Three-technique with impressive power and core strength to play heavier than his measured weight. Valdez made the jump from Montana State to Washington and fit right in as a read-and-react defender, using his leverage and strength to neutralize the block. He has shorter arms, which limit his success shedding or playing around blocks in both phases. He needs to play with better first-step explosiveness and play recognition at the outset but his power at the point is worth monitoring.
