Arik Armstead
Oregon, DE
Height: 6.7
Weight: 292
40yd: 5.10
Age: 21
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Athleticism: C+
A plus athlete when considering his phenomenal stature. Is slow to get off the line of scrimmage at the snap, but possesses burst and quickness once he gets going. Demonstrates a surprising amount of fluidity and balance for someone of his height and length. Was asked to drop into coverage rarely at Oregon and could be used in zone blitz packages. Better football athlete than combine tester.
Pass Rush: C+
A developing pass rusher with some upside. Currently he wins solely on power and doesn’t have much production to show for it. However, is able to walk blockers into the backfield with his long arms and strong body. Length is an asset and is able to keep blockers from getting into his chest plate and can control them when he is able to extend and lock out. Has the beginnings of an arsenal but is overly reliant on power and strong hands. Is not yet able to convert his length into tipped passes at the line, but has the potential to be impactful in that area.
Run Defense: B
Possesses great tools to be a dominant player against the run but is still raw and putting it all together. Too powerful to be contained by just one lineman and commands a double-team to effectively negate him. Is rarely on the ground. However, he too often loses sight of the ballcarrier and gets caught up in the one-on-one battle rather than making the tackle. Can be a tick slow disengaging from blocks and gap integrity appears to be lacking at this point. Gave up big runs to his side of the field in film watched and didn’t convert on enough opportunities to stop runningbacks.
Technique: C+
Outside of his ability as a hand-fighter, his technique needs work. Has incredibly strong and active hands to extend and lock out. Dominates with his arms and hands and they should continue to be a weapon for him at the next level. Is at a natural disadvantage in the leverage game, but makes it too easy for blockers to get under him when he stands up off the snap. Shows poor tackling technique despite length and power. Too often whiffs and misses, but can pull defenders down from behind when he gets his hands on them.
Intangibles: C
Has spent significant time playing in a 30 front at Oregon and shouldn’t require much time learning or adjusting to the scheme at the next level. Lacks snap awareness and an understanding of his assignment, both of which were significant issues with the Ducks. Shows an adequate motor and character does not appear to be a major concern.
Red Flags: None
Bottom Line: Arik Armstead didn’t put up the numbers of his conference counterparts Hau’Oli Kikaha or Nate Orchard, but still grades out higher than them based on his impressive upside and skill set. Armstead is a prototypical defensive lineman for the 3-4 defense, with incredible length and frame built to carry in excess of 300 pounds without looking out of shape. Is he can be coached and developed to reach his ceiling, Armstead could become an All-Pro in terms of 3-4 defensive linemen.
Comparison: Calais Campbell
Grade: 9.0 (1st Round)
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