NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Texas A&M DL Tyler Onyedim

Tyler Onyedim doesn't have any game-changing or high-level traits, but he is a solid all-around player to develop into a decent rotational defensive lineman in the NFL.

A 3-star recruit in the 2021 class, Onyedim's college career began at Iowa State, where he was a two-year starter. He collected 90 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and three sacks in 40 career games, earning honorable mention All Big-12 honors in 2023.

The Richmond, Texas native returned to his home state for this past season, transferring to Texas A&M. He started 12 out of 13 games for the Aggies, racking up 48 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble.

Matt Holder has been a part of B/R's Scouting Department for four seasons. He also writes about the Las Vegas Raiders and NFL draft for SB Nation's Silver and Black Pride, and co-hosts a YouTube Channel, Tape Don't Lie, providing film breakdowns and more draft prospect analysis.

Where He Wins

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- Onyedim has a solid get-off, showing a quick reaction to the snap and decent initial quickness.

- Has the upper body strength to stand up and lock out interior offensive linemen against the run. Also has very good arm length to maximize extension and help stack and shed blocks.

- Takes on blocks with a wide base and has solid lower body strength to hold his gap one-on-one against base blocks from guards and centers.

- Good at using an offensive lineman's momentum against them to defeat blocks if they're leaning, and has shown a couple of moves like an arm-over or rip to escape.

- Has the quickness and lateral movement skills to win across interior offensive linemen's faces as a pass rusher if his use of hands improves.

- Good pass-rush motor.

Areas of Improvement

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- Onyedim risks falling into the "tweener" category in the NFL, lacking the mass to be a defensive tackle and the athleticism to be a defensive end.

- Block recognition is a little slow, often getting caught off-guard by down blocks and reaches.

- Can get caught exposing his chest with wide hand placement against the run.

- Struggles to sink his hips and anchor against down and combo blocks/double teams, showing some lower body tightness.

- Pad level rises when rushing the passer and isn't explosive enough to be effective when bull rushing.

- Often late with his hands when working pass-rush moves.

Grade, Rank, and Pro Comparison

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GRADE: 6.2 (Developmental Prospect — 5th Round)

COMPARABLE GRADE: CJ West, Indiana (6.2 in 2025), Mekhi Wingo, LSU (6.3 in 2024), Otito Ogbonnia, UCLA (6.2 in 2022)

OVERALL RANK: 205

POSITION RANK: DL19

PRO COMPARISON: Da'Shawn Hand

Measurables and Testing Data

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Height: 6'4"
Weight: 292
Hand: 10⅛"
Arm: 34⅛"
Wingspan: 81⅜"

40-Yard Dash: 5.07
10-Yard Split: 1.69
3-Cone: 7.96
Shuttle: 4.65
Vertical: 32"
Broad: 9'3"