clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Chi Chi Ariguzo NFL Draft scouting report

The three-year starter is an excellent tackler and reliable selection, but does he have the athleticism to play on the next level?

By Jason Dorow
Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

With the NFL Draft taking place in Chicago from April 30 through May 2, we'll be catching you up on where some Northwestern prospects may land. Our next prospect comes from the linebacking corps, three-year starter Chi Chi Ariguzo.

Easily one of the most accomplished and experienced Wildcats of recent, Ariguzo looks to make the jump to the pros after playing 48 games, 39 of which he started, at Northwestern. He earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten status three years in a row and finished tied for tenth on Northwestern's all-time leading tacklers list with 333 total tackles. A model of consistency at outside linebacker over the last three seasons, Ariguzo holds the statistics of an NFL prospect, but he might not have the athleticism to compete on the next level.

Measureables

Height Weight 40 Bench Press Broad Jump
6'1'' 236 4.73 21 reps 9'11"

Career Stats


 Games Solo Total Sacks/TFL FF/FR INT/Yds
2011
 11 14
 32 0/1.5 - -
2012 13 56 91 3/10.5 0/4
 2/61
2013 12 62 106 2/6 1/1 4/26
2014 12
 65 104 2/6.5 1/0 -
Total 48 197 333 7/24.5 2/5 6/87

Rankings and Projections


 Overall Rank Position Rank Projected Round
ESPN -- 36 --
CBS Sports 621 48 --

Highlights

Strengths

Ariguzo certainly has a nose for the ball and is capable of finishing tackles. He eclipsed the century mark in tackles both of the last two seasons, and over 60 percent of his takedowns were solo. Ariguzo is great at filling running lanes, and he's a very reliable tackler. He has decent size and strength too, seen in his 21 reps on the bench press.

Weaknesses

Athleticism is the most glaring issue for Chi Chi. A 4.73 in the 40 yard dash is not great for an outside linebacker, and his lateral movement definitely isn't any better. The limited speed isn't aided by the angles he takes when backs break outside the tackles. Ariguzo is average, at best, in coverage too, although he has a knack for picking off a couple throws each season.

Overview

Chi Chi isn't going to get drafted, that much is essentially certain. But he should definitely get signed after the draft and have the opportunity to prove himself this summer. His athleticism or physicality isn't going to surprise anyone. After all, Jimmy Hall beat Ariguzo in every measure of athleticism they performed on pro day. However, who was Northwestern's leading tackler and one of the best linebackers in the Big Ten this past season? Ariguzo. He's the low-risk, dependable reserve that could find a spot on an NFL practice squad.

In This Stream

Northwestern NFL Draft Capsules

View all 7 stories

More From Inside NU