Chargers 2023 NFL draft target: Georgia Tech EDGE Keion White

Draft season is upon us, which means that we at Chargers Wire are hard at work breaking down the film to evaluate potential picks throughout the draft.

With a strong draft class at edge defender and tight end, Los Angeles is well-positioned to fill some holes this offseason.

Today, we’ll be looking at Georgia Tech pass rusher Keion White.

Background: Lightly recruited out of high school until he moved from center to tight end and defensive end. Began college career at Old Dominion as a tight end, where he redshirted in 2017 before catching 11 passes for 124 yards in 2018. Transitioned to EDGE during spring practice in 2019 and immediately was named Second Team All-Conference USA. Opted out in 2020 due to COVID-19 before transferring to Georgia Tech, where his debut was delayed after a broken ankle in a pickup basketball game. Frequently describes himself as raw due to his newness to the position. Team captain.

Red Flags: None

Strengths: Feldman’s Freak List member with a rumored 21 mph, 32″ vertical, and 38 bench press reps on his resume. Moved from 3 to 4i to 5 and out throughout the season, versatility which helped allow Georgia Tech to shift their alignments right before the snap to scheme pressures open. Thought he moved well in pursuit; you can tell he’s a freaky athlete for his size based on his run support alone. Showed a nice spin move that I think he could build a counter plan around.

Weaknesses: Extremely raw from a pass rush plan perspective – has a bull rush and high motor that gets him home often enough, but he rarely shows a counter move off power to quicken the pace. Also lacks variety in his approach – you’re getting power, power, or power from him off the snap. Sometimes a bit late to read and react, which is to be expected for someone who’s only played defensive line for two and a half seasons.

Final Word: White is a developmental prospect who will need dedicated coaching from an established developer to round out his technique and hit his ceiling. While all the athletic tools are there to create a monstrous 4-3 defensive end with interior flexibility, White lacks refined technique or counter plans when his strength isn’t enough to win him a rep.

Fit Likelihood: Medium

Grade: 4th

Film Highlights:

White using the power in his hands to get off blocks in a number of different clips, showcasing the consistency with which he can win.

#GeorgiaTech DL Keion White has some of the more violent hands I’ve seen on tape this cycle. Hand swipe, coupled with heavy hands to control leverage make him an intriguing multiple alignment fit.

Has a quick first step too, his 1-on-1’s at Senior Bowl should be fun to watch. pic.twitter.com/CSGL553ceS

— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) January 19, 2023

Showing off the spin move, which is surprisingly fluid for a player listed at 290 lbs:

Keion White (#6) with the bull rush then counters with the spin move to get around the OT and gets the sack. pic.twitter.com/Zmxapl0WMO

— Brian Maafi (@Bmaafi) January 21, 2023

Another freakish display of athleticism, carrying a RB up the sideline in coverage:

Keion White is 290 lbs. He ran stride for stride with the RB downfield on the wheel!

This dude is a freakish athlete! pic.twitter.com/cA5BlIQRuI

— Full-Time Dame (@DP_NFL) December 8, 2022