The 2023 NFL Draft class features a stacked group of defenders, and former five-star Oklahoma Sooners DT Jalen Redmond is a name to watch as the draft approaches. While likely a late Day 3 player, Redmond brings plenty of intangibles to the NFL after a successful college career.
While most of the conversation has been focused on the top names in the class, what does Redmond’s scouting report suggest about his NFL Draft stock?
Jalen Redmond NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Defensive Tackle
- School: Oklahoma
- Year: Redshirt Junior
Hailing from Midwest City, Oklahoma, Redmond was one of the top commits in the 2018 class for the Oklahoma Sooners. A five-star recruit, Redmond was the No. 2 overall prospect in the state and chose OU over Kansas State, Oklahoma State, TCU, and others.
Redmond only appeared in three games as a true freshman but played in 13 of 14 games in 2019 while making four starts, including against Baylor in the Big 12 Championship and Louisville in the Peach Bowl. Despite being a part-time starter, Redmond led the team with 6.5 sacks and was third with 11.0 tackles for loss.
During the tumultuous 2020 season, Redmond opted to sit out due to health concerns. Back in 2018, Redmond had a significant health scare as a freshman concerning blood clots, which caused him to miss all but three games, and out of an abundance of caution, Redmond chose to stay away from the field.
In 2021, Redmond returned and started in seven of eight games after missing five due to a knee injury (torn meniscus). Still, it was a productive season for Redmond as he totaled 19 tackles (11 solo), 8.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, and six QB hurries.
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Redmond even brought home Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance in late November against Iowa State, where he returned a fumble 42 yards for a touchdown and finished with a sack and 1.5 tackles for loss.
Now a redshirt junior, Redmond made eight starts in 2022 but opted out of the Cheez-it Bowl versus Florida State. Regardless, he had a productive season, totaling 23 tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, four pass breakups, and seven QB hurries.
While Redmond might not have hit the lofty expectations some placed on him as he walked onto campus, he’s more than earned his place in the draft. Having dealt with injuries, coaching changes, positional changes, health scares, and becoming a father, Redmond has already had nearly a career’s worth of experience.
Measuring in at 6’2″ and 291 pounds during the NFL Combine, Redmond displayed his quickness, running a 4.81 40-yard dash, with a 1.71 10-yard split, while also showing his athleticism, recording 34.5 inches in the vertical jump and 9’8″ in the broad jump.
Along with 27 reps on the bench, Redmond did everything he could to maximize the predraft process, but based on his scouting report, what are his strengths and areas for improvement as the former five-star looks to transition to the NFL?
Tony Pauline’s Scouting Report for Jalen Redmond
Strengths: Athletic defensive tackle who goes very hard. Explosive, fires off the snap with a terrific first step, and possesses a closing burst of speed. Attracts a lot of attention in the middle of the line, effectively bends his knees, and works his hands throughout the action. Keeps his feet moving, holds his ground against double-team blocks, and plays through the whistle. Strong for his size.
Weaknesses: Does not consistently play with proper pad level and gets very tall, making himself an easy target for opponents. Gets tied up at the point by a single blocker and is slow to disengage from opponents. Was never a great pass rusher for Oklahoma.
Overall: Redmond is an explosive athlete with a large upside, but he must improve his fundamentals and consistently play with leverage to have any sort of future in the NFL.
Jalen Redmond Combine Measurements and Results
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 291 pounds
- Arm Length: 32 5/8″
- Hand Size: 10 1/8″
- Bench Press: 27
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.81 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 34.5″
- Broad Jump: 9’8″
Oklahoma Sooner DT Jalen Redmond Current Draft Projection
The 2023 NFL Draft is primed with talent across the board. That holds true at defensive tackle, where Jalen Carter might be the best player on the board. Still, there remains plenty of depth at the position.
Although he won’t be mentioned in the same category, Redmond will hear his name called during the NFL Draft process. Currently, he’s the 181st-ranked player on Tony Pauline’s Big Board as the DT15 with a 3.39 draft grade and a draft projection that places him in the sixth round.
Redmond did a decent job at the Combine, showcasing some of the quickness and explosiveness that only sometimes showed up on tape. But what he really needs to prove is consistency.
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There still remains more questions. Based on his body size, Redmond is a bit of a tweener and needs to lock in what his position will be in order to develop consistent techniques. He also turned 24 in March and will need to answer questions about why he was arrested for a DUI in August 2020 when away from the team.
Redmond has a ton of untapped potential, but whether or not that is ever realized at the NFL level remains to be seen. You rarely see former five-star players this low in the draft. Perhaps a team turns Redmond into one of the better values at his position, and he develops into a potential 4-3 weakside nose tackle.