Defensive Tackles
This DT class is very heavy when you get into the middle rounds. There most likely will be 2 or 3 first round picks and one major pick. I believe that while the mid rounders aren't the greatest, there are some potential raw prospects in there, especially massive run stopping NT's if your team plays a 3-4. All in all though, this years class is a litle bit down. I have heights and weights, 40 times, reps of 225, and vertical leaps posted below.
1. BJ Raji - Boston College
6'1 337 40-yd dash: 5.13, reps of 225: 33
projected: top 15 pick
overall: Raji is, simply put, a beast. By far the best Defensive Tackle in this draft, Raji has a 337-pound frame and frankly could not be stopped last year at Boston College. He's a furious run stopper and provides an adequate pass rush up the middle. Really he has no weaknesses, I guess if you'd have to pick one it'd be he was suspended for all of the 2007 season for academic issues, but whatever. He's one of the safest picks in this draft.
2. Peria Jerry - Ole Miss
6'2 290, 40-yd dash: 4.98, reps of 225: 28, vertical leap: 31 in
projected: 1st round
overall: Jerry is your typical DT for a 4-3 defense. He's undersized and quicker. Jerry provides an adequate pass rush and plays low to the ground. He is a vocal leader for his defense in college. However, he likely is always going to be undersized at the next level and may struggle against bigger lineman.
3. Evander Hood - Missouri
6'3 300, 40-yd dash: 4.91, reps of 225: 35, vertical leap: 34.5 in
projected: late 1st/early 2nd round
overall: Hood is a versatile D-lineman who could play DT in a 4-3 defense, but also has the speed and size to play DE in a 3-4. That makes him a pretty valuable cumodity in this class. Downside is he likely will take a couple years to settle in be very effective. All in all, i feel Hood is a solid selection of where he'll be selected.
4. Ron Brace - Boston College
6'3 330, 40-yd dash: 5.47, reps of 225: 32
projected: 2nd round
overall: Brace is another massive NT prospect from Boston College. In limited action, he showed he can absolute run stopping beast. He should be a hot prospect in round 2 from several teams (Packers, 49ers, Bengals, etc) who need a massive run stopping DT. I think Brace is a very solid prospect who's only downfall is he won't provide much pass rush on the QB.
5. Jarron Gilbert - San Jose st
6'5 288, 40-yd dash: 4.8, reps of 225: 28, vertical leap: 37 in
projected: 2nd round
overall: Gilbert is maybe the most interesting prospect out of these top 5. Why? Because he could be a complete stud or a bum. His athleticism is sick for an almost 300-pounder, which makes him a possibility for any defense. But he's still a raw prospect who likely will need time to get acclumated to the NFL. I personally think Gilbert is going to be rock solid, but wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if he busted.
6. Fili Moala - USC
6'4 305, 40-yd dash: 5.09, reps of 225: 25
projected: 2nd-3rd round
notes: Can play 4-3 DT or 3-4 DE, but more than likely will play 3-4 DE because he's solid against the run...a bit overrated, didn't really put up great numbers at USC at DT
7. Sen'Derrick Marks - Auburn
6'2 306, 40-yd dash: 5.01, reps of 225: 16
projected: 2nd-3rd round
overall: Marks is a run stopping DT who moved over from DE at Auburn last year. He' was pretty rock solid in the middle and has perfect size for a 4-3 DT. His limited pass rush ability and the fact he only put up 225lbs 16 times will hurt a bit.
