Ali Gaye 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• 2020 Second Team All-SEC 

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: 4-3 scheme 
• 2022 projected role: Starting DE

Pros: Ali Gaye’s plus traits come from what appears to be his natural athleticism for his size. Gaye has a good initial first step that helps him gain leverage on offensive linemen in his pass rush. Once he is even with an offensive lineman, he shows the bend to be able to turn the corner and redirect his path to the quarterback. Gaye’s athleticism also shows in open-field situations. He has the short-area quickness to redirect and react to ball carriers changing directions. This allows him to be a disruption in the backfield and also forces him to be accounted for on read-option plays because he has the athleticism to play both the running back and the quarterback. Gaye has the ideal size for a 4-3 defensive end and his fluid movements give him the potential to be a game-wrecker.  

Cons: Ali Gaye has prototypical size at the defensive end position and the athleticism to match. The area of Gaye’s game that needs improvement is his strength. Gaye’s lack of strength shows in both the run game and pass rush. As a run defender, there will be times when Gaye takes a while to shed offensive linemen to defeat the block. In his pass rush, his lack of using his strength shows in how he doesn’t rush to convert speed to power. Gaye is a big-bodied defensive end that should be able to apply strength when necessary but for some reason doesn’t do so on a regular basis.

Ali Gaye NFL Draft Scouting Report by Keith Sanchez