2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Van Fillinger, Edge Rusher, Utah
| Critical Factors | |||||
| Pass Rush Ability | 1st Step Explosion | POA/Set Edge | |||
| 7 | 7 | 8 | |||
| Positional Factors | |||||
| PR Repertoire | Bend | Hand Use | Play Strength | Range | Flat Coverage |
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 |
| Motor | FBI | Discipline | Tackling | Toughness | ST Value |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 |
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
| strong at the point of attack | Lacks flexibility and bend |
| High Motor | Drop back Coverage |
| Efficient pass rusher | lacks counter moves |
Overall
Van Fillinger is a powerful and disciplined defensive end who excels in both run-defense and pass-rushing situations. His ability to set the edge and maintain leverage against the run makes him a reliable presence on early downs. Fillinger’s pass-rushing skills are solid, utilizing strong hands, an effective repertoire of moves, and a relentless motor to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. While he lacks elite bend and flexibility, he compensates with strength and effort. His high football IQ and awareness make him a consistent performer, particularly in schemes that prioritize gap integrity and power at the line of scrimmage.
Pass Game
Fillinger demonstrates strong pass-rushing ability, using his first-step quickness and hand placement to gain an advantage over blockers. His repertoire includes bull rushes, rip moves, and occasional spins, allowing him to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback. While his flexibility limits his ability to win on the outside consistently, his power and determination help him collapse the pocket effectively. He can contribute as a rusher in nickel and dime packages, though he’s more effective when lined up with his hand in the dirt. Improving his ability to counter when his initial move is stalled will enhance his overall effectiveness in passing situations.
Run Game
Fillinger is a standout defender against the run, consistently setting a strong edge and maintaining gap discipline. He uses his strength to stack and shed blockers, preventing runners from getting outside and forcing plays back inside. His tackling technique is reliable, allowing him to finish plays effectively when in position. Fillinger’s ability to read and react quickly makes him a dependable run-stopper, especially against power-running teams. While his range is solid, he occasionally struggles to disengage from bigger offensive tackles when blockers reach his chest. His effort and physicality ensure that he remains a force in run defense throughout the game.
Last Word
Fillinger projects as a starting defensive end in a 4-3 scheme or a versatile edge defender in an odd-front defense. His strength, awareness, and high motor make him a reliable three-down player capable of contributing against both the run and pass. While his lack of elite athletic traits limits his upside, his discipline and toughness ensure he will be a valuable addition to any defensive front.
One-Liner
Van Fillinger is a tough, high-motor defensive end with excellent edge-setting ability and reliable pass-rushing skills.
Grade: 6.6 – Ceiling: 6.8 (25%) Floor: 6.2 (20%) Round: 4
Best Fit Teams:
1. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens’ defense values edge rushers who can set the edge and provide consistent pressure — areas where Fillinger thrives. His strength at the point of attack and ability to disengage from blockers would make him a reliable addition to Baltimore’s defensive front.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers’ defensive philosophy is built around physicality and edge pressure. Fillinger’s high motor and ability to handle both run and pass defense would make him a valuable rotational edge player in Pittsburgh’s system.
3. New York Giants
The Giants’ defensive front values edge defenders who can handle double teams and maintain gap integrity. Fillinger’s ability to set the edge and pursue the quarterback would provide valuable depth in the Giants’ defensive line rotation.
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.