Anthony Nelson, DE, Iowa #98

6067, 272, 4.88

Notes: From Waukee, IA. His father, Jeff, played football at Iowa. Captain of both football and basketball teams in high school. Originally recruited as a 215-pound weakside defensive end. Redshirted in 2015. Played in all 13 games with 1 start, recorded 33 tackles, 89 tackles-for-loss, 6 sacks, 1 pass breakup and 2 forced fumbles in 2016. Starting left defensive end in 2017-18. Had 41 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 7.5 sacks, 4 PBU, 2 FF and 1 blocked kick in 2017. Posted 45 tackles, 13.5 TFL, 9.5 sacks, 1 PBU and 1 FR in 2018.

Positives: Excellent length and long arms. Good get-off quickness. Can create separation from blockers with his strength and arms. Good technique. Converts speed to power and can overwhelm tackles at times. Uses his hands well and can string moves together as a pass rusher. Good discipline and feel for the game. Plays within the framework of the defense and does a nice job of maintaining gap integrity. Very good ball awareness. Gets off blocks nicely. Anchors nicely against the run. Has gotten progressively bigger, stronger and better every year. High character and intelligence. Good motor and consistent intensity.

Negatives: Needs to continue adding bulk and improve overall strength. Is not an elite natural athlete and lacks quick-twitch first-step burst and tight arc speed off the edge. Average ability to re-direct quickly.

Summary: Has some athletic limitations but has the length, technical skills and work ethic to be a very good player. Can be a solid anchor end in a 4-3 or a 3-4 defensive end.