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Chiefs scouting report: Texas Tech Red Raiders DE Adam Trick
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- Chiefs scouting report: Texas Tech Red Raiders DE Adam Trick
The Kansas City Chiefs spent significant resources upgrading their defensive end room over the past few years. R Mason Thomas' potential frees the team from needing to use another top 100 selection at the position, but general manager Brett Veach should still consider taking a day three swing on a pass rusher in the 2027 NFL Draft .
Defensive end Adam Trick tied eventual Chargers first round selection Akheem Mesidor for the fourth-most pressures in the nation last season. Trick reached 67 pressures on 393 pass rush snaps compared to Mesidor's 445 rush attempts. He transferred from Miami (OH) to join the Texas Tech Red Raiders this offseason.
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Trick and fellow new Red Raiders defensive end Trey White are the program's attempt to replace David Bailey and Romello Height. Neither prospect projects as a top 100 pick, but Trick offers rotational potential as a mid-day three designated pass rusher.
Trick is a lean athlete with mediocre arm length, but he gets off the line quickly to immediately threaten offensive tackles with a speed rush. His pass rush plan is well-developed compared to top pass rushers in the 2027 class. He uses club-swims, long-arms, rips, spins, swims, two-handed swipes and is developing a ghost move.
Trick shows flashes of converting speed to power, but his limited mass prevents him from generating consistent push against Power Four offensive tackles. He finds more success slashing through interior gaps or flying around the edge than winning through the lineman's frame. Trick's agility and quickness make him a threat to attack both high-side and low-side.
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Trick's bend at the top of the rush is adequate but not a strength of his game. Offensive tackles drive him around the pocket because he struggles to access sharp angles. His limited arm length is a massive hurdle to overcome. Trick fails to revive his pass rush once locked out by the lineman and faces some matchup-specific concerns against long-limbed opponents.
Trick's aggressive, high-motor playstyle helps him make an impact in the run game. However, he lacks the play strength and anchor to hold the point of attack. He makes most of his plays against the run by redirecting off blocks to pursue the ball. This makes him a better fit as a designated pass rusher who comes off the field on run downs.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs scouting report: Texas Tech Red Raiders DE Adam Trick
