NFL Draft Player Profile: Chaz Sutton of South Carolina

(Sutton #90) Photo credit to independentmail.com

Chaz Sutton wreaks havoc from all points on the defensive front. Sutton has lined up, and dominated, from the 1-Tech through 5-tech positions as well as Outside Line Backer. Being able to disrupt the offensive line from all different angles and positions adds a phenomenal amount of versatility to his skill-set. A player of his versatility would fit well into a Hybrid Multiple-Front defense such as the Ravens. He would play similarly to Haloti Ngata as he is moved around between the 3-tech, 5-tech, and sometimes even the 1-tech.

A recurring problem with pass rushing prospects is their lack of pass rusher moves (Swim, spin, bull rush, etc.). Sutton doesn't lack in this area as he often uses a spin move to get off lineman. He also uses his hands well to break a lineman's arms off of his body. Also, Chaz is a special type of athlete. He has a big enough frame and body build to plow through offensive guards from the 1-tech  and 3-tech, yet also has enough speed to bend the edge on offensive tackles from the 5-tech. Only a select few have that incredible type of athleticism. Unfortunately, nobody is perfect. Chaz doesn't possess an explosive twitch coming off of the line of scrimmage. Sutton, while disrupting on a majority of plays, fails to capitalize at times and will simply miss tackles that should have been rather easy.

Now, while he is being criminally over-shadowed by none other than Jadeveon Clowney at South Carolina, Chaz Sutton is flying under the radar as a lethal pass rushing threat. Personally, I have him in the same tier as Anthony Barr (UCLA) and Kyle Van Noy (BYU).