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NFL Draft Early Entries: Defensive Tackles
2016 NFL Draft Early Entries: It's a strong group of interior pass rushing tackles and good-sized run stoppers.
January 18, 2016
2016 NFL Draft Early Entries: It’s a strong group of interior pass rushing tackles and good-sized run stoppers.
2016 Early Entries: Defensive Tackles
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Andrew Billings, Baylor, 6-1, 310
Right Move? A block of granite on the inside, he’s a big, nasty run stopper who’s great at holding his own against the run while also showing great quickness off the ball to get into the backfield from time to time. The raw tools are there to be a franchise lineman to build around – he was ready for the NFL last year.
Projection: First Round
Kenny Clark, UCLA, 6-2, 310
Right Move? He’ll be one of the must-haves from around the 25th pick on. He jumps out every time the UCLA highlight tape goes on with a great burst to go along with the bulk. Always working and always active, he attacks the run in the interior and closes well when he gets behind the line. While he might not quite look the part and he might not have the perfect NFL tools, you want him on your pro line.
Projection: Second Round
Maliek Collins, Nebraska, 6-2, 300
Right Move? While he might not be bulky enough to be a true NFL tackle who’ll swallow up the run, he’s too quick, too active, and too good to not find a role in some way. Unblockable when he gets into a groove, he doesn’t stay blocked for long and holds up better than his Combine numbers will probably suggest. He was ready to go – his issues with a lack of prototype size weren’t going to change with another year.
Projection: Third Round
Willie Henry, Michigan, 6-3, 311
Right Move? While the bulk and the upside are both there, he could’ve been a brand name if he stayed around for one more year. A solid starter for the last few years, he active for his size with the right look and frame to sit on the inside of an NFL line. Watch out – he might be a fast-riser up the charts once he starts working out and showing off what he can do. Expect many experts to say something about having to go back and take a second look.
Projection: Third Round
Quinton Jefferson, Maryland, 6-3, 300
Right Move? A tweener with good pass rushing quickness in the interior, he came up with 39 tackles and 6.5 sacks with 12.5 tackles for loss. However, he might not really have a position. He might end up as a 3-4 end more than a 4-3 tackle, but no matter what he does he’ll have to get a little bulkier and a little stronger against the run. He’ll struggle to get drafted in the first five rounds.
Projection: Fifth Round
Austin Johnson, Penn State, 6-3, 325
Right Move? Massive, he has the frame to hold up against the run and be considered an anchor who can fit just about any style, Best of all, he’s ultra-active with 78 tackles with 6.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss to go along with a 71-yard fumble return for a touchdown. The scouts are going to like him more and more throughout the process.
Projection: Second Round
Chris Jones, Mississippi State, 6-6, 308
Right Move? Everyone was waiting from the start for Jones to blossom and blow up into an unstoppable and dominant force, and while that didn’t happen, he had a strong season making 44 tackles with 2.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss. He’s going to dominate the workout process and will make everyone drool at his combination of size, athleticism and skills with a world of upside. Here’s the pitch: “Once he figures it out … “
Projection: Third Round
Darius Latham, Indiana, 6-5, 305
Right Move? More of a quality, first-call free agent prospect than a draftable flier, he’s missing the massive bulk and he’s not quite the thumper on the inside to be a rock against the run. It would’ve been nice if he stayed around for one more season, but after getting suspended for a stretch and after coming up with a decent season, he’s going to give it a shot.
Projection: Seventh Round
Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss, 6-4, 296
Right Move? He was it from Day One. The nation’s top recruit, he was never expected to be an explosive playmaker as much as a great all-around leader of a rising defense, he did just that. While he’s not massive, he’s athletic, a fighter, and prepared to be a key part of any defensive front, if not the main man. An ideal 3-4 end, the skills are all there and the talent is undeniable, but after an incident involving marijuana and a fall from a hotel, now his maturity is a question mark.
Projection: First Round
Hassan Ridgeway, Texas, 6-3, 314
Right Move? Still a work in progress, he ran hot and cold throughout last year when he was needed to be the anchor and the veteran leader everything worked around. He had his moments, and he showed he could slide into the backfield time and again, but he wasn’t the force he should’ve been. With his frame and upside, he’ll be an interesting mid-to-late round prospect.
Projection: Fifth Round
A’Shawn Robinson, Alabama, 6-3, 312
Projection: First Round, Top Ten
Vincent Valentine, Nebraska, 6-3, 320
Right Move? He might not be drafted, but he already graduated. He could’ve been the anchor of the Nebraska line, and now he’ll struggle to be drafted. He’s really, really strong and he can move well enough to get behind the line, but he’s going to have to be in the shape of his life and he’ll have to show something special in workouts.
Projection: Sixth Round
