Tim Settle

... A rare redshirt sophomore early entrant at defensive tackle, Settle becomes just the third at his position to head to the NFL with two years of eligibility remaining in the past seven drafts. Of course, despite his youth and relative inexperience after only one-year as full-time starter at Virginia Tech, Settle oozes potential and moves exceptionally well for a 335-pound man-child. Settle spent his first fall in Blacksburg as a redshirt, working on improving his physique and maintaining his weight, before finding the field in 2016 and making an impact as a top reserve. After notching 17 tackles as a freshman and picking up at least one honorable mention freshman All-America nod, Settle burst onto the scene as a sophomore, recording 36 tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks — good enough for second-team All-ACC honors and an excuse to leave his amateur status behind. BACKGROUND Settle is the second of five children, though he, not his older brother, carries his father, Tim Sr.’s, name. Coming out of high school as a four-star recruit, he certainly had options but settled on Virginia Tech since it allowed him to get away from home in the D.C. Metro area without having to leave his home state. Hokies defensive coordinator Bud Foster’s decision to stay in Blacksburg beyond Frank Beamer’s tenure influenced Settle’s decision, as well.

in our view

Settle’s decision to leave school with two years of eligibility is uncommon for his position, but it doesn’t take long to fall in love with his athleticism when you watch him play. Not many guys who tip the scales at over 330 pounds are this agile, and his ability to apply pressure from the interior of the defensive line without sacrificing size or strength against the run is a rare trait. He only started for one year, and he’s as green as he is gifted, but his potential — and his dominance at times in 2017 — will keep him from falling past the draft’s second day, especially with other young defensive line prospects like Christian Wilkins and Dre’mont Jones returning to school.

strengths

Great short area quickness, and a very explosive first step, especially for his size. Has a refined and dangerous swim move that he alternates nicely with a downright angry bull rush. Does a consistent job of penetrating and getting upfield to collapse the pocket and affect the run, where he has a knack for locating ball-carriers. Strong, violent initial punch that stuns blockers and allows him to take control early. When rushing the pass, fires out low and upward, getting good leverage against offensive linemen. Moves incredibly well for a 335-pound guy, very athletic and sudden. Nimble enough to avoid falling and keep his feet against cut blocks. Very naturally strong with a lot of weight on a frame that doesn’t appear to be maxed out. Young and has a lot of room to grow and mature after only one season as a full-time starter. — Hunter Ansley 1/23/2018

compares to

Justin Ellis, Oakland Raiders — Ellis is slightly shorter and heavier player, but both are exceptionally quick off the ball for men of such large stature, and both flash a freakish ability to disrupt the run and the pass in the backfield. Settle offers a little more as a pass rusher, but both players will have entered the league looking to harness their raw athleticism, and both use natural strength and suddenness to close when making plays in the backfield.

weaknesses

Has a tendency to overextend and get caught off-balance trying to explode out of the blocks like a sprinter. Relies very heavily on his immediate jump and punch or swim move and will struggle to disengage from blockers if he doesn’t win initially. Eagerness and quickness off the ball contribute to over-running gap responsibilities at times and must continue to develop better awareness and discipline. Will allow double-teams into his body and underneath his pads where he can be driven off the ball against power runs despite his size advantage. Too often tries to outmuscle mauling blockers and double-teams rather than split them or dig in and create a pile at the line. Is very green and lacks much starting experience. — Hunter Ansley 1/23/2018

Ranked as the No. 19 overall player in the country, the No. 4 defensive tackle in the country, the No. 2 player in his region and the No. 2 player in the state by ESPN Recruiting Nation

Rated as the No. 39 overall player in the country by PrepStar

Listed as the No. 174 player nationally, the No. 17 defensive tackle in the country and the No. 10 prospect in Virginia by Rivals

Rated the No. 6 prospect in Virginia by The Roanoke Times

Ranked as the No. 162 overall player in the country, the No. 14 defensive tackle in the country and the No. 6 player in his state by 247Sports

Listed as the No. 138 player nationally and the 15 defensive tackle in the country by Scout

Named to the PrepStar Dream Team

A member of the ESPN 300, the Rivals Top 250, the Scout Top 300 and the 247Sports Top 247

Selected to play in the Under Armour All-America Game

Participated in Nike’s The Opening

A 2014 American Family Insurance All-USA Virginia Football Team selection

A first-team All-Met selection at defensive line by The Washington Post his final two seasons

A Class 6A North Region second-team defense selection

Had 72 tackles, including 25 for loss and three sacks, two fumble recoveries and 10 pass deflections from his nose tackle position as a senior.

Born July 11, 1997, in Philadelphia, PA

Son of Tim, Sr., and Paula Settle

Has an older brother, two younger brothers and a younger sister

Majoring in communication studies.

2017

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
12.5	2.0	36.0	0.0	1.0	4.0	21.0

2016

fumbles
REC	LOST	FUM
0.0	0.0	1.0

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
7.0	2.0	17.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	7.0

kickReturns
LONG	YDS	NO	TD	AVG
9.0	15.0	2.0	0.0	7.5