Shilique Calhoun NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Raiders Rookie

POSITIVES

A player considered a potential top-50 pick for the 2015 NFL draft, Shilique Calhoun returned to college for a shot at a Big Ten championship—and he got it. Now as a senior, he's ready for the NFL.

Calhoun has excellent length and a great play radius. He's able to stack up the edge and has the speed to run down the ball from behind. A team captain with 42 career starts, Calhoun is a heady, natural player on the edge both standing up and playing down.

The pass-rushing moves to create separation are there from Calhoun. He's able to push and pull blockers and sets them up for countermoves. When locked up, Calhoun has a nice swipe move to free himself from hands.

Showing top-tier explosion, Calhoun is balanced and fluid in space. He's a smooth finisher with the awareness to contain the edge and patience to sniff out screen plays.

NEGATIVES

Calhoun's 2015 season was solid, but he failed to improve over his 2014 season. Teams will question if he's topped out as a player.

A long gait limits Calhoun's flexibility and burst. He lacks the top gear to run around the edge and chase fast quarterbacks. The long legs you see from Calhoun keep his hips from snapping tight and create a long, looping turn.

Calhoun plays high right out of his stance and can be walked back by low-quality linemen when he gets stood up. Long, skinny legs prevent Calhoun from having the power to split a double-team or hold anchor. Playing left defensive end, he was also matched up against college right tackles, of which few were NFL quality.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 251 lbs.

40 Time: 4.82s

3-Cone: 6.97s

Short Shuttle: 4.25s

PRO COMPARISON: Mario Addison, Carolina Panthers
FINAL GRADE: 6.55/9.00 (Round 2—Future Starter)