2024 NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Report: DeVere Levelston, DL, SMU

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	DeVere Levelston, 96
School (Code)	TXMU
DOB, Class Yr	SR-3L
Height, Weight	6050, 275lbs
40 Yd Dash	4.80e
Arms, Hands	N/A,N/A
Position/Depth	DE #1, DT #1
Honors/Captainship	2021 PFF All-AAC Honorable Mention Phil Steele All-AAC (Fourth Team) (2021,2022)
Season Viewed (yr)	2021,2022
Games Watched	TXHO (2021), FLCE (2022), OHCI (2022)
Scout Name / Date	Michael Williams/ 07-22-2023

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2022	13 GP, 27 Total Tackles (18 SOLO and 9 AST), 2.5 TFL, 2.0 SACKS, 0 PD, 0 FR, 2BLK
2021	12 GP, 38 Total Tackles (19 SOLO and 19 AST), 10.5 TFL, 6.5 SACKS, 0 PD, 1 FR
2020	8 GP, 6 Total Tackles (4 SOLO and 2 AST), 1.0 TFL, 1.0 SACKS, 0 PD, 0 FR
2019	8  GP, 42 Total Tackles (30 SOLO and 12 AST), 12.5 TFL, 5.0 SACKS, 0 PD, 0 FR (Tyler Junior College)

Player Summary:

Versatile DL that aligns primarily at DE for TXMU in their 3-4 front and DT in certain sub-packages. Projects as a rotational EDGE at the next level in a 3-4 defense. Measures at 6050 and 275 LBS. Possesses above-average length and height, with marginal weight for a DE at the next level, and muscular upper body mixed with a slim lower half. Average AA. Solid initial quickness off the ball, average play speed with solid COD skills. Gets off on the ball with solid quickness and anticipation. Comes off with solid pad level, and extends hands well from stance to create distance for OL. Average at sustaining pad level following contact. Solid at defending the run. Good punch at the POA that prevents movement off the LOS. Demonstrates a good inside dip and rip move to beat OG and OT inside to create penetration. Solid at anchoring in the inside run game against double teams and outside zone plays. As a pass rusher, he is average. Primarily utilizes a bull rush. Needs to develop more pass-rush moves to have a counter for OL. Solid speed to bend the edge with solid hip flexibility to flatten at top of the rush. As a tackler, maintains an average pad level, and good play strength to bring ball carriers to the ground. His high motor allows him to chase down tackles downfield. Average hand usage contributes to a subpar ability to shed blocks against the run and pass. Solid play recognition skills and ball awareness. Able to find the ball and pursue it with solid speed. Overall, he’s an above-average sized DE with average athleticism and no explosion as a run defender or pass rusher. Will need to improve his speed and flexibility to become more of a productive player.

Scheme Fit:

Rotational EDGE in a 3-4 defense who can be utilized as a DT in certain sub-packages due to versatility and experience in college. Can contribute on special teams to block field goals.

Power Statement:

Above-average sized DE with average athleticism who needs to improve his speed and flexibility to become more explosive as a run defender and pass rusher. Needs to improve hand usage in order to shed blocks and make more tackles. With this being Levelstons last year of eligibility, he will need to improve throughout the season and have a huge impact in order to improve his draft stock.