Llewellyn is a long-levered, high-effort edge rusher whose filthy spin move and explosive first step can generate legit NFL pressure on passing downs. The problem is everything else — his pad level stays elevated, his anchor against the run is borderline non-existent, and once tackles adjust to the spin, his counter arsenal dries up fast. Iowa sheltered him from run-game exposure for a reason, and the 2025 full-time starter tape exposed the cracks that his electric 2024 part-time reps hid. He's a designated pass rusher in a 3-4 scheme or he's nothing — but in that role, the tools are genuinely interesting for a Day 3 pick with patience.
- Explosive first step that immediately threatens the tackle's outside shoulder and forces panicked kick-slides
- Elite-caliber spin move — sets it up with long strides and body fakes, chains it with fluidity rare for Day 3 edges
- Relentless motor with impressive closing burst and willingness to chase mobile quarterbacks through the pocket
- High pass-rush IQ for his experience level — uses head fakes, hip movement, and varied rush angles to manipulate blockers
- Smooth redirection into B-gap attacks without sacrificing speed, showing ability to exchange gaps mid-rush
- Chronically elevated pad level saps leverage and prevents him from consistently bending the corner, even from wide alignments
- Run defense is a significant liability — gets washed out of gaps and cannot anchor at the point of attack against NFL-caliber blockers
- Over-reliance on spin move makes him predictable; lacks polished counter moves when primary rush is stalled
- Struggles to disengage once offensive linemen lock hands onto his frame — hand-fighting repertoire is underdeveloped
Bleacher Report's comparable grade directly aligned Llewellyn with Jackson (Washington State, 6.2 grade in 2024) — both are long, high-motor edge rushers with legitimate pass-rush tools but significant run-defense concerns and limited counter-move arsenals who project as situational rushers. Similar body types, similar developmental curves, similar Day 3 draft range.