Tyrus Wheat, LB, Mississippi State | NFL Draft Scouting Report

The 2023 NFL Draft class encompasses a stacked group of defenders. Former JUCO standout and Mississippi State Bulldogs LB Tyrus Wheat is a reputation to look at because the draft approaches following a productive collegiate profession. Whereas possible a late Day 3 participant, Wheat brings loads of intangibles to the NFL after a profitable school profession.

Whereas a lot of the dialog has been targeted on the highest names within the class, what does Wheat’s scouting report counsel about his NFL Draft inventory?

Tyrus Wheat NFL Draft Profile

• Place: Outdoors Linebacker
• Faculty: Mississippi State
• 12 months: Graduate Pupil

Popping out of Amite Excessive Faculty as a three-star prospect, Wheat spent his first two seasons at Copiah-Lincoln Group Faculty, the place he amassed 104 profession tackles, together with 8.0 for loss, two pressured fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and 5 interceptions in 19 video games.

Named first-team Mississippi Affiliation of Group and Junior Schools as a sophomore, Wheat had a team-high three interceptions, together with an 86-yard pick-six, and was rated the No. 2 JUCO inside linebacker.

For the 2020 season, Wheat transferred to Mississippi State, the place he appeared in 9 video games and led the crew with 5 sacks, recording 30 tackles (6.0 for a loss), one reception, two move breakups, and two pressured fumbles.

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He led the Bulldogs with 10.5 tackles for loss with 7.5 sacks amongst his 46 complete stops in 2021, additionally intercepting a move and breaking as much as others whereas beginning all 13 video games. Wheat was a second-team All-SEC choice in 2022 as he recorded 53 tackles, 10.5 for a loss, with a team-high six sacks, one interception, and two move breakups.

Wheat has what looks like an limitless motor and wished to place that on show on the NFL Mix. At 6’2″ and 263 kilos, Wheat ran a 4.65 40-yard sprint with a 1.51 10-yard break up, a 28.5-inch vertical soar, and a 9’5″ broad soar.

Sadly, that’s possible not a efficiency that can transfer the needle for Wheat because the NFL Draft approaches, however it’s only one a part of the analysis course of. To see what his traits are on the sector, we now have to take a look at Wheat’s scouting report back to see his strengths and areas for enchancment.

Tony Pauline’s Scouting Report for Tyrus Wheat

Strengths: Athletic defensive front-seven prospect who can be utilized in quite a lot of roles. Breaks down nicely, shows power, and constantly sheds blocks to make performs. Successfully makes use of his arms, is explosive, and has a closing burst.

Bends the sting, rushes the passer with stability, and blows previous blockers to penetrate the road of scrimmage. Forceful, stays disciplined with assignments, and does extra than simply rush upfield. Shows the power to drop off the road of scrimmage and play in area and holds up nicely towards the run.

Weaknesses: Indecisive and has questionable instincts. Marginally efficient in pursuing performs down the road of scrimmage.

Total: Wheat was an all-purpose defender at Mississippi State who was utilized in quite a lot of roles. He possesses a terrific mixture of measurement and athleticism, but could not have the ability to deal with a posh scheme. I personally like him as a pass-rush specialist standing over sort out, although Wheat additionally has means popping out of a three-point stance.

Tyrus Wheat Mix Measurements and Outcomes

• Peak: 6’4″
• Weight: 260 kilos
• Arm Size: 33 1/4″
• Hand Dimension: 9″
• Bench Press: 28 reps
• 40-Yard Sprint: 4.49 seconds
• Vertical Soar: 32″
• Broad Soar: 9’2″

Mississippi State LB Tyrus Wheat Present Draft Projection

For those who want an edge rusher, you’re in luck, because the 2023 NFL Draft class options one of the proficient EDGE/OLB teams in recent times and certain has probably the most depth of any place on this class.

Whereas Will Anderson Jr., Nolan Smith, and different high-profile names steal headlines, there may be worth available afterward, which is the case for Wheat. At present, Wheat is the Fifteenth-ranked outdoors linebacker and the 187th total prospect on Tony Pauline’s Large Board. With a draft grade of three.38, Wheat is at present projected to go someplace within the sixth spherical of the 2023 NFL Draft.

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Wheat has made his title as a hybrid defender however possible must discover a long-term dwelling, as bouncing forwards and backwards between positions probably stunted his growth. Wheat’s means to drop into area or play downhill with energy ought to assist him discover a function within the NFL, even when that’s on particular groups as he begins his journey.