Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Vernon Broughton (45) against the Clemson Tigers during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

New York Giants Draft Prospect Profile: DL Vernon Broughton, Texas

Originally posted on New York Giants on SI
By Nick Falato | Last updated Apr 22, 2025 8:00 AM ET

Vernon Broughton offers versatility as a three-technique or as a defensive end in an odd front.

Vernon Broughton, DL

A former four-star recruit from Cy Ridge High School in Houston, Texas, where he was the 31st-ranked player from his state and the 18th defensive tackle during the 2020 recruiting cycle.

He missed six tackles in 2024, which was more than he missed in his entire college career. Still, the six tackles accounted for just 16.7%, which isn’t great, but he added 26 stops and 32 pressu res as a disruptive pass rusher who can also defend the run well.

Broughton aligned 338 times over the B-Gap, 47 times on the inside over the A-Gap, 166 times over the tackle, and 37 times out wide. He provides some versatility with his alignment, although he likely won't play 1-T or nose at the next level.

Strengths

Vernon Broughton
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Weaknesses

Summary

Vernon Broughton is a quick penetrator with excellent length and solid hand usage as a pass rusher – he could stand to become more consistent with them, but the flashes are bright.

He’s a quality athlete with range and quickness, and he packages violence into his many pass-rushing moves.

He does a solid job sinking his hips and locking out as a run defender against base blocks, but gets overwhelmed when double-teamed. His strength is located in his upper body rather than his base, leaving his overall moves more dependent on his arms and hands than on his drive.

Broughton lacks the instincts of his teammate, Alfred Collins, when it comes to diagnosing and avoiding contact as a run defender.

Overall, Broughton adds defensive juice to a pass rush, and he’s no liability as a run defender; he will be a solid rotational defensive lineman with the ceiling to start.

GRADE: 6.04

This article first appeared on New York Giants on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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