Gootnick’s performance was dominant across the board, showcasing a blend of athleticism, technique, and competitive fire that stood out among his peers. Gootnick plays exceptionally low, maintaining leverage throughout his rushes. His flexibility and bend around the edge were impressive, allowing him to dip under tackles and turn the corner effectively. This low center of gravity makes him tough to redirect or knock off balance. As a pure speed rusher, he’s at his best on the edge, exploding off the line with a lightning-quick first step that consistently beat offensive linemen to the spot. His burst was evident in both 1-on-1 drills and combine testing, where he separated himself as one of the top performers. Despite his frame, Gootnick demonstrated functional strength to hold up against bigger blockers. He wasn’t overwhelmed in bull-rush scenarios and showed the ability to stack and shed, using his hands actively to disengage.

Gootnick’s field vision is a standout trait—he reads plays well, anticipates blocking schemes, and adjusts on the fly. This awareness contributed to him winning the majority of his reps in competitive drills. He displayed a solid mix of moves, including speed-to-power conversions, inside counters, and arm-over techniques. This versatility kept blockers guessing and led to consistent pressure. Gootnick was a standout in the combine portion, excelling in agility drills, and carried that momentum into competition, where he dominated reps. His Top 5 Performer nod underscores his elite showing in a talent-rich environment.