Jake Kreul

Physical Profile

Standing at 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, Kreul possesses a well-proportioned frame for an edge defender, though he lacks elite length. He is not a 'first-off-the-bus' physical specimen, but he compensates with excellent functional athleticism, including a quick first step, impressive bend, and the hip flexibility to turn tight corners to the quarterback. His frame has room to add mass, which will be necessary for him to hold up against the run at the next level without sacrificing his explosive pass-rush ability.

Play Style

On film, Kreul is an aggressive, tempo-setting defensive end who wins with superior get-off and technique. He exhibits excellent snap anticipation, allowing him to immediately put pressure on offensive tackles. He excels at using his balance and agility to get under blockers and shave the edge. His passion for the game is evident, as he has stated that 'talking ball is my passion,' which translates to a high football IQ on the field.

Strengths

• Advanced Pass-Rush Technique: Kreul showcases a deep arsenal of pass-rush moves and is adept at setting up and countering offensive tackles. He demonstrates excellent hand usage to defeat blocks and understands how to bait linemen into poor decisions.
• Motor and Pursuit: He plays with a relentless, high-octane motor that is evident in his pursuit of the ball carrier, whether in the backfield or downfield. This consistent effort allows him to make plays outside of the initial rush.
• Proven Production: Kreul was highly productive at multiple schools. As a sophomore at Bishop Moore, he recorded 76 tackles and 17 sacks. He then transferred to IMG Academy and continued to produce against a national schedule, tallying 39 tackles, 12 for loss, and 6 sacks as a junior.

Areas to Improve

• Run Defense Power: While effective in pursuit, Kreul can struggle with holding the point of attack against larger, more powerful offensive tackles in the run game. He needs to add mass and improve his play strength to consistently shed blocks and set a firm edge.
• Developing Counters: While he has a good repertoire of moves, he can continue to refine his counter-moves for when his initial rush is stalled by a technically sound offensive tackle.

College Projection

Kreul projects as a multi-year starter at the Power Four level with the potential for an early impact, particularly in passing down situations. His advanced technique should allow him to compete for playing time early in his career at Oklahoma. As he adds strength and fills out his frame, he has the tools to develop into an all-conference caliber player and a defensive leader for the Sooners.

NFL Outlook

Given his status as a consensus 4-star, top-100 prospect and his polished skill set, Kreul has a clear path to the NFL. His pass-rushing ability is a premium skill that is highly coveted at the next level. If he continues to develop physically and builds upon his already impressive production, he projects as a potential Day 2 NFL Draft pick with the upside to play his way into the first-round conversation.

Best Fit

Kreul is an ideal fit as a 4-3 defensive end in an aggressive, one-gap defensive scheme that allows him to utilize his get-off and pass-rushing skills. Oklahoma's defensive scheme under Brent Venables, which often utilizes versatile edge rushers, is a great fit for his skill set, allowing him to be used in various alignments to create mismatches.