2015 NFL Draft: Defensive Tackle

This is a pretty solid group big fat fatties on the defensive side. I just grouped all these prospect together despite the fact there are 3-4 DE’s, 4-3 DT’s and nose guards, although many of these guys have position flexibility. This is a good class, don’t be surprised to see 5 of these guys get their names called on day 1.

Leonard Williams*-DE-USC-6’5”-302-Top 5-98

Not a slasser, good athlete with edge burst and football sense but not a number 1 overall pick. He tended to wait around the line of scrimmage then attack once the QB moved, probably had to do with all the attention he commanded. Solid athlete with elite strength and length. His size and 34.5” arms make him a great fit for 3-4 DE, but he could definitely find a home as a 4-3 DT as well. Averaged 6 sacks the last two seasons which would be good for a 5 technique in the NFL, and by all accounts he had a large amount of QB pressures. However, I graded him lower than most because by himself he is not a true difference maker rushing the passer like J.J. Watt is or Jadaveon Clowney appeared to be. I think he looks like Muhammed Wilkerson more than Richard Seymour.

Danny Shelton*-DT-Washington-6’2”-339-1st-95

What a monster this guy is. He’s facing a double team basically every down and he’s still making plays. As a nose tackle in 2014 he racked up 9 sacks to go along with 87 tackles, 16.5 of which went for a loss. That being said, he can get pushed back by a double team so he is human. Everyone wants to compare him to Wilfork which is reasonable, but I don’t see the same athleticism although Shelton does show a burst. He’s one of the top NT prospects in a while. He’s more of a pure nose than Star Lotulelei though he displays the same strength at the point of attack. Reminds me a bit of Corey Liuget. Fits best in a 3-4 but could play 4-3 as well.

Eddie Goldman*-DT-Florida State-6’4”-336-1st-93

Former 5 star recruit declaring after a solid true Junior season of 4 sacks and 8 tackles for a loss. He’s a real strong player with leg drive like you read about. Can extend his 33” arms. I think he’s scheme diverse because he can stand his ground, shed blocks, and even shows some minor pursuit ability. Would like to see him play with better leverage. I think his playing style mirrors Darnell Dockett.

Malcolm Brown*-DT-Texas-6’2”-319-1st-2nd-88

This kid’s a bit of a sleeper. He doesn’t jump off the screen because he’s not a slasher. But when he sees an opportunity he can ragdoll offensive lineman and shows a burst getting to the ball. I don’t think he’s an exceptional prospect but he’s a good strong player that can play either DT spot in a 4-3. I would say he plays like a non dominant Justin Smith.

Carl Davis-DT-Iowa-6’5”-320-1st-2nd-87

Terrific measurables, 5.07 second 40 along with his size including 34.5” arms and hands like an Elvis Record. This guys stout, he can slash, and he plays with aggression. Word is he was dominant at the Senior Bowl, and judging from his tape he has All-Pro potential. Only problem is apparently he was a nightmare in the meeting room at the Senior Bowl allegedly being arrogant and refusing to play more than 30 plays a game, which might be accurate because he has a reputation for getting tired. Sounds like an asshole but he has legit skills. Reminds me of a chubbier version of Richard Seymour, though not saying he’ll be that good. First rounder without character concerns.

Michael Bennett-DT-Ohio State-6’2”-293-2nd Day-85

Really nice quickness. He’s an undersized guy but he’s explosive off the line and closes fast to the ball carrier. I saw some good swim moves and hand fighting, even a spin move on the inside. He’s not real big and could definitely be run at. Didn’t run at the combine but clocked in around 5.0 in the 40 at his pro day, unfortunately no 10 yard split numbers. Long enough arms at 33.5”. I think he’s a penetrator in passing situations like Dominique Easley was drafted for, but I don’t know if this guy could be impactful if the opposition pays special attention to him.

Jordan Philips*-DT-Oklahoma-6’5”-329-1st-2nd-82

Played the nose in the Sooners 3 man front. Measurables all check out for him to play inside in a 4 man front too. Doesn’t seem overly stout at the point of attack and can also get turned easily by the center on stretch runs. Reminds me of the body type of Phil Taylor from a few years back, but Taylor was more strength to Philips burst. I think he’s a starting nose tackle, but don’t expect Casey Hampton or Jamal Williams.

Arik Armstead*-DT-Oregon-6’7”-292-1st-2nd-80

He’s a tough guy to put a finger on. I have memories of him being pretty dominant for the Ducks this past fall, but on film I don’t see much of it. Played DE on both a 3 and 4 man line. His measurables fit best as a 3-4 DE especially because he lacks the speed (5.1 40) for the outside speed rush. Despite his height his arms are a little short at 33 inches. Seems to make impact with good power, but gets stood up and neutralized. I suppose he could be a strong side 4-3 DE that moves to interior pass rusher. I just don’t see a lot of playmaking ability. He’ll get drafted high entirely based on projection. People compare him to Calais Campbell purely on height. Maybe he’ll turn out to be a destitute man’s Calais Campbell.