2021 Raiders Draft Prospect Profile
Name: Jaylen Twyman
School: The University of Pittsburgh
Position: Defensive Tackle
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 290 pounds
Stats
Strength-2
Twyman, as currently built, via film, must enhance his power. Versus the pass, a formidable bull rush would immeasurably add to his game and his draft stock. Additionally, it would help anchor in the run game. While he hovers in the 285-290 range, Twyman’s frame suggests that he could hover in the 295 range without sacrificing the quickness that garnered him attention.
Agility-3
At this point in his ascension, the former Pitt Panther gets home with the quickness. From the snap, observe the hand and opposite foot syncopation. Twyman wins versus the plodding guards by getting to his rise faster than they lift their pads. From there, his ability to either quickly sweep the hands or befuddle with stunts can wreck a gameplan.
Pass Rush-4
Of all of his attributes, this makes the Pittsburgh DT immediately draftable. From the film, you see a tackle that knows how to use his extremities efficiently. Immediately, his hands enter focus. Not to mention how quickly and forcefully they move. Twyman doesn’t appear married to a particular technique. Instead, he digs in the bag to uncork a variety. Despite his height, his swim, from either arm gains him an immediate advantage Whereas a longer lineman uses that length, Twyman’s quickness makes this work. Between an above-average push-pull and the aforementioned swim, Twyman tinkers with a spin, if the quarterback shifts the pocket. What he needs to implement is a better bull rush. As mentioned, he will need to unlock the power aspect of his game at the next level. To his credit, Twyman will always work to disengage.
Run Stopping-2
Granted, by his own admission, Twyman envisions himself a pass rusher first. However, when you look at his traits in this aspect, the ability to win off the snap serves him well, By knifing in, Twymandirectly affects the hole, forcing a moment of hesitation for the back.
Tackling-2
Now, this grade does not diminish Twyman’s athletic set or willingness to wrap and make the stop. However, at the next level, he needs to finish with a little more pop to cause fumbles. During his career at Pitt, he did not force a single fumble. Whether developing a sound hand chop would help or not, some change must occur. From a technical aspect, Twyman displays proper grip and drive.
Speed-3
When grading IDL, looking at 40 times remains a futile task. Instead, watching how prospects close on the target is the true grading metric. Twyman, in short areas, makes up ground, bearing down on the ballcarrier. When streaking backside to make a play, not only does he arrive to meet, but rarely overpursues.
Intangibles-4
Twyman never approaches snaps in the same fashion. You will see him attempt to alter his rush set, depending on down and distance. Operating as a one-note rusher only works for those with elite traits that immediately translate. Instead, Twyman put the effort forward to keep opponents off balance.
Raiders Fit
Now, Twyman fits the Las Vegas Raiders under specific circumstances. If the team hires a defensive coordinator that favors a 4-3 alignment, he slides into the three-technique role. Currently, the Raiders lack any semblance of interior disruptions. Maurice Hurst. Although he flashed in spots, seems to reside somewhere at his ceiling as a pro. On the other hand, Maliek Collins accomplished nothing productive during his one year as a Raider. In contrast, Twyman offers the Raiders a middle-round solution to an eternal problem. With his burst and athleticism, Vegas could conceivably retain Johnathan Hankins at a fair price. If you watched the Colts or Jets, games, you watched the interior of the Raiders defensive line offer little resistance. Twyman, on top of nonstop action, brings an outstanding pass rush palette to the field.
Grade:20/28 Based on a 1-4 scale per attribute
