Buccaneers NFL Draft Target: EDGE Nic Scourton, Texas A&M

Could the versatile edge from Texas A&M solve the Bucs’ pass-rushing woes?

Head coach Todd Bowles has heavily emphasized improving the team’s 4-man rush this off-season, which makes improving the edges a continued priority.

With Haason Reddick on just a 1-year deal and unclear ceilings for Yaya Diaby and Chris Braswell, there’s nothing wrong with continuing to invest at a premium position.

Could Nic Scourton be another worthy addition to the rotation? Let’s explore.

NIC SCOURTON’S COLLEGIATE CAREER

As a 4-star recruit out of Bryan, TX, Scourton received heavy interest from many Power 5 schools before settling on Purdue.

He played in 10 games as a true freshman reserve in 2022, yet he still collected 22 tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble in that limited time. He fully came on as a sophomore, tying for 8th in all of FBS with 10 sacks. In 11 starts, he also recorded 50 tackles (15 for loss), 3 pass breakups, and a forced fumble to earn second-team All-Big Ten honors.

He decided to transfer to Texas A&M prior to the 2024 season and seriously bulked up while transitioning to Mike Elko’s multiple-defense scheme. At more than 280 pounds, it noticeably affected his quickness but he was still the team’s most productive rusher even when playing with other highly rated prospects like Shemar Stewart and Shemar Turner.

Finishing first-team All-SEC, Scourton started 12 games and tallied 37 tackles (14 for loss), 5 sacks, 2 PBUs, and a forced fumble. He was also a finalist for the nation’s Lott IMPACT Trophy, which rewards the top defensive player who showcases Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity.

PRO DAY AND SCOUTING COMBINE

Scourton only measured in at the NFL Scouting Combine, revealing he dropped significant weight to sit at 257 pounds. He measured in just shy of 6-foot-3 to go along with 33” arms and 10” hands.

The 20-year-old has done no athletic testing in any form, but he did participate in a variety of drills at the Texas A&M Pro Day on March 27th. He notably derided the validity of athletic testing for his position.

“I think a lot of people focus on the wrong things,” said Scourton on the pre-draft process. “Focusing on f***ing 40-yard dashes for defensive lineman, I just do not think that is important. I think what is important is the tape and going out there, competing and working out for coaches that you might play for.”

However one feels about that particular reply, Scourton did also speak to his renewed focus on improving his nutrition, conditioning, and technique so his mind does seem to be in the right place overall.

WHAT SCOURTON CAN DO FOR THE BUCS IN 2025

Scourton, despite not turning 21 until after training camp, is impressively refined for someone so young.

He’s got a deep tool box already that includes a spin move, euro step, rip, and long arm. He clearly studies his opponents to understand different attack angles and how to leverage their weaknesses or combat their strengths. Scourton does so while aligning from a variety of positions and techniques, which further speaks to his impressive football IQ. The fact that teams would actively try to deter him with chips and double teams shows a level of respect not always garnered by college rushers.

Add in that he has proven production over three full collegiate seasons, and he’ll absolutely appeal to Bowles and Jason Licht in some form.

The hope would be that his still-developing frame can continue to improve in an NFL training program while his mental acumen gives him a head start to still contribute as a rookie behind primary starters Reddick, Diaby, and Braswell.

He’ll fit in well with Bowles’s diverse scheme as someone who can be aligned all over the formation depending on the situation. You could easily see him out wide, with his hand in the dirt, or of course, occasionally spot-dropping in coverage.

THREE-YEAR OUTLOOK

Scourton’s youth is a huge upside for his projection.

If drafted in the first round, Scourton will still be just 26 by the end of his rookie deal, provided he earns the fifth-year option. You’re talking about a player who, if he lives up to his potential, could go through three full contracts throughout his career. That’s not common.

Now of course, that comes with caveats. Regardless of what he says, Scourton did not test because he is not an exceptional athlete. A good one, definitely – his athletic profile will play at the NFL level just based on the tape.

However, when you’re not betting on an elite athlete like his teammate Shemar Stewart, you have to come prepared for the possibility of a lower ceiling, which often dissuades teams from utilizing first-rounders on said prospects. Scourton has shown the requisite football IQ to transcend those limitations, but it will be hard to know by how much.

Ideally, you’ll see Scourton contribute sporadically this season while showcasing the talent to earn a bigger role next year. Whether it’s taking over for Reddick after his prove-it deal, usurping Braswell due to the latter’s lack of development, or perhaps an unseen circumstance with Diaby, you want to see some positive upward trajectory.

From there, you could see Scourton take off as a full-time starter if he’s a regular pass-rush threat while improving his run defense, which is fine right now but has a lot of room for growth. Drafting him in the first means you see him as a future starter with Pro Bowl upside or higher, which is possible here.

STOCK REPORT

Scourton is widely regarded as a late-first, early second value.

The positives largely center on his football IQ and youth while negatives focus more on his questionable athletic ceiling and decreased production at Texas A&M.

That said, he’s drawn some lofty comparisons from several well-known analysts.

The 33rd Team’s Kyle Crabbs compared Scourton to multi-time Pro Bowler Melvin Ingram due to his similar frame and versatility. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared him to Trey Hendrickson, who just led the NFL in sacks last year and has 77 in his 8-year career.

Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder went with Cam Jordan, who the Bucs, and their fans, know all too well. It’d be nice to have one of those in red and pewter.

ON THE CLOCK…

What say you, Bucs Nation? Would Scourton be a worthwhile addition to the Buccaneers’ front seven? Vote in the poll and discuss in the comments.