LT Overton Scouting Report

LT Overton provides a unique combination of being the size of an IDL but has the movement skills and athleticism of an edge rusher, allowing him to be versatile and provide high-level reps against the run and the pass.

Draft Grade: Round 1 - Pro Bowl Caliber

Strengths:

Position/Alignment Versatility: Due to the combination of Overton's size and athleticism, he can play multiple positions along the defensive front successfully and can be utilized to exploit advantageous matchups.

Athleticism: Overton is a high-end athlete for his size. He displays good lateral agility and quickness overall.

Power: Overton’s power is felt both as a run defender and as a pass rusher, where he can physically overwhelm offensive linemen during plays.

Concerns:

Elite Athleticism: While Overton can be versatile, the question is whether he is explosive enough around the edge to be a consistent threat as an edge rusher to sack the quarterback. 

Tweener: Overton's primary position is edge rusher in the Alabama defense, but his size and frame lend themselves toward being an IDL. However, he has to be willing to consistently take on the duties that come with being an IDL, such as double teams and sustaining the line of scrimmage.

LT Overton Summary/Projection:

LT Overton is a former five-star prospect who initially committed to Texas A&M, where he spent the first two years of his collegiate career. Overton transferred to the University of Alabama for the 2024 season and has become an integral part of a front seven that has evolved throughout the year. Listed at 283 pounds, Overton possesses a rare combination of size and athleticism, allowing him to excel in various assignments and capitalize on mismatches along the offensive front, both against the run and as a pass rusher.

Against the run, Overton’s approach varies based on his alignment. When reduced inside to an interior defensive line position, he presents a significant challenge for offensive linemen with his burst, often using his quickness to penetrate upfield and disrupt plays in the backfield. His blend of size, strength, and athleticism makes him difficult to block, especially when he focuses on winning with speed. In one-on-one situations, Overton has the strength to lock out offensive linemen, control the line of scrimmage, and shed blocks to maintain gap integrity. When aligned on the edge, he effectively sets a firm edge, forcing outside runs back inside toward the defense. He plays with good pad level and leverage, using well-placed hands to control blocks.

As a pass rusher, Overton’s style is best described as unique. His size and power give him a distinct advantage over offensive tackles, who are often unaccustomed to handling a rusher of his build. Despite his frame, Overton flashes the speed to win around the edge and shows impressive fluidity and bend to turn the corner and get to the quarterback. He also converts speed to power effectively, keeping offensive tackles honest. He's capable of either beating them with quickness or overwhelming them with strength for a fast sack. Overton can also be deployed as an interior pass rusher, providing pressure up the middle and adding versatility for defensive coordinators who want to move him across the line.

Overton’s areas for improvement lie in his consistency—both against the run and as a pass rusher. While his positional versatility is a clear asset, it may at times hinder his ability to consistently apply specific techniques tailored to each role. Against the run, he occasionally plays too high when aligned inside, exposing his chest and allowing linemen to gain control. As a pass rusher, he shows flashes of dominance but would benefit from developing a more refined rush plan, particularly when rushing off the edge.

Overall, Overton’s combination of size, power, and athleticism gives him the potential to be a unique asset at the next level. If he continues to refine the technical aspects of his game, he could become an invaluable piece in a variety of defensive schemes.