Ourlads' Profile:
2022 Guide: What Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services said about ZACH VANVALKENBURG:
Iowa, 6042 266 5.15. Two-year starter, Zeeland, Michigan. Two-time second-team All-Big 10. Played both as a standup edge defender and with his hand in the dirt. Fits best as a standup edge defender in the NFL. Possesses very good height and weight with solid arm length and hand size on a muscular torso and lower body. An elite competitor who does not take plays off. When the ball is snapped, shoots off the line of scrimmage like a cannonball. Engages with assertiveness and physicality, uses hand placement and pad level to win leverage. Versus the run he shows solid ability to take on blocks head-up, can anchor down and leverage his gap well. As a cutback defender, shows good patience, waits for the ball carrier to declare, and uses closing speed to work inside and make tackles at the line of scrimmage with good tackling form. Takes good angles to the ball carrier in pursuit. Versus the pass he is best as a speed rusher off the edge, shows a variety of successful pass rush moves to win. Can corner with good bend off the edge. Very good agility and foot quickness to stunt inside seamlessly. Lacks the functional strength to bull rush and win with power consistently. Struggles to defeat cut blocks, often ends up on the ground.
2021 stats: 58 T, 15 TFL, 5.5 sacks, 8 QBH. Seventh round/PFA. (A-32, H-10, BP-22, SS-4.41).