The chargers select:
GRADE
5.5
Adam Gotsis (DT)
HT: 6'4" WT: 287LBS.
POSITION: DT
SCHOOL: Georgia Tech
ARM LENGTH: 34 1/8"
HANDS: 10 3/4"
Overview
Though he spent more time playing Australian Rules football than American football growing up in Melbourne, Gotsis was a quick learner. He starred for a local club team before heading to Atlanta, and then played well as a true freshman against ACC competition. The 2014 consensus second-team all-conference pick is still raw, and played out of position as an interior lineman for Tech's defense considering his lack of bulk. He garnered 2015 third-team All-ACC accolades with 31 tackles, five for loss, and three sacks in nine games, but saw his season cut short with a November knee injury suffered against Virginia.
Pro Day Results
Bench: 23 reps of 225 pounds
COMBINE STATS
ANALYSIS
Strengths
Broad-shouldered, sturdy frame with long arms and big hands. Plays with power at point of attack despite lack of desired weight for interior. Comes off snap with decent pad level. Powerful base and can anchor up against double teams and fight through redirect blocks. Team captain. Can run with athletic gait. Heavy tackler using blunt force and an aggressive finish.
Weaknesses
Average processing to read and react. Has little juice as a pass rusher and was unable to generate consistent pocket pressure during his time at Georgia Tech. Suffered season-ending knee injury on Oct. 31. Square-framed two-gapper lacking the quickness to win in gaps and make plays on other side of the line.
Sources Tell Us
"Tough player. He's limited. Won't be a pass rusher, but he's hard to move. He has value as a run-stopper but probably late-round since he has the knee." -- AFC East scout
NFL Comparison
Jeff Zgonina
Bottom Line
Three-year starter and team captain who came over from Australia and became an immediate factor for the Georgia Tech defense. Gotsis is strong and gritty and may have some value in both 3-4 and 4-3 fronts. Gotsis is on schedule to play next season provided his medicals check out at the combine. As a two-down player likely to come out on passing downs, there is a ceiling on his draft value, but he should be a solid backup with eventual starter potential.