Tyreak Sapp entered the fall as one of the Florida defenders expected to push his way into early-round discussion. The power, size, and experience all pointed toward a player ready to make a noticeable jump. Instead, his pass-rush production leveled off, changing the way evaluators view him heading into the pre-draft cycle. The run defense still shows up consistently, and his strength remains a clear asset, but the lack of finishing plays has added a new layer of uncertainty to his projection.
Tyreak Sapp Scouting Report
Measurements
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 275 lbs
Background
Sapp arrived in Gainesville with a reputation for versatility and natural power, traits Florida quickly leaned on as he developed through his early seasons. Last season, he recorded seven sacks and consistently applied pressure up front, marking a significant leap forward that put him squarely in the spotlight across the country. That momentum slowed this past year. His pressure-to-sack efficiency dropped sharply, sliding from 27% to 7%, and forced scouts to inspect where his pass-rush ceiling truly lies. Even so, he remained a dependable starter on one of the SEC’s toughest defensive fronts and rarely came off the field.
Strengths
Run defense is the foundation of Sapp’s profile. He plays with a sturdy base, rarely gets knocked off balance, and handles double teams with discipline. He’s fast sideways, so he can maneuver past blockers and mess up zone plays—his hands move quickly and right on time. Holding ground? He takes up space and keeps the line steady. With a strong first step, he darts into inside holes, hitting runners at or behind the line. In Florida, they lined him up in different spots; that kind of flexibility fits squads who switch looks and want big edge players when the game starts.
Weaknesses
The questions begin with his ability to win as a pass rusher. His first step is serviceable but not threatening, and his movement style often mirrors that of an interior defender more than a true edge. He tends to win late in the rep rather than immediately stressing the tackle. His matchup with Miami standout Francis Mauigoa—where the tackle’s length and power consistently neutralized him—reinforced those limitations. His pass-rush win rate of 7.4% reflects the challenge: he relies on technique and power, but neither consistently creates pressure on its own. What he generates is often pocket compression, not true disruption.
Bottom Line
Sapp enters the final stretch of the season carrying a solid third-round projection, with the possibility of sliding into early Day 3 if his athletic testing falls short. His reliability against the run gives him a stable NFL floor as a rotational edge, and the league’s increased interest in larger early-down defenders works in his favor. If he tests better than his tape suggests, there is still a path for him to land inside the top 100.
Main Photo: [Matt Pendleton] – Imagn Images
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