Kaimon Rucker, EDGE, North Carolina
Size:
Height: 6010
Weight: 254
Arm: 32 ⅝”
Hand: 10”
Accomplishments:
Second-Team All-ACC (2023)
“Kaimon Rucker projects as an odd-front defensive end with the ability to run the arc while providing an experienced defender in the fringe areas.”
Strengths:
Eyes vs. run
Burst to threaten outside shoulder
Alignment versatility
Agility
Strength in upper half
Concerns:
Tweener
Length
Consistency
Health
Film Analysis:
A five-year contributor for the Tar Heels, Kaimon Rucker’s injury-riddled 2024 season has thrown a bit of a wrench in his evaluation as an older prospect. At full strength, he’s been one of the ACC’s premier pass-rushers (24 career sacks) with the ability to overpower opponents on a weekly basis. Teams will be playing the long game with Rucker as he recovers from a cracked fibula, but organizations in need of a ‘DPR’ type with rotational ability on run downs are expected to prioritize Rucker in the middle rounds.
Rucker projects as an odd-front defensive end with the ability to run the arc while providing an experienced defender in the fringe areas. He’s aligned primarily in a two-point stance at five-tech and as a wide nine rusher.
Against the run, Rucker showcases good technique to take on blockers but will not jolt back his opponents. Strong frame but lacks the shock and power to push people around up front. Good eyes to read the play and is quick to disengage from blocks. Will utilize multiple ways to work around linemen, whether it’s with his hands, dipping a shoulder, or using the opponents’ positioning against them at the line of scrimmage. Rucker has enough athleticism to work to the fringe areas in pursuit and has displayed a high motor on tape. Strong upper half to halt ball-carriers in their tracks when wrapped up. Will also not allow himself to be blocked by TEs—had a rep against Virginia where he lifted his opponent off his feet at the line of scrimmage with one hand, showcasing his strength.
As a pass rusher, Rucker’s potential remains highly intriguing. He has experience aligned in a two-point and three-point stance but operates best when standing vertical. Power is vacant in his pass-rush repertoire but Rucker has shown the ability to win with finesse and speed (60 pressures in 2023 was eighth-best in the country). Has an excellent two-hand swipe that can quickly put linemen on their heels. Rucker also does a nice job of showcasing good ankle flexion at top speed. Explosiveness is apparent at times but is inconsistent. Body mass can surprise linemen on occasion as Rucker operates with such a low center of gravity at his height. Arrives into the chest of linemen with pop and usually works off initial punches and into the pocket. Would like to see an increased willingness to work to the inside, however. Winning with speed is evident, but evolving as a multi-faceted rusher will heighten his performance ceiling.
Concerns remain about Rucker’s role at the next level, along with his recovery timeline post-injury. He remains undersized to live at EDGE and a projection to off-ball linebacker is non-existent at this point in time. Immediate path to snaps could come as a designated pass rusher on long down and distances. Length is also a concern as Rucker has relied on winning the edge with speed consistently. Tackles with even average footwork and average length can quickly stymie him off the edge. Would also like to see Rucker dominate when given the opportunity. Has flashes of taking over a football game (Virginia) but can then disappear for multiple series at a time. Playing at his potential with consistency will raise his profile.
Despite his size and length concerns, Rucker touts an intriguing pass-rush profile with proven success at a Power Four program.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Developmental Traits
Written By: Ryan Fowler
Exposures: Virginia (2024), Florida State (2024), Wake Forest (2024), Miami (2023), Duke (2023), South Carolina (2023)
