Ayinde Eley 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• Four-star recruit 

• Father played collegiate football and has served a total of 16 seasons as an NCAA Division I head coach
• Ranked as a top-20 linebacker recruit

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: 4-2-5
• 2022 projected role: Starting MLB

Pros: Ayinde Eley is a big, long-armed linebacker that roams the middle of the Yellow Jackets’ defense. He’s most comfortable attacking downhill. He can be seen constantly slicing into gaps to disrupt timing on running plays. He flashes his colors in gaps, forcing running backs to change paths. I admire his willingness to meet interior blockers looking to climb to the second level. He uses his length to keep his chest clean by stacking and shedding. He uses that wingspan to reach the ball carrier while engaged with blockers. He has solid eye discipline to diagnose run vs. pass, limiting his false steps after the snap.

Cons: Lateral agility is not a strength for Ayinde Eley. He is at his best working downhill and not sideline to sideline. There seems to be hip tightness that restricts his movement ability. He isn’t the most physical player at the point of attack. His tackling technique has to improve and become cleaner—Eley was charged with 20 missed tackles last season. This doesn’t bode well for a MIKE linebacker that will be relied upon to tackle in space. He is limited as a coverage defender—spot drops only. He doesn’t have the athleticism or hip fluidity to turn and run with opponents in man coverage. His path to playing prominent defensive snaps in the NFL will be an uphill battle.

Ayinde Eley NFL Draft Scouting Report by Damian Parson