Pick 93 - Adisa Issac - Edge/OLB
Adisa Isaac, originally from Canarsie High School and a 4-star recruit by ESPN and 247 Sports, began his football journey at Penn State after a highly competitive recruitment process. His freshman year in 2019 saw him participating in 10 games, but playing few plays. The following year, Isaac's presence on the field expanded over 9 games, recording 7 tackles, and 5 assists.
A significant injury in 2021, a torn Achilles, sidelined him, posing a challenge that Isaac met with resilience. Returning stronger, his junior year in 2022 was marked by participation in 12 games, an increase in snaps to 457, and 11 tackles, 5 assists, 4 sacks, and 32 total pressures.
His senior year in 2023 underscored his development and leadership, with Isaac playing 12 games, achieving 24 tackles, 9 assists, 9 sacks, and 31 total pressures. His performance earned him Third Team All-Big Ten honors in 2022. Beyond his on-field achievements, Isaac's personal drive is deeply connected to his family, particularly his dedication to providing for his mother and his three siblings.
SCOUTING REPORT: STRENGTHS
- Comfortable in both two-point and three-point stances, showcasing versatility as a pass rusher.
- Utilizes effective hand techniques - has an elite level two-hand swipe
- Exhibits good lateral agility, allowing for effective pursuit and run defense from the backside.
- Ability to execute stunts, moving rapidly toward the quarterback with little wasted movement.
- Possesses a strong powerful frame at almost 6’5”, 250 pounds, with near-34" arms.
- Shows promise in developing into a dynamic pass rusher and sturdy run defender with potential for impactful playmaking.
- Despite a significant injury in 2021, demonstrated resilience and returned to full capacity, showcasing a dynamic first step and power at contact.
- His motor and high-IQ play enable him to play and adapt to multiple systems
SCOUTING REPORT: WEAKNESSES
- To often displaced by advanced blocking due to poor anchor and technique - especially against the run
- Struggles with hand accuracy and placement when rushing the passer, diminishing the effectiveness of initial moves.
- Shows stiffness in ankles and hips, reducing the ability to execute tight corner turns as a pass-rusher.
- Occasionally late off the ball on run downs, leading to compromised positioning and effectiveness.
- Tendency to leave assigned gap, risking defensive integrity by attempting to work around blocks.
SCOUTING REPORT: SUMMARY
Adisa Isaac's trajectory from a top-tier recruit to a key contributor at Penn State outlines a prospect with significant upside at the next level. His post-injury resurgence underlines a grit and motor that NFL scouts covet, especially given his tangible growth in sack production and quarterback pressures in his final collegiate season. Isaac's skill set as a pass rusher is evident, showcasing the burst and hand-fight ability to beat blockers. However, his tape also reveals areas ripe for refinement, particularly in setting the edge against the run and engaging with more polished offensive linemen at the pro level.
Physically, Isaac fits the NFL edge rusher mold—his frame and reach allow him to engage effectively, and his lateral mobility makes him a threat in various defensive schemes. His versatility to line up in multiple stances enhances his draft stock. To unlock his full potential at the next level, Isaac will need to refine his technique, particularly in hand usage and developing a more diverse pass-rush arsenal. Discipline in gap assignments and the ability to read and react to the run could also see improvement with NFL coaching, making him a more complete defensive weapon.
As NFL teams evaluate Isaac's fit, they'll see a high-ceiling edge prospect who brings both immediate pass-rush upside and the potential for growth into an every-down player. Isaac's blend of physical tools, on-field production, and resilience positions him as a Day 2 prospect with the trajectory for a significant role in an NFL defensive rotation. Teams willing to invest in his development could reap the benefits of a versatile, high-impact defender capable of contributing across multiple defensive packages and situations.
