Kayvon Thibodeaux is a former No. 1 ESPN 100 player when entering the University of Oregon. Upon arriving, he earned countless honors and awards including the Morris Trophy and Pac-12 Championship Game MVP while also earning All-American and All-Pac-12 status in nearly every publication.

Thibodeaux is a very good athlete with regards to explosion and agility. In the passing game, he has an explosive first step and demonstrates very good ability to counter if he doesn’t win with his initial move. He rushes with good instincts and feel and has shown an uncanny ability to set linemen up throughout the game. In the run game, he plays with heavy hands and does a good job holding the point of attack. He should improve the consistency in which he disengages but plays with high effort, motor, and emotional endurance.

Ideal Role: Starting EDGE defender

Scheme Fit: Can play in an even or odd front. He’d ideally add more mass to his frame if drafted by a 4-3 team.

FILM EVALUATION 

Written by Drae Harris

Games watched: USC (2020), UCLA (2021), CAL (2021), Fresno (2021)

 Best Game Studied: USC (2020)

Worst Game Studied: N/A

First-Step Explosiveness: See Above.

Flexibility: He plays with excellent flexibility on the edge. This is demonstrated in his ability to get upfield, bend, and get the edge. He also demonstrates the hip swivel to counter when his initial move has been thwarted.  

Hand Counters: He demonstrates savvy and awareness to counter with his hands. He uses his very good hand fighting techniques when the lineman punches while in his pass set. This helps him get a good enough angle to get the edge and ultimately get home as a pass rusher.

Hand Power: He has good power in his hips and hands. He gives a good stab and holds the point of attack very well. He will improve at disengaging quicker and with more efficiency with pro coaching.

Run Defending: He does an outstanding job defending the run. He uses his athleticism to get in the gaps and disrupt run plays. He has good instinctive feel to find the football and has improved as a tackler in space in 2021.

Effort: He plays the game with outstanding effort. He is a relentless pass rusher who rushes with an extreme desire to get home. He also plays with very good pursuit angles on the backside of run plays.

Football IQ: He plays the game with high-level football IQ. This is evident as he sets up offensive tackles throughout the game. He also shows an uncanny ability to alter his rush depending on where the QB steps up in the pocket.

Lateral Mobility: See Above.

Functional Strength: He plays the game with excellent strength. This is evident in his ability to hold the point and set the edge in college. He also demonstrates his strength in his ability to deconstruct blocks and disengage.

Versatility: See Above.

SCOUT GRADES

TDN Consensus: 90.75/100 (Top 10 Overall Value)

Crabbs Grade: 89.00/100

Marino Grade: 89.00/100

Harris Grade: 92.00/100

Sanchez Grade: 90.50/100

Weissman Grade: 92.50/100

Parson Grade: 91.50/100