Carl Nassib NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Browns Rookie

POSITIVES

The younger brother of New York Giants quarterback Ryan Nassib, Carl was a walk-on at Penn State who built himself into an All-American in his final season.

Nassib was one of the most productive players in college football last season, notching a school-record 15.5 sacks, 19.5 tackles for a loss, six forced fumbles and one interception. On film he’s a high-motor, intense player with the length (34 ½”) and hand size (10 ⅜”) of a pro defensive lineman.

His 15.5 sacks came by way of straight-line speed and a nonstop push to get to the passer. Nassib doesn’t have the loosest hips, but he aligned himself right before the snap to squeeze the edge and make the turn at the corner with quickness. He was then able to use his length and speed to close on the pocket.

Nassib has a shot to make an impact as a rotational defensive end in a 4-3 scheme. He had great success playing wide of the tackle at Penn State and could find a similar role as a third-down edge-rusher with his hand in the dirt in the pros.

NEGATIVES

Nassib was a one-year starter and one-year star at Penn State. Before 2015, he largely produced on special teams. Was his eye-popping production his doing or the byproduct of having Zettel and Austin Johnson on the same defensive line? Nassib had more sacks in the first two weeks than he had in the previous two seasons combined.

A lack of athleticism is the biggest question mark scouts must address. Nassib tested below average in every drill at the combine, which matches his performance on tape. He doesn’t have the hip snap or burst to get offensive tackles turned in the NFL.

He’s a linear player without a true position given his lack of athleticism. Without power in his hands, Nassib would be at a disadvantage in any scheme playing over the tackle, but he doesn’t have the bend to play standing up.

Against the run, Nassib doesn’t have the strength to win at the point of attack. His thin, narrow frame needs bulk added to it if he’s to ever win as an anchor. Missed tackles also plagued his 2015 film, which is a red flag given it was his only year of major snaps.

Nassib is a great story and one heck of a college football player, but his lack of bend and burst are concerning as he’s projected to the NFL.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'7"

Weight: 277 lbs.

40 Time: 4.71s

3-Cone: 7.27s

Short Shuttle: 4.37s

PRO COMPARISON: Bjoern Werner, NFL Free Agent
FINAL GRADE: 5.75/9.00 (Round 4—Backup Caliber)