Brandon Cleveland

NFL Draft Profile: Brandon Cleveland

Position: Defensive Tackle (Nose) | School: NC State | Class: Senior

Height: 6'4" | Weight: 315 lbs | Archetype: Run Stopper

College Career Summary

Brandon Cleveland, a native of Tampa, Florida, was a highly touted four-star recruit who arrived at NC State with a massive frame—once weighing nearly 400 lbs in his early high school years before a total physical transformation. Over four seasons in Raleigh, Cleveland became the definitive "anchor" of the Wolfpack’s 3-3-5 and 3-4 defensive fronts. While his box score stats remained modest, his impact was measured in "knock-back" and gap integrity. By his senior year in 2025, he had established himself as a dominant 0-technique who routinely demanded double-teams from elite ACC centers and guards. He concluded his career with a standout performance in the 2025 Memphis Bowl, helping the Wolfpack clinch a trophy to cap off a resilient season.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 48

• Total Tackles: 112 (36 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 18.0 (7.0 in 2025)

• Sacks: 6.0 (2.0 in 2025)

• PFF Run Defense Grade (2025): 74.3

• 2025 Production: 36 Tackles, 7.0 TFL, 2.0 Sacks, 3 QB Hurries

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
East Carolina	1 Tackle	B	Solid opener; held the middle against an aggressive run.
Virginia	1 Tkl, 0.5 TFL	B+	Disciplined gap work; shared a TFL on a key drive.
@ Wake Forest	0 Tackles	C+	Quiet day; struggled with Wake's "slow mesh" timing.
@ Duke	5 Tkl, 2.5 TFL, 1.0 Sk	A+	Season Best. Total backfield disruption; dominant power.
Virginia Tech	4 Tackles	B	Stout anchor; refused to yield ground to VT power runs.
Campbell	3 Tkl, 1.0 TFL	B+	Physically overmatched the FCS interior; high effort.
@ Notre Dame	4 Tkl, 1.0 TFL	A-	Mental Toughness. Stood tall against an elite OL unit.
@ Pittsburgh	6 Tackles	A-	Season high in tackles; played with a High Motor.
Georgia Tech	2 Tackles	B	Managed GT's mobile QB well by maintaining interior lanes.
@ Miami (FL)	4 Tackles	B-	Battled elite talent; pad level rose late in the game.
Florida State	3 Tackles	A-	Crucial goal-line stand; anchor was immovable.
North Carolina	2 Tkl, 1.5 TFL, 1.0 Sk	A	Rivalry Impact. Closed the regular season with energy.
vs. Memphis (Bowl)	1 Tkl, 0.5 TFL	B	Helped keep the bowl win to a 7-point defensive masterpiece.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Massive NFL Frame: Cleveland possesses prototypical "Nose" measurables at 6'4", 315 lbs. He wears the weight well and has the thickness to withstand 60+ snaps.

• Elite Anchor: He is a master of the "stand your ground" technique. He consistently uses his 7-foot+ wingspan to stack blockers and lock out his arms, preventing centers from reaching his chest.

• Gap Penetration: For a man his size, he has a surprising first step. When asked to "shoot the gap" (evidenced in the Duke game), he can create immediate havoc.

• Intangibles: A "do your job" veteran who is a favorite among the coaching staff. His transition from 400 lbs to a lean 315 lbs demonstrates elite Mental Toughness and discipline.

Weaknesses

• Pass Rush Polish: He lacks a deep "tool bag" for getting to the QB. He is primarily a bull-rusher who relies on speed-to-power; needs to develop a counter-move (rip/swim).

• Leverage Consistency: When fatigued, he tends to play "on his toes," which causes him to lose balance and fall to the turf more often than scouts like to see.

• Athletic Twitch: While he has straight-line acceleration, his lateral agility is average. He won't chase down many ball carriers from the backside.

Scheme Fit: Ideal 0/1-Technique in a 3-4 "Odd" front or a heavy 1-Tech in a 4-3 system.

NFL Comparison: D.J. Jones / DaQuan Jones

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 18/20 | Physical Tools: 18/20 | Attributes: 16/20 | Athleticism: 15/20 | IQ: 17/20

Final Grade: 84/100

Brandon Cleveland is the quintessential "dirty work" defender. He won't lead the league in sacks, but he will make his middle linebacker a Pro Bowler by eating double teams and clogging rushing lanes. His massive frame and experience in a complex NC State defense give him a high floor as a rotational NFL tackle. While he is a two-down player currently, his physical transformation and high character suggest he has the capacity to develop into a long-term starter.

Draft Projection: 4th - 5th Round