2018 NFL Draft prospect profile: Kentavius Street, DL, NC State

The North Carolina State Wolfpack fielded one of the most ferocious defensive lines in college football over the last two seasons.

The most feared member of that defensive line is undoubtedly defensive end Bradley Chubb. Chubb is generally considered to be the top defensive end in the draft, but Chubb’s bookend is a player worth noticing in his own right.

Kentavius Street is the “other” defensive end on that line, and for some teams he might not even be a defensive end at all. But whatever position for which he is drafted, he is an intriguing player.

Measurables

Pros

• Squat, sout, powerful build gives him natural leverage and a good bull rush. Also flashes a rip move.
• Non-stop motor. Always seems to try and run down plays.
• Quick off the snap with solid explosiveness. Also shows surprising agility, moving like a much smaller player.
• Heavy hands.
• Versatility to play inside or outside.
• Shows good awareness of the play.

Cons

• Height could limit how some teams view him.
• Benefitted from playing on a very talented defensive line.
• Needs to refine his technique.

Prospect video

What they’re saying

Street is the Freakiest athlete on the ferocious Pack D-line, which is the best-kept secret in college football. “They’re the tone-setters for the team,” said strength coach Dantonio Burnette. “These guys are super competitive.”

Last year, Street had nine tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks as he started to emerge as a difference-maker with his refined technique catching up to his uncanny athleticism. This spring Street, at 6’2,” 283 pounds, was timed in the 40 at 4.58 and 4.62. And Burnette says those 40 times are electronic times — not hand-timed. Street vertical jumped 40 inches, broad jumped 9’11”, cleaned 400 and bench pressed 475 pounds. He is the most flexible guy in the NC State program, and despite his weight, he has the kind of agility where he could stand up and play outside linebacker, says Burnette, himself a former first-team All-ACC linebacker.

Burnette has worked with some all-world caliber D-line Freaks in his time from Mario Williams and Manny Lawson to his days at Pittsburgh with Aaron Donald, a guy who ran 4.68 in the 40 and verticaled 32 inches while weighing 285 pounds at the combine. Donald, an NFL star, plays with a mean streak. He thrives in the NFL because he has such great get-off and is excellent using his hands. As explosive as Donald is, Burnette says Street is even more explosive. “He made a huge jump last year. He started to translate the stuff he’s developed in the weight room over to the field, and I think he’s really gonna have a great year.”

- Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List”

Street wreaked havoc off the edge and was the best pass-rushing defensive end all week. He showed great speed and balance and the ability to bend off the corner. His intensity was also on a par with anyone on the field.

— Tony Pauline of draftanalyst.com on Street’s Shrine Game practices.

Final thoughts

Bradley Chubb gets all of the attention with respect to the NC State defensive line. The attention afforded him is well-earned, but people should be paying attention to Street as well.

He doesn’t look like a traditional NFL defensive end, and that could well hurt him in the draft. However, if a team’s defensive scheme is flexibile enough, Street’s versatile build and explosive power could make him a dangerous defender. In a 4-3 defense, he could be a natural fit inside at 3-technique, but with the ability to play the defensive end in short-yardage downs, or to create mismatches (and confusion) along the offensive line.

Because of the division in which they play, the Giants need defenders that can be very stout against the run. Having one who can also be a disruptive force inside (or vice versa) could be a boon.

If the reports of his athleticism are accurate, Street could see a meteoric rise up draft boards following the NFL Scouting Combine. Despite the fact that he is playing in the East-West Shrine Game, it might be a mistake to tag him as a mid- to late-round prospect.