2016 NFL Draft: Defensive Tackle

Robert Nkemdiche-DT-Ole Miss-6’3”-294-1st Round-94

Robert the enigma. He was the #1 recruit coming out of high school in 2013, a 3 year starter for the Rebels landing on multiple All Conference and All American teams, yet did not put up the type of numbers you want to see from a first round pick. He carries 294 lbs extremely well with a very balanced build that he somehow can move to the tune of a 4.87 40 yard dash and 35” vertical leap. Elite athleticism for a defensive tackle with 28 rep strength to back it up but for some reason on the field he was not a true playmaker. By all accounts he has varied interests so not a football only type guy, which is not a deal breaker by any means, but might explain him falling out of a hotel window (4th floor!) and getting busted for pot before his bowl game. Talent alone he’s a top 7 pick but character and production concerns push him back. Still he has Gerald McCoy athleticism and belongs in round 1.

A’Shawn Robinson-DT-Alabama-6’4”-307-1st Round-93

I remember the name from all the Bama games I’ve watched the past 2 years, but I didn’t see much on film initially until I realized he was getting double teamed on nearly every play. Robinson has terrific size for either 3-4 DE or 4-3 DT and his 34.5” arms will only help at the next level. He has good strength at the point of attack and surprising closing speed and athleticism for a man his size. He will not be a Muhammed Wilkerson slashing and rushing the passer but will be a solid interior lineman right away with a 3 down future, similar to Alan Branch. His pad level is worrisome and will definitely be a point of emphasis for whichever team he winds up with. He just turned 21 and will already be a leader, probably because he looks like this:

DeForest Buckner-DT-Oregon-6’7”-291-Top 10-93

The other half of Oregon’s monstrous defensive end combo from 2014, Buckner should top Arik Armstead’s draft position of 17th overall. Buckner played 3-4 DE for the Ducks and that’s the position he’s ideally suited for at the next level though he has some flexibility. He obviously has great height but plays with inconsistent pad level that can be a leverage disadvantage. I would like to see better arm extension (34.5”) to gain separation from blockers. That being said he has very good movement ability for his size and a swim move that will be a pass rushing weapon at the next level. He comes out of school more accomplished than Armstead after leading the Pac 10 with 10.5 sacks and adding 17 tackles for a loss. His height makes him susceptible to crackdown blocks. I don’t generally like taller defensive tackles, but Buckner should be in a 3-4 and has the athleticism to play end or tackle in a 4 man front so his flexibility increases his draft stock. Add on pass rushing production and good feet and I think he belongs in the 2nd half of round one but he’ll definitely go earlier. Calais Campbell is a unique player and just because a d-line prospect is 6’7” does not mean he will be that type of player!

Sheldon Rankins-DT-Louisville-6’1”-299-90

His size says DT but in college he played 3-4 DE and with 33.5” arms he brings that versatility to the next level, though it wouldn’t be his best fit. Good feet for a big man with a 5.03 second showing in the 40 yard dash topped off with a 34.5 inch vertical leap. He absolutely dominated the Senior Bowl, likely pushing his draft stock from the second to the first round. At Louisville he put up serious numbers for an interior d-lineman. In 2014 he racked up 13.5 tackles for a loss and 8 sacks, then in 2015 with more attention on him he still 13 TFLs and 6 sacks. A squatty player who’s more athletic than stout, he can be a complement to a bigger nose tackle. My concerns about his run plugging ability push him to very late 1st for me, though he should be a good interior pass rusher quickly.

Chris Jones-DT-Mississippi State-6’6”-310-1st/2nd Round-87

I’m intrigued by his height weight speed (5.03 in the 40) but he really only has 1 season of starting experience. He has a good burst and reminds me a lot of Carl Davis the defensive tackle from Iowa last year. Davis had better film and more time as a producer but Jones doesn’t have the same character concerns. Given his size, Jones’ pad level will always be a point of emphasis but it also makes him scheme diverse. I think he belongs in the second, but he has flashes on tape of a real difference maker as a slasher.

Jarran Reed-DT-Alabama-6’3”-307-1st/2nd Round-86

NFL ready build for an interior d-lineman. Some people rate him higher than teammate A’Shawn Robinson, but I don’t think Reed has the same upside or playmaking ability. Should be a strong run defender and possible pocket pusher, but his value will be on early downs. I think comparisons to Eddie Goldman last year are well founded. Though Goldman had better size and tape, the two will fill the same role at the next level. Nothing special here just a starting DT.