NTs in a 4-3 defense.
 

I am not versed in the infinite nuances of the 4-3 vs. 3-4, grasping the general concepts of each but ignorant to the many specifics that differentiate them.

I know only the 3-4 sports the classic nose tackle position, but a couple of the NTs coming into this draft are beasts. DeMarcus Tyler is a monster, benching the 225 42 times.

42. That is insane strength, and if he were to fall to us in the right spot at the right time, I'm wondering if drafting a natural NT to a 4-3 defense is a stupid idea.

Marcus Thomas

We already have NTs. We need one-gappers with some speed.

Guys with ability are guys with ability, regardless of their natural position.

Guys that are big enough and strong enough to play NT in the 3-4 can often be effective as a 1-gap DT in the 4-3 because they can force double-teams and free up other players.

It's much harder for small, fast 3-technique 4-3 DT's to play in the 3-4.

I'm also a bit ignorant to this, I'll say that up front.

I believe Okoye would be what you would label as a classic off-tackle in the 4-3, the 1-gap guy I guess you could say.

DeMarcus Tyler or Marcus Thomas would be the more classic NT, who certainly can and do play in 4-3 schemes, but whom are absolutely essential in a 3-4.

What we need for our defense is a Tommie Harris, a Kevin Williams... that'd really give us a top-tier unit.

You're pretty close...

Okoye would probably be better in a 1-gap (lining up BETWEEN the linemen) rather than 2-gap (lining up directly opposite a lineman).

The real difference, though, in your tackles in a 4-3 is 3-technique or undertackle vs. overtackle (the traditional NT). Okoye is your prototypical 3T, meaning he would line-up between the tackle and guard. The NT in a 4-3, 1-gap defense generally lines up in the gap between the C and G.

Yeah, that's what I meant to say. :)