. Flashes pass rush traits. Has the frame to add at least 10 pounds.

Weak Points –

Lacks bulk and strength at the point of attack. Gets pushed around by big linemen at the line of scrimmage. Slow off blocks. Lacks a bull rush. Will need to work on his pass drop and coverage.

Summation –

Had a disappointing final season at Virginia Tech. Had 9.0 sacks in 2014 and only 1.0 in 2015. Has pass rush potential for the next level but needs to get bigger and stronger. Right now, he is a late pick who should produce on special teams. Is a year or two away from contributing as an every down type player. His best traits are his speed and athleticism. If he can’t get any bigger, he won’t make it in the league. Has to be an outside linebacker at the next level.

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/breaking-down-de-dadi-nicolas-and-dt-anthony-zettel/

 

[Leadbelly]

Dadi Nicolas – DE – Virginia Tech

Nicholas is a fifth-year senior and a two-year starter for the Hokies. He is listed as a defensive end but plays both up and down in their scheme. He had a disappointing season statistically, as he finished with only 1 sack this year after getting 9.0 sacks in 2014. Has 16 career sacks. He has already graduated and is presently working on a second degree.

Size –

6’3″ – 228 – 4.68 (all estimates)

Strong Points –

Tall, long and very athletic, great speed. Shows he can play on his feet. Is a consistent competitor. Flashes pass rush traits. Has the frame to add at least 10 pounds.

Weak Points –

Lacks bulk and strength at the point of attack. Gets pushed around by big linemen at the line of scrimmage. Slow off blocks. Lacks a bull rush. Will need to work on his pass drop and coverage.

Summation –

Had a disappointing final season at Virginia Tech. Had 9.0 sacks in 2014 and only 1.0 in 2015. Has pass rush potential for the next level but needs to get bigger and stronger. Right now, he is a late pick who should produce on special teams. Is a year or two away from contributing as an every down type player. His best traits are his speed and athleticism. If he can’t get any bigger, he won’t make it in the league. Has to be an outside linebacker at the next level.

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/breaking-down-de-dadi-nicolas-and-dt-anthony-zettel/

Thanks for posting this. There was another thread about the Penn St defensive linemen about a week ago. I was trying to remember the former scout that suggested Zettel might make it an ILB. This was the scout - Greg Gabriel. Love the player.

I would bet some team with a defensive-minded HC is going to be in love with the player and draft him much higher than his measureables would warrant. Also would bet Marinelli would feel the same. Can't say I'll disagree. If we picked him up in RD3, or even if we trade down in RD1 and pick up another RD2, much worse ways to spend a pick.

 

[sureletsrace]

Way, way too small IMO. The guy weighs in as a SS.

 

[CF74]

We already have a featherweight DE that gets neutralized, meh...