Name: Khalen Saunders
Position: Defensive Tackle
School: Western Illinois
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 324
Khalen Saunders is an intriguing prospect as a compact, productive nose with plus athleticism inside. He has some major flashes to his game, including against top prospects at the Senior Bowl, which should alleviate concerns that his FCS competition aided his impressive game tape.
Size
Saunders’ squatty frame is both a potential detriment to his draft stock and a benefit to his game. He is somewhat long for his height, but that is not saying much, given that he barely checks in at 6-feet tall. That said, he carries a lot of weight in a compact frame, and he carries it well. Whatever “bad” weight Saunders has does not affect his ability to move much, so long as he maintains conditioning. When he has his wind, Saunders is one of the quicker nose prospects in the class. It is possible his lack of length will inhibit early success, but Saunders’ low center-of-gravity and overall mass should be an asset to his career.
Power
Because of his frame, Saunders is able to fire off low and get leverage advantage. His punches and slaps are strong, and he is able to get a push when he drives his legs effectively. However, for someone as big as he is, Saunders is strangely more of a finesse player. He is more wont to move around blocks then drive through them or manipulate his man. His power comes in his ability to clear hands and shed blocks, not so much through his push. Saunders is also a bit susceptible to conditioning issues, mitigating his power. The below clip was from early in the second against Illinois, yet he already seems to be in fourth quarter mode.
Athleticism
Saunders’ back flip was the viral hit of Senior Bowl weekend, but that athleticism translates to more than just impressive feats. Saunders is freakishly quick in tight spaces for someone his size, and has solid straight line speed, as well. His 40 time was just a tick over five seconds, and he posted some of the best agility drills among pure nose prospects at the combine. This clip from the combine shows how well Saunders can move. Granted, this is in spandex, but he is much quicker and smoother than one would expect from a guy his size.
Khalen Saunders really out here looking like a receiver. pic.twitter.com/yvq2YBcTXH
— Carter Donnick (@CDonnick3) March 3, 2019
Run Stopping
Saunders’ get-off is solid, which helps mitigate his length issues. He can deliver a quick blow, then slap hands to discard his man and he has the short-area quickness to get around blocks and to the ball-carrier. Against reach and down blocks, Saunders has good awareness to fire into a good run fit and gain advantageous positioning. This works well against double teams, as his quickness often gets him good leverage against the down block before blockers can swallow him up. His preferred action against zone blocks is to slap hands away before contact and dart around the block.
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphins
by Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
When it comes to anchor and motor, Saunders is only so-so. His low center-of-gravity should lend itself to strong base, but he rarely wins straight-up power battles up front. He also has a tendency to get too high when he gets into more open space which opens him up to getting finished around the ball. The below clip is a good example of Saunders clearing his man with a quick slap, but then meandering high to the ball, and thus ending up on the ground.
That aside, his backside pursuit is usually strong. He has impressive straight line speed and takes good angles to the ball. 13 tackles for loss is nothing to sneeze at for a nose tackle, and that is indicative of his play-making abilities.
Pass Rushing
Saunders’ pass rushing takes on the same attributes of his run defense. That is, mostly finesse, susceptible to stonewalling if locked into a battle of strength. Many of Saunders’ highlights as a pass rusher come from his quickness surprising his opponent. Look no further than the Senior Bowl, where Saunders set up his man with a quick stem before utilizing his patented slap-swim move, burning the blocker across face for the easy sack.
Khalen Saunders with the elite sack + celebration combination at the @seniorbowl yesterday.pic.twitter.com/M6lAC35FoE
— PFF (@PFF) January 27, 2019
Saunders posted 14 sacks his last two seasons, an impressive number for a nose tackle. Much of his plan comes down to one of a few things: speed off the snap, slap and swim or bend and rip through. He has hand-fighting potential, given his strong slap and hand-clearing moves. However, Saunders is not one to re-set and counter. His length does not lend itself much to any push-pull moves, and he has not had much success as a bull rusher. At this point in his development, Saunders is an interior speed rusher. His frame and power potential leaves hope he can add some more power moves to his arsenal, but for now, the quick twitch cuts and the slap-swim are his meal tickets.
