As the college football season barrels toward, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Bralen Trice.

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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Bralen Trice

Bralen Trice (DE – Washington)

6’4″ – 274 lbs.

Background:

Was a four-star, 220-pound recruit. Rotated into the defense for 194 snaps as a redshirt freshman, started the final two contests he appeared in, and finished with a 14-5.0-2.0 line. Stepped into a starting role last year and went 38-12.0-9.0 in a breakout campaign. Having another strong year, although it hasn’t shown up quite as much on the stat sheet so far.

Positives:

Has made a major impact over the past two seasons. Very thickly-built edge defender who often plays out of a two-point stance as an “elephant.” Functionally strong edge defender who attracts additional attention from opponents on a regular basis. Plays with discipline and gap integrity in his run fits. Alert player with good recognition skills. Bends his knees and shows the ability to take on double teams. Has thudding power in his hands to jolt offensive linemen and control blockers in the run game. Shows above-average lateral quickness for his size, and couples it with an excellent motor in pursuit. Threatens gaps out of his stance with a jump/shuffle. Able to vary his rush approach and threaten with power, speed, or inside moves. Converts speed to power effectively when he works the bull rush, with solid leg drive after contact. Active with his hands on passing downs and shows some ability to work around the edge and bend a smooth arc back to the passer, setting up the shoulder dip well. High-effort approach could bring results on second effort.

Negatives:

Some balance issues; doesn’t always have the most stable base and weight distribution. Consequently, contact knocks him off-balance more often than you’d like. Throws his body around at times, rather than using his length and hands to engage. Hasn’t been quite as reliable a tackler as you’d like to see. Still needs to continue developing his repertoire of rush moves and counters. May not have the ideal physical/athletic profile to make more than the occasional drop into zone coverage.

Summary:

A massive strongside defensive end who plays with the intensity, power, and toughness to set the edge as a two-gap defender in the run game, or to walk back opposing offensive linemen with his bull rush on passing downs. Also has more quickness than anticipated given his size, which allows him to flow laterally as a run defender or threaten the edge as a rusher. Will need to be more consistent about using his arms to lock out defenders and his hands to shed, as he can rely on his bulk and raw strength too often. Could conceivably play in any type of two-gap front.

Projection: Round 1-2