8. Chris Baker - Hampton
6'2 326, 40-yd dash: 5.02, reps of 225: 24, vertical leap: 35.5 in
projected: 2nd-3rd round
notes: Amazing 5.02 40 and 35.5 vertical leap for a 325-plus pounder...possible sleeper who played NT in a 3-4 at Hampton
9. Alex Magee - Purdue
6'3 298, 40-yd dash: 4.82, reps of 225: 30, vertical leap: 29.5 in
projected: 3rd round
notes: Showcased excellent speed and strength at his workouts lately...perfect for a 3-4 DE and should be a good role player/solid starter
10. Sammie Lee Hill - Stillman
6'4 329, 40-yd dash: 5.11, reps of 225: 27
projected: 3rd round
notes: Another small school massive NT prospect who could be a sleeper...runs well but is very raw
11. Dorell Scott - Clemson
6'3 314, 40-yd dash: 4.92, reps of 225: 29
projected: 3rd round
notes: Could play DE or DT at next level...good pass rush ability and work ethic...should be very solid
12. Vance Walker - Georgia Tech
6'2 304, 40-yd dash: 5.33, reps of 225: 29
projected: 4th round
notes: Struggled getting to the QB last year...can play both DE and DT...will have to improve his speed...he is a project
13. Terrance Taylor - Michigan
6'0 306, 40-yd dash: 5.08, reps of 225: 37
projected: 4th-5th round
notes: Struggled like everyone did last season at Michigan...quality run stopper who will add depth
14. Ricky Jean-Francois - LSU
6'3 295, 40-yd dash: 5.19, reps of 225: 25, vertical leap: 27.5 in
projected: 4th-5th round
notes: Good run stopper who will play DT in a 4-3...had a down year last year but declared anyways...really have no clue why he's rated this high, he will be a project
15. Corey Irvin - Georgia
6'3 302, 40-yd dash: 4.99, reps of 225: 24, vertical leap: 25 in
projected: 4th-5th round
notes: Shows good quickness for a 300 pounder...really came on the 2nd half of last season that will get him drafted...very raw
16. Will Johnson - Michigan
6'5 290, 40-yd dash: 5.07, reps of 225: 47, vertical leap: 27.5 in
projected: 4th-5th round
notes: Put up bad numbers last year....His amazing 47 reps have kept his stock in the mid rounds..really is anywhere between a key depth player and not getting on the field
17. Clinton McDonald - Memphis
6'2 283, 40-yd dash: 4.83, reps of 225: 36, vertical leap: 38 in
projected: 4th-5th round
notes: Great pass rusher that showed great athleticism in the middle for Memphis last year...will need to put on some more weight to be more effective
18. Terrance Knighton - Temple
6'3 317, 40-yd dash: 4.93, reps of 225: 21, vertical leap: 29 in
projected: 5th round
notes: Showed surprisingly good speed during workouts...versatile DT..will provide good depth
19. Roy Miller - Texas
6'2 312, 40-yd dash: 4.93, reps of 225: 36
projected: 5th round
notes: Solid big man that anchored the middle of the Texas D last year...should be a solid depth guy
20. Darryl Richard - Georgia Tech
6'2 303, 40-yd dash: 4.95 (projected), reps of 225: 19, vertical leap: 26 in
projected: 5th round
notes: Typical 4-3 DT...won't outmuscle anybody but makes up for what he lacks in football IQ...will need to be a standout on special teams
21. Myron Pryor - Kentucky
6'0 319, 40-yd dash: 5.01, reps of 225: 24, vertical leap: 30 in
projected: 6th round
notes: DT with a low center of gravity that could play 3-4 or 4-3...was banged up last year...beware 3-4 teams: will need to put on some weight and would be a major project
22. Nader Abdullah - Ohio st
6'5 310, 40-yd dash: 4.95 (projected)
projected: 6th round
notes:
middle of the road DT prospect...not much potential, just a depth guy...was very inconsistant in college23. Vaughn Martin - Western Ontario
6'3 331, 40-yd dash: 5.0, reps of 225: 33, vertical leap: 31 in
projected: 6th-7th round
notes: Hey look ma, one of those gosh darn players from them schools in Canadia...very raw NT prospect who dominated but will need to show he can do it against much better competition
24. Jake Visser - Ferris st
6'2 283, 40-yd dash: 4.9 (projected)
projected: 6th-7th round
notes: Quicker undersized DT who will fight to be drafted
25. George Hypolite - Colorado
6'1 299, 40-yd dash: 5.04, reps of 225: 32, vertical leap: 32 in
projected: 6th-7th round
notes: All Big 12 selection last year...best part is his game is stopping the run...with some time, could really end up being a sleeper in the late rounds
26. Demonte Bolden - Tennessee
6'3 282, 40-yd dash: 4.95, reps of 225: 26, vertical leap: 33 in
projected: 6th-7th round
notes: quick undersized DT coming out of America's toughest college conference...solid run stopper and no more than a depth player
Others:
John Gill - N'western 6'3 302, 40-yd dash: 4.9, reps of 225: 29, vertical leap: 31 in (projected: 7th)
Ra'Shon Harris - Oregon 6'4 298, 40-yd dash: 4.88, reps of 225: 28 (projected: 7th)
Brandon Nicolas - Colorado 6'3 285, 40-yd dash: 4.9 (projected) (projected: 7th-FA)
Marlon Favorite - LSU 6'1 314, 40-yd dash: 5.09, reps of 225: 26, vertical leap: 18.5 in (projected: 7th-FA)
Antonio Dixon - Miami 6'3 328, 40-yd dash: 5.3 (projected) (projected: 7th-FA)
Pat Kuntz - Notre Dame 6'2 285, 40-yd dash: 4.95 (projected) (projected: 7th-FA)
Terrill Byrd - Cinncinati 6'1 280, 40-yd dash: 4.9 (projected) (projected: 7th-FA)
Jason Chapman - Wisconsin 6'4 285, 40-yd dash: 5.0 (projected) (projected: 7th-FA)
Other positions:
