Recent Forum Topics › Forums › The Rams Huddle › DE, Martin Ifedi
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May 2, 2015 at 5:36 pm #23760canadaramParticipant
Brugler:
18. MARTIN IFEDI | Memphis
2010: Redshirted
6031|275 lbs|5SR Houston, Texas (Westside HS) 9/4/1991 (age 23) #97 GRADE 6th-7th Round
MEASUREABLES Arm: 33 7/8 | Hand: 10 | Wingspan: 81 3/8
COMBINE 40-YD: 4.88 | 10-YD: 1.68 | 20-YD: 2.83 | BP: 16 | VJ: 31 | BJ: 09’03” | SS: 4.58 | 3C: 7.39 PRO DAY BP: 17
PRONUNCIATION eh-FED-EE
2011: (12/0) 2012: (12/10) 2013: (12/12) 2014: (9/9) Total: (45/31)
13/1.0/1.0/1/1 46/11.0/7.5/2/0 52/14.5/11.5/1/0 29/9.5/2.5/0/1 140/36.0/22.5/4/2BACKGROUND: A two-star defensive end recruit out of high school, Ifedi has a basketball background, but started to focus on football and received moderate interest as a recruit, receiving only a few FBS offers and committing to Memphis. After redshirting in 2010 and serving as a back-up defensive tackle in 2011, Ifedi moved to the edges as a sophomore in 2012 and led the team in both tackles for loss (11.0) and sacks (7.5). He had his best statistical season in 2013 as a junior with 14.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks, earning First Team All-AAC honors. Ifedi was plagued by a knee injury in 2014 and started just nine games, but still finished second on the team in tackles for loss (9.5), adding 2.5 sacks and earning First Team All-AAC honors. He earned an invitation to the 2015 East-West Shrine Game.
STRENGTHS: Solidly-built frame and has worked hard to add weight and fill out…good upper body strength with the length and wingspan to toss blockers and cage ballcarriers…strong hands to finish once he makes contact, breaking down well in space to close and attack…impressive recognition skills and ball awareness, using his eyes to locate, track and pursue…disciplined run defender on the edges to take away the corner and contain, forcing the action back inside and allowing his teammates to make the stop…plays with fight and works hard to stay square, not taking himself out of plays…good play speed with a locked in motor, rallying to the football…tough worker with mature football character and a likeable personality…versatile experience lining up inside and outside at several defensive line positions…school’s all-time leader in sacks (22.5) as a three-year starter (31 career starts).
WEAKNESSES: Near maxed out body type with some tweener traits…plays tall off the snap and gives blockers a big target to block, leading to balance issues…lacks the speed or flexibility to consistently bend and threaten the edge…has some herky-jerky movements with below average redirection skills…overly patient at times and seems to be thinking too much, leading to hand fighting at the point of attack – too easy for blockers to win angles and seal him…needs to better drive through his hips and show improved leverage shedding and tackling…durability a question mark after a left knee injury in Sept. 2014, which caused him to miss four games and kept him from being 100% healthy the rest of the season.
SUMMARY: A versatile prospect, Ifedi was moved all over the defensive line in college, playing the bulk of his snaps at the three- and five-technique positions. He leaves Memphis as the school’s all-time leader in sacks (22.5), but he isn’t overly dynamic and there isn’t much that separates him from others athletically. Ifedi, who is the older brother of Texas A&M offensive lineman Germain Ifedi, displays very good run recognition to make quick reads and put himself in position to make plays, using his upper body strength and eyes to be effective. His medical report and knee status are imperative to his NFL draft grade, projecting best as a left defensive end in a four-man front or as a five-technique defensive end in a 3-4 scheme.
May 2, 2015 at 5:43 pm #23764AgamemnonParticipantMay 2, 2015 at 6:10 pm #23767znModeratorHeight: 6031
Weight: 275
40 Yrd Dash: 4.88
20 Yrd Dash: 2.83
10 Yrd Dash: 1.68
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 16
Vertical Jump: 31
Broad Jump: 09’03”
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.58
3-Cone Drill: 7.392014: First-team All-AAC. Started nine games. Set school record with 22.5 career sacks. 2013: First-team All-AAC. Started all 12 games. 2012: Second-team All-Conference USA. Switched positions to DE during spring practices. 2011: Played in all 12 games as reserve DT. 2010: Redshirted.
