2020 NFL Draft Profile: Boise State EDGE Curtis Weaver
Is Weaver a first-rounder?
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Next great Boise State defender?
Boise State has had a few of really good defenders in the NFL which include Leighton Vander Esche and Demarcus Lawrence, so is EDGE rusher Curtis Weaver the next Bronco defender to make an impact in the NFL?
Weaver has an impact in three years in the Mountain West by being named as defensive player of the year in 2019 and was named to the first-team on defense three times, plus being tabbed as a freshman All-American.
In 2019, Weaver was tops in the Mountain West in sacks and tackles for loss and nationally he was fifth and 12th in each category.
He makes plays all over the field and offenses had to scheme against him, with it being loading his side of the field, 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, him getting behind the line of scrimmage is a huge plus for him, as his size and first-step speed which allows him to take on blocking tight ends and tackles.
That speed and burst off the line and bull rush through and knock or push around flat-footed offensive lineman. 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 bigger and stronger running backs and break that tackle to break free for extra yards. He also is not amazing in dropping into coverage. Weaver may not be asked to do that a to but if he is in that position look for defenses to take advantage. Also, he doesn’t have top end speed if needing to chase down a ball handler.
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 a top-100 pick then it will be seen as a steal.
