The 2023 NFL Draft class features a stacked group of defenders, and Arizona State DT Nesta Jade Silvera is a name to watch as the draft approaches. While likely a late Day 3 player, Silvera brings plenty of intangibles to the NFL after a successful college career.
While most of the conversation has been focused on the top names in the class, what does Nesta Jade Silvera’s scouting report suggest about his NFL Draft stock?
Nesta Jade Silvera NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Defensive Tackle
- School: Penn State
- Year: Fifth-Year Senior
A disruptor on the defensive side of the ball, Silvera helped guide Plantation American Heritage to back-to-back state championships and 27-straight wins as the No. 3 ranked defense of lineman in the 2018 recruiting class, where he committed to the University of Miami over offers from Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, Auburn, Florida, Tennessee, Ohio State, Penn State, TCU, and others.
Silvera recorded 13 tackles as a true freshman, with 1.5 coming for a loss and a blocked punt in 10 games. In 2019, Silvera missed the first four games after undergoing foot surgery during the preseason but played in the final nine contests, generating 19 tackles and one sack.
MORE: 100% FREE NFL Mock Draft Simulator
2020 was the first season for Silvera as a starter. Seeing action in all 11 games at defensive tackle, he started 10 and led all interior defensive linemen in total tackles (35) and tackles for loss (8.0) while earning an All-ACC honorable mention.
After totaling 38 tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss in 2021, Silvera entered the transfer portal, committing to Arizona State. As a grad student, Silvera appeared in all 12 games while making 10 starts for the Sun Devils and ended the year with 56 tackles, 4.5 coming for a loss.
Measuring in at 6’2″ and 308 pounds at the NFL Combine, Silvera ran a 5.16 40-yard dash with a 1.77 split but did not test in the bench press, which likely would’ve been his best event given the evident play strength. While the stats are solid, they don’t paint the whole picture for Silvera, and we need to see where his strengths and areas for improvement lie within the scouting report.
Tony Pauline’s Scouting Report for Nesta Jade Silvera
Strengths: Tough, nasty defensive tackle who began his career at Miami. Flashes an explosive first step off the snap, displays good movement skills, and is tough to stop. Plays with outstanding leverage, quickly locates the ball handler, and gets off blocks to make plays against the run. Powerful, bull rushes blockers off the line of scrimmage, and collapses the pocket. Consistently draws double-team blocks. Moves down the line of scrimmage and makes plays.
Weaknesses: Must develop more moves with his hands and become quicker disengaging from blocks. Marginal pass rusher.
Overall: Silvera is a nice-sized defensive tackle who plays with a high-revving motor and solid fundamentals. He exceeded expectations last season, and his draft stock has continued to move north since January. He offers possibilities as an interior lineman in a four-man front and could eventually develop into a starter.
Nesta Jade Silvera Combine Measurements and Results
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 304 pounds
- Arm Length: 32 7/8″
- Hand Size: 9 7/8″
- Bench Press: DNP
- 40-Yard Dash: 5.16 seconds
- 10-yard Split: 1.77
- Vertical Jump: 29.5″
- Broad Jump: 9’2″
Arizona State DT Nesta Jade Silvera Current Draft Projection
The 2023 NFL Draft is primed with talent across the board. That holds true at defensive tackle, where Jalen Carter might be the best player on the board. Still, there remains plenty of depth at the position.
Unfortunately, for someone like Silvera, it could be a very long draft. He’s currently the 14th-ranked DT and the 174th-ranked player on Tony Pauline’s Big Board. With a draft grade of 3.43, Moore has a projected draft capital that places him in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
MORE: When Is the 2023 NFL Draft?
While Silvera certainly has an uphill battle, as he hopes to secure a spot on the 53-man roster, the raw skills and talents are there for him to try to make noise during camp as a potential 4–3 nose. A leader throughout his entire career, if given a chance, Silvera could become a valuable late-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.