Arik Armstead NFL Draft 2015: Scouting Report, Grade for 49ers' 1st-Round Pick

STRENGTHS

A naturally gifted athlete with lateral movement and upper-level agility, Arik Armstead defies what a 6’7”, 292-pound person should look like on film. He has a quick first step and follows it up with a smooth, well-timed swim move to get over and under blockers. Armstead uses his length well to create separation and has the quick-twitch speed to bend and explode past blockers. His burst off the line is eye-opening given his size. Armstead improved greatly in 2014 and is a big potential player with an incredibly high ceiling as a defensive lineman. He offers scheme versatility given his ideal body type as a 5-technique defensive end in a 3-4 scheme but has the quickness to play inside as a 3-technique in a 4-3. He’s athletic enough that some scouts we spoke with believed he could become a top-10 player as a left tackle.

WEAKNESSES

Naturally, pad height and leverage are an issue for Armstead when lined up on the interior. Given his long, lean frame, he doesn’t generate much power in his base and can be tied up if blockers get under his pads. Armstead needs to develop a good bull rush and learn to play with a lower, stronger foundation. He’s a bit of a boom-or-bust player who really only came on and lived up to his prep hype in 2014.

2014 STATISTICS

Tackles: 46
Sacks: 2.5
Tackles for Loss: 5.5

COMBINE RESULTS

40: 5.10 seconds
Bench Press: 24 reps
Vertical: 34"
Broad: 117"
Three-Cone Drill: 7.57 seconds 

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Calais Campbell, Arizona Cardinals

Campbell and Armstead not only look alike physically, but they have similar playing styles as well. The ideal position for Armstead is what Campbell does for the Arizona Cardinals—a 5-technique end with the versatility to move around the defensive line depending on down, distance and personnel.

FINAL GRADE: 6.99/9.00 (Rookie Starter)