The NFL Draft will begin on April 25, 2024. We take a look at the thunder to Chop Robinson’s lightning on Penn State’s defensive line: Adisa Isaac.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Draft scouting reports.
Adisa Isaac was a four-star prospect out of Canarsie High School in Brooklyn, N.Y., and also the No. 1 player in the state. He chose Penn State for his collegiate endeavors over Miami, Alabama, Texas A&M, and Arizona State.
During his time at Penn State, Isaac missed his junior year due to injury but came back with a vengeance in 2022. He would start all 13 games and earn All-Big Ten Third Team honors, recording 28 tackles, 11 tackles for loss (team-high), four sacks, and eight quarterback hurries. He carried this momentum into his 2023 season, too, recording a career-high 6.5 sacks.
Adisa Isaac, EDGE, Penn State
Name: Adisa Isaac
Jersey: No. 20
Position: Defensive End
School: Penn State
Class: Redshirt Senior
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 249 lbs.
Adisa Isaac’s Strengths
Adisa has the frame that every NFL team would love to add to their edge room. At 6-foot-4 and nearly 250 pounds, he fits both 3-4 and 4-3 defenses. His power is his biggest strength, both in the run and pass game.
On film, he uses a long arm and bull rush to win in pass rush, and that same strength helps him be a wall in the run game. He’s a solid (every meaning of the word) edge defender who can develop into a decent starter.
Adisa Isaac’s Weaknesses
Despite his frame, Isaac doesn’t have the explosiveness that you like to see from edge rushers. It’s not his game. Teams will not look to bring him in to add juice in the pass rush game like Will Anderson or Micah Parsons.
Isaac could also have better hand placement with his rushes. He can miss his punches and pass-rush moves, allowing offensive linemen in his chest.
Pro Comparison: Kyle Van Noy
Isaac has almost the same measurables, strengths, and weaknesses as Van Noy did coming out of BYU. Both are scheme versatile and could get after the quarterback with power and some speed.
Van Noy may have the edge in terms of football IQ, as he was an extremely heady player, but that isn’t a knock on Isaac. With this comparison, you can see a long-term career for the Brooklyn native.
Draft Projection: Late Second Round or Early Third Round
Isaac’s services could be used across a large number of teams in the league. This year’s draft is packed with talent due to the additional COVID year, which is the only reason Isaac isn’t a surefire second-round pick. In the range where he should be drafted, plenty of teams could select him, including Tampa Bay, Detroit, Kansas City, Carolina, Arizona, and Washington.
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