PRO DAY RESULTS
Bench press: 17 reps of 225 poundsANALYSIS
STRENGTHS Worker bee. Keeps playing until the whistle and works to improve his position. Good arm length. Has ability to get under blockers and drive them into the pocket. Reads run plays and reacts quickly. Makes it hard for linemen to reach-block him. Tough at the point of attack. Plays square to the line of scrimmage with a strong base and strength in hands to shed. Launches into tackles and finishes. Highly intelligent.
WEAKNESSES Slow-twitch, one-speed pass rusher. Not elusive — offensive linemen always know where to find him. Pops straight up out of stance. Looks unnatural when twisting. Appears to lack an accelerator. Slows feet before contact as pass rusher. Missed four games due to injury in 2014. Misleading sack numbers his sophomore and junior year, with most coming on second effort or with quarterback hanging onto ball too long.
DRAFT PROJECTION Round 7 or priority free agentNFL COMPARISON Kerry Wynn
BOTTOM LINE His lack of athleticism and skill as a pass rusher could hurt his draft stock, but Ifedi has the strength and toughness to be considered as a left end with run-stopping potential in a 4-3 defense.
Ifedi (6’3/275) left Memphis as the school’s all-time leader in sacks (22.5) and piled up 36 tackles for loss with four career forced fumbles. His senior-year stats would’ve been much better if not for a knee injury that cost Ifedi the first four games of the season. Ifedi ran 4.88 at the Combine with a 31-inch vertical. Long armed (33 7/8″) with the ability to contribute at both strong-side end and defensive tackle, Ifedi may never grow into an every-down NFL player, but is talented enough to become an effective rotational piece.
May 2, 2015 at 6:14 pm #23768MackeyserModeratorThis is the guy who could spell Hayes after this year. Very nice.
Sports is the crucible of human virtue. The distillate remains are human vice.
May 2, 2015 at 8:04 pm #23777znModeratorTotal breakdown: Rams draft defensive end Martin Ifedi in seventh round
By Nick Wagoner
EARTH CITY, Mo. — A few quick thoughts on the St. Louis Rams’ seventh-round draft pick:
The pick: Martin Ifedi, defensive end, Memphis
My take: The seventh-round defensive end the Rams took Saturday afternoon didn’t move the needle nationally nearly as much as the one they took a year ago — Michael Sam — but Ifedi is an awfully intriguing prospect to get at this point in the proceedings. At 6-foot-3, 275 pounds, Ifedi is the prototype defensive end and has the production to match the size. He is Memphis’ all-time leader in sacks (22.5) and finished his career ranked tied for fourth in tackles for loss. While defensive end doesn’t look like a pressing need for the Rams, Ifedi is the type of developmental prospect who makes a lot of sense for them. Backup ends William Hayes and Eugene Sims are free agents after the season, which means if Ifedi can make the roster or even stick on the practice squad, he could spend the year learning from the guys in front of him and be well-positioned to offer depth in 2016.
Academic priority: One thing Ifedi likely won’t struggle with as he adapts to the NFL is learning the game. He comes to St. Louis with an impressive academic track record. He graduated in 2014 with a degree in health promotion and lifestyle management and earned the 2013-14 version of Memphis’ Zach Curlin Award, given to the school’s top male student-athlete.
May 2, 2015 at 9:11 pm #23789canadaramParticipantOurlads on Ifedi:
Four year starter from Houston, TX who will leave Memphis as the schools all tie sack leader. Has the tool set and style of play which allowed him to be moved all over the defensive front. He is a gritty, smart player with tremendous power production. He is limited athlete but could be a perfect fit for an amoeba defense or left defensive end in a 4-3 front. Thick, country strong type body. Strong and powerful at the point of attack. Heavy hands. Bends well and can be quick in a phone booth. Relentless approach, never ending aggression and high motor play. Reads the action with quick reactions. Productive, powerful, and violent tackler. Wraps up the ball carrier. Long arms. A long-legged end who lacks an explosive element to his game. Has tight hips and struggles to change direction in space. Lacks the top end speed to pursue across the field. Suffered a knee injury in September that kept him out of 3+ games. 2014 stats: 29 T, 9.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 4 QBH. OSR: 30/31. Seventh round/PFA. (A-33 7/8, H-10, BP-16, 10-1.68).
