2016 NFL Draft Profile: DE Carl Nassib

In this 2016 NFL Draft profile, we look at the strengths and weaknesses of defensive end Carl Nassib out of Penn State.

Not often does a player with the production that Carl Nassib has accumulated gets overlooked, but that’s clearly what has happened here. Nassib led all defensive linemen with 15.5 sacks paired along with another six forced fumbles that also led all at his position during the 2015 season.

Nassib possesses length, strength and surprising quickness with a motor that never gives up. He has relied on his brute strength to get to the opposing quarterbacks more times than not last season. In the NFL you can’t do that on a consistent basis, another issue that feeds into that is his stiff hips and an inability to bend and lean against athletic offensive tackles. Nassib will struggle at the next level with getting around the edge.

Sep 19, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback Chris Laviano (5) is pressured by Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Carl Nassib (95) in the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

STRENGTHS

Nassib is a bigger player who possesses the measurables to succeed at the next level. As a defensive lineman, you’ve got to have a go-to move, Nassib’s move is clearly the bull-rush. It’s a way for Nassib to collapse the pocket and make his impact felt immediately. Though he excelled in his last season, there is reason for optimism that he isn’t a one year wonder.

Perhaps his increase in his production is an increase in his playing time, he definitely played more in his Junior season than any of his previous two seasons. Or is it perhaps his passion for money drove him more so than his passion for the game? Either way, he was relentless in his pursuit to prove his worth to everyone watching in his final year at Penn State.

WEAKNESSES

One thing that doesn’t help Nassib’s status is the one year wonder label, from 2013 to 2014 combined, he had collected just two sacks over two seasons. Last season, he exploded with 15.5 that leads to some questions about his transition to the next level and his passion for the game.

Another thing that is hurting him is his limited items in the pantry. Nassib has a great bull rush move, but that’s pretty much it.

Nassib needs to develop some more moves as a pass rusher to succeed in the NFL. Whether that be developing a spin move, swat and swim or what have you.

Maybe a team with a strong positional coach will draft Nassib with the hopes of developing him and adding to his pass-rushing arsenal to make him more of a complete package.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

DRAFT DAY PREDICTION

Nassib reminds many of a Jason Pierre-Paul kind of collegiate athlete coming out, similar one year wonder label, but a boat load of talent. Nassib got his chance to improve his draft stock at his Pro Day and according to scouts, he did exactly that:

Here at #PennState Pro Day. Carl Nassib, Austin Johnson, Anthony Zettel impressing in DL drills. Not surprising.

— Richard Scarcella (@nittanyrich) March 17, 2016

More jets: 2016 NFL Mock Draft: Jets select Leonard Floyd

Nassib’s draft stock isn’t sky rocketing, but it isn’t bottoming out either. His sheer size and raw potential should intrigue some teams in the middle to late rounds (3rd-6th round range) to give him the chance he’s been waiting for.