Chris Rumph II

Pos: EDGE

School: Duke

Ht: 6’3″

Wt: 244 lbs

Strengths:

  • Strong athletic player
  • Elite burst off of the edge
  • Good first step
  • Hands are utilized decently
  • Slippery player who can grease the edge
  • Hips are fluid and displays solid change of direction
  • In the pass game, he is able to win with his burst, good bull rush and long arms
  • In his limited snaps in coverage he did a solid job, keeping his eyes on the QB and making advanced reads
  • Powerful bull rush
  • Strong well built legs

Weaknesses:

  • His small frame really hurts him. As a hand in the dirt player, Rumph got moved around easily by offensive tackles
  • Rumph needs to play with better instincts, as he misjudges some plays and may miss the gap he is supposed to attack
  • He is a streaky run defender, can blow up plays or also be non existent at times
  • As a pass rusher, entering the D gap, he may lose his balance as a result of a lot of quick and smart movements that aren’t combined with proper strength and force.

Overall Assessment:

On tape, Rumph looks like a tweener pass rusher who can’t really work well as a hand in the dirt, proper 5T, but also wouldn’t project completely well as a 3-4 OLB. He is an extremely athletic prospect who has elite burst off the edge. His first step can beat slower moving tackles and can lead to an immediate play disruption. He catches tackles who have somewhat poor technique off guard with his burst and explosiveness from the snap. He is able to use his hands at an average level, but I would like to see him refine this aspect of his game. Due to his size and good ankle flexion + bend combo, Rumph can grease the edge pretty well, as he is a smooth player with fluid hips to enable him to get by offensive lineman. Even with his smaller frame he is able to put forward a competitive bull rush, which may or may not translate to the next level. This weaker frame does lead to apparent issues, even at the college level. Rumph also needs to play with smarter instincts, and hit the right gaps when rushing the passer or attempting to stop the run. In run defense, he can be streaky, with some good displays of pursuit and breaking down the offensive line, and some plays where he is completely out of the play. Coming off of the edge he may lose his balance as his rush moves aren’t combined with enough power. Rumph is a solid player, however he will not be able to be a designated pass rusher at the next level. He best projects as a potential SAM linebacker who rushes the passer on 3rd and 4th downs. He can drop back into coverage if needed, as he is a decent processor with good athleticism.

Pro Comp:

Bruce Irvin

Scheme Fit: 4-3 SAM LB

Pick Projection: Mid 2nd – Early 4th

Team Fits: SEA, DEN, NE, KAN

Draft Grade: 7.7/10