PFF scouting report: Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State

Here is the PFF draft profile for Michigan State's Shilique Calhoun, which incorporates PFF’s college grades and scouting intel from our team of analysts. To see all of PFF’s 2016 scouting reports, click here.

Position fit:

4-3 DE or 3-4 OLB. Notable that he played exclusively with hand on the ground at Michigan State (only 35 of 1648 snaps standing up over the last two years).

Stats to know:

• No. 1-ranked pass rush grade among edge defenders (+46.0) with 78 total pressures (11 sacks, 17 hit, 50 hurries).
• 9th-ranked pass rush productivity
• 74th-ranked run defense grade

What he does best:

• Rushes from both sides. Great length and athleticism – he’s no Von Miller but quick first step and showed ability to bend the edge (Penn State 2Q 5:56, Iowa 2Q 1:32)
• Can win with hands, keeps blockers from locking on while rushing
• Uses threat of speed/outside rush to keep tackle off balance and counter (Penn St 2Q 5:15)
• Has the quickness, agility and quick hands to beat blockers to both the inside and outside as a pass rusher
• Great rush production over last two seasons (5th-ranked pass rush grade in 2014).
• Can use his quickness off the ball to defeat down blocks and blow up running plays
• Has the speed and agility to make plays down the line of scrimmage in the run game

Biggest concern:

• Plays too upright at times (e.g Alabama 2Q 6:14). Consequently not a great tackler with 13 misses last season – only four edge players missed more
• Sold out rushing and often caught too far upfield on runs, which accounted for a large portion of his negatives in run defense.
• Doesn’t use his length in the run game, rarely sets a hard edge
• Pre-snap discipline. Called for 11 penalties last season, most among edge
• Did most of his best work against college right tackles while posting average production against left tackles
• Rarely generates any pressure with a bull rush/power

Player production comparison:

Brian Robison, Minnesota Vikings. Robison has struggled against the run during his career, but he’s been a valuable pass rusher for the Vikings. Unless Calhoun becomes more disciplined and stout in the run game, he may follow a similar path.

Bottom line:

Calhoun has a valuable pass rushing skillset, but is not nearly as strong against the run which might relegate him to a situational role early on. He showed a decent variety of pass rush moves last season at Michigan State, but is mostly reliant on athleticism rather than power and strength – bull rushes accounted for just three of his 106 positive pass rushes in 2015.