DEFENSIVE TACKLES
Vita Vea, Washington
Game Film Evaluated:
Stanford (2017)
Utah (2017)
Washington State (2017)
Analysis: Average quickness off the line. Elite level strength and top notch violent punch at initial contact. He can knock lineman back on their heels and toss them aside with ease. He has a good motor for such a big guy. Raw with technique especially on the pass rush. He is in position to make splash plays but fails to finish too often. Misses the tackle or players are able to side step his pressure and he cannot adjust or change directions. He can really generate pressure when on the move on stunts. His strength can destroy a lineman if they aren’t prepared for it which made the stunts more effective. He has impressive lateral movement and its all over once he gets the inside shoulder of the blocker.
Summary: Vita Vea is an impressive tackle with elite level strength and hand strength but is not an explosive tackle in a class like Star Loutelei or Aaron Donald. He is raw with his technique but offers upside as both a run stuffer and pass rusher. Although his pass rush moves have a lot to be desired, the raw strength and motor give him considerable upside. He can control his gap effectively, stack the block and defeat the block to make the play on the run. However he fails to finish the play when he does generate pressure on the pass rush. He projects best to a one technique tackle for a scheme that prefers size and strength over quickness and pass rushing. There is plus upside in the pass rushing department but it will take time. 1st round grade.
Taven Bryan, Florida
Game Film Evaluated:
Texas A&M (2017)
Florida (2017)
Missouri (2017)
Analysis: Good burst off the snap. Very strong hands and he can handle offensive lineman effectively. He excels at shooting the gaps and penetrating upfield. Does not play with good technique. He can toss aside blockers. Relentless motor, he gets lots of tackles and pressures because of effort level. He destroyed at guards at A&M, they stood no chance vs his quickness, length and strong hands. He brings good power to knock lineman back when he extends his arms. However he fails to generate much power at initial POA when he does not use his length to get into the chest of the blocker. His preferred move is the arm under technique and keep driving to the QB. He can turn the corner in tight quarters, even drop the shoulder and close on the ball. Not a stout run defender, unable to stack and shed blocks to make a play in the hole against the run.
Summary: Tremendous athlete who is raw and needs to develop his technique. Once he does that, he might become the next dominating defensive tackle in the game. His upfield explosion is rare and absolutely gets into the backfield regularly. He needs to learn how to convert speed to power to make him more of a threat off the snap against better offensive lineman. His quickness and agility is rare for a tackle. His upside as a 3 technique tackle is elite but needs to round his game to become a more complete defender. He will make an impact early in his career on the pass rush but needs to take to coaching, work hard adding pass rush moves and playing with consistent technique. Once that happens, he might be one of the best players regardless of position in the draft. 1st round grade.
Maurice Hurst, Michigan
Game Film Evaluated:
Ohio State (2017)
Wisconsin (2017)
Penn State (2017)
Analysis: Tremendous burst at the snap. He is made to penetrate and shoot gaps. Lined up at the 1 and 3 technique at Michigan. Inconsistent with his technique, might be due when he gets tired. Good effort player and relentless in his pursuit. He was unblockable vs Wisconsin when he used his hands, arm under and swim move. He plays with tunnel vision, is not aware and vulnerable to traps, screens and draws. Struggles to hold the POA when teams run right at him. His inconsistent technique got exposed vs Ohio State, he was mostly neutralized in the game.
Summary: Maurice Hurst is all about potential and consistency. He absolutely showed his best vs Wisconsin when he was unblockable for most of the game. At the same time, he was mostly neutralized vs Ohio State and Penn State. His effectiveness is dependent upon his burst off the snap. He lacks the technique to get quality blockers when he doesn’t explode off the snap. He needs to be more consistent with his hand placement, getting extension especially in the run game and using his hands more on the pass rush. However when he brings that burst and uses those hands, he will blow up plays in the backfield that you swear he must of been offside. He has Aaron Donald type quickness but not close in terms of his technique even coming out of college. He projects as a dangerous pass rushing 3 technique who needs to go a scheme that wants penetration, shoot the gaps above all else from their tackles. He was diagnosed with a heart condition at the combine and as a result did not participate in any drills. He will undergo further medical checks to determine if there is any dysfunction. Former 1st round pick Star Lotulelei had a heart condition detected at the combine but further testing confirmed there was no dysfunction. No doubt a first round talent but he didn’t always play like it. I downgrade him to a 2nd round grade as a result.
Tim Settle, Virginia Tech
Game Film Evaluated:
Duke (2017)
North Carolina (2017)
Analysis: Massive man with wide body. Despite his size, he moves extremely well and even flashes impressive burst off the snap. Extremely raw player with poor technique. Doesn’t use his hands effectively, doesn’t play with length nor any feel for hand placement or techniques to get off blocks. He flashes a swim move but his technique is not consistent. Excellent motor and effort level. He will pursue plays outside his area and not quit on the pass rush. He wins mostly with his quickness and agility more so than strength. Below average run defender in the traditional sense. Did not play style of holding up blockers to free up the LBs, he wanted to penetrate and try to make the play. Not comfortable stacking his man up, disengage the block and make the play like most interior tackles.
