Adisa Isaac, EDGE, Penn State
Size:
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 247 pounds
Arm Length: 33 7/8"
Hand Size: 9 5/8"
Accomplishments:
Third Team All-Big Ten (2022) • 4-star recruit
“Adisa Isaac is a ball of clay at the edge position who touts an evolving pass-rush repertoire that should improve in the years to come.”
Strengths:
Bull rush
Lateral agility
Backside pursuit vs. run
Rip move
Concerns:
Play strength
Twitch
Awareness
Consistent push in one-on-one opportunities
Film Analysis:
Adisa Isaac is comfortable when aligned in both a two-point (standing up) and three-point stance (hand in the dirt). As a pass rusher, Isaac showcases good hand usage, often looking to threaten the outside shoulder. Not overly explosive but has showcased the ability to surprise tackles from time to time. His go-to moves are a two-hand swipe to work back to the inside and an inside hand stab-swipe. Will also flash an occasional bull rush to keep offensive linemen away from oversetting to keep their far shoulder clean. It will serve him well to work with an NFL defensive end coach to further develop hand placement and counters. Isaac is excellent on stunts, where he rapidly works from the outside in and toward the quarterback. Little wasted movement when asked to twist.
Against the run, Isaac currently has an unrefined game. Can often be displaced by advanced run-blocking tight ends—let alone offensive tackles—due to a lack of technique and poor anchor. Increased strength is warranted to hold up against more experienced NFL athletes. He showcases consistently good effort to pursue runs from the backside (Michigan). Good lateral agility to change direction and pursue.
Concerns remain about his inability to consistently generate push in one-on-one opportunities. Many of his sacks have come via stunts and simulated pressures to free his alleyway to the quarterback. Awareness also has room to improve against the run and pass. Can work upfield and lose gap discipline. Eyes are undisciplined at times against backside tight end leaks where Isaac will pursue to the strongside before attempting to retrace steps.
Overall, Isaac remains an intriguing prospect whose best football could be down the road. Projecting him as an early-down edge would be wishful thinking at this stage of his career. Currently, he projects as a designated pass rusher (DPR) that will boost the depth of any edge rotation he finds himself in.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Developmental Traits
Exposures: Ohio State (2023), Michigan (2023), Maryland (2023)
