Auburn linebacker Eugene Asante was among the most athletic off-ball defenders at this year's NFL Combine. Asante ran the second-best 40-yard dash of any linebacker in attendance at 4.48 seconds. His 10-yard split of 1.52 sat atop the linebacker leaderboard as well, and he posted 21 reps on the bench press. Scouts were impressed.
Asante recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Asante discussed his results and experience in Indianapolis, his versatility at linebacker, and more.
JM: You recently attended the NFL Combine. What was the overall experience like?
Eugene Asante: It was a great experience. I was blessed and extremely thankful to receive an invite. Participating in the combine is something I’ve wanted to do since I was a little kid. It was a great experience.
It was an opportunity to go out there and compete with my peers. I was thankful for how everything turned out.
JM: You ran the second-best 40-yard dash of any linebacker at 4.48 seconds. Your 10-yard split of 1.52 sat atop the linebacker leaderboard. You also hit 21 reps on the bench press. You must have been pretty proud of your performance.
Eugene Asante: I was proud that I went out there and put up some good numbers. I was shooting for the low 4.4 range [in the 40-yard dash] though. I know I’m capable of that, but 4.48 was still a great time, as were 21 reps on the bench press. I was definitely excited.
JM: What do you think you proved to scouts and general managers in attendance?
Eugene Asante: When we talk about long speed with the 40-yard dash, I definitely have that. I’m a defender with sideline-to-sideline speed. I try to fly around the football field. That’s what I showed them with my 40 time.
In the position drills, I showed that I’m somebody who can get in and out of my breaks. I can make plays on the ball. I cover a lot of ground in that realm. The NFL has transitioned to a league where second down is like third down because you need ‘backers who can move and cover space in the passing game.
We have to cover running backs coming out of the backfield. I’m just excited to continue showcasing what I’m capable of throughout this process.
JM: That’s a strength of your game. Did you have any formal meetings with teams at the NFL Combine?
Eugene Asante: I met with all 32 teams at the Senior Bowl. I had a great meeting with the Steelers. Mike Tomlin was on the field while we were practicing. He was coaching me up and giving me pointers. I met with Tomlin and their general manager [Omar Khan] in a Senior Bowl meeting. I feel like that interview went really well. We talked about my frame and football journey, the type of person and man I am.
I had great interviews with the Seahawks, Cowboys, Commanders, and Saints as well. Those are a few that come to mind.
I had some more relaxed follow-up conversations at the combine. I met with the Colts, Jets, Jaguars, Bengals, and Commanders again. I met with the Browns’ linebacker coach. He was the on-field instructor for our position group at the combine. I loved his interview process. It was unique. We talked a lot about block deconstruction.
I’ll also be scheduling more meetings after my Pro Day.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. You recorded 133 tackles, 13 TFLs, and 7.5 sacks across your final two seasons at Auburn. What do you think it is about your game that allows you to always be around the ball?
Eugene Asante: I think the number one characteristic I bring to a team is relentless effort. I play with effort in everything I do. My football journey has been a rollercoaster. I’ve been denied opportunities at times. I play the first half of the game the same way I play the second half of a game.
I fly around sideline to sideline trying to make plays for my team. I have the ability to be versatile. I can play in coverage, stop the run, and rush the passer. I think that’s what separates me really. I cover a lot of ground. I move efficiently.
JM: It pops on tape. I want to expand on your ability to play in coverage as well. You certainly have the speed and athleticism needed to have upside in the passing game.
Eugene Asante: I played in two different schemes at Auburn. In 2023, I was primarily utilized to get after the quarterback and create pressure at the off-ball position. That was the year I had 5.5 sacks. In 2024, I was used in a similar role, but I felt more comfortable in coverage.
I feel very comfortable covering running backs coming out of the backfield. In the NFL now, it’s shifted to where running backs are masquerading as receivers. Guys like Jahmyr Gibbs and James Cook can catch the football. You need linebackers who can match up with them.
I displayed my ability to cover in space at the Senior Bowl. I’ve been continuing to fine-tune that. I’m working during this pre-draft process, but I do feel comfortable in coverage. I think I have the ability to be very successful in coverage at the next level.
JM: This has been awesome. We've appreciated your time today. What kinda impact is Eugene Asante going to make at the next level?
Eugene Asante: I’m going to make a huge impact. I’m somebody who wants to come in and absorb all the information possible. I’m going to be a sponge. Once I get there, I’m going to apply myself with the coaching staff. I want to understand the schematics and our team dynamic.
I’m going to walk into a locker room as a young guy trying to earn the respect of the veterans. That’s something I’m going to do right away. From there, I want to compete with my teammates. I’m going to embrace that brotherhood and competition. That’s what’s going to help us grow within the room.
I’m going to be the best player I can be every single day. It’s like high school all over again. I was a freshman and I remember trying to prove to the seniors that I belonged. It’s just like that. I want to earn the respect of my peers.
I’m going to come in prepared. I’m also going to be a dominant force on special teams. I want to come in and make sure that opposing special teams coaches have a game plan for me. I can change a game on special teams.
After that, I’ll focus on carving out a role for myself on defense. I want to earn my snaps and contribute on the defensive side of the ball.
