With all due respect to the MAC, Thomas Incoom often looked like he didn’t belong in the MAC in 2022. The Central Michigan defensive lineman created havoc in opposing backfields, finishing the season with 57 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks.
The defender was tied for fourth nationally in sacks per game and fifth nationally in tackles for loss per game. He played for an underwhelming team in 2022, but his game still stood out on a national level.
Incoom’s speed off the ball is electric, and his athleticism overwhelmed MAC offensive linemen through the duration of the 2022 season. At 6-foot-4- and 260 pounds, Incoom has the ideal size to slide onto the edge of an NFL defensive line.
His speed at that size is unique, and his physical traits all but guarantee he’ll be selected in the 2023 NFL Draft. Incoom could fly up draft boards after going through the draft process. It’s likely his testing numbers impress scouts, as the athleticism translates when he puts the pads on.
Consistent production
Incoom finished all 12 of his 22 games with at least three tackles. He tallied at least one tackle for loss and sack in 10 of the team’s 12 games. A five-tackle performance against Penn State was one of his only games without a sack.
The defensive end even had a 63-yard fumble return for a touchdown in a 28-21 win over Akron. The play came with two minutes left in the fourth quarter and the game tied at 21.
Consistent production makes Incoom stand out ahead of the NFL Draft. While he wasn’t playing Power Five competition weekly, Incoom was a dominant force against MAC foes on a weekly basis.
Against Buffalo, Incoom put together an absurd individual showing. He finished the game with 12 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a sack. It was an elite one-game performance from a defensive end.
Polished pass rusher
You don’t record 11.5 sacks in 12 games without stellar pass-rush ability. Incoom can burn offensive linemen off the edge with pure speed, but he also bends well to get below larger offensive linemen. He seemed to slip under blocks frequently during his collegiate career, cruising around offensive tackles and into the backfield.
Incoom certainly has room to develop as a player, but his pass-rushing moves are impressive. He’s able to use more than a speed rush, also showing off a swim move and bull rush at times. He has different pass-rushing moves, making him a nightmare for MAC linemen.
Given the desire of NFL teams to add quality pass rushers, teams may be lining up in April to try to add Incoom. His physical tools as a pass rusher are special, and he’s capable of developing into an NFL starter at defensive end.
