Ethan Downs, EDGE, Oklahoma
Size:
Height: 6036
Weight: 269
Arm: 31”
Hand: 10 ½”
Accomplishments:
Second-Team All-Big 12 (2023, 2022)
“Ethan Downs is a nightmare for opposing offenses to handle with a hot motor, power, and speed to burn.”
Strengths:
Pop in hands
NFL frame
Effort
Closing speed
Concerns:
Lack of elite pass-rush move
Locating the football
Consistency
Film Analysis:
Ethan Downs hasn’t made his mark on the stat sheet with tons of sacks or tackles, but no one can say he isn’t giving it his all or having a good time. Starting in 25 games the past two seasons, Downs has gained valuable knowledge and playing time as he returns to one of the nation’s most experienced defenses as a senior in 2024. He’s accumulated nine sacks and twenty tackles for loss over the last two seasons and is looking to add to those numbers this season.
Power. One of the first things noticeable from Downs when you turn the tape on is the pop in his hands to shock offensive linemen off the snap. He could be more consistent with his get-off, but he uses a coiled stance to generate power through his legs and delivers it to whoever is in his way to take over an engagement. He can throw offensive linemen and tight ends away to close on ball-carriers and does an excellent job recognizing different run blocks coming his way.
As a pass rusher, he showcases many different moves, varies them throughout a game, and plays with the effort and tenacity needed to succeed. His ability to close on the ball-carrier is awesome and he shows that speed when he times the snap as well.
Downs has many pass-rush tools, but he needs to develop a top-end winning move to build his plan. He can get lost in a pass rush and throw too many moves around as if he doesn’t have a plan and hopes something works. Play recognition can be a tad slow and forces him to lose sight of the football, particularly when a play has more moving parts. Game-to-game consistency needs to improve to add more numbers to the stat sheet this season.
Overall, Downs has the energy, power, and speed to be a top defensive end in the country, but he needs more consistency and focus on his talents to achieve it.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Adequate Starter
Written By: Daniel Harms
