Defensive Tackle

1) Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska)–10
I can say to just look at the Big 12 Championship Game and end this profile right now, but I won’t do that. Lets just say this guy Suh is really good. He led his team in tackles for two seasons… A defensive tackle leading his team in tackles. Just think about how impressive that is to accomplish. Also, he racked up 12.5 sacks with 4.5 coming in the Big 12 Championship Game. He has natural, brute strength mixed with great quickness and feet. Most importantly, he has a motor that doesn’t stop. You just don’t see that too often from an interior defensive lineman. He projects well in a 3-4 and a 4-3 scheme with his 6’4” 300 pound frame. He sheds blocks effortlessly whether it’s a single or double team. He has great awareness and is extremely polished at this point. Scouts have compared this man to Reggie White and Joe Greene. I don’t know about creating a bust for a guy who hasn’t played a down in the pros but from what I’ve seen of him, he is ready to dominate in the pros barring injury.

2) Gerald McCoy (Oklahoma)– 9.6
If it wasn’t for that Suh fellow, McCoy would probably be the highest rated DT prospect. Between the incredible depth at defensive line and defensive back in this draft, teams could turn their entire defense around in two days. He is as large as Suh and also projects well in either a 4-3 or a 3-4. His best work however comes in the three technique. He has a great physique for a 300 pound man. He had an outstanding junior year which made it an easy decision for him to come out early. He is very quick, agile, and disruptive behind the line of scrimmage. He has a great motor to add to his physical talent. He will be a top 5 pick.

3) Terrence Cody (Alabama)–9.3
Cody has had a long road to travel to get to this point. Former JUCO player with bad weight problems and questionable work ethic. Its clear that Nick Saban has gotten the most out of him at this point to get him prepared for the NFL. Since more teams are switching to the 3-4, nose tackles are t a premium. Terrence Cody is the best nose prospect in this draft and will definitely make himself some money. He is a DOMINANT run stuffer and can easily take on multiple blockers. He made some season saving plays for Bama this past season including a couple of blocked field goals. There’s a bit of a problem however that he is already only a two down player and he isn’t even a pro football player yet. I would like my first round defensive player to play 3 downs. He doesn’t have much of a pass rush repertoire which only limits his abilities on the field. It will be interesting following his progression from now until April. I’m rooting for the guy.

4) Brian Price (UCLA)–9.0
He is a quality prospect for 4-3 teams only. He is 6’2 300 pounds with short arms who has made his mark in college as a 3 technique. He is strong, disruptive, and plays with a high motor. He can fire off the line of scrimmage quickly and has great awareness. Doesn’t have amazing speed but has small area quickness. He should be an intriguing prospect overall for teams running a 4-3 Defense.

5) Dan Williams (Tenn)-8.9
Dan Williams has great size to project as a nose tackle in the 3-4 scheme being that he’s 6’3” 327 pounds. He was able to play for a well respected D-Coordinator in Monte Kiffin and has put up very good statistics in the process (61 tackles, 8.5 TFL). He also lead the Vols D with nine QB hurries so theres no doubt he has held his own as a great player on the same Vols defense that had Eric Berry. He will help himself plenty with a solid combine and pro workout not to mention the need for nose tackles for teams running a 3-4. Look for at least five DTs to go in the first round.