Keith Randolph Jr. NFL Draft Scouting Report

Size:

Height: 6’5” | Weight: 305 lbs

Accomplishments:

Third-Team All-Big-Ten (2022)

“Keith Randolph Jr. is a defensive lineman that has flashes of potential, but it remains to be seen if he can turn those flashes into more consistent high-level play.”

Strengths:

• Versatility across the defensive line
• Some apparent three-down upside as a pass-rusher
• Solid tackler

Concerns:

• Lacks lateral agility and strong change-of-direction ability
• Easily taken out by double teams and cut blocks
• Doesn’t play with a hot motor consistently

In-play Film Analysis: breakdown of the player’s game as seen on tape

Keith Randolph Jr. has experience playing the 3- and 5-technique, though he most often played from the 3 opposite Jer’Zhan Newton.

What most stands out about Randolph is his impressive ability to finish tackles. Whether he’s able to wrap up the ball-carrier initially or only get a single hand on him, Randolph consistently manages to bring his opponents to the ground. 

What also stands out are his versatility and three-down upside. Though Randolph most often plays as a 3-technique on the interior, he’ll occasionally bump out to the 5 and show off his abilities as a pass-rusher on the edge. He has a solid swim move that gets him past tackles with some consistency, and his decent length gives him opportunities to long-arm opposing blockers and break through the offensive line.

As impressive as Randolph can be in his flashes of good plays, it’s a bit concerning that he’s not making those good plays more consistently. That’s due in part to his inability to work through double teams and cut blocks. Randolph needs to add more “punch” and consistency to his hand counters when he’s faced with double teams to avoid getting washed out of a play easily. He also needs to work on reading cut blocks and avoiding them with some consistency. In general, Randolph also needs to work on fighting through initial blocks. He lacks explosiveness in his first step, and since it takes him a while to get going, he’s often completely walled off from making a play before he has the chance to employ any counters. 

Along with that lack of explosiveness comes a lack of a consistent hot motor on every play. Randolph occasionally seems content with mailing it in on a play once he’s initially stopped or if the play goes to the opposite side. I’d like to see him try to get more involved and keep up the effort until the play is over. There’s some clear potential in Randolph’s game, the question is whether he can continue to develop.

Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Role specific contributor

Written By: Jack McKessy

Last Updated: June 14, 2023

Exposures: Virginia (2022), Chattanooga (2022), Michigan (2022)

Keith Randolph Jr.’s NFL Draft Scouting Report will be updated by Draft Network throughout the season. Add him to your big board here.