2023 NFL Draft The class was loaded with defensive line talent.
It stretched all the way to the sixth round—when the Kansas City Chiefs selected Texas defensive tackle Condrey Coburn with the 194th overall pick (who could end up being the best draft value for the position).
in 6′ 2″ and 332 lbs.Coburn brings size and strength to Kansas City’s defensive line. Although his athletic tests haven’t been great, he’s a solid player with huge potential to eventually become the Chiefs’ nose point.
Let’s look at the movie:
Two-hole player
It’s hard to find NFL players who can cover two holes on the defensive line. This requires size, pressure and the ability to read and react to what is going on in the offensive backroom. But Coburn has wrapped up a trial class full of players who can do just that.
Coburn is more than just a space eater. He can play two holes with ease.
Coburn two gap easily. He crosses RG’s face to take the B away, but snaps back in to make the play. The guard is two yards deep when Coburn connects with RB. He saved a huge potential gain. pic.twitter.com/NiBvP74oiR
– Caleb James (@CJScoobs) May 1, 2023
On this play, Coburn uses his impressive frame to deter a guard at the line of scrimmage while also taking a lane by throwing his body into the b-gap. Seeing this, the running back attempts to come back through the A gap – but Coburn clears both lanes by quickly changing his chassis. He ends up with a single stop that prevents significant gains.
While Coburn’s frame does a great job playing two gaps well, he also shows some good initial rush of the ball. He won’t win any kicks, but beating the offensive line at the last minute is more than good enough.
Being such a big guy, Coburn has some nice initial blasts off the ball. The malt even lines up, but breaks through gap b. The guard isn’t strong enough to get him all the way. The RB is forced to cut it again, and Coburn throws his weight at the mound. pic.twitter.com/GK4w9pBsVI
– Caleb James (@CJScoobs) April 29, 2023
Prior to this snap, Coburn was a bit late changing his alignment – but he still blew the play. He quickly gets out of his stance, sidesteps the right guard completely – then pushes the center four yards into the backfield.
With such a big push against the look of this area, Coburn removes all the outside gaps the running back might have used, forcing him back into the middle of the field. As the rest of the defense lunges for the football, Coburn throws his weight to ensure the mound bounces back.
Double team magnet
It doesn’t appear in the stat book, but a reliable defensive tackle who can consistently counter double blocks – freeing up his playmates – is a valuable asset to the defense. Time after time as a Longhorn, Coburn sacrificed personal gain – doing the dirty work his team needed to do.
RT+RG tries to double team Coburn, but only manages to flip him and not get any move. The turn takes Coburn off the play, but he removes RG’s corner at LB. Great opening, little profit b/c, free LB to conduct the play. Coburn eats double bands. pic.twitter.com/jjISc3vSUA
– Caleb James (@CJScoobs) May 3, 2023
In this area, right tackle and right guard are double-teaming on the backside, hoping to get him out of the line. The guard seeks to start the fight – and then let the offense run in and take over, so he can work with the linebacker.
But Coburn locks himself to the ground, stopping them both in their tracks; They can’t get moving. The guard tries to corner Coburn and convert, but they still can’t make a splash on the line of scrimmage.
As they turn for Coburn, he takes the guard off his corner. A guard cannot take off from a linebacker who flies to fill the formation slot and drop the running back.
Coburn was nowhere near the end result of the play, but he made it.
Playing double teams is important in any running game, but it’s even more important in short yard plays.
Coburn had the range to play 1-tech, 2-tech, 3-tech and 0 in the nose while at Texas. When Texas needed to hold the line of scrimmage, Coburn was usually the guy to line up at zero.
fourth and inch. Coburn’s Nose 0. C+RG works on a group, but doesn’t get vertical movement. The RB tries to pressure play side A, but has to cut in ass B. Coburn doesn’t give up on a move, and the RB trips on the feet of an OL who has been struggling to gain leverage on the double pic.twitter.com/G26mUOzT5X
– Caleb James (@CJScoobs) May 3, 2023
In a game-changing play, Coburn knows he’s about to double-team, but still manages to hold the line just enough not to give up a move. Not only does he hold the line, his presence also helps eliminate where the running back looks and forces a cut.
The backhand cuts it but gets tangled up in the offensive line’s feet. The guard and right center were straining to move Coburn, but were unable to beat him. When they roll their feet behind them, the back stumbles, and their turn is on the bottom.
tyrannical power
A lack of height will limit what Coburn can do as a passing tackler, but he will use brute force to find a quarterback every now and then.
Coburn only beats RG. The bull lunge and shove cause RG to turn his hips, giving Coburn an easy path to QB. He fully extends his arms to create separation and fights through the block to get the sack. pic.twitter.com/6Rlek2O9Vr
– Caleb James (@CJScoobs) May 3, 2023
Coburn releases the ball, creates leverage, works his way through the guard into the middle, and does a great job of working his way up the quarterback’s ankles to ensure it doesn’t escape from the pocket.
While Coburn likely won’t play a large number of reps on a roll-down, he will see individual blocks on the plays he plays in the game. Teams will mostly focus on double-teaming Chris Jones, which could leave Coburn some opportunities to crush the pocket.
bottom line
While the traditional nose tackle has been devalued over time, the Chiefs still greatly value position in Steve Spagnuole defense. They were able to find a good player with Coburn.
It will never have the largest flat line, but it will be a constant force along the interior that must always be accounted for.
It’s hard to find players to make a roster in the final rounds of the draft. Finding a player who can make a consistent impact is much more difficult.
The Chiefs may have struck gold again with Coburn.