Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area reports that the San Francisco 49ers met with Virginia Tech DE Dadi Nicolas yesterday.
A scout tells me he believes Dadi Nicolas (Va. Tech) is best pure pass rusher in draft. The #49ers met with him last night, Nicolas said.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) February 26, 2016
Houston Texans analyst John Harris had the following to say about Nicolas during Senior Bowl week:
"Virginia Tech OLB Dadi Nicolas was completely overwhelmed facing some of the South offensive tackles on Tuesday but he's mis-cast as a 4-3 DE."
Dallas Cowboys analyst Bryan Broaddus had the following to say during that same week:
"I have to say that I had no idea who Virginia Tech defensive end Dadi Nicolas was before my trip to Mobile, but I need to find out more. Much of the attention this week has been on Eastern Kentucky Noah Spence, but Nicolas was able to grab a little of that spotlight away with some quality edge rushes. Nicolas was able to capture the corner several times and one of those times was against Baylor offensive tackle Spencer Drango -- who had been giving defensive ends some problems. Nicolas is listed at 6-3, 235 and likely a better fit for a 3-4 scheme playing as an outside linebacker and rusher."
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein had this to say in his analysis of Nicolas:
"Wiry edge player forced to play too often with a hand in the ground despite his clear lack of power to handle the the position. Nicolas combines hustle and exciting athletic traits that will have evaluators trying to find a place for him, but without better technique and overall strength, life as an edge player might be difficult. If a team is willing to be patient, it might be worth taking a look at Nicolas as a 3-4 inside linebacker."