Francis Brewu, DL, Notre Dame: 2027 NFL Draft Prospect Profile & Scouting Report
Francis Brewu, DL/DT, Notre Dame
1. General Information
|
Name |
Francis Brewu |
|
Position |
Defensive Lineman |
|
Number |
7 |
|
Class |
Junior |
|
School |
Notre Dame |
|
Height / Weight |
6’1″ / 285 lbs |
|
Hometown / HS |
Westerville, Ohio / Thomas Worthington HS |
2. Career Statistical Breakdown
Defensive Performance & Pass Rush Production
|
**Season** |
**Team** |
**G** |
**Tackles** |
**TFL** |
**Sacks** |
**FF / FR** |
|
2024 |
Pitt |
12 |
16 |
4.5 |
3.0 |
1 / 0 |
|
2025 |
Pitt |
12 |
34 |
10.0 |
6.5 |
2 / 1 |
|
**Total** |
**24** |
**50** |
**14.5** |
**9.5** |
**3 / 1** |
3. NFL Combine Testing Projections
Projected metrics for the 2027 NFL Draft cycle based on historic verified twitch traits, weight-room power metrics, and elite short-area interior leverage numbers.
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.85 – 4.98s
- Vertical Jump: 31.5″ – 33.5″
- Broad Jump: 9’3″ – 9’7″
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.38 – 4.52s
- 3-Cone Drill: 7.28 – 7.45s
4. Scouting & Transfer Notes
Background Profile
Brewu entered the college ranks with high-end, blue-chip credentials from Thomas Worthington High School in Ohio, where he was a consensus four-star recruit and individual state weightlifting champion (notably logging a 435-pound bench press and a 700-pound squat). Committing to Pat Narduzzi and Pittsburgh, Brewu adapted to the college landscape instantly, earning significant playing time as a true freshman in 2024 with 4.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks.
He completely exploded onto the national radar as a true sophomore in 2025. Anchoring the Panthers’ aggressive interior front across 12 games, Brewu weaponized his rare physical leverage to log 34 tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks, capturing All-ACC honors. Looking to maximize his championship platform and draft exposure, Brewu hit the winter transfer portal and committed to Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish for his junior campaign in 2026.
Key Strengths
- Elite Low-Centered Natural Leverage: Standing at 6’1″, he possesses a natural leverage advantage that makes it nearly impossible for interior offensive linemen to establish lower pad-level positioning against him.
- Astonishing Weight-Room Power Base: Translates elite prep weightlifting strength directly to the gridiron, utilizing an overwhelming bull rush that routinely collapses pocket depth directly into the quarterback’s lap.
- Premium First-Step Get-Off and Burst: Features a lightning-quick initial step out of his stance, immediately vertical-setting interior guards, and shooting A and B gaps to disrupt run tracks.
- Highly Efficient Hand Combatant: Displays mature, violent hand-placement mechanics, featuring a signature club-and-swim sequence to stay clean of extension blocks.
Developmental Focus
Because Brewu operates at a sleeker, lighter interior frame of 285 pounds, professional scouts will closely evaluate how his anchor holds up against massive, 320-pound NFL-caliber double-teams on direct inside power structures. While his penetration metrics and gap-shooting capabilities are elite, adding functional lower-body mass without sacrificing his rare sub-4.9 speed will elevate his draft grade. Demonstrating that he can effectively anchor the point of attack across a heavy three-down load will finalize his evaluation as a tier-one interior playmaker.
Draft Countdown Film Notes
*pending*
All-Star Game Notes
*pending*
Combine/Pro Day Measurables
*pending*