Zach Groves

Physical Profile

Possesses an ideal frame for an SEC edge rusher at a listed 6-foot-4 and weighing in the 250-255 pound range. He is an explosive, natural athlete with a verified track background, having posted an 11.42-second 100-meter time. This straight-line speed translates to a quick first step and excellent closing speed in pursuit. He has the frame to continue adding mass without sacrificing his twitchiness. His overall athletic profile, which includes basketball, provides a strong foundation for his long-term potential.

Play Style

Groves is a physically imposing edge rusher who plays with a relentless, high-energy style. On film, his game is built on a foundation of speed-to-power. He excels at using his explosive get-off to get into the body of an offensive lineman and drive them back. He is a disruptive force who lives in the opponent's backfield, as evidenced by his staggering TFL numbers. As a two-way player who also took snaps on offense, he has a natural feel for the game and showcases his athleticism in open space.

Strengths

• Explosive Power and Get-Off: Consistently demonstrates an explosive first step, allowing him to threaten the outside shoulder of offensive tackles immediately. He converts this speed to power effectively, showing the ability to bull rush and collapse the pocket. Film study reveals a player who is twitchy and wins consistently at the point of attack.
• Versatility and Motor: Showcases the ability to play with his hand in the ground as a traditional defensive end or from a two-point stance as a stand-up outside linebacker. He plays with a high motor, exhibiting high-level backside pursuit ability and chasing plays downfield.
• Productivity and Run Defense: Has a history of elite production, amassing 71.5 tackles for loss and 18.5 sacks over his high school career. He is not just a pass rusher; he is instinctive at diagnosing run plays, able to slip blocks and make stops in the backfield. His sophomore season was particularly notable, with 27.5 TFLs and 8 forced fumbles.

Areas to Improve

• Pass Rush Move Arsenal: Currently relies heavily on his power and athleticism to beat blockers. He will need to develop a more diverse set of pass-rush moves, including counters and hand-fighting techniques, to consistently win against SEC-caliber offensive tackles.
• Pad Level and Technique: Can play too upright at the snap at times, which negates his natural leverage and power. Improving his snap anticipation and consistently playing with better bend will be crucial for his development at the next level.

College Projection

Expected to be a multi-year contributor and eventual starter at the SEC level. Given his commitment to an early enrollment, he has the opportunity to get a head start on physical and technical development. He will likely see the field in a rotational role early in his career, contributing on passing downs where he can utilize his athleticism. With development, he projects as an every-down defensive end who can be a reliable run defender and a consistent pass-rushing threat.

NFL Outlook

His combination of a Power Four frame, verified athleticism, and multi-sport background gives him significant long-term potential with clear NFL upside. He comes from a family of Division I athletes, indicating a strong pedigree. If he can refine his technique and expand his pass-rush repertoire, he projects as a player who could hear his name called on Day 3 of the NFL Draft with the potential to rise higher.

Best Fit

Groves is an excellent fit for a modern, aggressive 4-3 defensive scheme where he can be utilized as a strong-side defensive end. His skillset allows him to set a firm edge against the run while still possessing the athletic upside to be a primary pass rusher. A program that values versatile defensive linemen who can play from multiple alignments to create schematic advantages will maximize his talents.