Dadi Nicolas NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Chiefs Rookie

POSITIVES

A part-time pass-rusher and part-time linebacker in the Virginia Tech defense, Dadi Nicolas has the length (34 ¾” arms) and playmaking skills to convince scouts he can overcome his lean, lanky frame. With impressive first-step quickness and loose hips, Nicolas can impress on the hoof if you imagine him adding 10 pounds.

His long arms and active hands allow him to keep blockers at distance. He eats up a lineman’s cushion with his own length and first-step speed. He’s experienced using his hands to fight off blockers after years at defensive end and sheds well when working against the run. Nicolas is patient and works down the line well to find the ball.

Likely a weak-side linebacker in the NFL, Nicolas will excite teams as a blank canvas to work with. He has pass-rushing experience, a long, lean frame and enough burst in his first steps to be utilized all over the field.

NEGATIVES

Nicolas is billed as this wonderful athlete, but his testing numbers were poor. He timed below the line in the 40-yard dash, three-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle. His vertical jump was good (41"), but Nicolas’ resume doesn’t show an athlete.

Nicolas played a role at Virginia Tech (edge-rusher) that he’ll never play in the NFL. To play that role, he lacks the strength and power to hold up against blocks from offensive linemen and will instead need to play in space where he’s seeing more tight ends and fullbacks. Nicolas has little experience in the role NFL teams will ask him to play.

Weak legs allowed opponents to move Nicolas around at will during Senior Bowl week, and he spent more time on the ground than any other linebacker on his squad. Poor balance and body control won’t help him hide his lack of bulk and overall agility.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 235 lbs.

40 Time: 4.74s

3-Cone: 7.65s

Short Shuttle: 4.63s

PRO COMPARISON: Jayson DiManche, Cincinnati Bengals
FINAL GRADE: 5.60/9.00 (Round 5—Backup Caliber)