The 2023 NFL Draft class features a stacked group of defenders, Oklahoma State Cowboys’ DE Tyler Lacy is a name to watch as the draft approaches following a productive collegiate career. While likely a late Day 3 player, Lacy 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 Lacy’s scouting report suggest about his NFL Draft stock?
Tyler Lacy NFL Draft Profile
- Position: EDGE
- School: Oregon
- Year: Redshirt Senior
A consensus three-star defensive end from Sachse High School, Lacy committed to Oklahoma State, where he redshirted during the 2018 season. In 2019, though, Lacy hit the ground running and started in each of the 10 games he saw action in. Even though Lacy missed three games in the middle season of the season due to an injury, he accounted for 20 tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, four QB hurries, and even two pass breakups.
An All-Big 12 honorable mention by the coaches, Lacy developed into one of Oklahoma State’s top players a year later, leading the Cowboys’ defensive line with 32 tackles on the season (19 solo). His 8.0 tackles for loss were third on the team, and Lacy finished the season with four sacks.
Lacy was recognized both on the field and in the classroom as a redshirt junior, bringing home both a first-team Academic All-Big 12 honoree and, again, an honorable mention All-Big 12 by the coaches. Lacy started every game and recorded 34 tackles (21 solo) with 11 tackles for loss and 3.5 QB sacks. Additionally, his eight hurries tied for the fifth most in a season since OSU began tracking the statistic in 1982.
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Unfortunately, Lacy’s final season in Stillwater would not go as smoothly as in years past. The redshirt senior had to shut down his season early after suffering a lower leg injury in November against Kansas. Lacy missed the season’s final few games and opted out of the team’s bowl game, ending his year with 17 total tackles, three sacks, and five QB hits.
Lacy would go on to have a strong performance at the Senior Bowl and measure in at the NFL Combine at 6’4″ and 279 pounds with 33 1/4 inch arms. Interestingly, Lacy ran the 40-yard dash in 5.11 seconds with a 1.72-second 10-yard split, put up 30 reps on the bench, and jumped 28.5 inches in the vert and 9’8″ in the broad.
As he continues to take his top 30 visits, what does Lacy’s scouting report suggest are the strengths he brings to the NFL? And what are some of the areas for improvement the coaches will be working on the minute he gets into team facilities?
Tony Pauline’s Scouting Report for Tyler Lacy
Strengths: Explosive defensive lineman who flashes dominance. Plays with proper pad level, quickly gets his hands up, and displays outstanding technique to get off blocks. Fires off the snap with a terrific first step, remains disciplined with assignments, and gives effort.
Collapses down the line to defend the run, shows speed up the field, and is fast off the edge. Plays with balance as well as body control and easily changes direction or alters his angle of attack. Gets outside the box into space to make plays.
Weaknesses: Lacks bulk and strength and gets overwhelmed at the point. Easily out-positioned by a single blocker. Coming off a somewhat disappointing campaign.
Overall: When on in his game and hitting on all cylinders, Lacy displays himself as an athletic, game-impacting defensive lineman who can make plays up the field or in space. He must get stronger and turn the flashes into consistent production, but Lacy comes with intriguing upside.
Tyler Lacy Combine Measurements and Results
- Height: 6’4″
- Weight: 279 pounds
- Arm Length: 33 1/4″
- Hand Size: 10 7/8″
- Bench Press: 30 reps
- 40-Yard Dash: 5.11 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 38.5″
- Broad Jump: 9’8″
Oklahoma State DE Tyler Lacy Current Draft Projection
You are in luck if you’re an NFL team heading into the draft that needs help on the defensive line. Although Tyree Wilson and Myles Murphy are some of the highest-ranked players in the entire class, Lacy will be waiting quite a bit longer to hear his name called.
Lacy is currently ranked as the DE21 and No. 247 overall on Tony Pauline’s Big Board. With a grade of 3.29, Lacy is projected to go in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
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Although Lacy has an NFL-ready frame, there are some questions about his pass-rush skill set and where his actual position will be. Does he have the length and flexibility to win off the edge, and can he be explosive enough to win up the middle? That’s something NFL teams will have to figure out, and so will Lacy, who could be fighting for one of the final roster spots before the season begins.