2011 NFL Draft: Defensive Tackle

This is a real good draft for 3 techniques. There are a bunch of guys in the mix who could play the 3, could play 5-technique, or even the 0 (Nose). Fairley is the risky one in this group who could prove to be a better fit as a 5. I think there are 6 players in here that could be 1st rounders though I only think 4 should. Compared to last year I’d have Suh outright number 1, and probably McCoy ahead of Dareus also.

1.) Marcell Dareus—Alabama—6’3”-319—Top 5—99—Explosive. I expected to see a power rusher from someone who’s stout at 320, but he has great hands and just gets by people and moves like a much smaller man. He seems like a combination of Ndamkong Suh and Gerald McCoy from last year with their respective strength and slashing ability. Only 33” arms which hurts his prospects as a 3-4 DE. Could probably be a NT, but I think that would limit utilizing his athleticism because he would be asked to eat up blockers. Definitely one of the best defensive line athletes I’ve seen. Safest pick in the draft.

2.) Nick Fairley—Auburn—6’4”-297—Top 15—96—Disruptive is his middle name. Guy is always in the backfield, always. I watched every Auburn game this year and their defense was atrocious outside of Fairley. He got all the attention and still produced to be the best lineman in the country (Lombardi Award). Dude took over the BCS game. I love his quickness and slashing ability. I’d like him to be 3 bills, but I like his 35” arms. He’s a bit of a one year wonder, and wasn’t highly recruited outta high school. But something tells me he’s just a pure football player, and that translates to any level. http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/09000d5d81f63fcf/Fairley-s-field

3.) Corey Liuget—Illinois—6’2”-298—1st—95—This guy is Legit. I really like him. Has the best punch in the draft, gets great separation from blockers and wreaks havoc on opposing teams. Ideal 4-3 DT, but I could see him as a Nose, even though he doesn’t seem fat enough, Jay Ratliff aint that big either and he’s a probowl NT. In a 4-3 the guy is gonna stuff the run and push the pocket. He might slip into the 20’s, but I think he gives you value even in the top 15. I think he is the safest pick in the middle of the 1st round.

4.) Stephen Paea—Oregon St—6’1”-303—late 1 early 2—93—Got up 49 reps of 225. I was surprised at his quickness, shows a good first step and surprising agility. I really like the way he stands his ground against double teams. Doesn’t look very big, but plays strong and with great pursuit. Tremendous film against USC, I think he’s worth 1st rounder. I think he can be an impact player. Also could play nose a lot like Jay Ratliff, don’t be surprised if the Texans draft Paea to play Ratliff’s role in Wade Philips new defense there.

5.) Marvin Austin—UNC—6’2”-309—Late 1 early 2—87—Big strong and athletic. Mike Mayock’s been talking this guy up, but I don’t see him as first round caliber. 38 reps and athleticism and stoutness to match that makes him look like a first rounder, but lack of instincts and awareness to go along with his T-rex arms and being outta football for 2 years gives him a 2nd round grade in my book. I like his motor and think he can def be productive, but with the talent in this year’s class he just shouldn’t go before 35.

6.) Muhammed Wilkerson—Temple—6’4-315—1st—88—Maybe the most natural pick for a 5 tehnique cuz he played the 3-4 DE in college. His 35” arms help, though I’d like to see him get ballcarriers to the ground better. Certainly looks the part, and flashes some ability to get to the qb, especially on passing downs. Very good athleticism for a man his size, but does not play with the stoutness expected of a 315 pounder. More of an outside rusher than an interior one, relies on agility and slashing ability. I need to see more strength, especially against the run but also in the form of a bull rush. Played in a weaker conference, but did see a lot of double teams. I wouldn’t take him in the 1st unless you know how to use his athleticism and cover up his flaws. Not one of my favorites.

7.) Drake Nevis—LSU—6’1”-294—2nd day—86—Talented player with experience coming outta LSU. One of those guys that displays this drafts depth along the defensive line. Good burst and average strength. Definitely has the ability to be effective and possibly disruptive 3-technique guy. I like him for the lions if they’re looking for depth.

8.) Phil Taylor—Baylor—6’3”-334—Late 1 early 2—83—Noticed him doing 1 on 1’s at senior bowl practice, he was pretty dominant. Unfortunately for him he’s gonna get double teamed a lot, and on film half the time he holds his ground and the other half he gets blown out. Need to see consistency out of him, without it he’s not worth a top 40 pick. Penn St transfer, some off the field issues including showing up to training camp at 380 his junior year. I believe Mount Cody was a better player, they have the same weight concerns, and Cody didn’t go til the late 50’s, and he didn’t really produce so needless to say I’m not real high on Phil Taylor stock.