This prospective Chiefs defensive end has Steve Spagnuolo written all over him

The Kansas City Chiefs just got a first-hand look at what continued investment into the defensive line looks like in New Orleans. The Philadelphia Eagles have continually invested in their defensive line throughout the draft, especially early, and the results spoke for themselves in Super Bowl LIX.

The Chiefs have taken back-to-back first-round edge players in George Karlaftis and Felix Anudike-Uzomah in 2022 and 2023. However, the need for more depth in the trenches is evident especially when you factor in the questions around Charles Omenihu's free agency.

Since 1999, Andy Reid-led teams (Eagles and Chiefs) have drafted defensive linemen 10 times with a 1st round pick or their top pick in the draft. Needless to say, if you guess the Chiefs are taking a defensive lineman early, you're probably going to be right.

We know Steve Spagnuolo has a type at defensive end: he likes long and powerful edge setters that can hold up against the run and rotate inside on passing downs. Smaller speed rushers have just never really been the Chiefs type. Enter the discussion, Nic Scourton.

NFL Draft Profile: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

Age: 20 (when drafted)

Height: 6-4 (unoffical)

Weight: 285 lbs. (unoffical)

Player comparison: Cam Jordan or Melvin Ingram

Background

From Bryan, Texas, Nic Scourton played high school football at Bryan High School. He gained interest as a 4-star recruit (24/7 Sports) and also played basketball. Scourton committed to Purdue where he played his first two seasons of college football, including time with Karlaftis. He led the Big Ten in sacks as a sophomore in 2023 (10) while being named Second-Team All-Big Ten. Ten sacks were the most by a Purdue player since Ryan Kerrigan posted 12.5 in 2010.

In 2024, Scourton entered the transfer portal and committed to Texas A&M. Used in a slightly different role and with more talent along the line, he only posted 5 sacks but still logged 13 tackles for loss. Scourton will turn 21 during his first NFL training camp and has lots of upside left in his game.

Why Scourton fits the Chiefs

Power Profile: At 285 lbs., Scourton brings a powerful edge-setting presence to the defensive line. He's built like a tank and moves bodies in the run game, destroying angles and collapsing gaps. As a pass rusher, he has a strong first step that combines well with his speed-to-power conversion. He also brings a non-stop motor to his pass rush. You can find lots of hustle sacks and downfield tackles from him.

Positional Versatility: At Purdue, he rushed almost exclusively with his hand in the dirt from a 3-point stance. At Texas A&M, he showcased an ability to rush from a 2-point stance. There's a decent chance he cuts weight to around 270 LBS for the NFL Combine, but if he plays closer to the 285 lbs. number, it puts him close to Milton Williams or Calijah Kancey—other shifty interior pass rushers. Scourton would be a great candidate to kick inside on pass-rushing downs.

Upside: Scourton will be 20 years old on draft weekend and will turn 21 during training camp. His skill set and physical ability at age 20 are enticing for a developmental player. Being able to be one of the best players on the field at age 18 and 19 is something the Chiefs often prioritize in their first-round picks.

Concerns

Lack of length: At 6-4 and with reported sub-34-inch arms, the lack of length makes a player the size of Scourton a bit of a unique profile. While his power and first step help him win off the edge, he can be displaced by lengthy tackles once they get their arms locked on him. He's sort of a player without a defined role right now. Does he drop down to 270 and rush from a 2-point stance? Or does he add weight or stay at 285 and plan to be a mix-and-match player?

Inconsistent production: Coming out of Purdue, there was lots of chatter about Scourton as a top 10 pick in the NFL Draft. However, once he arrived on a more talented line with other first-round talents (Shemar Stewart), his sack production dipped. His run defense remained consistent but converting pressures to sacks was a struggle in 2024.

Lateral Fluidity: Similar to former teammate and current Chief George Karlaftis, you're not going to find many sub-2.5-second sacks on Scourton's film. He doesn't possess a natural bend around the edge and is fairly stiff in the hips.

Analysis

The Chiefs went outside of their normal realm of thresholds when they selected Felix Anudike-Uzomah. Scourton is an inch taller, 30 pounds heavier, and has longer arms. He's a high-floor player as a run defender, something else that FAU did not have coming out of Kansas State. Scourton fits many targets the Chiefs have along the defensive line.

With the potential loss of Charles Omenihu, Tershawn Wharton, Derrick Nnadi, and Mike Pennel the Chiefs can use a defensive lineman who can stay on the field all three downs and possibly rush from the interior as well. Some teams will look at Scourton's lack of bend and length and see a tweener who either needs to get more explosive to win on the edge or to gain weight to rush from the inside. The Chiefs' defensive staff has lots of experience using players like Scourton.

Overall, Scourton is a high-floor prospect with an unmet ceiling. He profiles as a hybrid defensive lineman who can take advantage of mismatches along the line—a day one contributor against the run and an emerging pass rusher. The combination of Scourton and Felix Anudike-Uzomah play off each other well opposite George Karlaftis.