Heading into the 2021 College Football season, Oregon EDGE rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux has been considered to be one of the top NFL Draft prospects. Thibodeaux has been a monster on the field for the Oregon Ducks, consistently displaying his power and high-motor as he attacks the ball and disrupts the pocket. In this 2022 scouting report, we’ll breakdown what makes Kayvon Thibodeaux a highly sought-after prospect, as well as how his skills and abilities will translate into the NFL.
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Kayvon Thibodeaux 40 Time
Kayvon Thibodeaux should run a 40 time in the mid 4.5’s. Considering that his strength and power show up on film more so than his speed and acceleration do, it’s quite impressive. If Thibodeaux does run in the 4.5’s, that would be able the league average in that category. Additionally, I believe that his 40 time would be a good indication of how well he can play in coverage as an outside linebacker. However, the best judge of this would be on-field drills at the NFL Combine in March.
Kayvon Thibodeaux Injury History
Kayvon Thibodeaux missed a few games earlier this season with a left ankle sprain. After returning from the ankle sprain, Thibodeaux was pulled from the Arizona game early, although head coach Mario Cristobal said that this was more about load management that a re-aggravation of an injury. Moving forward, given that it was just an ankle sprain, I anticipate Kayvon Thibodeaux receiving a green light at the NFL Combine in March during their medicals.
Kayvon Thibodeaux Scouting Report
Pros
- Excellent Power And Strength To Impose Will Off Of Edge
- Good Movement When Dropping Into Zone Coverage
- High-Motor Player That Attacks The Ball To The Whistle
Cons
- Lacks An Elite Level Of Bend Off The Edge
- Adequate Awareness In Traffic To Find And Attack Ball
- Stunts And Twists Off The Line Of Scrimmage Could Use Improvement
Kayvon Thibodeaux is a three-year starter for the University of Oregon. Thibodeaux is an edge rusher that has the athleticism to play defensive end or outside linebacker in the NFL. He has good height and average weight for the position. However, he has a frame that appears likely to carry more weight.
Thibodeaux has good strength to power through offensive linemen. His quickness off the line of scrimmage is also good as he’s able to beat tight ends and some offensive tackles around the edge quite often. He has good timing and variety in pass rush moves to keep opponents guessing. Displays a good use of hands to establish leverage or drive through the opponent. Does a great job of leveraging the ball on outside runs and forcing the runner outside towards defenders. Also does a good job of tackling ball carriers in the open-field.
Additionally, Thibodeaux is a high-motor player that doesn’t give up on plays easily. Shows a good ability to drop into coverage and reads the quarterback well. Has fluid hip movement that allows him to change directions quickly.
However, there are some weaknesses in Thibodeaux’s game. He has adequate bend off the edge and could struggle at the next-level against the league’s best offensive linemen. Does an okay job of finding and attacking the ball in traffic. Displays adequate use of stunts and twists to disrupt and collapse the pocket.
Kayvon Thibodeaux NFL Draft Projection
Kayvon Thibodeaux is the top prospect on our 2022 NFL Draft Top 200 Big Board. He has elite level traits that will translate well into the NFL. His quickness off the line of scrimmage, as well as his strength and power, are some of the best that I’ve seen at the position in quite some time.
In my opinion, Thibodeaux is likely to be drafted in the top three positions of the 2022 NFL Draft. Without a surefire QB1 in this draft class, it’s likely that the Oregon EDGE rusher will be highly sought. As mentioned previously in this scouting report, Kayvon Thibodeaux is capable of playing defensive end or outside linebacker in the NFL. While he lacks elite bend, his power and strength are incredible.
