YaYa Diaby is one of two defensive ends in this class (with Tennessee’s Byron Young) who came out of Georgia Military College and emerged as strong edge rushers at the FBS level. Diaby is an athletic edge who can push plays to the perimeter and maintain his leverage to get there relatively easily. He looks the part of a future starter, someone who can refine his skillset and play immediately in a rotation.
YaYa Diaby
4-3 DE – Louisville Cardinals
HT: 6032
WT: 270
Year: Super Senior
High School: North Clayton (Atlanta, GA)
Rating: N/A
JUCO: Georgia Military College (Milledgeville, GA)
JUCO Rating: 3-star (0.8681)
Projected Draft Grade: Future Starter
Projection: 2nd/3rd Round
YaYa Diaby scouting notes
Pros:
- Good speed. Very solid athlete for the position. Should test well at the Combine.
- Good lateral quickness, not great.
- Solid first step, flashes special at times.
- Good explosive ability.
- Has some strength and can condense the pocket with his power.
- Good, not a great tackler. Plays energetic to the run.
- Flashes some ability to make plays on his edge in the run game.
- Has a good motor. Plays through the snap. Isn’t afraid to chase a play downfield.
Cons:
- Might lack lower body build and strength. Looks like he loses a lot of his power from lacking in drive from his lower half.
- Overall a stiff athlete who will have to rely on being a gap defender.
- Raw hand usage and doesn’t have a lot of strategy or method to his madness.
- Wants to destroy ball carriers, would like to see a more consistent wrap-up.
- Slightly under pursues but has range outside of the box.
