There's been a significant increase in interest in Virginia Tech defensive tackle Norell Pollard in the 2024 NFL Draft since his pro day performance. Pollard ran a 4.8 40 at 283 pounds. He also had a 33-inch vertical, 9-foot-5 broad, and displayed play strength through 29 reps on the bench press. Approximately half of the teams in the league have since expressed interest in Pollard, who recorded 4.0 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss in 2023.
Pollard recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his pass-rush arsenal, his uptick in production this past season, working with his coaching staff, which teams have expressed interest in his services, and more.
JM: Your sack (4.0) and tackle for loss (7.5) production increased significantly this season. You leave Virginia Tech with 22 TFLs and 12.0 sacks. What led to the uptick in production this season?
Norell Pollard: I just felt like I was really locked into the process. I knew our defense well. We had a great coaching staff on the defensive side of the ball. I was more comfortable around them and they put us in great positions to be successful.
I had a better grasp of our scheme. The coaching staff brought in a great philosophy with them. Us players, we willingly went out to learn the things that could help make us better on the defensive line. We learned so much valuable information. That was a big reason behind my success this past season.
JM: How would you describe your pass rush arsenal? Those are great numbers you posted. What are your go-to moves and counters?
Norell Pollard: I’m like a Swiss army knife. Most of my moves are based around my quickness. My spin move is a go-to for me as a counter. The coaching staff wanted us to play in a set line. We wanted to play off the offensive linemen. We made sure we went straight every snap.
Your first move should be a chop-rip every time. We went straight every rep. It’s a chop-rip, and then you work off of that depending on how the offensive linemen reacts. If he oversteps, I can go inside. The staff taught us not to have a predetermined move. We had to get a natural feel for it.
I also hit offensive linemen with power. That makes me a more dynamic rusher because people think I’m undersized. They underestimate my strength. Once I stick that second foot in the ground, I get into their chest and win with power.
My pass-rushing arsenal has a little bit of everything. I like to mix some of everything in there. I always like to go straight first though. That’s how I set everything up. That’s the way we were coached.
JM: I love that. You also put forth an outstanding Pro Day performance at 283 pounds. You ran 4.8 40 and leaped a 9-foot-5 broad. You also posted 29 reps on the bench. Were you satisfied with the performance?
Norell Pollard: I was. I was glad I could put that in my rearview mirror. I did well. There were a few things I would have liked a do-over on, like my shuttle. I feel like I had a great day overall. I was satisfied with my day. I feel like it helped me.
JM: Have you noticed an uptick in attention you're receiving from NFL teams since then?
Norell Pollard: For sure I am. A number of teams have been hitting me up since the pro day. As we’re getting closer to the draft, I’m still taking meetings and calls.
JM: You recently met virtually with the Browns, Titans, and Rams. You met with the Dolphins, Ravens, Jaguars, Commanders, Patriots, Packers, Colts, and Jets around Pro Day. I saw that online. Did I miss any? What have those meetings been like?
Norell Pollard: It was great. I’ve enjoyed getting to know these teams through meetings with these coaches and scouts. I’ve enjoyed all of the teams that have been hitting me up. We’re getting to know each other. I’m getting to know these different defenses around the league.
They’re learning more about me as well. Those meetings, they’ve been a mix of virtuals and in-person at pro day. My Pro Day performance made them go back and cut my tape on. They wanted to pair the testing numbers with the production I had on tape.
JM: We've appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Norell Pollard going to make at the next level?
Norell Pollard: I’m going to make the best impact I can make. I’m going to be a great pass rusher at the next level. I can do that at a high level. I’m planning on being a great player. I’m somebody you want to have on your team.
