Old-school, throwback defensive end who wins with motor, physicality, and gap discipline rather than explosive athleticism or a deep pass-rush toolkit. Curry sets a hard edge in the run game, anchors at the point of attack, and gets after the quarterback with effort and timing — but the tape-to-production gap is real, and his lack of explosiveness, short arms, and limited counter moves cap his ceiling as a primary edge rusher at the next level. He profiles best as a versatile 3-4 end or elephant linebacker who can align in multiple spots, rush from the interior on passing downs, and contribute on special teams from Day 1. The floor is a quality rotational piece who could develop into a scheme-specific starter — but he needs the right defensive coordinator to unlock that outcome.
- Relentless motor that doesn't quit — graded as Ohio State's best defender four times during the 2025 season with a 90.7 PFF overall defensive grade
- Sets a hard edge in the run game with impressive pop in his hands and strong gap discipline at the point of attack
- Versatile alignment — played standing up and with hand in the dirt, rushed from the interior on passing downs, and contributed on special teams
- Instinctive run defender with good block recognition and the ability to sniff out screens quickly
- Tough, physical temperament with a willingness to compete on every snap — coaches will love his effort and character
- Lacks explosive first step and closing burst — first step is adequate but won't consistently threaten NFL tackles with pure speed
- Short arms (30 1/8 inches) limit his extension on blocks and reduce his pass-rush arsenal, allowing OTs to make first contact
- Change-of-direction skills are subpar, preventing effective speed-to-power conversion or beating tackles across their face
- Pass rush plan becomes one-dimensional late in games when initial moves are schemed against by adjusting tackles
Bleacher Report directly comped Curry to Rucker (6.2 grade in 2025) — similar profile of a productive, motor-driven edge from a Power 4 program whose athletic limitations cap him as a rotational/scheme-specific player rather than a primary pass rusher. Both win with effort and technique over explosive traits.