Summer is here, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Bucs fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Tampa Bay.
Are we going to write about quarterbacks? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Bucs, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Bucs fans can be the most informed fans.
So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.
Player Information
Player: Aaron Graves
School: Iowa
Height/Weight: 6-4/300 lbs.
Player Background
– 4-Star Recruit
– Played Basketball, Track & Field, and Wrestling in High School
– Max Preps Male National Athlete of the Year
– All-American Bowl Member in High School
Career Stats Heading into the 2025 Season
– 85 Tackles
– 19 Tackles for Loss
– 11.5 Sacks
– 4 Pass Deflections
– 4 Forced Fumbles
Notable PFF Numbers Heading into the 2025 Season
– 68.2 PFF Run Defense Grade
– 71.7 PFF Pass Rush Grade
– 12 QB Hits
– 22 QB Hurries
– 46 Defensive Stops
Player Traits
– Fast hands to shed blockers
– Explodes off the ball into blockers
– Uses his length to gain leverage
– Handful of pass rush moves
– Has the power to overwhelm blockers
Player Summary
Aaron Graves is a throwback Iowa Hawkeye defensive lineman who can dominate in the run game while being a presence in their pass rush. Graves is a former high school wrestler who plays the position like he still has that in his DNA, and it is something that coaches love to see on resumes. He explodes off the ball despite his size and shows an ability to use his length to get and maintain leverage. Graves is a fun defender to watch in the Fall and deserves your attention.