Kayvon Thibodeaux has gone from potential No. 1 overall pick to a player who has generated considerable scrutiny during the pre-draft process. The Oregon edge rusher may now fall out of the top 10.
The three-year Ducks defensive end is expected to be drafted outside the top five, per ESPN.com’s Matt Miller, who adds a drop out of the top 10 would not shock (ESPN+ link). A half-dozen scouts informed Miller Thibodeaux did not impress in Combine interviews with their respective teams, which echoes a report last month indicating a draft tumble might ensue for the talented sack artist.
Effort level has come up regarding Thibodeaux’s status as a prospect among front office personnel and scouts, Miller adds. Thibodeaux recorded three sacks in seven Oregon games during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, one that saw other NFL-bound Ducks opt out. Last season, Thibodeaux suffered a sprained ankle in September and finished with seven sacks and 12 tackles for loss. Certainly not poor numbers, but Thibodeaux’s junior-year production has not offset the concerns about his motor and attitude.
The Jets, who hold two top-10 picks, met with Thibodeaux this week, ProFootballNetwork.com’s Tony Pauline tweets. So did the Ravens, who hold the No. 14 overall choice. All 32 teams had staffers in Eugene, Ore., for Thibodeaux’s pro day this week, Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy tweets. Lions GM Brad Holmes joined six other Detroit staffers there, with Nagy adding the Lions and Seahawks each sent seven representatives to the pro day. Thibodeaux, whom Scouts Inc. grades as this year’s seventh-best prospect, is the only Ducks player expected to go in Round 1.
The Lions have a need on the edge, but Florida State’s Travon Walker has generated some buzz to be drafted ahead of Thibodeaux. Rising after a strong Combine showing, Walker has been linked to the Jaguars at No. 1 overall. That would make Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson a natural fit in Detroit. Thibodeaux looms and stands to have plenty of motivation going into his rookie season, but he may have to wait a bit to hear his name called.