Arnold Ebiketie Scouting Report: 2022 NFL Draft Prospect Report
Edge, Penn State University #17
Arnold Ebiketie’s Scouting Report Measurements
6’2”/250lbs
Arms: 34 1/8”
Hands: 10 1/4”
Bench Press: 21 reps
Vertical: 38
Broad Jump: 128
Arnold Ebiketie NFL Draft Profile
Originally a soccer and basketball player, Arnold Ebiketie did not start his football career until his sophomore year of high school. Ebiketie attended Albert Einstein High School located in the state of Maryland. During his senior year of high school, 247Sports rated him as the 138th outside linebacker in the country, and the 33rd ranked player in the state of Maryland. On signing day, Ebiketie decided to commit and sign with Temple University. He would stay at Temple for four years and transfer to Penn State University as a graduate transfer in 2021.
College Career
As a Temple Owl, Ebiketie played a rotational role and recorded marginal stats during his first three years on campus. It was not until his senior season (2020-21) that he was finally given the opportunity to start on defense. During his senior season, Ebiketie earned second-team All-American Athletic Conference honors. He recorded 42 tackles, led the Owls with 8.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, and added three forced fumbles in only six starts.
During his one season as a Nittany Lion, Ebiketie provided a huge spark for a defense that had lost two of its top two pass rushers to the NFL. He went on to lead the Lions in many statistical categories such as tackles for loss (18), sacks (9.5), forced fumbles (2), and blocked field goals (2). His performance led to him being voted as a First-Team all-conference selection by Big Ten coaches.
Arnold Ebiketie Strengths
First Step off LOS/Speed
One trait that jumps out while watching Ebiketie on film is how quickly he gets off the line of scrimmage at the snap of the ball. This display of explosiveness was backed up by his numbers at the NFL Combine when he recorded a 38-inch vertical, and 10’8” broad jump. Most of the time he can beat offensive tackles on the outside with a good speed rush from the edge. Ebiketie’s speed also allows him to be used in stunts or pulls that create pressure on the quarterback quickly.
Hand Placement
Penn State Edge Arnold Ebiketie
Ebiketie’s speed is not his only quality trait that shows up on film. He is good at using his hands to shed blocks and rip through offensive linemen. When defending the run, he uses his arm length and nice-sized hands to bench press offensive linemen. This allows him to penetrate the backfield to disrupt the running game.
Athleticism/Hip Flexibility
What benefits Ebiketie’s style of play the most is the ability to turn back up into the pocket after he beats tackles around the edge. He is arguably the best in the class at it. His ability to stay balanced and accelerate toward the quarterback in the pocket also make his play stand out in a crowded class.
Arnold Ebiketie Weakness
Counter Moves
Ebeiketie’s speed has been the main weapon in his arsenal of pass rush moves. He needs to develop more counter moves once his speed is not enough to beat technically sound offensive linemen at the NFL level. Luckily, this should be easily coachable at the next level.
Pass Coverage
Penn State Edge Arnold Ebiketie
This is only a weakness because Ebiketie was not asked to drop into coverage often during his college career. He did show some good movement skills in space during drills at the NFL Combine. If a team wants him to play as a 3-4 rush linebacker, he needs more experience in coverage.
Leverage in run game
At times Ebiketie can be pushed around and out of gaps by bigger offensive linemen. He will need to gain a few more pounds to help improve his strength against the run. Ebiketie can also improve his technique of taking on blocks by keeping his pads low.
Arnold Ebiketie Draft Stock
Ebiketie went into the 2021-22 season as a projected second or third-round pick. With a phenomenal showing during the season, his stock has risen. Scouts especially took notice of his solid performance at the Reese’s Senior Bowl. At the combine, he chose not to participate in some workouts, which may hurt his stock a little. I project Ebiketie to be a late first to early second-round pick.
NFL Comparison
Ebiketie is very similar to San Francisco 49er edge Dee Ford coming out of college.
Final Thoughts on Arnold Ebiketie NFL Draft Scouting Report
Arnold Ebiketie is a great pass rusher with dangerous speed off the edge. His flexibility and ability to turn the corner and stay balanced are what separates him from most of the edge rusher class. Ebiketie will most likely start his career as a designated pass rusher and play mostly on passing downs. He is still raw and has some things to work on as far as becoming a complete player. Once he learns his way around the NFL, and improves in his areas of need, Ebiketie will become a solid starter for an NFL team.
Arnold Ebiketie scouting report analyst-Michael Williams,
