Boubacar Traore

NFL Draft Profile: Boubacar Traore

Position: Defensive End / EDGE | School: Notre Dame | Class: Redshirt Sophomore

Height: 6'4" | Weight: 250 lbs | Archetype: Pass Rusher (Speed Rusher)

College Career Summary

Boubacar Traore enters the draft conversation as one of the most resilient and ascending edge prospects in the country. After a promising freshman debut, his 2024 season was cut short by a torn ACL. However, his 2025 campaign was nothing short of a revelation, earning him a spot as a Comeback Player of the Year semifinalist. Traore became the primary engine of the Notre Dame pass rush, showcasing an elite first-step and a massive 80-inch wingspan that allows him to initiate contact before tackles can set their feet. He finished the 2025 season leading the Irish in sacks (7.5) and tackles for loss (11.0), proving that his pre-injury explosiveness had not only returned but evolved.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 21 (11 in 2025)

• Total Tackles: 49 (37 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 17.0 (11.0 in 2025)

• Sacks: 11.5 (7.5 in 2025)

• Career Highlight: 34-yard pick-six vs. Purdue (2024); 3.0 TFL game vs. Syracuse (2025).

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
@ Miami (FL)	6 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	A-	Silenced doubts about his knee in a high-stakes road opener.
vs. Texas A&M	1 Tkl, 1 QBH	B-	Physical battle; neutralized by heavy chipping.
vs. Purdue	5 Tkl, 1.0 Sk, 1 FF	A	Haunted Purdue again; recorded a strip-sack in the 1st Q.
@ Arkansas	4 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	B+	Relentless Pursuit tracking down the QB in the pocket.
vs. Boise State	4 Tkl, 0.5 Sk	B	Solid edge discipline; split a sack in a low-scoring affair.
vs. NC State	4 Tkl, 2.0 Sk	A+	Season Best. Total backfield dominance with 2 sacks.
vs. USC	3 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	A-	Star impact; sacked the QB in a tight 4th quarter.
@ Boston College	3 Tkl, 0.5 TFL	B	Played with high Leadership in his home state.
vs. Navy	DNP	N/A	Rested/Medical precaution against the triple option.
@ Pittsburgh	2 Tkl, 3 QBH	B+	No sacks, but 3 hurries showed high Acceleration.
vs. Syracuse	5 Tkl, 1.0 Sk, 3 TFL	A	Career-high 3.0 TFLs; played with a High Motor.
@ Stanford	0 Stats	C+	Worst Game. Played limited snaps; low stat production.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Elite Get-Off: Traore has a "twitch" that is rare for his 6'4" frame. His Acceleration off the snap puts immediate pressure on the offensive tackle's outside shoulder.

• Vines for Arms: An 80-inch wingspan allows him to "stab" tackles and keep them off his frame. This is a massive advantage in his Pass Rush tool bag.

• Mental Toughness: Returning from a torn ACL to lead a top-tier defense in sacks is a testament to his grit and work ethic.

• Versatility: Has the frame to eventually bulk up to 270+ lbs or play as a stand-up "Viper" in 3-4 schemes.

Weaknesses

• Strength vs. Mass: At 250 lbs, he can be moved by elite Power-5 tackles in the run game. He needs to improve his Run Block Shred against double-teams.

• Injury History: While he looked healthy in 2025, his ACL history and missed time in high school will be a focal point of NFL medical checks.

• Hand Discipline: Can occasionally rely too much on his raw speed, losing leverage when he doesn't land his initial punch accurately.

Scheme Fit: Ideal 3-4 Outside Linebacker or a Wide-9 Speed Rusher in a 4-3.

NFL Comparison: Arden Key / Leonard Floyd

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 19/20 | Physical Tools: 17/20 | Attributes: 18/20 | Athleticism: 19/20 | IQ: 17/20

Final Grade: 90/100

Boubacar Traore is a high-ceiling, "bet on the traits" prospect. His 2025 film reveals a player who is just beginning to understand how to use his elite length and speed in tandem. While he needs to add NFL-level bulk to become a true every-down Run Stopper, his value as a "closer" on 3rd down is already top-tier. His brother’s NFL background (Badara Traore) suggests he has the professional pedigree teams love. If he tests well at the Combine, his "Star" potential could push him into the top half of the draft.

Draft Projection: 2nd - 3rd Round (Positional value could push him to Late 1st)