Breaking down the handful of Sun Devils in the NFL draft
Arizona State University has four prospects lining the 2024 NFL draft, spotlighted by defensive back Ro Torrence, who was the lone Sun Devil at the combine hosted at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, In.
Defensive back Isaiah Johnson and safety Chris Edmonds join Torrence as the Sun Devil draft prospects hoping to hear their name called. Others, such as defensive lineman Dashaun Mallory may sign with a team as an undrafted free agent.
Torrence logged 78 total tackles, 51 of which were solo, 12 passes defended and two sacks along with an interception and forced fumble in the three-year collegiate career. The Bessemer, AL, native played one season with the Auburn Tigers, but had little action. After transferring to Tempe, his production skyrocketed.
Possessing a lengthy frame at 6-foot-3 and 208 pounds, Torrence imposed his size on receivers where he excels in press and owns the stride and catchup speed when beaten off the line. His sheer physical advantage is not the only catch that has drawn attention from scouts.
Just one example of Ro Torrence making a receiver play football in a phone booth. pic.twitter.com/EEQKyRayV8
— Kevin Redfern (@KevinMRedfern13) March 28, 2023
The junior showcased strong coverage despite only having one interception to show on the stat sheet, and his presence played a pivotal role in the rise of the 2023 Sun Devils’ defensive success.
Right place right time for Ro Torrence on this deflected interception. ASU forces a huge turnover keeping the score 7-0 Wildcats. 6:22 left in the second quarter.@HouseOfSparky pic.twitter.com/Nx2BAQtCJE
— Matt Venezia (@Matt_Venezia) November 25, 2022
After participating in the 2024 NFL Combine, the DB’s draft stock elevated slightly, having some of the largest measurements at his position.
The former Sun Devil was graded 5.87 out of eight possible points on the prospect scale, placing him as a average backup or special team player, according to NFL.com. The NFL’s Next Gen Stats model, which compiles historical NFL Draft data, pro day numbers and college production, gave Torrence a 64 production score (29th of all cornerbacks at the combine) and an Athleticism score of 51 (38th of all cornerbacks in combine), for an overall 60, which ranks 41st out of all cornerbacks at the combine.
“You’re going to get a physical defensive back that loves to dominate,” Torrence told thedraftnetwork.com. “I always give 110% effort. I put my best foot forward in all three phases, including special teams. I’m a relentless player that loves football.”
Isaiah Johnson registered 16 total tackles with two passed defended.
Chris Edmonds logged 121 tackles, three interceptions and eight passes defensed in 24 games with the Sun Devils. Though the 6-foot-2 safety was not invited to the NFL Combine, he grabbed the attention of teams such as the Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts after a 4.46 40-yard dash.
Defensive lineman Dashaun Mallory will also hope to hear his name during the draft, having put up an impressive season with the Sun Devils in 2023.
Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft starts at 5 p.m. PST