May 3, 2015 at 2:10 pm #23867May 11, 2015 at 12:46 am #24417znModeratorBetter late than never for Ifedi
By Joe Lyons
The seventh round of the NFL draft was winding down when the Rams selected Memphis defensive end Martin Ifedi with their ninth, and final, choice.
“I thought I might go higher, but it wasn’t up to me. The fact that I got drafted, I’m thankful,’’ the 23-year-old said over the weekend following a rookie workout at Rams Park. “I’m excited to be here, to work with coach (Mike) Waufle and to get a chance to work with the guys on the defensive line. I consider it an honor to have a chance to learn from the best.’’
The Rams coaching staff is high on Ifedi, a 6-foot-3, 275-pounder who finished as Memphis’ career sack leader (22½).
Ifedi’s draft status was impacted by a senior season limited by injury. He sprained a knee ligament in the Tigers’ first game and sat out the next four contests. Ifedi finished the season with 29 tackles, 9½ tackles for loss and 2½ sacks.
“The fact that I missed some games definitely hurt my production,’’ said Ifedi, who followed a solid sophomore season (11 tackles for loss, seven sacks) with a breakout junior campaign that included career highs in tackles (52), tackles for loss (14½) and sacks (11½). “As the season went on and my knee got healthier, I felt my play improved.’’
Ifedi was born and raised in Houston, but his parents are from Nigeria. His younger brother, Germain, is a 6-5, 325-pound redshirt junior offensive tackle at Texas A&M who could be the next in a long line of strong offensive line prospects developed by Aggies.
Martin Ifedi said his strength is his ability to make adjustments during games and thinks the speed of the NFL game will be his biggest early challenge.
“At every level, there’s learning to be done,’’ he said. “But at the end of the day, it’s football, the same game we’ve been playing for years. I just have to listen and learn and keep working hard.’’
During the 2013 season, in a 24-17 loss at Louisville, Ifedi recalls beating new teammate and third-round draft pick Jamon Brown for a sack.
“I remember me spinning outside on a double-team between him and the left guard and getting to the quarterback,’’ Ifedi said. “I don’t know, maybe he doesn’t remember because they won the game.’’
Brown replied good naturedly: “You know, I can’t really remember giving up a sack against Memphis at all. But if that’s the way to stir up competition, then I’ll like it.”
Quick learner
Born and raised in Jamaica, tackle Darrell Williams wasn’t introduced to football until the 10th grade.
“I played a couple of years of soccer back home, but I was slower than everyone else, so I switched to basketball,’’ said the 6-foot-5, 301-pound undrafted free agent from the University of South Florida. “My high school football coach (at Evans High in Orlando, Fla.) saw me on the basketball court and told me he thought football would be a good fit. Best decision I ever made.’’
Williams, 21, made 29 starts at left tackle for the Bulls and, after graduating in December with a degree in communications, played in the NFLPA Bowl, which is where he first made contact with the Rams.
“They stayed in contact and when it came time to sign after the draft, I just felt like St. Louis was the best fit,’’ he said. “They’re throwing a lot at us right now, using some terms I’ve never heard before, but the five of us (offensive linemen), we get together and we help each other figure things out.’’
Williams, who moved to Orlando as a ninth grader, described himself as “coachable.’’
“I’m a guy who’ll work hard and who’ll be accountable,’’ he said. “In my position, as a free agent, I know I can’t afford to make the same mistake twice. At this level, I expect the game to be more physical, so I really have to focus on technique and on learning from the coaches and older guys.
“I’m just grateful for the opportunity to compete.’’
