Ali Gaye is a native of Gambia, and moved to the United States at the age of 12. At LSU in 2020, Gaye played all across the defensive line and was effective in pretty much any tech. An injury slowed down his 2021 season from being able to put it all together, and the scheme change in 2022 seemed to really hurt Gaye’s production. He might be a developmental guy who needs time to get it all together, and does better with continuity. 

A lot of the projection of Ali Gaye is based on his potential. His ceiling is to be a top edge rusher and it’s been clear since the moment he took the field at LSU. But he has to learn how to use his hands. That has been his detriment at the college level. Granted, Gaye is still learning football – he hasn’t been playing it all of his life. If he can work his hands and improve his run defense, he’s going to be a powerful starter for a decade in the league. 

LSU's Ali Gaye showcasing his pass rush ability👀

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— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 4, 2023

Missed the majority of the 2021 season with an injury. Other than that, he’s done a good job staying healthy. 

Ali Gaye’s scouting report

Athletic Ability (45)

Speed/Athleticism: 20 

• Speed (4/7) – Doesn’t possess elite end speed. Appears average in that regard. Doesn’t run as well as you’d expect. Ran a verified 5.23 forty in high school. Struggles to get up to speed and accelerate. 
• Lateral Quickness (5.5/7) – Excellent lateral quickness. Allows him to be very shifty while attacking the block. 
• Body Control (5/6) – Excellent body control. Keeps his balance and feet very well while attacking the blocker. 

Burst: 10 

• First Step Quickness (4.5/5) – Very quick first step. Terrifying. 
• Explosion (4/5) – Shows some real explosion from the snap. Want to see it more consistently all the way through the rep. 

Power/Strength: 15 

• Upper Body Strength (4.5/6) – Powerful upper body makes him difficult to contain 1v1, especially in a hand fight. Shoves blockers to the side. Doesn’t use his upper body well while trying to tackle. 
• Lower Body Strength (3/6) – Lacks in this department. He’s built, but doesn’t control it well. 
• Pure Brute Strength (2/3) – Pure brute at times. Will rely on his ability to win 1v1 with his strength. 

Pass Rushing Mechanics (25)

Bend: 10 

• Balance (3.5/5) – Shows good balance when going into his bend on a speed rush. 
• Bend (4/5) – Very impressive bend. Get’s very low and attacks. 

Finesse: 15 

• Hand Usage (3.5/5) – Shows good hand usage from time to time. Gets his arms up quickly to disrupt passing lanes. 
• Hand Strength (3/5) – Good hand strength, not great. 
• Hand Placement (3/5) – Does not place hands well at all. Struggles to win the1v1 matchups. Does work well with double teams, attacks the gap and fights for it. 

Defender Ability (26) 

Tackling/Pursuit: 16

• Tackling Ability (3/6) – Decent tackler when he can get hands on the player. Isn’t often in position to make a play. Almost strictly a pass rusher. Struggles to support off the edge. Has very little control of the tackle. Struggles sometimes to wrap up. Just doesn’t have a great form. 
• Space Defending (2/5) – Not a great space defender. Doesn’t control the edge or play contain as well as he should. Struggles to corral the more mobile quarterbacks in the backfield while they’re on the move. 
• Pursuit Angles (2.5/5) – Doesn’t always take great pursuit angles. Will get caught up trying to account for them by being overaggressive. Struggles to take proper pursuit angles inside. 

Motor/Consistency: 10 

• Motor (3.5/5) – Got to love Gaye’s motor. Stays aware of the play around him. Has to play with discipline. 
• Consistent Motor (3.5/5) – Consistently on, but just not consistently disciplined. 

Overview: (75) 3rd/4th round