Every spring, there's at least one NFL prospect who receives an unwarranted level of scrutiny from reputable analysts and mock draft experts. The dubious honor currently belongs to Oregon standout pass-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, whose first-round draft stock has dipped this offseason due to odd questions about his work ethic and motivation. A few months ago, he was considered a top-overall pick on leaguewide boards.
Thibodeaux hasn't tried to hide his personality and character. Throughout the whole scouting process, he's been talkative and eloquent in media sessions, embracing the spotlight. For some teams, his off-field traits might be viewed as turn-offs. But Thibodeaux undoubtedly has the tools and frame to emerge as an elite game-wrecker. And one of his former Ducks teammates hopes the league is focusing more on what's been showcased on the field.
"Everything you see on tape, KT's a great player. Very physical, just physically dominant," Oregon running back CJ Verdell explained to The Zach Gelb Show on Thursday. "He looks to impose his will on anyone he goes up against, and he's very fast. Just a great student of the game as well. He loves it... Anyone who doubts his work ethic, they need to go back and watch some tape.
"You guys aren't there at practice, but he takes practice very seriously. And he's always looking to get better, and competes in every rep. His work ethic, to me, is unmatched. A force to be reckoned with. He gets in the backfield a lot. Our tackles definitely had fun going up against him in practice. In practice, he's very physically dominant. That's probably the best way to describe him."
Thibodeaux, who declared for the draft in December, is listed as the second-ranked edge rusher and seventh overall prospect on Pro Football Focus' big board. In 10 games this past year, he recorded 49 total tackles (35 solo) with 46 pressures, seven sacks, and a pair of forced fumbles. The 6-foot-3, 254-pounder finished with 19 sacks and 35.5 tackles for loss in 30 career games, and won the Morris Trophy in 2020 as the Pac-12's best defensive lineman.
As for Verdell, he'll be hoping to receive a league phone call next weekend. Listed at 5-foot-8 and 194 pounds, he's currently the 254th overall prospect on PFF's draft board, and the 25th-ranked running back. Verdell played only five games last season, due to a leg injury suffered in early October. But his time on the field was productive, as he racked up 406 yards with six scores. Verdell also helped Oregon upset Ohio State, with a mammoth 161 yards.
The entire NFL Draft conversation between Verdell and Gelb can be accessed in the audio player above.
You can follow The Zach Gelb Show on Twitter @ZachGelb and Tom Hanslin @TomHanslin.