2017 NFL Draft: Defensive Tackles

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2017 NFL Draft Interior D-Lineman

 

Jonathan Allen-DE-Alabama-6’3”-286-Top 10-97

This guy was an absolute terror for the Crimson Tide. Holy shit. Watching them last year this kid looks unblockable, he blew up everything. I didn’t expect him to be sub 290 lbs but his size will be adapted to the role he’s plugged into. At 6’3” with 33.5” arms he’s not very long, which has probably helped him gain leverage on the interior. Allen is a star, 100%. He didn’t test very well at the combine, but as long as he’s been on the field he’s been dominant. In the 3 years starting for the Tide Allen racked up 5.5, 12, and 10.5 sacks each season from basically an interior d-line position. He can play end in a three man line or inside in a 4 four man front. The one worry I have is as a 4-3 DT against the run. He doesn’t quite have the size to hold up. But don’t worry people, this guy is going to many many pro bowls. Gerald McCoy-esque disruption ability.

 

Malik McDowell-DT-Michigan State-6’6”-295-1st-92

Wow. Just watch 20 seconds of film on this kid and try to get your jaw off the floor At that height and weight with 34.75” arms this guy is so explosive, he’s a nuclear athlete. Unbelievable raw talent. He played on the interior for Michigan State, which is reasonable for a 300 pound college football player but Malik needs to be able to play in more space. His explosiveness is hampered by the close quarters next to the football. He loses leverage against guards and they get into his body. I think he should move to defensive end in a 3 man front like Arik Armstead or Muhammed Wilkerson. I think Mo Wilkerson is a solid comparison but I’d say McDowell has more juice. Now the issues with this kid are lack of production and perceived poor work ethic. I think with his gifts he can be a pass rusher. But with a lot of technique work, namely footwork, handling double teams, not getting washed out, even just a decent 3 point stance, McDowell has All-Pro potential. I’m going to be rooting for him, but I’m not willing to bet on him so that pushes him to the late first round for me.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meKBHMThoe8

 

Chris Wormley-DT-Michigan-6’5”-298-2nd Day-88

This kid played on the edge in Ann Arbor. Man, did Michigan have the biggest defensive ends in the country? I don’t know if Wormley was playing at 298, but if he was, damn he carries that weight well. In pads he looks a lot like Myles Garrett, although not as cut up or explosive. Wormley’s height, weight, 34” arms, and solid lateral and forward athleticism make him a versatile prospect. I think we’ll see him as a strong side defensive end who kicks inside, unless he winds up playing 5 technique in a 3-4 which suits him as well. I don’t see him as a full time interior player. Wormley was never a dominant pass rusher, but just a well built solid football player with great size and above average athleticism. I wish he ran at the combine because on the field his lateral movement looks very good. His coaches rave about him and everyone says he’s high character. His scheme versatility and lack of concerns will push him up draft boards, and although I like him, I don’t see him being a high impact player. Comparison is an over the hill Julius Peppers, or maybe Ty Warren.

 

Caleb Brantley-DT-Florida-6’3”-307-1st/2nd Round-75

He’s a solid defensive tackle and should transition to the NFL without a problem. I don’t see him as particularly dynamic, though he will be a suitable interior pass rusher which is very valuable. Against the run he can shed blocks and pursue on the backside, but I don’t see him as a difference maker in that area. At his size he’s built to shed blocks and penetrate, which he does well, but he will have a hard time holding up on the inside and may be a liability at the point of attack. Brantley was a 3 year player and 2 year starter in Gainesville, but never played 50% of defensive snaps. He’s a limited player but playing the 3 technique next to a man eating nose tackle will be the spot for him. He’s a less heralded Timmy Jernigan. Update: Whoops, just got arrested. I don’t know what that does to his draft position but I had him at an 85 before this incident. Knocked him down a full round because of it.

Larry Ogunjobi-DT-Charlotte-6’3”-305-2nd Day-75

He looks like an NFL defensive tackle. My first impression was an Allen Bailey type player, but I don’t think Ogunjobi is there yet. He has good size and seems pretty stout. Made a bunch of plays behind the line of scrimmage, albeit against Conference USA talent. I see him as an NFL player, but I don’t see winning traits meaning explosiveness, length, technique etc. Just seems like a guy who can be an NFL defensive lineman.