NFL Draft evaluator explains why Adisa Isaac will be a steal for NFL teams

Former Penn State defensive end Adisa Isaac is one of the bigger available names in the 2024 NFL Draft after the first round wrapped up Thursday.

Isaac, though highly productive during his time in Happy Valley, didn’t sneak into the back half of the first round, but could be among the first players taken Friday on Day 2. Whichever team ends up taking Isaac, Charles Davis of NFL Media feels they’ll be getting a steal.

“It’s easy for me to root for Isaac,” Davis wrote. “A loving and dedicated brother to three non-verbal siblings, he provided a pillar of support for his family from a young age. On the field, he keeps getting better. He has plenty of toughness and is strong at the point of attack. Also, he outproduced his more highly touted Penn State teammate, Chop Robinson, when it came to sacks and tackles for loss last season. I believe he will reward the NFL team that gives him an opportunity.”

Isaac spent five seasons with the Nittany Lions, tallying 92 tackles (47 solo), 31.5 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. After missing the 2021 season due to injury, Isaac started all 13 games in 2022, recording 11 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks. He increased his production in 2023 — 16 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. Isaac earned All-Big Ten third team honors and also named the team’s Reid Robinson Outstanding Defensive Lineman Award winner along with Robinson, who went No. 21 overall to the Miami Dolphins.

Adisa Isaac waiting to hear named called in 2024 NFL Draft

Lance Zierlein of NFL Network compared Isaac’s attributes to that of Chase Winovich, who most recently played for the Miami Dolphins. Zierlein explained how he sees Isaac translating to the NFL.

“Heady edge prospect combining traits, tools and motor to create playmaking opportunities,” Zierlein wrote. “Isaac plays with good recognition and awareness of his surroundings both before and after the snap. His snap quickness combines with active hands/feet to help him work his way around blocks at a solid clip. He’s primarily an outside rusher with a decent inside move, but he needs to do a better job of developing counters and learning to work back under at the top of the rush to keep from being redirected.

“The anchoring strength needs improvement to become a more consistent edge setter and rush finisher, but his production, length and motor could eventually earn him a starting job as a 3-4 rush linebacker.”