Curtis Weaver | EDGE | Boise State
Elevator Pitch
An ultra-productive pass-rusher with intelligence, a high motor and a nice array of techniques in his game, Weaver has the potential to develop into a solid starter at the next level. While he doesn’t have the highest ceiling in the world, he does have a high floor and should be a solid defender in the NFL.
Vitals
Height | 6-2
Weight | 265
Strengths
If you want a proven sack artist in this year’s draft, there aren’t too many better options than Weaver.
After redshirting his first year at Boise State, Weaver picked up 34 sacks and 47.5 tackles for a loss in the three seasons he played there. He never had fewer than 9.5 sacks in a single season, and his tackle for a loss numbers went up every single year. When you turn on the tape and watch him go up against Mountain West competition, that dominance is apparent. He’s a polished pass-rusher who uses his hands well and packs a powerful punch at the initial point of attack. He has shown that he can string moves together to beat the opposition, as well as execute a few counter moves, and he does a good job of consistently getting inside leverage with his hands.
Weaver plays with good pad level and has the hip flexibility to sink into contact and maintain leverage in that regard. He has solid acceleration off the snap and times his jumps appropriately. He was also a versatile defender in Boise State’s defense, having taken some snaps in coverage and playing in an off-ball role from time to time.
Weaknesses
While Weaver had plenty of production in college, his athletic limitations could prevent him from being the double-digit sack machine he was with the Broncos. He’s not a very fluid athlete in space, as he struggles to change direction and can be a bit stiff-hipped at times. His timing and instincts allow him to get good acceleration off the snap, but he doesn’t have particularly impressive speed in pursuit.
Weaver can also stand to improve as a run defender. He can occasionally have issues with balance, which allows him to be pushed around by run blockers and sealed off easily. He can get better at setting the edge and standing his ground when taking opposing blockers head-on. His frame, while muscular, is also pretty stout for an edge rusher; he doesn’t have ideal length for his position.