Vikings Fit
The Vikings have drafted a defensive tackle in the fourth in each of the last two seasons. Neither Jaleel Johnson nor Jalyn Holmes has flashed in meaningful game time yet, so it would seem the Vikings are still on the hunt for that potential starter on its defensive interior. Saunders is still fairly raw. He needs to work on conditioning as well as some of his technique in terms of anchor and power. However, his quickness for his size is tremendous, and makes him a threat to push a rotation spot right away.
–Sam Smith is the Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage Vikings and Deputy Editor for Full Press NFL. Like and Follow @samc_smith.
Follow @fpc_vikings and Follow @fpc_nfl
Latest Vikings News
- NFL Rumors: Jimmy Garoppolo, Commanders, Deshaun Watson
- Deshaun Watson Eyeing Buccaneers or Vikings?
- Know the Foe: Packers @ Minnesota Vikings
- Cowboys and Vikings Defenses Are On the Rebound
- What Was Mick Tingelhoff’s Greatest Achievement? Fran Tarkenton Knows
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 108: Hall of Famer Bryant Young Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:45 am
Pro Football Hall of Famer Bryant Young returns to the show to talk with […]
-
Ep 107: Pro Football HOF President Jim Porter Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 6:58 pm
Clark and Ira are once again joined by the Pro Football Hall of Fame's […]
-
Ep 106: Remembering Pat Tillman w/ Former Cardinals Coach Dave McGinnisby Full Press Coverage on April 21, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Former Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis joins Clark and Ira to remember […]
-
Ep 105: Who Are The Top 5 Quarterbacks of All Time?by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2022 at 12:46 am
Who is the most underrated quarterback of all time? The most overrated? […]
-
Ep 104: John McClain Joins The Show To Talk Retirement and Houston Sportsby Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2022 at 2:50 am
Former Texans beat reporter for the Houston Chronicle, John McClain, joins […]
-
Ep 103: Discussing The New NFL OT Rules With Upton Bellby Full Press Coverage on March 31, 2022 at 10:11 pm
Former NFL executive Upton Bell joins Clark and Ian to discuss the latest […]
-
Ep 102: Remembering John Clayton With Former Seahawks PR Director Gary Wrightby Full Press Coverage on March 22, 2022 at 8:10 pm
Former Seattle Seahawks PR Director Gary Wright joins Clark and Ira to […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 108: Hall of Famer Bryant Young Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:45 am
Pro Football Hall of Famer Bryant Young returns to the show to talk with […]
-
Ep 107: Pro Football HOF President Jim Porter Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 6:58 pm
Clark and Ira are once again joined by the Pro Football Hall of Fame's […]
-
Ep 106: Remembering Pat Tillman w/ Former Cardinals Coach Dave McGinnisby Full Press Coverage on April 21, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Former Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis joins Clark and Ira to remember […]
-
Ep 105: Who Are The Top 5 Quarterbacks of All Time?by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2022 at 12:46 am
Who is the most underrated quarterback of all time? The most overrated? […]
-
Ep 104: John McClain Joins The Show To Talk Retirement and Houston Sportsby Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2022 at 2:50 am
Former Texans beat reporter for the Houston Chronicle, John McClain, joins […]
-
Ep 103: Discussing The New NFL OT Rules With Upton Bellby Full Press Coverage on March 31, 2022 at 10:11 pm
Former NFL executive Upton Bell joins Clark and Ian to discuss the latest […]
-
Ep 102: Remembering John Clayton With Former Seahawks PR Director Gary Wrightby Full Press Coverage on March 22, 2022 at 8:10 pm
Former Seattle Seahawks PR Director Gary Wright joins Clark and Ira to […]
-
Ep 230: Early Rookie Draft Seasonby Full Press Coverage on May 10, 2022 at 7:58 pm
-
Ep 229: Fantasy Fallout From the NFL Draftby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 10:52 pm
-
Ep 228: Pre-NFL Draft Dynasty Rookie Draftby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 2:52 am
-
Ep 227: Rookie QB and TE classes of 2022by Full Press Coverage on April 21, 2022 at 7:45 pm
-
5/11 - Patriots Depth Chart, Contract Issues, Smoked Meat, and Ernie Adams With Matt Chathamby Full Press Coverage on May 11, 2021 at 7:54 pm
Matt Chatham joins Steve, Murph, and Clare to talk Patriots depth chart, […]
-
5/4 - Good, Bad, and Ugly From NFL Draft With Evan Lazarby Full Press Coverage on May 4, 2021 at 7:39 pm
Evan Lazar of CLNS Media joins Steve, Murph, and Claire to recap the […]
-
5/16 - Celtics Advance; Jayson Tatum; Golden State; NBA Playoffsby Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 4:35 pm
Ian and John react to the Celtics game seven win over the Bucks and Jayson […]
-
NFL Schedule Release Reaction (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 14, 2022 at 10:45 am
Ian and John discuss the release of the NFL schedule.
