Zach Groves

Physical Profile

Stands at a well-proportioned 6-foot-4, 255 pounds, possessing the ideal length and frame to add significant mass in a college strength program without sacrificing athleticism. A multi-sport background in basketball and track, including an 11.42 100-meter time, speaks to his coordination and explosive traits. His length allows him to create separation from blockers, and he has the frame to develop into a physical force on the edge in either a two-point or three-point stance.

Play Style

Groves is an aggressive, high-motor edge rusher who excels at getting upfield. He relies on his explosive get-off and natural power to overwhelm smaller-school opponents. He shows good flexibility to bend around the edge and has a knack for making plays in the backfield against both the run and the pass. He is a reactive player who reads and diagnoses plays like screens quickly, demonstrating his football instincts.

Strengths

• Explosive first step and natural athleticism; shows the ability to accelerate suddenly and vary his speeds to disrupt offensive tackles.
• Displays impressive speed-to-power conversion, capable of winning with a bull rush and collapsing the pocket. His motor runs hot, and he shows a strong instinct for locating the football in the run game, leading to a high volume of tackles for loss (71.5 career).
• Versatile playmaker who contributes in all phases. Took valuable two-way snaps, including carrying the ball on offense (675 rushing yards, 9 TDs), and was a turnover-forcing machine on defense with 8 forced fumbles as a sophomore.

Areas to Improve

• Needs to expand his pass-rush move set beyond a power-oriented approach; developing counters and more refined hand-fighting techniques will be crucial at the SEC level.
• Can improve his snap anticipation and pad level; at times, he plays too upright out of his stance, which negates his natural leverage and power.
• The level of competition faced in Tennessee's 2A classification is a question mark; he will need to adapt to the size, speed, and strength of SEC offensive tackles.

College Projection

Projects as an impact Power Four starter with the potential to develop into an all-conference caliber player. He has the versatility to function as a traditional 4-3 defensive end or a stand-up hybrid outside linebacker in an odd front. He will likely require a redshirt year or a season in a rotational role to add mass and refine his technique under a coach like Rodney Garner. By his second or third year, he has the raw tools to become a significant contributor to Tennessee's defensive front.

NFL Outlook

Given his verified physical tools, athletic profile, and immense long-term potential, Groves possesses legitimate NFL upside. His development in pass-rush technique and ability to add functional strength will determine his ultimate draft ceiling. Based on his four-star rating and raw traits, he projects as a potential Day 3 (Rounds 4-7) NFL Draft pick with the upside to climb higher with a productive college career.

Best Fit

A program with a strong defensive line coach and a track record of developing raw, athletic edge rushers is his ideal fit. Tennessee, under the tutelage of Rodney Garner, provides this environment. His skill set is best maximized in an aggressive, attacking defensive scheme that allows him to use his explosiveness to penetrate the backfield rather than reading and reacting.