Bring On “Goliath”
February 11th, 2016
Bronson Kaufusi
William Gholston might be the biggest defensive end in the NFL. At 6-6, 280 pounds, with very little body fat, Gholston simply can’t be handled in the running game by a tight end.
But Joe’s eyes are on Tampa Bay acquiring an even bigger manbeast, and one with more potential.
Joe is on record stating the Bucs would be wise to load up on defensive ends in the draft. That would help the odds of success.
The more Joe dives into the crop of college D-ends, the more Joe is drawn to Brigham Young pass rusher Bronson Kaufusi, the 6-7, 280-pound son of the Cougars’ defensive line coach.
Kaufusi is a freak athlete who played basketball for BYU and was recruited as a tight end. Sarah Ellison, of the Ravens’ official website, penned a neat feature highlighting him.
Kaufusi produced more and more for the Cougars in each year of his collegiate career. He went from 37 tackles as a sophomore, to 43 as a junior and 64 as senior (20 for a loss). He added 11 sacks his final year, along with six quarterback hits, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, an interception, two pass breakups and four blocked kicks.
Those 11 sacks were ninth best in the country. He got after the quarterback from virtually every defensive line spot, including the five-, three-, or one-technique or way outside. He has a massive wingspan of 79½-inches to keep blockers at bay and to swat down balls at the line of scrimmage.
Ellison goes on to write that Kaufusi impressed the Jaguars’ coaching staff in the classroom at the Senior Bowl. She refers to him as “Goliath,” which he has been nicknamed previously.
The emerging Real Football Network, captained by former Jets assistant coach and personnel chief Pat Kirwan, studied Kaufusi at the Senior Bowl and walked away very impressed by his motor. Joe recommends the video below.
Kaufusi is widely projected as a third- or fourth-round pick. What a great spot for the Bucs to land a versatile defensive lineman with major upside and NFL-ready maturity. Kaufusi played four years at BYU following a two-year charitable mission.
You can’t teach height, size, drive and athleticism, traits Kaufusi possesses. He has documented versatility, and being the son of a D-line coach should mean something.
February 11th, 2016 at 10:46 am
DB55 turned me onto Kaufusi last week… I really like his athletisim. check out out some of basketball clips dude plays hard all thetime. this dude coupled with Spence would be my dream picks.
Joe,
I am also looking forward to seeing what Hayes can do with Gholston. Maybe he pushes the right button that takes him to the next level.
February 11th, 2016 at 10:52 am
Bronson Kaufusi is a beast; DE Carl Nassib out of Penn State is no slouch either…both of these guys should be available in the 2nd or 3rd round….
February 11th, 2016 at 10:57 am
Dang if looks count for anything he IS a beast.
Dude looks like Lurch!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lurch_(The_Addams_Family)
BTW If you check out the accompanying pic you’ll see that Uncle Fester might have been Mike Smith’s uncle…some resemblance there as well.
February 11th, 2016 at 11:00 am
YES this dude is a freak! I’m sure it’s impossible but if we can could bring in at least 2 of them I’d be happy. Spence, kaufasi, Oakman.
February 11th, 2016 at 11:15 am
A 3-4 team will suck him up b4 the Bucs.
February 11th, 2016 at 11:32 am
since we are throwing around names… This isn’t a first rounder by any means but what about Mike Thomas. 6’1″ Wide Receiver from……Southern Miss. Check out his youtube highlights. Might be a good 3rd or 4th round pick.
February 11th, 2016 at 12:05 pm
Kaufasi has an interesting tackling technique. For as big as he is, he doesn’t really hit people. He mostly leg tackles them or slings them down. You would think with that size he would be blowing people up. Not sure if that means anything. Just an observation.
February 11th, 2016 at 12:12 pm
Carl Nassib all the way. Absolutely stood out in one-on-ones at Senior Bowl. Just as tall, but way niftier than Kafusi.
February 11th, 2016 at 12:28 pm
He also went on a mormon mission so you know he’ll go the straight and narrow path here. And he’s just learning the position. Could he survive til the 2nd round?
February 11th, 2016 at 1:12 pm
Speed… demon speed. Von Miller, Ware proved that last Sunday.
It’s all about speed.
February 11th, 2016 at 1:54 pm
He’ll be 23 this year, to old, no more bible thumpers on the D line. I want maniacs.
February 11th, 2016 at 2:02 pm
@tnew, Mike Thomas is a good find, the guy can catch the ball, we bring back Humphries, Bell, Dye, I haven’t given up on Dye some players need at least two years to blossom add Thomas and a maybe a free agent and the draft the fastest receiver o the board in round 6, we need speed!
