Rang's Report
PLAYER OVERVIEW
Few programs can match the Oklahoma Sooners' regular production of quality NFL prospects, with Tapper ranking as simply the latest future pro starter to get his start in Norman. While he struggled a bit with consistency over his four seasons in the Big 12, Tapper certainly ended his collegiate career well, earning First Team all-conference honors and enjoying an impressive week of practice at the Senior Bowl.
Like many of the Sooners' best players, Tapper signed with Oklahoma as a highly regarded prep prospect and earned immediate playing time, seeing action in five games overall as a true freshman in 2012. He exploded a year later, earning First Team All-Big 12 honors as a true sophomore with 49 tackles, including nine tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.
Rather than build upon this momentum, however, Tapper saw his numbers drop in 2014 to "just" 37 tackles, including 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks before again ranking among the Big 12's top defensive linemen as a senior.
Scouts wish Tapper was a little more explosive off the edge but his underrated athleticism and power combination promises positional versatility at the next level. Tapper is one of the few prospects in this class athletic enough to offer enough length and agility to remain outside at defensive end on anticipated run downs but the size to slide inside on obvious pass rushing downs and still be able to get after the quarterback.
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
STRENGTHS: While perhaps slightly shorter than ideal, Tapper possesses an NFL-ready frame with broad shoulders, disproportionately long arms (34 1/8 inches) and evenly distributed muscle mass.
He flashes enough initial quickness off the snap to force tackles to respect his outside speed and complements it with a powerful bull rush. Extends well off the snap and uses his long arms to generate push with his upper body, displaying nonstop effort to motor through blockers. While there are concerns about his quickness and agility, Tapper shows impressive straight-line speed - both when closing in on the quarterback and in downfield pursuit.
He's likely to test very well for a man of his size in the 40-yard dash, indicating perhaps un-"tapped" potential to be harnessed with better technique. Offers some positional versatility, often lining up in the four-point stance in Oklahoma's scheme and often taking on multiple blockers.
WEAKNESSES: Isn't the sum of his parts, showing little consistency to his game in part because he remains technically flawed. Too often resorts to simple bull rushes and isn't as effective in this area as he should be due to poor pad level.
Was asked to play mostly contain for the Sooners and offers little creativity as a pass rusher. His compact, muscle-bound frame leaves Tapper with limited flexibility and just average agility, overall, and he struggles to change directions in close spaces to make tackles on his own. Will be viewed by as a 'tweener who lacks a real position in the NFL.
COMPARES TO: Allen Bailey, Kansas City: After underwhelming for much of his career at Miami, Bailey has emerged as a quality five-tech defensive end in Kansas City's 3-4 scheme. Tapper has a similar combination of power and athleticism but must commit to his craft (as Bailey did) to enjoy similar success in the NFL.
IN OUR VIEW: Possessing a stout frame and surprising overall athleticism, Tapper is a quality all-around defensive lineman offering positional and scheme versatility. That combination will likely will earn Tapper a spot in the top 100, even though he was a bit inconsistent over his career.
--Rob Rang (@robrang) (2/10/16)
