Raiders 2020 Draft Prospect: DE Jabari Zuniga

2020 Raiders Draft Prospect

Name: Jabari Zuniga

Position: Defensive End

School: The University of Florida

Height: 6’4”

Weight: 262 pounds

Stats

Tackling

Zuniga demonstrates a wide tackle radius and reach while tackling. His forearms and lower half collapse upon the target, quickly securing the stop. Yet, he needs to unlock the latent brutality and force in his hands to generate turnovers. For now, he shows technical acumen and the ability to flash in this trait.

Speed

In the NFL, Zuniga can lean on his explosion to open up his game. First, his anticipation from the snap and the quick first step will win him his share of snaps. Next, when he beats the block, Zuniga efficiently closes on the ball, bearing down on the ballcarrier, not allowing much wiggle. In backside pursuit, he widens his stride to cover more ground.

Agility

Zuniga can shoot the gap, succeed on twists and dip the shoulder to the outside. While he does not appear armed with the freaky twitch, he wins win nimbleness. More importantly, he breaks down, preventing overpursuit and keeping him viable.

Pass Rush

Blessed with bricks for hands, Zuniga generates above-average power with his hands. His bullrush will straighten up much larger tackles and destroy lanes. When opening up the bag, Zuniga features a workable arm-over that will be used as an effective counter or a standalone move.

Team Fit

Rod Marinelli will walk in and see one accomplished edge and many stuck in potential mode. Like spades, Maxx Crosby is definite, while Arden Key and Clelin Ferrell remain the possibles. Paul Guenther’s defense continues to lag behind the rest of the division. Under those circumstances, immediate help via free agency and the draft will supplement the rush. Five games saw opponents tally more than 250 yards through the air. Zuniga initially slots as a reserve.

Why Zuniga?

Zuniga profiles as the type of rusher that Rod Marinelli would salivate over. If you know nothing of his skill set, Zuniga’s power base gives the Raiders a new look. With Maxx Crosby wins with quick hands and length. Zuniga, while blessed with underrated burst with add the aspect of jarring blockers, standing them up and stopping any attempt of blocking. From there, athletically, sound technical implementation takes his skills to the next level.

The Las Vegas lack so much on the edge. With a smart Day Three pick, Zuniga slides into the rotation and gives them a talent that can fight for snaps. Plus, he will quietly turn up the heat on Clelin Ferrell. As a result, the fire lit will set off a chain reaction to motivate the entire group. On the field, Zuniga, over time will vary the rush set, in order to provide quality edge play. The Las Vegas Raiders could turn Zuniga loose and let him rely on his abundant gifts, including his power.