May 27, 2015 at 6:44 am #25333AgamemnonParticipanthttp://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1760035/martin-ifedi
05/05/2015 – A closer look at the Rams’ nine picks: Round 7/227 – Martin Ifedi, DE, 6-3, 275, Memphis…Ended his college career as the school’s all-time leader with 22.5 sacks and also compiled 36 tackles for loss. That sacks total ranked sixth among active NCAA FBS players. A sprained MCL cost him four games at the beginning of the 2014 season, but still had 9.5 sacks in nine games played. Rams defensive line coach Mike Waufle is said to be high on him and likes his upside. – The Sports Xchange
Strengths Weaknesses
STRENGTHS: Solidly-built frame and has worked hard to add weight and fill out. Good upper body strength with the length (33-inch arms) and wingspan to toss blockers and corral ballcarriers. Strong hands to finish once he makes contact, breaking down well in space to close and attack. Impressive recognition skills and ball awareness, using his eyes to locate, track and pursue. Disciplined run defender on the edges to take away the corner and contain, forcing the action back inside and allowing his teammates to make the stop. Plays with fight and works hard to stay square, not taking himself out of plays. Good play speed with a locked in motor, rallying to the football. Tough worker with mature football character and a likeable personality. Versatile experience lining up inside and outside at several defensive line positions. School’s all-time leader in sacks (22.5) as a three-year starter (31 career starts).WEAKNESSES: Near maxed out body type with some tweener traits. Plays tall off the snap and gives blockers a big target to block, leading to balance issues. Lacks the speed or flexibility to consistently bend and threaten the edge. Has some herky-jerky movements with below average redirection skills. Overly patient at times and seems to be thinking too much, leading to hand fighting at the point of attack. Too easy for blockers to win angles and seal him. Needs to better drive through his hips and show improved leverage shedding and tackling. Durability a question mark after a left knee injury in Sept. 2014, which caused him to miss four games and kept him from being 100-percent healthy the rest of the season.
–Dane Brugler
Player Overview
One of the most versatile front four prospects in the 2015 draft, Ifedi moved all over the defensive line in college, playing the bulk of his snaps at the three- and five-technique positions. He leaves Memphis as the school’s all-time leader in sacks (22.5), but he isn’t overly dynamic and there isn’t much that separates him from others athletically. Ifedi, who is the older brother of Texas A&M OT Germain Ifedi, displays very good run recognition to make quick reads and put himself in position to make plays, using his upper body strength and eyes to be effective. His medical report and knee status are imperative to his NFL draft grade, projecting best as a left defensive end in a four-man front or as a five-technique in a 3-4 scheme.A two-star defensive end recruit out of high school, Ifedi has a basketball background, but started to focus on football and received moderate interest as a recruit, receiving only a few FBS offers and committing to Memphis. After redshirting in 2010 and serving as a back-up defensive tackle in 2011, Ifedi moved to the edges as a sophomore in 2012 and led the team in both tackles for loss (11.0) and sacks (7.5). He had his best statistical season in 2013 as a junior with 14.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks, earning First Team All-AAC honors. Ifedi was plagued by a knee injury in 2014 and started just nine games, but still finished second on the team in tackles for loss (9.5), adding 2.5 sacks and earning First Team All-AAC honors.
May 27, 2015 at 6:47 am #25334AgamemnonParticipantMartin Ifedi NFL Draft 2015: Scouting Report, Grade for Rams Rookie
By Team Stream Now , B/R Video May 2, 2015STRENGTHS
A strong-side defensive end prospect with pro size and strength, Martin Ifedi is an intriguing finisher on film. He uses his size well and attacks the offense with a great motor. He knows how to use his length and does a good job bending to get underneath blockers to play with leverage. He doesn’t surrender his spot on the edge and can play as a one- or two-gap defender.
WEAKNESSES
Ifedi is an average athlete who lacks the burst to make plays off the ball. His pass-rushing toolbox is limited, and he tries too often to win by running over blockers—something he’s not powerful enough to do in the NFL. Without great burst or agility, he projects as a solid first- and second-down end only.
