There aren’t many players better at getting into the backfield than Javon Solomon.
The junior from Troy led the FBS with 16 sacks last season, and his 18 total tackles for loss ranked ninth. He helped the Trojans finish with the top-scoring defense in the Sun Belt (17.1 PPG) while also finishing first in total defense (308.3).
Those 16 sacks set the Sun Belt single-season record and are the most for a Troy player since they’ve been an FBS member. He was also consistent on the season, recording a sack in 10 games.
It was somewhat of a bounceback season for Solomon, who didn’t necessarily have a bad season in 2022, but he wasn’t as productive as he was in 2021. In 2022, Solomon posted 4.5 sacks compared to 11.5 in 2021. He was a First Team All-Sun Belt selection in 2021 and 2023 and a Third Team selection in 2022.
So, how is he able to create so much chaos in the backfield?
Excels Off The Edge
For starters, Solomon’s first step off the edge is elite. A little bit smaller for an edge at 6-foot-1, 249 pounds, he relies on his quickness and speed to beat defenders.
Often, he doesn’t even give the OL a chance to block him:
Matched with this ability to get off the ball, Solomon possesses an array of moves, most notable are his euro and cross-chop with his hands:
Solomon made some noise at the Senior Bowl, validating that he was one of the top pass rushers in the country.
The Tallahassee, Florida, product typically lined up in a 4i-technique for the Trojans, but he’ll likely convert to being a stand-up rusher in the league. Similar to a Justin Houston type. Either way, he’ll still be able to get to the QB.
Solomon also boasts an 80-inch wingspan, which is above average for his size and he can use to his advantage in certain situations. He’s violent and generates a ton of power from his hips and his legs.
Not only does Solomon find ways to get to the QB or disrupt plays in the backfield, but he also goes and gets the football. He forced three fumbles last season and recovered two of them, including one that sealed the Sun Belt title game against Appalachian State.
Room For Improvement
While he’s an excellent pass rusher, Solomon doesn’t thrive as a run defender. He can get locked up by an OL and taken out of the play. This is where his smaller size might have a negative impact on his game, especially when playing on Sundays. Solomon also wasn’t the greatest in coverage when he needed to be, but I can’t imagine he will be in many of those situations going forward.
Although he has that quick first step, there are some times it can come back to bite him and he will up get pushed out too far wide and taken out of the play.
Javon Solomon NFL Draft Projection
Solomon will be selected on Day 3 of the NFL Draft, but where at ranges from the fifth round to the seventh.
It all comes down to which team doesn’t want to pass up on him, hoping he’s still around later in the draft.
