bevischief
03-29-2012, 12:57 PM
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AhBVFve4iTl3YVy2s8bDZLdDubYF?slug=nfp-20120328_nfl_draft_ranking_the_dt_class_by_tiers
NFL draft: Ranking the DT class by tiers
Wes Bunting, The National Football Post Mar 28, 11:01 am EDT
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LSU DT Michael Brockers takes down Kentucky QB Morgan Newton.
(AP Photo)
Breaking down the tiers of defensive tackle prospects …
Tier 1
Michael Brockers: Louisiana State (6-foot-6, 306 pounds)
He might be a little raw and could have used some more work at the college level. However, he’s an NFL talent with "plus" upside but can also come in and play vs. the run at a high level right away. Should get looks at both the three and five-technique spots and in my mind has the ability to become one of the better defensive lineman in the NFL down the line.
Tier 2
Devon Still: Penn State (6-5, 310)
Put it all together as a senior. If you can keep him motivated, Still has the talent to mature into a very good starting caliber lineman at a number of positions in the NFL.
Alameda Ta’amu: Washington (6-3, 337)
This is the kind of guy who has the ability to anchor the middle of an NFL defense in either a 3-4 or 4-3 front. Needs to do a better job finding the football, but overall he looks like a starter who you eventually will be able to win with in the NFL.
Brandon Thompson: Clemson (6-2, 310)
A guy who should be able to come in and be a lineman who can win inside vs. the run game. Looks a bit limited as a pass rusher, but will be able to push the pocket and threaten gaps off the ball. A starting caliber 43 nose inside.
[ Jason Cole: Andrew Luck safer pick than Robert Griffin III ]
Tier 3
Fletcher Cox: Mississippi State (6-4, 295)
I think his best spot might be as a 34 five technique who is able to penetrate and make plays off the ball. He’s raw and needs to learn to play with his pad level lower. However, as a potential five technique he’s a guy who has the skill set to earn a starting role.
NFL Draft: Ranking the DT Class by Tiers
Dontari Poe: Memphis (6-5, 350)
Has a rare physical skill set due to his combination of flexibility, power and get off burst. However, he’s still learning the nuances of the position. If he’s willing to put in the time, Poe can mature into one of the leagues better interior presences. Nevertheless, because he’s raw his floor isn’t overly high either.
Tier 4
Jerel Worthy: Michigan State (6-3, 310)
A talented kid with a thick frame, plus get off burst and snap awareness to his game. However, doesn’t shed blocks well when engaged and lacks ideal anchor ability inside. Looks like a one-gap type lineman only who could give solid reps at both nose and three-technique in a 43 front. But is going to need some time before he’s ready to start.
Tier 5
Josh Chapman: Alabama (6-1, 310)
Has the making of a starting caliber nose at the next level in either a 3-4 and 4-3 front. Can consistently anchor on contact, is long armed and tough to move off the football. Also, is a better pass rusher than given credit for. Will likely fall because of medical concerns, but could be a real bargain because of it.
DaJohn Harris: Southern California (6-4, 310)
Improved his pad level, balance and hand usage as a senior and looks like one of the better senior DT prospects. Looks like an intriguing rotational guy with some long term upside to start.
Kendall Reyes: Connecticut (6-4, 295)
Displays some natural talent and did a better job at Senior Bowl playing with a lower pad level. If he can continue to play lower should be able to fight for a starting role in both a 34 or 43 scheme as a three or five technique.
[ Related: Ranking defensive ends by tiers ]
Mike Martin: Michigan (6-2, 304)
The kind of prospect you don’t want to bet against. Is limited and doesn’t have the kind of frame to get all that bigger, but I can see him working his way into a rotation as a 43 nose in the NFL and being the kind of guy coaches love.
NFL draft: Ranking the DT class by tiers
Wes Bunting, The National Football Post Mar 28, 11:01 am EDT
tweet
LSU DT Michael Brockers takes down Kentucky QB Morgan Newton.
(AP Photo)
Breaking down the tiers of defensive tackle prospects …
Tier 1
Michael Brockers: Louisiana State (6-foot-6, 306 pounds)
He might be a little raw and could have used some more work at the college level. However, he’s an NFL talent with "plus" upside but can also come in and play vs. the run at a high level right away. Should get looks at both the three and five-technique spots and in my mind has the ability to become one of the better defensive lineman in the NFL down the line.
Tier 2
Devon Still: Penn State (6-5, 310)
Put it all together as a senior. If you can keep him motivated, Still has the talent to mature into a very good starting caliber lineman at a number of positions in the NFL.
Alameda Ta’amu: Washington (6-3, 337)
This is the kind of guy who has the ability to anchor the middle of an NFL defense in either a 3-4 or 4-3 front. Needs to do a better job finding the football, but overall he looks like a starter who you eventually will be able to win with in the NFL.
Brandon Thompson: Clemson (6-2, 310)
A guy who should be able to come in and be a lineman who can win inside vs. the run game. Looks a bit limited as a pass rusher, but will be able to push the pocket and threaten gaps off the ball. A starting caliber 43 nose inside.
[ Jason Cole: Andrew Luck safer pick than Robert Griffin III ]
Tier 3
Fletcher Cox: Mississippi State (6-4, 295)
I think his best spot might be as a 34 five technique who is able to penetrate and make plays off the ball. He’s raw and needs to learn to play with his pad level lower. However, as a potential five technique he’s a guy who has the skill set to earn a starting role.
NFL Draft: Ranking the DT Class by Tiers
Dontari Poe: Memphis (6-5, 350)
Has a rare physical skill set due to his combination of flexibility, power and get off burst. However, he’s still learning the nuances of the position. If he’s willing to put in the time, Poe can mature into one of the leagues better interior presences. Nevertheless, because he’s raw his floor isn’t overly high either.
Tier 4
Jerel Worthy: Michigan State (6-3, 310)
A talented kid with a thick frame, plus get off burst and snap awareness to his game. However, doesn’t shed blocks well when engaged and lacks ideal anchor ability inside. Looks like a one-gap type lineman only who could give solid reps at both nose and three-technique in a 43 front. But is going to need some time before he’s ready to start.
Tier 5
Josh Chapman: Alabama (6-1, 310)
Has the making of a starting caliber nose at the next level in either a 3-4 and 4-3 front. Can consistently anchor on contact, is long armed and tough to move off the football. Also, is a better pass rusher than given credit for. Will likely fall because of medical concerns, but could be a real bargain because of it.
DaJohn Harris: Southern California (6-4, 310)
Improved his pad level, balance and hand usage as a senior and looks like one of the better senior DT prospects. Looks like an intriguing rotational guy with some long term upside to start.
Kendall Reyes: Connecticut (6-4, 295)
Displays some natural talent and did a better job at Senior Bowl playing with a lower pad level. If he can continue to play lower should be able to fight for a starting role in both a 34 or 43 scheme as a three or five technique.
[ Related: Ranking defensive ends by tiers ]
Mike Martin: Michigan (6-2, 304)
The kind of prospect you don’t want to bet against. Is limited and doesn’t have the kind of frame to get all that bigger, but I can see him working his way into a rotation as a 43 nose in the NFL and being the kind of guy coaches love.