Washington Redskins 2017 Draft Profiles: Elijah Qualls, DL

Elijah Qualls, DL
School: Washington | Conference: PAC-12
College Experience: RS Junior | Age: 21
Height / Weight: 6-1 / 313 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 3rd Round
NFL Comparison: Ryan Carrethers

College Statistics

Player Overview

Elijah Qualls comes into the draft with an easy projection as a prototypical 0 tech or NT in a 3-4 front. Qualls played all over the line at Washington and even was sent on blitzes off the edge. During the season Qualls had the shape of a soft bowling ball and weighed in as high as 321 lbs. Though his natural athletic ability could still be seen, Qualls has but in the effort to lose weight this offseason. A loss of just 8lbs also boosts Qualls’ stock as its sure to please scouts who like his versatility playing inside and off the edge. I think one of the bigger questions for Qualls will be determined at the combine. It’s the question of his functional strength which I see going in and out at times. If Qualls can keep a maintainable weight to be viewed as an inside and outside threat and tests well at the combine he could rise big time.

Strengths

• Imposing size and girth but is more than a space eater.
• Has the versatility to play inside and off the edge.
• Because of his athleticism offers value as a pass rusher.

Weaknesses

• Lacks consistency in plugging gaps and disengaging from blocks.
• At times seems hesitant and not mentally present in his hand work and overall lacks a repertoire of pass rushing moves.
• Plays with an inconsistent pad level that can compromise his initial burst and leverage. Can be completely taken out of plays at times if he doesn't win with his initial moves.

Let’s see his work:

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

Qualls is an intriguing player. His athleticism and the variety of ways he was used at Washington ought to give defensive coordinators some comfort that he can be tried out in a variety of roles to see which sticks. As I had previously mentioned one of my biggest concerns with Qualls is his functional strength. I hope during his training period he works on it and it shows up at the combine. Qualls is a natural fit to play in the middle of the Redskins defensive line. I think he is a 3 down player and would offer much-needed size and stoutness where the Redskins have lacked it recently. That said Qualls is not a total project but he is not a complete player either. Hopefully, as he improves his fundamentals and understanding of the game in the NFL his presence will be seen and felt much more frequently including the stat sheet.