Isaiah Mullens 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• Consensus three-star recruit

• Named All-Ohio as a junior and senior
• Lettered in both football and track & field in high school

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: 3-4 even front
• 2022 projected role: Starting DE (5-tech)

Pros: Isaiah Mullens is an ideal 3-4, 5-technique defensive end. He plays with a powerful and sturdy lower body to anchor at the point of attack versus the run. Speaking of his lower-body strength, Mullens squats 700 pounds. I liked the display of core strength to handle additional contact. He handles two-gap responsibilities well, occupying OL and allowing linebackers to flow freely to the football. Mullens showed decent quickness to exchange gaps on twists and stunts. To counter his power and bull rush, he throws a club/rip combination to generate interior penetration and pressure the quarterback. I love how he meets pullers and leading OL in the run game with physicality to stonewall the play’s momentum. 

Cons: Outside of his value stopping the run, Isaiah Mullens has yet to prove he has a three-down skill set. The majority of his rush reps are of the power variety, building up to drive OL backward into the pocket. He is not an explosive or dynamic athlete and his first step is not threatening to opponents. This makes his snap anticipation more critical to get a head start and reduce the chances of playing from behind. Pad-level is a concern, as Mullens pops right out of his stance. Remaining lower can help him extend and drive blockers with more effectiveness.

Isaiah Mullens NFL Draft Scouting Report by Damian Parson