2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Darius Alexander, DL, Toledo

• NAME: Darius Alexander
• COLLEGE: Toledo
• HEIGHT: 6’4″
• WEIGHT: 305 lbs
• ARM LENGTH: 34″
• HAND SIZE: 10″
• POSITION: DL

GAMES WATCHED: vs Pittsburgh (2024 Bowl Game), vs Bowling Green (2024), @ Western Kentucky (2024)

BACKGROUND: Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Darius Alexander rose to become one of the top high school football players in the state. Despite being ranked among Indiana’s top 30 recruits, he received limited interest from college programs and ultimately garnered just two offers—from Bowling Green and Toledo. Alexander chose Toledo, where he developed into one of the premier players in the Mid-American Conference. This past season, he recorded 40 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks, earning First Team All-MAC honors. He played a pivotal role in Toledo’s victory over Pittsburgh in the GameAbove Sports Bowl, highlighted by a pick-six and a sack.

COMBINE STATS:

• 40 yard dash: 4.95 s
• 10 yard split: 1.72 s
• Vertical Jump: 31.5″
• Broad Jump: 9’3″
• 3-Cone Drill: 7.6 s
• 20 yard shuttle: 4.79 s
• Bench Press: 28 reps

STRENGTHS: Darius offers teams versatility, lining up in multiple spots on the defensive line. He has solid explosion off the snap, and is able to disrupt rushing lanes. He has great strength for the position, pushing back blockers multiple times during games. He can also drop into coverage, as evident with his pick-six in the GameAbove Sports Bowl. He uses counter rush moves in attempt to beat offensive linemen. He also offers teams his potential in special teams, as he is a contributor on the kick blocking team for the Rockets.

WEAKNESSES: Darius motor can run hot and cold at times during the course of the game. His footwork needs to improve as it gets sluggish and causes him to be at a disadvantage when going up against blockers. His pad level is inconsistent, as he tends to shoot up against blockers and causes him to lose leverage. He also has a tendency to focus more on the block, which in turn causes him to lose gap integrity.

SUMMARY: I believe Darius Alexander is a second round pick, but will not surprise him if a team takes him at the very end of the first round. Teams will love the versatility on the defensive line and athleticism, not to mention the potential to become a contributor on special teams. He needs time to get developed but offers teams so much potential. He fits best on a 4-3 defense, giving defensive coordinators options on many different ways to use his skillset.

TEAM FITS:

Kansas City Chiefs: Chris Jones can benefit from a running mate as Tershawn Wharton signed with the Panthers. Alexander can learn from one of the best in the game, and give DC Steve Spaganulo another player to use in his creative looks.

Philadelphia Eagles: Howie Roseman does love to add to the trenches, and the Eagles just lost Milton Williams to the Patriots. Alexander can replace Williams, and can give Vic Fangio a defensive lineman to develop while spelling Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis.

Jacksonville Jaguars: New Jaguars DC Anthony Campanile needs to improve one of the worst defenses from 2024. The Jaguars have a need at defensive tackle, and Alexander can learn from Arik Armstead. Adding Alexander will give the Jaguars a good player in the middle who can develop and add to a Jaguars defense that should improve this year.