Ourlads' Profile:
2021 Guide: What Ourlads' NFL Scouting Services said about FORREST MERRILL: Arkansas State, 6010 338 5.30. Two-year starter, Willard, MO. Did not have a direct path to Arkansas State. Signed with Missouri State out of high school before transferring to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M for the 2017 season. Spent the next three years at Arkansas State, missing most of 2019 with an injury to his bicep. Is an easy prospect to overlook. He isn’t a dynamic athlete, he lacks height and length, and he was never a bigtime producer. He is the kind of blue-collar nose tackle that can quietly make other players better. His width and presence demand double teams. When he does get single teamed, he has shown the ability to stack and shed on his way to the ball carrier. Likely a late round pick that will find a role within a 3-4 scheme that needs a space eater inside. Don’t sleep on his potential to make plays. Fires low out of his stance with a solid forward lean and natural low center of gravity, making him tough to move off his point. Understands the use of leverage and the natural advantages he possesses. High effort player that can wear down a blocker over time. Forces the offensive line to bring every play. Engine is high and can move with some sneaky short area build up speed. Plays through the whistle. Can stack and shed. Will get off single blocks and play the role of a brick wall when in contact with the ball carrier. Smart player that can think and execute. Short with a lack of reach. Doesn’t win the lockout game often enough. Burst off the line is a step too slow. 2020 stats: 42 T, 6.5 TFL, 2 sacks, 1 FF. Seventh round/PFA. (A- 32, H-9 1/4, BP-36, 10-1.83).