Been watching tape of this guy, and oh my God.
First, I'll start with the analytics look at DEs.
Per this Redditor's analysis, the Combine drills most correlated to NFL success are a 3-cone time 7.20 or faster, and a broad jump 9'9" or longer.
https://www.reddit.com/r/NFL_Draft/...ck_easy_way_to_tell_if_an_edge_rush_prospect/
Per Rotoworld's analysis the metrics most correlated with success for edge rushers under 270 pounds are the 40 yard dash and cone drill.
https://www.rotoworld.com/article/numbers/nfl-draft-analytics-def
Also, this tidbit was from Rotoworld.
Chaisson checks with 13.5 TFLs in 13 games.
Anyway, those requirements above for successful DEs all pass the smell test. You want speed, bend and explosiveness in an edge rusher, and the more the better.
Chaisson delivers all of the above IN SPADES.
Watch this tape against Oklahoma. I get it, it's one tape, Oklahoma was overmatched, but this is must-see TV. Every play is a Chaisson highlight.
That burst off the line is Robert Quinn-esque, and that agility is from a different planet. Watch him practically float as he drops into space, and then he can just hit the freaking turbo button and fly. I'd almost be tempted to make him into an Anthony Barr style standup backer, because his coverage ability could be pretty darn special.
Here's another good tape he had against Bama. Seriously, this athleticism man. Watch him run with the TE down the seam at 3:27. Watch that burst of speed at 4:27 and 6.08. He is going to melt down the Combine and pass all those metrics checks with ease.
On top of that, his motor is
fantastic. Watch how many plays he runs down that you'd think he's got no shot at.
The first guy that comes to mind for a comparison is college Randy Gregory. I don't think Chaisson has the freakish strength through his legs that Gregory did, but he's the first name I think of when I see a spindly DE with both a blinding speed-rush fastball and RB-esque fluidity in space.
And did I mention Chaisson's only 20 years old? I'm sitting here comping him to Quinn, Barr, and Randy Gregory, and he can't even buy a beer yet. He's only going to fill out and improve his technique, especially if he works as hard on the practice field as he does on game day. If he's ready to play from day 1 (and he looks ready to me), his NFL prime could be up to 8 or 9 years.
The top of the draft is loaded this year, but I'm telling you: if Chaisson makes it out of the top dozen picks, someone screwed up. He just checks every box. I think his draft stock is going to take off after the combine, but as of right now, I have yet to see a better option available for us at pick #17.