February 11th, 2016 at 2:08 pm
Ogbah or Calhoun, Day 2..no Clemson DE’s please, ugh…
February 11th, 2016 at 2:09 pm
I c some traits of JJ Watts in this guy. He is known for batting down balls or making QB’s change their sense of direction. He hustles and never quit on a play. Just what we need. With Gholston seeming to peek along with a DE in the first round, a good FA DE (Mario Williams), then Bronson Kaufusi in maybe the 3rd round, we may the beginning f a dynasty defense. On offense, that JAKEEM GRANT scamper for Texas Tech is what we can use as a return man. He’s exciting with stop on a dime moves that reminds u of Barry Sanders. We’ve got America’s QB now lets put together a World Team. Jameis can show Cam that the real Superman don’t fear Kryptonite n JameisMan dont fear diving for a fumble nor Von Miller n the Broncos defense. Go Bucs!!
February 11th, 2016 at 2:30 pm
I hope we focus on the secondary with the first 2 picks and address de with picks 3-5…I say carl nassib 3rd round, this kid in the 4th and alex mcalistar in the 5th…3 de’s that stand 6’5 or taller…hayes would love that….GO BUCS!!!
February 11th, 2016 at 3:17 pm
Early on, I would look seriously at Andrew Billings…..strong and fast! Take a look at some of his videos. Denver had strong and fast guys in the middle.
February 11th, 2016 at 4:04 pm
Long as we get a DE at #9, I’m fine with taking another one later.
February 11th, 2016 at 5:03 pm
Big Hog, and the fact Monken coached him at Southern Miss. No one has that intel. the thing I like is that he has some good tape vs good teams like Nebraska and Washington.
February 11th, 2016 at 5:20 pm
@Joe Would link the Sporting News about Jameis
February 11th, 2016 at 5:22 pm
Ideal situationwould be VH3 from Florida 1st round, Carl Nassib Penn 2nd Round, and another DB in the 3rd, maybe take a gamble with Kearse 6’4″ Safety from Clemson. That’s lock down corner, a lengthy edge rusher (led CFB in sacks with 16.5), and a tall safety who can cover tight ends.
February 11th, 2016 at 8:29 pm
oh yes would love this guy with the type of defense im hoping smith calls this year. a lot of mixing it up. different blitz packages. people lining up in different spots
February 12th, 2016 at 1:02 am
GOOD SCOUTING JOE !! I am a little concerned about his age… I mean it may take 1-2 years to adjust to the NFL….. BUT… I would LOVE to see Kaufusi as a BUC !! (I am also high on Gholston… I think heis ready for a break out year !!
February 12th, 2016 at 1:49 am
Sounds like an interesting prospect. But tall guys are usually limited. We have a great stopping group up front already. Our front 7 is one of the best in the league at run stopping. I’m more worried about finding that special pass rusher. He usually needs a lot of speed and quickness, something most 6’7″ people lack.
February 12th, 2016 at 1:51 am
Tyler Boyd WR Pitt. Second to Tony Dorsett in career yards and took down Larry Fitzgerald’s reception and yards records. 27 Tds and is forgoing his senior yr.
Pretty sick hands and amazing catches here:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QSh6yeGjWs8
February 12th, 2016 at 4:51 am
Bronson Kaufusi has not played football for two years, “Goliath” has a motor and is tenacious but some say he doesn’t generate much power at the point of attack. Much of his sack production came on extended plays or with effort over skill and is projected as a late 2nd early 3rd round pick. To early for me. I want mean, nasty, in your face players, a dog lookin for a meal. No more Da’Quan Bowers, no more Mr Nice Guys. Same goes for players from Clemson. Do not draft Shaq Lawson. He did not look good against FSU. Has average athleticism and pass rush skills with most projecting him as a 3-4 edge setter. Someone also recommended Clemson’s Safety Jayron Kearse? Did you watch the Championship game? I did too, never noticed him? One scout said “He’s a big guy, but he just doesn’t make many plays.” I like Noah Spence in the first round but have concerns about his ability to win on the high side when rushing and that he will be countered by NFL tackles, pushed to the outside. He will have to develop a counter underneath move. Spence is also projected as a 3-4 OLB and could be a problem in run defense with his lack of size? I believe our best bet is to go with the best CB available at nine. In this pass happy league DB’s are wanted by teams badly. There may not be a good option at CB in the second round? One other player people should check out. DT Javon Hargrave South Carolina St 6-1 309. Surprising foot quickness with powerful burst upfield. Non stop motor and willing to pursue everywhere around the field. This kid can play and can get him in 4th round. Perfect for Hayes.
February 12th, 2016 at 9:37 am
Does anyone know how to add your pic to your profile? I can’t figure out how, plz let me know if u do.
February 12th, 2016 at 2:11 pm
Trubucfan22 Says
“Sounds like an interesting prospect. But tall guys are usually limited.”
I’ve read that this is true.
They seem to have a hard time getting proper leverage against blockers.
February 13th, 2016 at 9:36 am
I am hoping we don’t chase a lot of pie in the sky type of players that don’t
pan out. I would like to see coaching staff evaluate players on team and then
fill as many holes as possible through draft and possibly on or two free agents.
February 13th, 2016 at 8:56 pm
Did anybody see the guy out of stoneybrook in the east wear shrine game he was a DE sorry forgot his name seemed like a great pass rusher had a great motor and would chase down plays I think he would make a great fit maybe they get luck with two small school guys.