Adisa Isaac scouting report: Exploring the Penn State edge defender’s strengths and weaknesses

In 2018, Adisa Isaac was recruited as a four-star player and spent his first two years at Penn State as a rotational player, recording 27 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks. Unfortunately, he was unable to play in the 2021 season due to an injury. However, as a redshirt junior, he emerged as a full-time starter and had a breakout season with 28 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and four sacks.

He continued to excel in those areas, recording 37 total stops, 16 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, and forcing and recovering one fumble each. As a result, he received recognition as a second-team All-Big selection by the coaches and a first-team selection by the media.

Information: Height of 6 feet and 4 inches, weight of 255 pounds; redshirt senior.

Analyzing Adisa Isaac’s strengths and weaknesses

Key Attributes

Defensive Rushing

• Adisa Isaac effectively utilizes leverage in the run game and possesses strong hand technique to fend off tackles.
• This demonstrates his ability to use his body to twist and move his shoulders away from oncoming blockers, allowing him to position himself in the C-/D-gap and prevent tight ends from sealing him.
• He usually pummels tight-ends who try to seal him away from the action.
• He is able to recognize when tackles are trying to wall him off on the backside, and he skillfully dips around them to flatten down the line.
• He actively meets pulling guards and delivers a solid thump with his near-shoulder, shuffling inside to blow up plays single-handedly. This forces the back to bounce and redirects him into the arms of his teammates, making it difficult for him to gain yardage.
• He consistently puts in a tremendous amount of effort to defend against tight ends maneuvering through split zone plays, as well as tracking down running backs from behind. His quick burst and ability to quickly close down the line when unblocked, even when away from the play, is a significant asset.
• Despite being involved in more tackles than expected, he remains unwavering in his pursuit of the ball, persevering through any obstacles or challenges that may arise.
• The quarterback quickly attacks up the field and the player swiftly plants his cleats in the ground before pursuing screen passes.

Sacking the Quarterback

• Adisa Isaac utilizes an efficient dip-and-rip technique in order to create a shorter corner for himself.
• However, if he is aware that there is someone to handle the cleaning up, he will gladly sell out and charge through the inside shoulder of tackles to knock them into the quarterback.
• He has the ability to plant his foot firmly on the ground during his initial step and quickly move through the A-gap from edge alignments, utilizing his strength to burst through the guard’s inside shoulder.
• With tremendous effort, the passer is consistently rushed by this player, who tirelessly uses their hands and frequently chases down scramblers from the back.
• He possesses the closing burst necessary to prevent the quarterback from maneuvering around him, opting instead for a direct and forceful approach.
• Consistently able to deflect the blocker’s outside arm and position oneself at a late angle, before extending the long arm to disrupt the ball from behind.
• When given a bit of a runway, he delivers heavy hits on opposing quarterbacks.
• In the 2024 draft class, ranked seventh among Power-5 edge defenders with a pass-rush productivity of 10.5, recording 33 pressures out of 208 pass-rush snaps.
• After sprinting to the flats, I quickly covered ground and continuously brought tight-ends out to the sideline multiple times.

Areas for Improvement

• Adisa Isaac is an average athlete without any standout qualities, unless you consider his strong effort.
• Could use improvement in extending the edge and setting against drive-blocks, as well as more mass in the lower half.
• Despite lacking counter moves as a pass-rusher and not possessing a quick twitch, he still manages to be effective thanks to his relentless motor.
• He frequently charges directly into guards while attempting stunts or participating in twists.
• He frequently loses his balance and finds himself on the turf, whether he’s attempting to navigate his rushes or getting jostled around on the inside.

Adisa Isaac’s Potential in the 2024 NFL Draft

The Penn State defense boasted a wealth of talent across all positions, including Chop Robinson, a potential first-round pick on the opposite edge, and Abdul Carter, who may be seen as comparable to Micah Parsons as he moves from off-ball linebacker in the upcoming season.

Despite this, I believe that no other player consistently demonstrated the same level of dedication and hustle as Adisa Isaac did for the team. Throughout every play, he consistently played above his weight class in the run game and fought relentlessly to be involved in tackles.

Similarly, when rushing off the edge, he utilizes tight turns and relentless hand movements to evade blockers and create space for himself.

Regrettably, he frequently found himself on the ground due to his inability to quickly attack the B-gap and create advantageous angles, or to adjust his rush at the top and often overshoot his intended target.

While Adisa Isaac may not have the potential to be a game-changing player in clear passing situations, he has the potential to start in the league for at least the next eight years.

Adisa Isaac received an early third round grade.