EDGE? What are we making up positions now? With a new defense comes new terms! Anyone who pays attention to the NFL draft process will have seen the EDGE moniker used interchangeably with the ambiguous DE/OLB designation. I prefer EDGE, as it’s more descriptive as to what the player is and does. In a 3-4 defense, the EDGE is an edge defender(mind blowing, I know) who specializes in rushing the passer from the stand-up OLB position. Much has been made of Woody’s comment about getting LB/S hybrids to play OLB, but watching his App State defenses, it became apparent that his OLBs are asymmetric in their roles and responsibilities. One played up on the line and rushed the passer more often, and the other played more of the LB/S hybrid open field role. The EDGE doesn’t rush the passer every play, as this scheme likes to bring pressure from multiple angles, but they are the pass rush specialist.

Domineck, of Jenkins HS in Lakeland, FL, was a late addition to the Georgia Tech recruiting radar. He visited this past weekend after being committed to USF for some time. Tech offered on his visit, and he chose to flip and sign Wednesday.

Domineck adds much needed pass rush help to the Tech defense, which was woefully inept in that regard in 2017. With the team shifting to a new scheme, it’s also important for the team to find good scheme fits to smooth the transition.

Film

Domineck is a high-upside pass-rush prospect whose standout tool is his length. He’s slight now, but his frame will be able to hold more weight as he matures. He has a fairly explosive first step and closing speed, and bends reasonably well. He isn’t elite in any of those athletic categories, but there are no real weaknesses in his athletic profile that will limit him. Combined with great length, that’s the type of player Tech should dream about being able to flip late.

The downside with Domineck is his technical refinement. He knows how to use his length to control the blocker, but his rush moves are raw. He over-utilizes his swim move and didn’t display a workable rip-and-dip on film. He’ll need to work on developing his game in college

Domineck has a great motor, solid athletic tools, and a great frame. This is the type of player teams like Georgia Tech should look to sign late in the process. He has a chance to be a difference-maker in the years to come on the Flats.