John Henry Daley, EDGE, Michigan: 2027 NFL Draft Prospect Profile & Scouting Report
1. General Information
|
Name |
|
|
Position |
Edge Rusher (EDGE) |
|
Jersey Number |
#90 |
|
Class |
Senior |
|
School |
Michigan |
|
Height / Weight |
6’4″ / 255 lbs |
|
Hometown / HS |
Alpine, Utah / Lone Peak HS |
2. Career Statistical Breakdown
Defensive Production
2023 Season (BYU | Big 12 | FR)
Games …………………… 3
Tackles …………………. 3
Tackles for Loss ……….. 0.0
Sacks …………………. 0.0
Forced Fumbles …………… 0
Passes Defended ………….. 0
2024 Season (Utah | Big 12 | SO)
Games …………………… 7
Tackles …………………. 4
Tackles for Loss ……….. 1.0
Sacks …………………. 1.0
Forced Fumbles …………… 0
Passes Defended ………….. 0
2025 Season (Utah | Big 12 | JR)
Games ………………….. 11
Tackles ………………… 48
Tackles for Loss ………. 17.5
Sacks ………………… 11.5
Forced Fumbles …………… 2
Passes Defended ………….. 1
Career Totals
Games ………………….. 21
Tackles ………………… 55
Tackles for Loss ………. 18.5
Sacks ………………… 12.5
Forced Fumbles …………… 2
Passes Defended ………….. 1
3. NFL Combine Testing Projections
Projected baseline physical metrics for the 2027 NFL Draft cycle based on his verified high school athletic background, on-field explosiveness, and recovery from a late-2025 Achilles injury.
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.65 – 4.75 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 33.0″ – 35.0″
- Broad Jump: 9’10” – 10’2″
- 10-Yard Split: 1.58 – 1.64 seconds
- Bench Press: 22 – 26 repetitions
4. Scouting Notes
Background Profile
John Henry Daley is an ascending prospect whose journey has been anything but conventional. After recording a state-leading 22 sacks as a senior at Lone Peak High School in Utah, he served a two-year church mission before beginning his collegiate career. Daley spent one season at BYU, seeing minimal action, before transferring to Utah for 2024.
His 2025 campaign was a masterclass in edge rushing; he racked up 11.5 sacks and tied for the FBS lead with 17.5 tackles for loss before rupturing his Achilles in late November. After Kyle Whittingham left for Michigan, Daley adopted his defensive scheme and transferred to Ann Arbor ahead of the 2026 season.
Key Strengths
- Get-Off and Burst: Daley’s most striking trait is his immediate explosiveness off the line of scrimmage, described by coaches as the “No. 1 factor” in his success. He consistently beats offensive tackles to the set point, immediately compromising the pocket.
- Pass-Rush Production: His 2025 breakout at Utah was marked by staggering efficiency, ranking second nationally at 1.05 sacks per game at the time of his injury.
- Motor and Physicality: Praised for his tenacious style of play and relentless pursuit of ball carriers. He fights through blocks with strong hand placement and high-effort lower-body drive.
Developmental Focus
As he steps into the Big Ten for his senior year, Daley’s defining evaluation point will be his medical recovery from a late-2025 Achilles tear. Scouts will need to see if he can regain the elite lower-body bend and “twitch” that made him an All-American. Furthermore, with only one season of elite production under his belt (2025), evaluators will want to see consistency against top-tier offensive tackles in the Big Ten. Validating his ability to sustain a high motor across 60+ snaps a game post-injury will secure his projection as a premier edge rusher.
Draft Countdown Film Notes
- 9/12/26: 8 TCK (4 solo), 1 SCK, 3 TFL | Notes: Can rush with power or other moves. Daley beat the Oklahoma OT with a nice spin for a sack in the first quarter.
All-Star Game Notes
pending
Combine/Pro Day Measurables
pending