STRENGTHS - Quessenberry is quick into his set off the snap and flashes the ability to cut off the edge against speed rushers. He does an excellent job of getting an inside fit on both run and pass plays, which allows him to sustain blocks and recover if knocked off balance by power moves. He is a physical run defender that displays a strong punch at the POA, and as a tackle at San Jose State he excelled at getting his feet around to seal the edge.
WEAKNESSES - Quessenberry does not play up to his athleticism because of poor technique and leverage, especially in pass pro. He often gets too high at the snap, which allows defenders to establish leverage and jolt him backward off the POA. This also limits his ability to change directions, as he is too easily beaten by quick counter-moves. He does not display a consistent shuffle to the edge, at times using more of a back pedal. This issue is exacerbated by his passive hands in pass pro, as he consistently gives up way too much ground on the edge. He also struggles to identify and adjust to blitzes and stunts, and must do a better job of working with his guard to locate and pick up the late man.
SUMMARY - David Quessenberry was an interesting prospect to evaluate, as he clear has the athletic skill set to start at the next level, but will need to significantly improve from a technical standpoint before making his mark on the NFL. His play at San Jose State reminds me of two current NFL linemen when they came out of college, and for very different reasons. His poor shuffle technique and leverage in pass pro is reminiscent of Jared Veldheer when he came out of Hillsdale, as Quessenberry employs a similarly flawed back pedal against edge rushers. The second prospect is Riley Reiff, as they both struggle in pass protection because of passive hands, but excel as run blockers because of a much more physical approach. Quessenberry would benefit from a position switch inside to guard as a rookie, but if he can improve his footwork and learn to be more aggressive with his hands in pass protection, he could start at guard or tackle at the next level.