2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Rylie Mills, DL, Notre Dame

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	Rylie Mills, #99
School (Code)	University of Notre Dame (INND)
DOB, Class Yr	N/A, 4th-year SR
Height, Weight	6053, 296
40 Yd Dash	5.05e
Position/Depth	DT/2nd
Honors/Captainship	N/A
Season Viewed (yr)	2022
Games Watched	@ NCUN, Vs. SCUN, Vs. SCCL
Scout Name / Date	Hayden Russell 07/29/2023

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2022	13 GP, 24 TKL, 6 TFL, 3.5 Sacks
2021	13 GP, 16 TKL, 3 TFL, 3 Sacks
2020	9 GP, 7 TKL, 2 TFL, 0.5 Sacks

Player Summary:

Rylie Mills is a senior DT who took on a bigger role in Notre Dame’s defense throughout the 2022 season. He typically aligns as a 3-tech in both 4-2 over and under fronts and has also taken reps at 1-tech and 5-tech. Possesses elite height and solid weight, and he stands out immediately on film due to his brute size and build with bulging muscles in his upper and lower body. Displays exceptional toughness at the POA as he engages with violence, knocks offensive linemen off the LOS, and locks out. Elite functional strength allows him to manhandle OL in the run game. When engaged, shows solid lateral agility in zone run schemes to slide down the line while staying square. Vs. gap run schemes, he inserts into gaps and is very difficult to uproot. Best at taking on DBL teams where he will drop his pad level, anchor down with elite lower body strength, and will not give up an inch using excellent balance. Solid torque in his lower body when turning the corner. Wins in pass rush using his non-stop motor and brute strength to knock OL’s hands off him, and utilizes a polished spin move. Takes proper angles when closing on the quarterback. Adequate upfield burst off the LOS due to fringe explosion and inconsistent reaction time. Needs to lower his pad level more consistently, as he too often stands straight up out of his stance which allows him to get washed down the line vs. zone run schemes. Due to late reaction time off the snap, he will get reached easily. When playing head-up, must lag into the backside gap as he will not be able to cross the face of the OL. Adequate in the pass rush as he displays a limited number of ways to generate pressure, and lacks a pass rush plan. Needs to develop his bull rush to collapse the pocket more consistently. His combination of strength and physicality matched with his frame makes him an enticing prospect at the next level. 

Scheme Fit:

Translates best as a 1-tech at the next level where he can utilize more of his strengths and absorb more DBL teams, but will need to add weight to make the transition. Can also play head-up as a 0-tech in schemes that ask him to lag into the backside gap.

Power Statement:

DT with an impressive frame and muscular frame that utilizes his brute strength, physical nature, and sturdy anchor to make an impact in the run game. Needs to develop more as a pass rusher, and may benefit from moving to NT where he can utilize more of his strengths.