Brenton Cox Jr. 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• 2021 stats: 41 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble 

• Named to AP All-SEC Second Team in 2020
• Georgia transfer

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: Multiple
• 2022 projected role: Edge rusher that will condense down to rush on the interior 

Pros: Brenton Cox Jr. is an athletically gifted edge rusher that looks to have the speed and power you want in a complete player at the position. Cox has first-step quickness that he utilizes to threaten offensive linemen on the edges and occasionally wins by just turning the corner. When his initial speed around the edge maneuver doesn’t work, he has the natural strength to convert speed to power and start collapsing the pocket. Cox has enough strength in his upper body to walk offensive linemen back into the pocket in an effort to get the quarterback. Against the run, Cox also shows good strength and he can consistently set the edge and work to force ball carriers to cut back inside of him. Cox is a well-rounded edge rusher that has the athletic profile to be dominant.

Cons: While Brenton Cox Jr. shows to be a great athlete, it seems that his athletic profile is just missing that dominant touch. Cox can get to the quarterback but not at the consistent rate that you would like based on his athletic profile. Because of this, I think Cox needs to develop an array of counter moves so that when his initial rush doesn’t work, he has a secondary move that allows him to beat tackles. Overall, Cox is a good player and the potential to be a high-level pick is evident but there are small elements of his game that he needs to improve on to reach his full potential. Cox can have a breakout season this year if he is able to put everything together.

Brenton Cox Jr. NFL Draft Scouting Report by Keith Sanchez