2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Diwun Black, Edge Rusher, Temple
| Critical Factors | |||||
| Pass Rush Ability | 1st Step Explosion | POA/Set Edge | |||
| 7 | 7 | 7 | |||
| Positional Factors | |||||
| PR Repertoire | Bend | Hand Use | Play Strength | Range | Flat Coverage |
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
| Motor | FBI | Discipline | Tackling | Toughness | ST Value |
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
| 1st step Explosion | Inconsistent Pass rush |
| Physical Run Defender | Bend around edge |
| Strong and effective hands | Improve block recognition |
Overall
Diwun Black is an explosive, high-energy edge rusher with the tools to impact both the pass and run game. His quick first step, strong hand usage, and relentless motor make him a disruptive force off the edge. He plays with physicality and effort, consistently setting the edge against the run and pursuing plays from the backside. However, his pass-rush plan needs refinement, as he relies on athleticism rather than a diverse array of moves. He also needs to improve his ability to bend around the corner and enhance his block recognition. With proper development, Black has the potential to become a rotational pass-rusher with starter upside in an aggressive defensive scheme.
Pass Game
As a pass rusher, Black wins with his quick first step and physicality. His ability to explode off the line and engage offensive tackles gives him an advantage, especially when using his hands effectively. He can convert speed to power, but his pass-rush plan lacks consistency. He needs to develop more counters and refine his bend around the edge to become a more complete rusher. Black also has some experience in zone drops but is limited in man coverage against quicker offensive skill players.
Run Game
Black plays with toughness and physicality in the run game, showing the ability to set the edge and contain outside runs. He takes on blockers with a good pad level and works to disengage quickly. His pursuit effort is excellent, and he can track plays down from the backside. However, he sometimes over-pursues, leading to missed tackles or poor gap integrity. Improving his block recognition and discipline against misdirection plays will help him become a more reliable run defender.
Last Word
Black projects as a rotational edge defender with starter potential in an attacking 4-3 or hybrid defensive scheme. His explosiveness, motor, and hand usage give him an immediate role as a situational pass-rusher, while his physicality in the run game adds additional value. With continued development in his pass-rush repertoire and block recognition, he could develop into a quality starting edge at the next level.
One-Liner
Diwun Black is an explosive, high-motor edge rusher with the ability to set the edge and disrupt quarterbacks but needs refinement in his pass-rush plan and discipline.
Grade: 6.5 – Ceiling: 6.6 (15%) – Floor: 5.9 (25%) – Round: 7
Best Fit Teams:
1. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles’ defensive scheme places a high value on edge rushers who can win with quickness and physicality. Black’s explosive first step and strong hand usage would make him a disruptive force in the Eagles’ pass-rush rotation. His ability to convert speed to power and set the edge in the run game would allow him to contribute on early downs while also providing a pass-rush boost in clear passing situations. With continued development in his pass-rush plan, Black could grow into a long-term rotational piece with starting potential.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh’s defensive identity is built on physicality and pass-rush pressure off the edge, which matches Black’s skill set well. His quick get-off and strength at the point of attack would allow him to thrive in Pittsburgh’s aggressive defensive front. The Steelers have a history of developing high-motor edge rushers, and Black’s toughness and versatility would make him a valuable rotational piece early in his career. His ability to set the edge and contain outside runs would strengthen Pittsburgh’s run defense immediately.
3. Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota’s defense values edge rushers who can play with both power and speed. Black’s ability to set the edge and contribute as a situational pass-rusher would give the Vikings needed flexibility on the defensive line. His motor and ability to disengage from blockers would fit well in a rotational role, with the potential to develop into a more consistent starting presence. His strength and hand usage would allow him to thrive in a scheme that emphasizes disciplined pass-rush lanes and stout run defense.
Hunter Kirkhope is an experienced sports data analyst with a strong background in scouting and live data collection. He currently works as a Live Data Analyst at Sports Info Solutions (SIS), where he scouts collegiate football athletes and writes detailed scouting reports based on performance analysis. His expertise includes collecting and analyzing real-time data from USFL games and Division I college football programs, including the University of Akron, Ohio State University, and the University of Pittsburgh.
Hunter’s work at SIS includes providing valuable insights to optimize team performance and inform strategic decisions using industry-standard tools such as Banjo and Connect Teams. He has demonstrated his analytical skills by tracking live statistics for March Madness 2024 and 2025 games and completing a sports analytics certification course through a mock college football game evaluation.
In addition to his professional experience, Hunter has a strong educational foundation in sports analytics and data science. He is pursuing a degree in Sports Data Analytics and Statistics at the University of Akron, where he has excelled in courses like Programming for Data Science, Survival Analytics, Statistical Data Management, and Advanced Statistical Computing. He has also competed in the 2023 and 2024 Cleveland Cavaliers Hackathons, applying his data analysis skills in a competitive environment.
Hunter’s background includes managing game-day operations and logistics as part of the Akron Facilities Staff, as well as serving as the Head Field Crew Manager for the Twinsburg Baseball League. His experience in coordinating events, managing personnel, and maintaining professional environments reflects his strong leadership and operational skills.
Hunter’s technical proficiency includes working with tools like SAS, SPSS, R, Python, C++, and Matlab, along with a deep understanding of sports data collection and performance analysis. His analytical approach and hands-on experience make him a valuable asset in the field of sports analytics and scouting.