Vernon Broughton NFL Draft Scouting Report

Vernon Broughton, IDL, Texas

Size:

Height: 6050

Weight: 311

Arm: 35”

Hand: 9 ¼”

Accomplishments:

Four-star recruit

“The three traits of size, athleticism, and strength will make Vernon Broughton a sought-after IDL prospect for many NFL teams.”

Strengths:

First-step quickness
Pass-rush upside
Athleticism/change of direction
Functional strength

Concerns:

Consistency against the run
Defeating double teams
Consistency as a pass rusher
Limited snaps

Film Analysis:

Vernon Broughton is a senior defensive line prospect who has played in a rotational role in previous seasons on a Texas defensive line that has had multiple high draft picks selected in the past few years. Broughton at 6-foot-4 and 305 pounds has a unique blend of size, athleticism, and strength, which serves as a key trait in how Broughton can win as both a run defender and a pass rusher.

As a pass rusher, Broughton is best when working upfield. Broughton has a quick first step and is a fluid mover for his size, which gives him an athletic advantage over some offensive linemen. Broughton has the change of direction ability to be able to redirect on counter moves. As Broughton can get into gaps, he can use his functional strength also to blow past offensive linemen and create a path to the quarterback to be disruptive on the play, leading to a pressure or a sack. Regarding hand usage, Broughton has a mixed array of maneuvers that he can utilize to win hand combat situations and continue to the quarterback. Lastly, Broughton has a speed-to-power component to his game where he can rush as an edge rusher using his athleticism and then convert speed to power to overwhelm tackles and collapse them into the pocket. Broughton is an alignment-versatile pass rusher due to his size who will be best served as an IDL where he can win matchups by being the most athletic player in the matchup.

As a run defender, Broughton's 305-pound frame plays a key factor in his effectiveness. At the snap, Broughton does a good job of firing off the football using his first-step quickness. He then combines that with his size to generate power and be able to sustain the line of scrimmage against offensive linemen. Broughton does a good job against solo blocks of maintaining the line of scrimmage, locking out offensive linemen, and having the ability to shed them. Broughton can be asked to play in a gap-control defense where the key responsibility for the defensive lineman is to maintain the line of scrimmage. Due to Broughton’s athleticism, he can also be utilized as an upfield penetrator against the run. Broughton can use his quickness to get into a gap and disrupt the blocking structure of the running play.

Broughton's concerns as a player are centered around his ability to be consistent in both the run game and as a pass rusher. Broughton as of now operates in flashes of high-level play but lacks consistency in effort and effectiveness. Broughton is a starter now, which will lead to more snaps played and a bigger opportunity to show his validity to be consistent in his effectiveness in both the run game and in pass-rushing opportunities.

Overall, Broughton possesses a highly sought-after blend of size, athleticism, and strength. With the proper development, he can develop into a starting IDL for an NFL franchise.