Redskins Pre-Draft Visits

[Chico23231]

Dadi Nicolas Va Tech OLB




Player Overview
With 18.5 tackles for loss and 9.0 sacks as a junior in 2014, Nicolas considered leaving school early for the NFL Draft and few would have blamed him. But he decided to return to Blacksburg for his senior season with the goal of emerging as one of the top edge rushing prospects for 2016. His production dipped as a senior with 2.5 sacks, sparking doubt for those already concerned he doesn't have a natural fit in the NFL.


Strengths Weaknesses
STRENGTHS: Nimble athlete who is at his best when he can use his light feet in space. A relentless hustle player, Nicolas has excellent first-step quickness and initial momentum to split double-teams when lined up as a three- or five-technique and shave the corner when rushing off the edge from a wide formation. He is quick-footed to avoid blockers and keeps his eyes on the ball.

Good special teams player with a number of blocked field-goal attempts throughout his career.


WEAKNESSES: Not enough core strength or power to hold up in the trenches. Isn't a strong point of attack player and needs to refine his hand use, relying mostly on his lower body to do most of the work. He is still developing his football awareness, but has grown considerably in this area, holding the edge and leveraging the field vs. the run.


IN OUR VIEW: After a disappointing senior season (2.5 sacks), Nicolas is looking for redemption in pre-draft workouts. Too small to remain at defensive end or even as an edge rusher in a three-man front, Nicolas is a project who perhaps projects best at outside linebacker in a 4-3 alignment