2014 STATISTICS
Tackles: 28
Sacks: 2.0
Tackles For Loss: 9.0
COMBINE RESULTS
40: 4.88 seconds
Bench Press: 16 reps
Vertical: 31″
Broad: 111.0″
3-Cone: 7.39 seconds
FINAL GRADE: 5.00/9.0 (Backup)
May 27, 2015 at 8:33 am #25350znModeratorIfedi sounds iffy.
As someone recently pointed out, last year, more UDFAs made the team than low-round picks did.
May 27, 2015 at 8:40 am #25351AgamemnonParticipantIfedi sounds iffy.
As someone recently pointed out, last year, more UDFAs made the team than low-round picks did.
Once you are drafting in the 6th round, you are basically getting udfas. There isn’t much difference in talent. You are just picking the guys that you don’t have to compete for, cause you have drafted them. imo
The difference between Ifedi and say, Pasat, is in bonus money. Pasat might get 25k, but Ifedi gets as much as 75k or 50k.
- This reply was modified 9 years, 5 months ago by Agamemnon.
May 27, 2015 at 10:21 am #25359AgamemnonParticipantIfedi sounds iffy.
As someone recently pointed out, last year, more UDFAs made the team than low-round picks did.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/history/fulldraft?teamId=2510&type=team
In the last 3 years, any player drafted higher than 200 has made the team, except Rok. 😉 So, someone should not play with play with the adults. 😉
May 27, 2015 at 10:36 am #25360znModeratorIfedi sounds iffy.
As someone recently pointed out, last year, more UDFAs made the team than low-round picks did.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/history/fulldraft?teamId=2510&type=team
In the last 3 years, any player drafted higher than 200 has made the team, except Rok. <So, someone should not play with play with the adults.
By low round I meant 6th and 7th rounders. Last year, if you count Rhaney and Bryant, and then of course Gaines, 3 6th/7th round picks made the team at one level or another. 4 UDFAs presumably did. I don’t know, I don’t remember all the 2014 UDFAs. There’s at least Bayer and Roberson and Cunningham. I don’t know how many there were on the PS but I think it includes Baker.
The problem with me playing with the adults is, I have an adult’s memory sometimes. IE…not that good…
May 27, 2015 at 10:51 am #25363AgamemnonParticipantIfedi sounds iffy.
As someone recently pointed out, last year, more UDFAs made the team than low-round picks did.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/history/fulldraft?teamId=2510&type=team
In the last 3 years, any player drafted higher than 200 has made the team, except Rok. <So, someone should not play with play with the adults.
By low round I meant 6th and 7th rounders. Last year, if you count Rhaney and Bryant, and then of course Gaines, 3 6th/7th round picks made the team at one level or another. 4 UDFAs presumably did. I don’t know, I don’t remember all the 2014 UDFAs. There’s at least Bayer and Roberson and Cunningham. I don’t know how many there were on the PS but I think it includes Baker.
The problem with me playing with the adults is, I have an adult’s memory sometimes. IE…not that good…
I keep notes. 😉
Practice Squad is orange. If they were drafted, the year and round are behind their name.May 27, 2015 at 10:54 am #25364AgamemnonParticipantMay 27, 2015 at 10:56 am #25365znModeratorI keep notes. 😉
I would too if I ever remembered to actually do it.
May 27, 2015 at 10:56 am #25366znModeratorI keep notes. 😉
I would too if I ever remembered to actually do it.
May 27, 2015 at 11:02 am #25367AgamemnonParticipantI keep notes.
I would too if I ever remembered to actually do it.
You would need a filing cabinet to keep notes on all the stuff you post. I just scribble on a piece of paper.
May 27, 2015 at 8:10 pm #25399SunTzu_vs_CamusParticipantStellar roster/depth chart work, Ag!!
Simply, outstanding layout…and very informative.It’s so easy to see and understand quickly.
Thanks for taking the time to do that. 😉"I should have been a pair of ragged claws...
Scuttling across the floors of silent seas."May 27, 2015 at 9:09 pm #25410AgamemnonParticipantStellar roster/depth chart work, Ag!!
Simply, outstanding layout…and very informative.It’s so easy to see and understand quickly.
Thanks for taking the time to do that.It is based on the depth chart from OurLads. Every year I tweak it a bit.
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