2021 NFL Draft Profile: Pitt DT Jaylen Twyman

Following a stellar sophomore campaign in 2019, Pitt defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman opted out of the 2020 season. This decision hurt his draft stock, but studying and training with former Pitt DT and four-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald has given Twyman a valuable skill set for an interior defensive lineman. In 2019, Twyman led the Panthers in both tackles for loss (12) and sacks (10.5), making him the last defensive tackle to lead Pitt in sacks since Donald.

The Washington, D.C. native was a second-team All-American and first team All-ACC pick for 2019. He shows great ability to rush the passer as a defensive tackle, and could be a steal if he develops as a run stopper. But his opt out and an up-and-down performance during Pitt’s pro day, where he showed prodigious strength, but not the same level of quickness he had on film, has caused his stock to drop.

Pro Day Results

Height: 6-foot-1

Weight: 301 pounds

40-yard: 5.51 seconds

Bench: 40 reps

3-cone: 8.00 seconds

Broad jump: 8 feet, 8 inches

Vertical: 33 inches

Draft Projection

Twyman is projected to fall near the fourth round of the draft, which could be a steal if he lands in the right system. Here is his ranking chart from NFL Mock Draft Database: