"The Raiders are making some moves on the defensive side of the ball. They signed Bruce Irvin in free agency. This is a good, solid pick to help rebuild that defense." -- NFL Media analyst Brian Billick
6'4" Height
34 1/4" Arm Length
251LBS. Weight
9 7/8" Hands
Overview
Not many players are named to All-American squads once during their college career, much less twice. Calhoun's managed to earn the nod three straight years, making big plays for the Spartans as they competed for Big Ten titles. As a redshirt sophomore, Calhoun was the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year and first team all-conference recognition in addition to second team All-American notice from several sources after recording 14 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, four fumble recoveries and an interception. The two-time Ted Hendricks Award finalist (2013, 2015) didnt disappoint in his second year as a starter and first as a team captain, making 39 tackles, 12.5 for loss and eight sacks. Calhoun could have left for the NFL after 2014, but decided to return to compete for a Big Ten title and a national championship. The Spartans did accomplish the former, with the help of Calhouns 14.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks before losing to eventual champion Alabama in the College Football Playoff.
Analysis
Strengths
Former high school basketball standout with an athletic, well-proportioned frame. Three-year starter with above average pass rush production. Posted 128 quarterback pressures and 26.5 sacks over last three years. Rushes passer with forward lean and good knee bend. Keeps running after contact to better position. Improving shoulder dip around corner to run the arc tightly and get after the quarterback. Flashes above average burst to the quarterback when sack is in his sights. Good play recognition and awareness in run game. Good backside chase speed against the run and able to change directions when needed. Two-time team captain under Mark Dantonio who is highly respected in the building. Has shown potential for more complex pass rush attack using several different rush moves from various angles.
Weaknesses
Missing aggressive, nasty play demeanor at point of attack. Showed too much respect to blockers rather than playing through them with aggression. Gets caught up in slap-fighting rather than dominating with hand strength. Can improve feel for when to use power and when to use finesse as a rusher. Flagged for nine encroachment penalties this year. Needs to play faster. Play strength doesnt match his frame. Wont often whip a base block and gives in too easily to double team coming from tight end. Wasnt a factor in the opposing teams backfield in 2015.
Draft Projection
Rounds 3 or 4
NFL Comparison
Andre Branch
Bottom Line
Calhouns career could go one of two ways -- hell become more aggressive and improve his hand usage which will unlock his full potential as an NFL defensive end OR he will become a decent NFL starter who doesnt have the upfield burst to win up the field as a pass rusher and isnt strong enough to hold up at the point of attack. Calhoun may need to become tougher against the run before he is handed a starters position, but the skillset is there if he can unlock it.
