2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Dylan Horton (DE – TCU)

As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Dylan Horton.

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2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Dylan Horton (DE – TCU)

Dylan Horton (DE – TCU)

6’4” – 275 lbs.

Background:

Originally attended New Mexico, where he played for two seasons, totaling 378 snaps over that period and finishing with lines of 13-1.5-1.0 and 23-2.5-1.5 before transferring to Texas Christian. Made eight tackles including a sack in his first season before stepping into the starting lineup. Over 518 snaps in 2021, went 51-9.0-4.0, then had an even better fifth season of 51-15.0-10.5 over 733 snaps, playing the left end spot in the team’s odd defensive front.

Positives:

Solidly-built with long arms; has added over fifty pounds of bulk since arriving at New Mexico, including twenty-five pounds between 2021 and 2022 alone. Can play different techniques, sliding further inside at times. Brings a tough, physical, and energetic temperament to the game, with a strong motor. Gets good extension with his arms to lock out opponents. Has impressive functional strength to take on blocks in the run game; anchor is even strong enough to compete against double-teams at times. Powerful enough in his hands to jolt opposing linemen on contact. Plays with discipline on the back side. Power-based approach to rushing the passer worked well last season; can overpower some interior linemen on contact, and has impressive leg drive to collapse the pocket and create pressure or pick up sacks. Shows some suddenness out of his stance to threaten gaps. Shows a strong motor in pursuit. Effective wrap tackler with pop.

Negatives:

Could play with more consistent knee bend; pad level is often on the high side. Head tends to drop, causing him to have trouble locating the ballcarrier at times. Shoulders don’t always stay square to the line of scrimmage. A little bit of a one-trick pony as a pass-rusher; doesn’t have the most explosive get-off or most flexible ankles and hips to threaten around the edge with speed on a consistent basis, at least at his new weight. More active than technically advanced with his hands. Works hard to pursue ballcarriers but range is somewhat limited.

Summary:

A late bloomer who has the motor, power, and temperament to endear himself to pro coaches, there are still some technical/fundamental issues to his game, most notably his high pad level and struggles locating the football, but clearly has the physical and mental tools to succeed at the next level in some capacity. Could conceivably play as a strongside defensive end in a two-gap even front, or potentially as a five-technique end in an odd front, the latter being where he played last season.

Projection: Round 4