2020 NFL Draft Profile: Boise State EDGE Curtis Weaver
Is Weaver a top-100 pick?
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Next great Boise State defender?
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Boise State’s Curtis Weaver dropped a bit to the fifth round to the Miami Dolphins and this could be fifth-round steal.
Boise State has had a few of really good defenders in the NFL which include Leighton Vander Esch and Demarcus Lawrence, so is EDGE rusher Curtis Weaver the next Bronco defender to make an impact in the NFL?
Weaver made an impact over three years in the Mountain West by being named as defensive player of the year in 2019 and a first-team defender three times, as well as being tabbed as a freshman All-American.
In 2019, Weaver led the Mountain West in sacks and tackles for loss and, nationally, he was fifth and 12th in those respective categories.
He makes plays all over the field and offenses had to scheme against him, whether by loading his side of the field, using play action to see if he will bite on a play, or just running plays away from him. Having offenses focus plays to the opposite side of the field is a win for a defense, and even with teams game planning like that, Weaver was still able to put up a lot of plays.
Strengths
Obviously, Weaver’s ability to get behind the line of scrimmage is a huge plus for him, as his size and first-step speed allow him to take on blocking tight ends and tackles.
That speed and burst off the line and bull rush through enables Weaver to knock or push around flat-footed offensive linemen. That allows him to get that first step off the snap and be the first to make a play. He also seems to be in a lot of plays.
Weaknesses
For as many tackles as Weaver makes, there are times where bigger and stronger running backs break that tackle to earn extra yards. He also is not amazing in dropping into coverage. Weaver may not be asked to do that more often at the next level so, if he is in that position, look for defenses to take advantage. Also, he has good but not top-end speed, which could make chasing down the swiftest ball handlers a struggle.
Draft Projection
Most mock drafts have Weaver going outside of the first round, but all signs point to him being taken in the second or third round. If he goes beyond the first 100 picks, though, it will be seen as a steal.
