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Dareus can also play nose tackle, though this somewhat negates his ability to penetrate and make plays on the move
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http://www.buffalorumblings.com/2011...2011-nfl-draft
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The Houston Texans need a nose tackle; what else is new? You could make the case that they have needed a true nose tackle since their inception, which is rather sad because they ran a 3-4 defense for the first four seasons. Now they’re at it again with newly hired defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, and nose tackle is a priority, but this time there is a decent chance it might be a real priority.
Much has been made of what type of nose tackle will fill the bill. There is the obvious, short and squatty space-eater of a nose tackle. The Steelers’ Casey Hampton is the best example of this type. The purpose of this type is to take on double teams and is better against the run than rushing the passer. Wade Phillips has certainly used this type of player in Buffalo and Denver
Then there is the other option that Wade Phillips has most recently worked with--the smaller, penetrating nose tackle. This nose tackle is more like a three technique defensive tackle in the 4-3 system. He’s supposed to split double teams and get into the back field. While this puts more run stopping responsibility on linebackers, this type of nose tackle creates matchup nightmares for offensive lines. As readers of this blog know, a good example of this type of tackle is the Cowboys’ Jay Ratliff.
The fact that Wade Phillips can make either type of tackle work is one thing I really like about him as a defensive coordinator. That attribute shows the ingenuity and imagination that the Texans have never had from defensive leadership. Which type of NT will be better for Wade this time around? There could be a player that fulfills both types in this year’s draft. I make my case for Marcell Dareus after the jump.
Dareus possesses a rare blend of size, strength and speed that could make him ideal for the Texans’ nose tackle vacancy. According to Mike Mayock, Dareus had ankle issues all last season, yet he never complained or took time off. I think Wade Phillips could make Dareus a star, but it may be a moot point as Dareus may not make it to eleven. There are other options for the unique type of nose that Wade might choose, like Stephen Paea or Marvin Austin, and there are the typical noses like Phil Taylor or Kenrick Ellis. I think Dareus is far above all of them.
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http://www.battleredblog.com/2011/2/...ct-nose-tackle
Heck Walter Football has him ranked ahead of Phil Taylor and listed as the best NT in the entire draft.
http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2011NT.php
He can play anywhere in the 3-4. I'm not saying that he would be better in a 4-3, I'm just saying he has the size, strength, and ability to play NT at high level too.