-
Tom Brady's New Broadcasting Deal (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 9:45 pm
Ian and John react to Tom Brady's post-retirement contract with Fox to […]
-
Celtics, Bucks Game Six, NBA Playoffs, Joel Embiid and James Harden (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 3:38 pm
Ian and John discuss the Celtics and Bucks upcoming game six, Joel Embiid […]
-
5/13 - NBA Playoffs, Tom Brady's New Deal, NFL Schedule Releaseby Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 3:21 pm
Ian and John talk Celtics/Bucks and the NBA Playoffs, Tom Brady's new […]
-
5/9 - NBA Playoffs; Officiating In Professional Sportsby Full Press Coverage on May 9, 2022 at 5:46 pm
Ian and John discuss the NBA playoffs and their current officiating […]
-
Celtics Tie The Series Against Bucksby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:52 am
Ian and John react to the Celtics Game two win over the Bucks in Boston.
-
5/4 - Horror Movies; Deandre Hopkins Suspension; Celtics Bounce Backby Full Press Coverage on May 5, 2022 at 5:03 am
Ian and John discuss horror movies, the Deandra Hopkins suspension, and […]
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphinsby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Tyreek Hill from the Chiefs to the […]
-
Ep 37: Matt Ryan Traded To The Colts; Jameis Returns To NOLA; Mariota to ATLby Full Press Coverage on March 23, 2022 at 6:00 pm
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts […]
-
Talkamania Episode 226by Talkamania on May 16, 2022 at 11:23 pm
-
Talkamania Episode 225by Talkamania on April 2, 2022 at 3:03 pm
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 183 "The Streets Been Waiting"by Boot 2 The Face on May 15, 2022 at 4:59 pm
Sponsored by athleticgreens.com/EMERGING
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 182 "Mr. Toni Storm"by Boot 2 The Face on May 2, 2022 at 12:30 am
Marty and Rucker here again talking baseball, new action figures and the […]
-
Bruce There He Is - May 17, 2022by Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 7:00 pm
-
5/16 - Celtics Advance; Jayson Tatum; Golden State; NBA Playoffsby Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 4:35 pm
-
Talkamania Episode 226by Talkamania on May 16, 2022 at 11:23 pm
-
Ep. 37: Modern Problems Require Modern Solutionsby Full Press Coverage on May 15, 2022 at 3:16 pm
-
Episode 47 Criss Partee discusses the disappearance of James Harden and the latest NBA Playoffs newsby Full Press Coverage on May 15, 2022 at 4:10 am
-
Ep 113: Wade Barrettby Full Press Coverage on May 14, 2022 at 2:00 pm
-
Ep 130: Packers UDFA Talkby Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 9:38 pm
-
5/13 - NBA Playoffs, Tom Brady's New Deal, NFL Schedule Releaseby Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 3:21 pm
-
Episode 95: It's Schedule Time!by Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 12:16 pm
-
5/16 - Celtics Advance; Jayson Tatum; Golden State; NBA Playoffsby Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 4:35 pm
-
NFL Schedule Release Reaction (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 14, 2022 at 10:45 am
-
Tom Brady's New Broadcasting Deal (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 9:45 pm
-
Celtics, Bucks Game Six, NBA Playoffs, Joel Embiid and James Harden (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 3:38 pm
-
5/13 - NBA Playoffs, Tom Brady's New Deal, NFL Schedule Releaseby Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 3:21 pm
-
5/9 - NBA Playoffs; Officiating In Professional Sportsby Full Press Coverage on May 9, 2022 at 5:46 pm
-
Celtics Tie The Series Against Bucksby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:52 am
-
5/4 - Horror Movies; Deandre Hopkins Suspension; Celtics Bounce Backby Full Press Coverage on May 5, 2022 at 5:03 am
-
Celtics/Bucks Game 1 Reaction (5/2)by Full Press Coverage on May 3, 2022 at 1:45 am
-
5/2 - Pt. 1 - NFL Draft Talk; Patriots Reactionby Full Press Coverage on May 2, 2022 at 9:38 pm