2022 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Haskell Garrett

First Step Explosiveness

Not only is his first step explosive, but it allows Garrett many options for which to take during his path to the quarterback or ball carrier. He is sufficient when using an inside-out technique. On the flip side, Garrett’s lethal steps when moving from the outside towards the interior of the offensive line often result in confusion for opponents upfront. Simply, he suffocates blockers with how swiftly he can move up the field when going vertically.

Flexibility

Despite a dense frame and the position that he plays, Garrett is extraordinarily loose and fluid when it comes to his hips. The footwork that he provides is also rather clean. Furthermore, that can allow him to cross up opposing blockers at a high rate. The ability to compact his frame and widen it at the same time comes in handy when taking on block after block within the interior. Meanwhile, Garrett has a great understanding of needing to use different tracks to attack the quarterback or ball carrier, depending on the blocking front. Because of this, he will alter between wider steps or a more patient technique.

Lateral Mobility

The balance that he has is quite impressive when Garrett works laterally or into space. He is not necessarily going to outrace anyone to the boundary. Yet, Garrett displays extreme effort and a hot motor. This forces the ball carrier to wait before getting upfield vertically while he chases towards the sideline. Once again, he is not going to be capable of chasing down everybody. But, Garrett certainly has enough range to make stops with backside pursuit.

Run Defending

Garrett has no problem in wearing down opponents and quickly defeating blockers with his pass rush counter moves. However, there is a bit more inconsistency when it comes to deconstructing blocks as a run defender. Garrett appears to wait and jump at an opening, if it becomes available. Though, that can lead to opponents latching onto his chest and driving him backwards. When he is able to get off the ball with speed and maintain his gap, the chances become much more fruitful for him. Being able to get offensive linemen moving laterally has also been much more of a benefit for Garrett.

Versatility

At Ohio State, Garrett aligned all over the defensive front for the Buckeyes. This included him getting snaps at 5-tech, 3-tech and 1-tech. He may not be completely incapable of doing that at the NFL level. But, Garrett may be subjected to more subpackage reps and a rotational role early on during his professional career. One would also have to wonder if some teams view his size as an item that is too small. That is especially true, when you consider the opportunity to move Garrett around the defensive formation.

Functional Strength

Overall, there are definitely worries about Garrett playing too high too often. In the meantime, his anchor ability can be hit or miss. This allows opponents to drive him backward more than you would like. Or, blockers will make it much tougher for him to shake off of blocks. Garrett will have to improve on digging his feet into the ground and gaining more advantageous leverage at the point of attack. That will assuredly be an emphasis for him as he transitions to the NFL.

CHIEFS FIT

The Kansas City Chiefs were able to re-sign defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi over the weekend. While he is not a star by any means, Nnadi is still one of the better run defenders at his position. Kansas City should still be open to adding more depth to the position, even with him back and with Chris Jones in the fold already.

Haskell Garrett may be a touch “smallish”, compared to those two and others within the Chiefs defensive line. Nonetheless, his ability to flash quickness, flexibility and a wide-ranging arsenal of hand counters allows him chances to make stops in many areas. He can rush the passer and stuff the run. Finally, the Chiefs would certainly benefit by adding someone who can handle different roles upfront, depending on the down and distance that the opposing offense is facing.

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs draft prospect profiles throughout this spring. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.