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By Charlie Campbell
Weaknesses:
Summary: In the passing-driven NFL, edge defenders who can get after the quarterback are always in demand. Ximines has the potential to be a quality edge defender due to his speed, athleticism and agility. He could end up putting together some sack totals in the NFL.
In the summer of 2018, sources told me that Ximines had earned a spot on teams’ preseason watch lists as a prospect with potential for the first four rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft. That was after recording 44 tackles with 14 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, three passes batted and four forced fumbles in 2017. He also had 7.5 sacks as a sophomore and five as a freshman.
Ximines then totaled 58 tackles with 18.5 tackles for a loss, 12 sacks, four forced fumbles, two passes batted and one interception in 2018. The senior has received some first-round hype from some in the media, but multiple team sources told me they saw Ximines as a second- or third-rounder.
In the pass rush, Ximines is dangerous with his speed to get after the quarterback. He is quick off the snap and has the ability to sink his hips and shoulders to get around the corner. Once he makes the turn, Ximines has the closing speed to finish the play and get to the quarterback. He had a knack for splash plays for Old Dominion via some timely pass rushes. Ximines is quick, athletic, and agile to dodge and run around blocks. In the NFL, he will need to improve his repertoire of pass-rushing moves because using only a speed rush will be too predictable. He also needs to improve his hands and get better at shedding blocks. Ximines struggles to shed blocks, and pro tackles could give him lots of problems if they get their hands on him.
As a run defender, Ximines is at his best working upfield and trying to cause disruption in the backfield. He is going to have problems taking on pro offensive lines and holding his gap against downhill runs coming straight at him. Ximines must get stronger in order to hold his ground in run defense.
Ximines is an undersized edge defender, and as a result, his best fit would be as a 3-4 outside linebacker. In a 4-3 defense, he would either have to move back to Sam – strong side – linebacker or be a designated pass-rusher at defensive end. Playing in a 3-4 as a five-technique to help occupy offensive tackles could be the best way for Ximines to be an every-down player.
Player Comparison: Kyle Van Noy. Van Noy was a disappointment in Detroit, but has developed into a quality pro with the Patriots. Van Noy has the ability to rush off the edge and contribute dropping into pass coverage. Ximines and Van Noy (6-3, 250) are roughly the same size, and Ximines could end up at 250 pounds once he gains mass in a NFL strength and conditioning program. In the 2014 NFL Draft, Van Noy was a second-round pick, and Ximines could go in the second round this year. If Ximines pans out, he could be a player similar to Van Noy.
NFL Matches: San Francisco, Oakland, Detroit, Atlanta, New York Giants, New York Jets, Washington, Carolina, Tennessee, Green Bay, Houston, New England, Kansas City
On the second day of the 2019 NFL Draft, Ximines has a lot of potential landing spots. The 49ers and Raiders both need more edge-rushing talent, and both Bay Area teams are picking high in the second and third rounds. However, they both run 4-3 schemes that may not be a good fit for Ximines. Ditto for Detroit and Atlanta as teams with high second-round picks that could use help at defensive end but are based out of a 4-3.
A fit for Ximines could be for either New York team. The Giants need more edge-rushing talent, and Ximines could interest them on Day 2. In their 3-4 scheme, Ximines would be a nice fit as an outside linebacker. Staying in the Big Apple, Ximines could be in play for the Jets’ third-round pick because they need to find more edge-rushing talent.
The Redskins could use more young edge rushers, and Ximines wound be a good fit in their 3-4 scheme. With Julius Peppers retiring, Carolina has to get more edge-rushing talent across from Mario Addison. Ximines could be a fit for the Redskins or Panthers in the third round.
The Packers need young edge-rushing talent and could use multiple early selections on front seven defenders.
Tennessee has veterans Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan entering free agency. Ximines could fit the Titans’ 3-4 defense across from Harold Landry. Elsewhere in the AFC South, Ximines could be a fit for the Texans. Jadeveon Clowney is entering free agency, and Whitney Mercilus is showing signs of decline. Ximines could fit Romeo Crennell’s defense nicely.
Both the Patriots and Chiefs have two second-round picks, so either could consider Ximines with one of those picks. Both teams also could use young edge rushers and have good coaching staffs who would know how to use and develop Ximines.
RELATED LINKS:
2019 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s
2019 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2019 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
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