2019 NFL Draft prospect profile: Daniel Wise (DT, Kansas)

The New York Giants have resolved to fix their defense over the 2019 offseason. Or rather, stock their well-schemed defense with the talent it needs to perform up to expectations.

The most obvious area of need on the defense has been the pass rush. The Giants spent the first half of the season with one of the (if not the) worst pass rushes in the NFL. The obvious place to improve the front seven is with an EDGE rusher. However, the Giants would do well to consider pass rushers wherever they may find them.

The Giants were spotted talking to Kansas Jayhawks defensive tackle Daniel Wise at Shrine Game practices this week, so it might behooves us to take a closer look the underrated interior pass rusher.

Measurables

Pros

• Athletic penetrating defensive tackle.
• Good first step, firing out of his stance with good pad level.
• Scheme diverse. Played 7, 5, and 3-techniques, as well as nose tackle.
• Shows both arm-over and rip moves.
• Flashes some upper and lower-body flexibility.
• Consistently productive.

Cons

• Needs to add strength and power for the next level.
• Can lose track of the play.
• Occasionally struggles to disengage from blockers.

Numbers of note

Stats from Dan Pizzuta

All five of Wise’s sacks were solo, which tied for tenth among all NCAA defensive tackles, but he had just 18 total pressures, which tied for 48th per Sports Info Solutions.

Prospect Video

What They’re Saying

“Daniel Wise/DT/Kansas: The Jayhawks kept the game close but eventually succumbed to West Virginia in a 16-point loss. Despite this, Wise had a monster game which included five tackles (3.5 for loss) and two sacks against the usually reliable Moutaineers offensive line. Wise was unstoppable most of the game and beat blockers off the snap, showed explosion to the action with a great closing burst and easily moved laterally in pursuit of ball carriers. He’s a terrific three-technique prospect who could end up as a second-day pick.”

- Tony Pauline (DraftAnalyst - Week 6 risers/sliders)

Does He Fit The Giants?

Given how the Giants move freely between odd and even fronts (generally speaking, three or four down linemen), Wise’s versatility would be an asset for their defense. He likely wouldn’t spend much (if any) time lined up as a 7-technique in a four-man front (as he did for Kansas), but his quickness and hands make him a handful for interior blockers. He also has some ability to stand up blockers and either two-gap or hold double teams, which is an asset as well.

Over the last two seasons, Wise has racked up 87 total tackles, 28.0 tackles for a loss, and 10 sacks, as well as a pair of forced fumbles. Given that he has been the biggest threat on the Kansas defense, that is good production for a defensive tackle.

In part because Kansas hasn’t done much winning lately, Wise isn’t very widely known. However, his versatility and pass rushing potential make him an interesting prospect for the Giants if he slips out of the third round.