The Washington Redskins will continue to interview and explore draft picks, as the team will host Virginia Tech defensive end Dadi Nicolas for a visit.*
The Washington Redskins will host Virginia Tech defensive end Dadi Nicolas for a visit on Thursday, according to NFL Network reporter Rand Getlin.
In four years as a member of the Hokies, Nicolas earned 165 tackles, 35.5 for a loss, 17 sacks, 3.5 forced fumbles, seven passes defensed and one interception. He most recently worked out with the Steelers on Monday and has visited with the Patriots, Cardinals and Dolphins.
Nicolas didn't start playing football until his senior year of college, but the 6-foot- 3, 235 pound edge rusher was honored as a second-team All-ACC as a junior. He's been primarily used as a base defensive end in the Hokies' system, which may account for some dropped production in his senior season.
After a 71-tackle and 8.5-sack junior year, his stats lowered to 45 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2015, something some draft insiders believe pushed him out of this year's frist round.
Scouts think he will transition to linebacker in order to adapt to the trending 3-4 defense, and most project him to be a mid-round pick.
He ran a 4.76 40-yard dash along with a 38 inch vertical jump, and a 10-foot, five-inch broad jump at Virginia Tech's Pro Day.
"Overall, I feel blessed," Nicolas said after the workout in March. "I feel confident with what went on out here today."
His NFL Draft profile says that some of his strengths include "lightning quick inside moves, including spin, that can catch slow-footed tackles sleeping. [He's a] long-strider with the acceleration and lateral quickness to create problems when twisting inside." However, the worry is that he "looks more like a safety than an edge player."
After his Pro Day, Nicolas acknowledged that he will likely have to make a position switch at the next level.
"I think I will be playing linebacker most likely," Nicolas said. "If not, if I'm putting my hand in the dirt, that's fine too. I just look forward to playing football again."
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