Scouting Report: Weaknesses

• Below-average arm length (32+ inches) limits his separation ability and necessitates winning early in reps before blockers can latch onto his frame.
• Pass rush repertoire remains limited - relies heavily on bull rush and lacks consistent counter moves when initial charge stalls out in passing situations.
• Tends to attack double teams rather than absorbing them, occasionally getting washed out when he should anchor and occupy multiple blockers.
• Finishing ability as a tackler needs refinement - lunges too often and doesn't consistently wrap up, leading to missed opportunities in the backfield.
• Pad level rises noticeably when fatigued later in games, negating his natural leverage advantage and making him easier to move off his spot.

Scouting Report: Summary

Caldwell brings immediate value as a run-stuffing defensive tackle who can contribute in a rotation from day one. His game is built on naturally low leverage, powerful hands, and surprising short-area quickness – traits that make him particularly valuable against interior run schemes. When aligned as a true nose tackle, his ability to reset the line of scrimmage against one-on-one blocks and occasionally split double teams shows up consistently on film. Though his pass rush toolkit remains a work in progress, his bull rush power alone creates enough pocket push to make him more than just a two-down player.

The diversity in Caldwell's game stems from his unusual journey – a massive defender who has lined up everywhere from 0-technique to 5-technique across multiple college stops. This experience gives him scheme versatility that defensive coordinators covet. He fits most naturally as an early-down run defender who can be deployed situationally on passing downs when interior push is needed. Despite inconsistent tackling technique, his ability to disrupt blocking schemes and force runners to adjust their paths creates value beyond his individual statistics.

His developmental ceiling hinges on two critical factors: refining his tackling technique and expanding his pass rush repertoire beyond power moves. If he can address these limitations while maintaining the explosive first step and run-defense prowess that define his game, Caldwell has the foundation to develop into a consistent starter. His physical tools and background suggest a player in the mold of a slightly more athletic Grady Jarrett – not an elite pass rusher, but a valuable three-down defensive tackle who can create interior havoc while allowing teammates to clean up plays.