From now until the 2020 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#90 Neville Gallimore/DT Oklahoma – 6’2 302
The Good
– Stout build and NFL frame, though length may be an issue
– Easy-mover for his size, quick first step, and moves uncommonly well in space
– Shows powerful initial punch and ability to stun offensive linemen, letting him control blocks in the run game or set up rush moves in the pass game
– Explosive initial step, creates penetration and able to walk blockers back when playing with proper hand use, technique, and pad level
– Capable one-gapper who can bust up blocking schemes, hard for linemen to reach or down block him
– Shows ability to win in multiple ways as a pass rusher, club/swim is his go-to move
– Experience on stunts and games
– High motor player, even when he doesn’t have to be (i.e. team has big lead) and runs hard to the ball across the line of scrimmage and downfield
– Increased production year-by-year
– Excellent starting experience
– Played nose tackle/1 tech in 3-4 front
The Bad
– Position-limited, played majority of snaps as 1T and even when he lined up as 3T, often stunted/slanted into the A gaps
– Doesn’t possess elite level strength and isn’t the most stout against the run, can get washed out by double-teams and combo blocks
– Has to do a better job of collapsing the hole against double-teams as opposed to getting run out
– Lacks some flexibility to turn hips and get through gap as a pass rusher after he’s created initial separation with punch/hand use
– Only average production and sack totals
Bio
– 38 career starts
– Career: 148 tackles, 18 TFL 9 sacks 5 FFs
– 2019: 30 tackles, 7.5 TFL 4 sacks 2 FFs
– Four-star recruit, chose Oklahoma over Florida State and Ohio State
Tape Breakdown
If you’re looking for Javon Hargrave’s replacement, Neville Gallimore might be your guy.
There’s a lot of reasons to be interested, at least. You know to play defensive line in Pittsburgh, you better run to the football. Gallimore checks that box without question or concern. Summed up best in this play against Texas Tech. The Sooners are up 48-16. Yet he runs after the ball, chases down the quarterback, and forces the fumble. Head-turning moment.
Similar to Hargrave, Gallimore has a quick first step and strike to stun blockers and get penetration when he one-gaps.
His club/swim is his best move and though he’s a big hog mollie in the interior, he can hold his own as a pass rusher.
Also have to like his experience in the Sooners’ system is similar to Pittsburgh’s. 3-4 nose tackle in an odd front who has been used on stunts, slants, and loops. Just as he would with the Steelers.
The negatives? Nothing that sticks out in a glaring way. Lacks a little bit of anchor and can be stronger in the run game. Can get a little tall and washed out against double-teams and combo blocks.
Gallimore is shaping up to be one of those dudes whose stock takes off at the Combine. He reportedly can run the 40 in sub 4-9, which could best Hargrave’s 4.93. There are definite similarities in their game, I think Hargrave is a better pass rusher, but of course, he’s got a couple years in the NFL already. If Gallimore slips a bit, that tends to happen to DTs in deep classes, he may be in play for the Steelers at #49. A guy I’m excited to watch in the Senior Bowl.
Projection: Early-Mid Day Two
Games Watched: at Texas (2018), at UCLA, vs Texas Tech, at Baylor
