Isaiah McGuire NFL Draft Overview
Position: Edge
Height: 6’-4”
Weight: 268 Pounds
School: Missouri
2023 NFL Draft Isaiah McGuire Scouting Report
While sneaking into multiple top edge rusher rankings in this year’s upcoming draft, Isaiah McGuire has continued to fly under the radar. A three star recruit out of high school, McGuire decided to attend Missouri. He would have a unique experience there with a coaching change after his first season as well as dealing with the challenges brought by the pandemic. Despite these challenges, McGuire still was a rock for Missouri earning SEC defensive player of the week multiple times.
Isaiah McGuire was not a key contributor to the team right away. He was still raw as a recruit and had much to learn. Making an appearance in only six games his first year would give him valuable experience to make a leap next season. His sophomore season he played in ten games as well as a significant amount of more snaps. More importantly for McGuire this season, he was making his presence known finishing with three sacks and a forced fumble.
Entering his final two seasons at Missouri, McGuire would take another leap in his production with his snap share continuing to be increased. Playing in over 1,000 snaps in his final two seasons he logged almost fourteen sacks as well as two forced fumbles. While the outlook for Isaiah McGuire at times looked bleak he not only made the most of his opportunity, but continued to grow at every turn.
Strengths:
- Impressive tape against one of this year’s top prospects at Offensive Tackle in Broderick Jones;
- High level motor, very difficult to find a play he does not finish through the whistle;
- Despite his longer frame, does an excellent job of gaining leverage and keeping his pad level low;
- Great speed for his size, but it shines when he comes around the edge;
- Brings everything a coach wants from a defender on the edge from his aggressive style of play as well as his strength.
Weaknesses:
- Often relies too heavily on winning outside and can be pushed beyond the passer, needs to win more inside;
- Beatable at the initial jump which can leave him playing catch up with his blocker;
- Needs to do a better job of taking away lanes in the run game;
- Could do a better job of using his natural frame and length to win at the point of attack;
- Overall needs more pass rushing moves in his tool belt.
NFL Comparison: Preston Smith
Teams With A Need: Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans
Projection: Third Round
Bottom Line:
Edge rushers with McGuires frame and motor do not simply grow on trees. While he has flown under the radar for the most part in the draft process, he is likely to be a steal for a team looking to make a splash late. He has proven he can go toe to toe with some of the top prospects with his tape against Broderick Jones. A team that takes Isaiah McGuire is getting a player who has some aspects of their game that are still raw but can be an early contributor in either a 3-4 or 4-3 front.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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