As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Felix Anudike-Uzomah.
Check out all of our 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports & Prospect Profiles 
2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Felix Anudike-Uzomah (DE – Kansas State)
Felix Anudike-Uzomah (DE – Kansas State)
6’3″ – 255 lbs.
Background:
Kansas City native and three-star recruit who played sparingly as a freshman but started as a sophomore, putting together an excellent line of 52-14.5-11.0 with six forced fumbles over 523 snaps. Finished among PFF’s top-ten in overall grade, pass-rush grade, and defensive stops, with a 16.2% pressure rate (16th). Was nearly as productive this past season, with 46-11.0-8.5.
Positives:
Has solid size for a pro edge rusher, typically lining up as a five- or seven-technique on the right side of three-man lines, but occasionally flipping over to the left (Kansas St. typically uses a 3-3-5 defense.) Knows how to use his length, getting extension and locking opponents out of his frame. Lower-body strength is good enough to anchor near the line of scrimmage. Active with his hands through the snap to disengage. Was an absolute terror as a pass-rusher at times last season. Adds some nuance to his rushes and already knows how to set up opposing blocks. Bends a smooth arc when turning the corner. Shoulder dip and ankle flexibility are both very good. Threatens outside and then uses his strength and leg drive to walk back blockers and collapse the pocket, occasionally jolting tackles with a straight-arm. Can get linemen to overcommit to the outside, then shed and attack the inside shoulder. Very good contact balance to stay on course and can work his way through chip blocks. Does a nice job of mixing in inside moves to keep opponents guessing; uses rip moves and does a good job of getting skinny through gaps to generate pressure. Flows laterally to seek out open lanes when his initial move is unsuccessful.
Negatives:
Seven of his eleven sacks in 2021 came against Southern Illinois (three) and Texas Christian (four), and three of his 8.5 this past year came against Texas Tech. May be somewhat lighter than some teams like their even-front ends to be. First step is more adequate than elite. Tends to get upright out of his stance, negating his leverage, and is sometimes the last lineman to react to the snap. Plays with noticeably more activity on passing downs than he does against the run. Needs to do a better job of keeping his shoulders square to the line when flowing to the ball. Range as a run defender is limited; gets beat to the edge too easily. Likely does not offer much value in coverage due to his speed limitations; took no cover snaps in any season per PFF.
Summary:
A surprisingly advanced pass-rusher somewhat reminiscent of similarly-built prospects like Nate Orchard and Larry English, but who, despite regularly playing on three-man lines, does not offer the same level of intensity on rushing downs. Would like to see more consistent effort in that phase, as well as more consistent output throughout the year. Doing so could make him one of the more sought-after edge rushers in the class, as he has a sophisticated rush approach and innate feel for how to get after the quarterback.
Projection: Round 2-3
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