Meet New York Jets’ DE IK Enemkpali

As I get back in the swing of things here at the Jet Press, I went back through the draft to see who, if anyone, we hadn’t talked about yet. Meet IK Enemkpali from Louisiana Tech. He is a defensive end that also worked out as a linebacker and he is our focus this afternoon. Here are his stats to get started:

Defense & Fumbles

Data Coverage (*=bowl stats included)

This young man seems to have made quite the impact, especially during his last two years of school. Enemkpali stands six feet, one inch tall, and weighs in at 261 pounds. At the combine, he ran the 40 yard dash in 5.09 seconds, and performed 28 bench press reps. Here are some video highlights from Enemkpali:

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PROS: Yes the video package was two minutes long, but there are positives to point out.  First of all, I don’t care what his forty time was, facts are he is fast.  That video is clear.  He gets into the backfield in the blink of an eye.  Whether he is rushing the passer, or chasing down a back from behind, he is fast, and relentless.  I also like the way Enemkpali moves laterally on the line of scrimmage. He also doesn’t miss tackles.  CONS:Enemkpali is small for a defensive end. It is good for his career that he was worked out by scouts as a linebacker, because of his size, that will be a better ticket to the NFL. He didn’t use a wide array of pass rushing moves. Is that due to not having them, or the package on the video? Hard to say for me so let’s move to the draft profile and the negatives they list:

Below-average height. Ultra-stiff and overly muscled, negating his quickness, speed and lateral agility. Green eyes and instincts — gets outflanked too easily, is consistently late off the ball and can improve his snap anticipation and get-off quickness. Marginal hip flexibility. Lacks variety of pass-rush moves and gets hung up on blocks too easily. Can create better extension and improve hand use to swat, shed and disengage. Does not consistently convert speed to power. Bench-pressed 225 pounds only 19 times at the combine.

Bottom line is this kid has a chance to make this team. IK Enemkpali can get to the passer, and anyone that can rush the QB will catch the eye of Rex Ryan.