2022 NFL Draft Prospect Scouting Report: Carl Igweh, DE, Frostburg State
- Name: Carl Igweh
- Height: 6050
- Weight: 264 lbs.
- Position: DE
- Draft Class: 2022
- College: Frostburg State (2018 – 2021), Cheney University (2017)
- Hometown: Taneytown, MD
- High School: Winters Mill HS
- Games Watched: 2021 vs. West Liberty, 2021 vs. West Virginia Wesleyan, 2021 vs. Wheeling
Background: A three-year starter at Frostburg State under HC DeLane Fitzgerald from 2018 – 2021 after transferring from the Division II program at Cheney University. He played at Cheney University in 2017 where he was recruited as a tight end. Was a participant in the 2022 College Gridiron Showcase.
Positives: Prototypical Size, Versatility, First Step, Discipline, Hand Strength, Upper Body Strength, Quickness off the LOS, Tackling
Negatives: Level of Competition, Lack of Pass Rush Moves, Hesitation, Hip Flexibility, COD Skills, No Effectiveness vs Off-Tackle Runs, Effort in Pursuit Against the Run
Projection: A weak side DE in a 4-3 defense, or an emergency pass rush DT in a Nickel package in pass rush situations.
Grade: Undrafted Free Agent that could be considered as a potential rookie mini-camp invitee.
Summary: Igweh has prototypical height & good weight for a defensive end with adequate arm length & a thick lower frame. Displayed versatility along the defensive line where he lined up as a weak side DE & strong side DE in a 4-technique & 5-technique, and over the offensive guard in 2-technique & 3-technique in Nickel packages. Has a good first step off the LOS, and plays with great eyes & discipline. Shows good hand strength & placement at the POA, demonstrates great upper body strength while bull rushing. Relies on quickness when penetrating through the A-gap & B-gap as a 2-technique & 3-technique. Has great tackling ability. Does not have a variety of pass rush moves, tends to rely on a bull rush or a rip move to disengage. Hesitates when crashing into the backfield to stop the HB Dive or Read Option. Was a liability against off-tackle runs to his side. Is inconsistent when setting the edge on HB Tosses & HB Sweeps to his side. Has very little hip flexibility & does not demonstrate good COD skills while in pursuit. Shows little to no effort in pursuit when run plays go away from him. Igweh is best fit as a weak side DE in a base 4-3 defensive scheme, or as an emergency DT in a Nickel package in pass rushing situations.
- Play Speed: C+ (5)
- Awareness: C (5)
- Play Strength: C (5)
- Shooting Gaps: B- (7)
- Pursuit: D+ (4)
- Shedding Blocks: C (5)
- Tackling: B- (7)
- Hip Flexibility: D (4)
