Caden Curry arrived at Ohio State University as one of the most decorated defensive linemen high school prospects from Indiana as a four-star recruit. Despite his accolades, Curry spent his first three years primarily contributing on special teams and getting spot snaps behind teammates JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer. But when Curry was given the full reins as the starter in his senior season under Matt Patricia, he did not look back. Caden totaled 66 total tackles (13.5 for loss), 11 sacks, 2 pass defended, 2 fumbles recovered, and one forced fumble. His breakout season earned All-Conference honors.
What Caden Curry lacks in game film and experience, he makes up for in power, hustle, and a high motor. Caden has a typical build for a defensive end/edge rusher. In his limited playing time, Curry showed agility and spin moves to get around tackles. Curry is great at converting speed to power, and predicting the dropbacks of quarterbacks for sacks, hits, and pressures. As a run defender, Curry willingly takes on blocks and collapses running lanes. He is a willing tackler, eager to be part of a gang tackle. Curry has even shown to be able to drop into coverage occasionally.
His weaknesses can be tied to a lack of playing time at the collegiate level. Curry does not have much of a pass rush repertoire and lackluster hands. This allows linemen who are able to latch onto him the opportunity to control his path or halt his rush. This is also not helped with his lack of desirable arm length for the position. While he is a willing run defender, he is slow at shedding blocks, especially against better blockers.
Curry is a projectable 3-4 starting edge rusher who showed early capabilities of winning through timing, effort, and technique, then elite agility and athleticism. He can do the dirty work, and contribute on special teams, anything to assist the team. With good coaching and scheme, Curry can be a starting caliber gem in the mid-rounds.
How He Fits on the Commanders
Washington’s defense will be getting a facelift and likely changing to a 3-4 alignment front. If so, there will be a retooling of personnel for outside linebacker/edge rusher. The position group needs youth given 7th rounder Javontae Jean-Baptiste is the sole drafted player at the position in the last two drafts. If the front office forgoes selecting an edge rusher with their first draft selection, Caden could fill in as a rotational player and projectable starter. Like his first few years in Ohio State, he could be a contributor on special team coverage teams and is used to a limited role on defense in his rookie year. Caden is an effort player who can fit the culture of the Commanders and become a future starter with a few years of coaching.