YaYa Diaby NFL Draft Overview
Position: Edge
Height: 6’-3”
Weight: 263
School: Louisville
2023 NFL Draft: YaYa Diaby Scouting Report
Louisville defensive end YaYa Diaby took a precarious path to get to the 2023 NFL Draft. Coming out of high school in Atlanta, Georgia, Diaby did not receive any D-1 scholarship offers and chose to go the junior college route.
After spending a year at Georgia Military Academy, Diaby received an offer to play for the Louisville Cardinals. Diaby’s first two seasons at Louisville saw him net some playing time but the defensive end failed to make a significant impact.
However, 2022 was a different story for Diaby. In 2022, Diaby registered 14 tackles for loss to go along with nine sacks while playing up and down the defensive line. Diaby was named third-team All-ACC for his efforts.
After further tape study, it is easy to see why Diaby is trending up during the current draft cycle. He plays stronger than his size would indicate, which is probably why the Louisville coaching staff felt comfortable giving him interior snaps. Diaby uses his long levers well and regularly resets the line of scrimmage.
The most impressive pass-rushing ability Diaby demonstrated was his bull rush. Diaby personally escorted offensive linemen to their quarterback’s lap with regularity. But when Diaby wins reps, it is generally with physicality, and he will need to develop a more nuanced pass-rush plan at the next level.
Diaby’s best attributes are in the run game. He sets an effective edge and is adept at shedding blockers and knifing inside to stop ball carriers. Diaby’s ability to be a plus as a run defender is what will get him playing time early on in his NFL career.
The biggest detraction to Diaby is his age. He will turn 24 one month after the draft and that factor alone will scare some teams away from Diaby on day two. A team could take a chance on Diaby inside the first 100 picks given his athletic measurables: 4.51 40-yard dash/ 1.56 10-yard split, 37” vertical, and 10-foot broad jump.
But the more likely outcome is that Diaby will come off the board somewhere in rounds four or five. Whichever team selects Diaby will get a physical force that, given adequate time to develop and a year or two in an NFL strength and conditioning program, could develop into a starting-caliber defensive end.
Strengths:
- Plays with a good motor
- Effective use of long levers
- Excellent play strength
- Can set edge and shed blockers
- Impressive bull rush
Weaknesses:
- Needs to time snaps up better
- Can take poor angles in pursuit of quarterbacks
- No pass rush plan
- Age, will play entire rookie season at 24
NFL comparison: Sam Hubbard
Teams with need at position: Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks
Projection: Rounds 3-4
Bottom Line on YaYa Diaby
Diaby has all of the physical tools in place to be a successful edge defender at the next level. A team in need of a strong side defensive end who can set an edge and be a plus run defender should have Diaby high on their board. Diaby also has experience kicking inside and playing the three-technique as well as 4i. Being versatile is never a bad thing and could get him on the field in obvious passing downs.
The bottom line is athletes like Diaby do not grow on trees. The 23-year-old will need time to develop a true pass rush plan, but there is enough of his game already in place to provide value to an NFL team. If Diaby lands in the right situation and is afforded the time to refine his skillset, he could be a two-contract player for the team that drafts him.
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