What is the easiest way to stop the most important position in football? Put pressure on them and make them throw the ball. EDGE players have made their mark as the second most important position in football, as evidenced by NFL contracts where players (according to Spotrac.com) like Tank Lawrence, Khalil Mack, and Von Miller signed market setting deals in the last decade. Or where players like Myles Garrett, Joey Bosa, or Nick Bosa have been top two selections. In the 2021 draft there isn’t a consensus favorite among analysts of who is the best EDGE rusher, but Joe Tryon is doing his best and may have the most potential of any sack artist in this class.
Tryon is a prospect whose trajectory is pointed up, and if he had not opted out due to the crazy Pac-12 season, may have solidified himself as a first round selection. He has a huge frame, standing at 6’5 259lbs at his pro day. His wingspan shows just how much length and leverage he can play with, according to mockdraftable.com, at 82 3/4” he is in the 87 percentile. He’ll look to possibly bulk up a little bit at the next level, with his explosiveness off the line (4.68, 80th percentile) and his ability to beat tackles with speed, he should be able to add some weight. Putting on a lean 10-15 pounds could benefit Joe greatly. Joe played sparingly his true freshman season (all season stats via ESPN), recorded 20 tackles and 1 sack. Earning the starting job in his Sophomore campaign, he exploded on the scene with 8 sacks and 41 tackles. Each season Joe showed improvement, but obviously did not have that opportunity in 2020 with him opting out of the season.
The stats are not mind blowing (even with leading the Washington Huskies in Sacks in ’19), but that is not the part of his evaluation that’s impressive to me. When you flip on the tape, you see a player who radiates potential at the next level. When speaking of his explosiveness and speed rush, I believe he is absolutely elite. As mentioned, he has elite quickness off the line, but his bend and flexibility are what make him special. He can explode of the line and shorten the distance to the QB using his bend. Against Washington State with 3:40 left in the 1st you see Joe attack off the line, chop, dip, and bend the corner. That is a textbook EDGE speed rush win. When you are that quick and that fluid as a pass rusher, it is hard for Tackles to set and beat you to the point of attack. This part of his game is ready today, and can help him win day one at the next level.
He constantly is playing at full extension, and with his enormous wingspan, that is a huge plus. The leverage he gets by extending his arms keeps opposing tackles at bay not letting them get connection on his frame allowing him to use hands to work past them. He often uses his speed and explosion to win around the corner, yet you do not see him win with a bullrush often. When he does, it is impressive though. Against Boise State with 4 minutes left in the 1st quarter, you see him burst off the line, long arm the line man, and with both hands in his chest proceed to dog walk him back in pocket. These are the bullrush reps you like to see in a young EDGE defender. I believe this leverage he plays with, coupled with him having a large frame and adding strength at the level, he’ll have another tool in his bag to go to when bending the corner doesn’t work.
Joe isn’t always stout in run defense, struggling to hold ground on double team blocks. I believe this can be remedied with the additional bulk/strength to his frame as well, helping him develop more of an anchor. But using his speed and motor he is money chasing down plays from the backside in pursuit. Again against Boise State (12:58 remaining) you see him collapse the edge, working down the line of scrimmage while again using phenomenal leverage. The separation he creates from the tackle helps him disengage, and than TFL (tackle for a loss). Image below shows where Tryon is starting, and the after screen grab of the play. Rinse, repeat. This is normal play you see from Tryon in the run game, especially in zone away or read zone.
One other spot that he doesn’t necessarily struggle in, but could use improvement is in hand usage and his second/counter move in pass rush. When he uses his hands, he is unblockable. Tackles lack the opportunity to even engage him at the line, making an easy win. But from time to time he will let lineman get their hands to him and this keeps him from playing with leverage and hand fighting. Good coaching can get him to consistently winning with his hands. This also translates to his up and down play with a second move. Every now and than Tackles will beat him to the spot on his speed rush, and when he counters with a swim it can be a thing of beauty. 7:20 left in the first against Washington State, Joe gets beat outside by the tackle. However, forcing the set wide-outside with his speed, he swims across in the vacated pocket for an easy inside pressure. If Washington wasn’t rushing only three lineman, it’s a win 1v1, but since there’s only three rushers the Guard is able to chip. The Huskies do this quite often which was a detriment to most of Tryon’s reps. He was either doubled in these situations or dropped in coverage (both not ideal). You see a similar play again in the same game with 6:40 left in the 2nd quarter (see below). This time he gives a jab step outside, and counters with a swim back inside. Flashing these traits are evidence of high pass rush ability. They just need to be demonstrated consistently at the next level.
There have already been rumors that he has transformed his body type during his time away this past season, which is news Front office’s will love and Tackles will fear. If Joe can play at a rocked up 6’5 265-270lbs, he can be a presence to be reckoned with for the next decade. No doubt in mind Joe Tryon should be a first rounder, with great upside. The question is will anyone pound the table for him come Thursday night? I know I would be.
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