Cleveland Browns post-draft scouting report #4: Missouri Tigers star DE Isaiah McGuire
Profile: Isaiah McGuire was born on July 27th, 2001 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. McGuire attended Union High School, where he led Union to the state playoffs and worked to achieve All-District honors from Tulsa World in 2018.
When coming out of Union High, McGuire was ranked as a three-star recruit (82nd DL nationally) by ESPN, eventually committing to play college football for the University of Missouri.
After his first two collegiate football seasons with the Tigers, then only having a combined 22 tackles (3.0 sacks) at the time, McGuire essentially quadrupled his production his junior year playing for the Missouri Tigers with 55 tackles (6.0 sacks) and 1 fumble recovery.
With a senior year with high expectations to be much better, McGuire didn’t disappoint, earning First team All-SEC honors with 40 tackles and 8.5 sacks in 2022.
After being drafted in the 4th round by the Cleveland Browns, the 21-year old rookie is expected to learn behind All-Pro talents like ZaDarius Smith and Myles Garrett, will McGuire’s game be ready when it’s his time to start in the near future?
Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Age: 21 years old
Arm Length: 33 7/8”
Hand Size: 8 5/8”
Height/Weight: 6’4”, 268lbs
NFL Combine Results: 40-yard dash: 4.76 / 10-yard split: 1.72 / 3-cone drill: 7.39 / Vertical Jump: 36.5” / Broad Jump: 10’2”
2023 NFL Draft: Drafted by the Cleveland Browns at 126th overall (4th round)
Ideal Role: Fits perfectly as a 3-4 OLB or developmental 4-3 DE; can play from three and four-point stance
Strengths:
Another great pick for the Browns!
Isaiah McGuire 2022 PFF Grades:
82.0 Pass Rush Grade
74.3 Run Defense Grade
17.6% Pass rush win rate 👀Great start to today. #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/cq6I8tQ9eX
— Zach D (@ZachNoah52) April 29, 2023
- Displays functional strength to become a great run defender in the NFL
- Elite ability to cause violence off the edge; showcasing an elite rip move to soften rush angles and footwork to help hunt down ball-handlers
- Amazing physical traits; a perfect combination of size and flexibility to become a great OLB
- High motor guy with urgency; he’s willing to outwork anyone to become the best football player he can be
Weaknesses:
Impressive foot quickness from Syracuse OT Matthew Bergeron. Easily able to match Missouri DE Isaiah McGuire up the outside track and remains patient enough to stall the counter back inside. Really impressive. pic.twitter.com/VhcLSPDSKE
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) February 1, 2023
- Despite great frame, McGuire often leads with his helmet when approaching contact and fails routinely to get his hands up on time
- Fails to recognize pulling blockers in pursuit and gets trapped by the most experienced offensive linemen
- Easily fades out of importance in longer plays
- Looks uncomfortable when in coverage and asked to operate in space
Career Achievements: First team All-SEC (2022)
Fun Fact: In a interview with the Akron Beacon Journal, UNLV head football coach Barry Odom during a one-day prospect camp saw Isaiah McGuire’s star worthy potential as a high school senior, “He just wanted to continue to work” when describing how hard he worked after practice to improve his skills.
Isaiah McGuire Draft Comparison: Green Bay Packers OLB Preston Smith
Final Verdict: A+ Grade; He’s going to be a difference maker for the Cleveland Browns for years to come and sounds like an absolute workhouse on-and-off the football field
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