Summary: Tim Settle is a massive tackle who plays a penetrating style which is unique for someone with his frame. He lined up on the nose, 1 technique and 3 technique during the games observed. Despite his massive size, he isn’t someone a overly powerful player. He plays like someone much smaller who penetrates and gets into the backfield to blow plays up behind the line. Teams will have to determine whether he needs to cut some weight to perhaps increase his level of explosion and become an even more impactful penetrating tackle. He needs to work on his technique, it is a mess at this point. He is winning with his talent alone which will be much more difficult at the next level. He needs to use his hands better and learn how to use his length and strength to become a more stout run defender. I project Tim Settle to a 1 technique who needs to cut about 30 pounds and hopefully is able to maintain his burst off the line to become a more consistent player. He is not a 2 gap player and not someone want to play the nose in a 3-4, that isn’t his game at all. Once he refines his technique and gets into better shape to maintain his athletic ability, he could become a impactful force on the inside capable of blowing plays up behind the line in the run game and also contributing 4-6 sacks per season. Good player who’s best football ahead of him. Late 2nd round grade.
Nathan Shepherd, Fort Hays State
Game Film Evaluated:
Central Missouri (2017)
Senior Bowl (2018)
Analysis: He was a man amongst boys at Fort Hays State. He brings good quickness off the snap. Impressive power to handle blockers and it consistently required multiple blockers to control him. He is more a power player than quickness but still has adequate get off at the line. Finds the ball effectively in traffic. Plays with strong hands capable of knocking lineman on their heels and keeps driving to the ball. He is a hand fighter and comfortably using his hands to get off blocks. Flashed a variety of pass rush moves and able to change directions quickly.
Summary: Nathan Shepherd is a sleeper prospect. He absolutely dominated the competition he faced in college with tremendous power and solid quickness off the line. He lined up at the 3 technique and inside on the nose as well. He brings solid although not elite quickness he does bring impressive strength and power to handle blockers. He showed he can still get it done vs better competition during the senior bowl before getting hurt. He projects to a 1 technique position that wants quickness and penetration from their tackles. He brings a pass rushing element to his game, finds the ball well and his power will keep blockers preparing to anchor against him. 3rd round grade and could challenge for early playing time in the NFL.
Da’Shawn Hand, Alabama
Game Film Evaluated:
Clemson (2017)
Georgia (2018)
Florida State (2017)
Analysis: Physically impressive. Long strong hands with impressive length. Flashed strong hands with swim and rip technique to get off blocks. Did not demonstrate that ability consistently. Average burst off the snap, nothing is quick or explosive about his game. Rare game strength, he can occupy blockers even on the double team and allow his LBs a clean path to the ball. He closes on the ball well and just keeps working toward the ball and college lineman could not anchor against him consistently. Extremely raw technically, he uses his length and drives to the ball on the bull rush. Lined up all over the place at Bama from the 1, 3, and 5 technique. His with authority.
Summary: Da’Shawn Hand is an extremely strong power tackle who excels at holding the POA and strong against the run. He lacks an explosive burst off the snap and is very raw with his technique. He has solid upside with his game strength, size and above average athleticism for a man his size. If he improves his technique, learns how to use his hands effectively to get off blocks in a one gap scheme could make him a strong force inside. He projects as a 1 technique in a 4-3 scheme that projects ideal size, plus strength to defend the run and upside to push the pocket. He could become an adequate rushing threat once he develops his technique, makes better use of his hands. Early 3rd round grade.
Da’Ron Payne, Alabama
Game Film Evaluated:
Vanderbilt (2017)
Tennessee (2017)
Clemson (2016)
Analysis: Above average quickness off the snap. Excellent length and built low to the ground. Controls his gap consistently in the run game. Impressive length and can hold the POA, disengage and make the tackle for little to no gain. Flashes good swim move on the pass rush but not a consistent threat on the pass rush. Excellent motor and will pursue plays outside the area. He gets his hands up to try and knock passes away when he doesn’t get there on the pass rush. Flashes ability to use his hands to use rip and swim moves to get to the QB. However not explosive quick twitch athlete to project much pass rush potential.
Summary: Da’Ron Payne is a big powerful run stuffing tackle. He flashes some pass rush ability but not nearly consistent nor does he have the athleticism to suggest he can be anything more than 1-2 sacks a season. He does not play with elite level strength or power either. He can hold the POA and handle interior lineman with his strength and length. However he cannot consistently knock lineman back on their heels or blow up plays in the backfield with burst. He projects best as a 1 technique run stuffing tackle that likely would be replaced in passing situations. He can also play in a 3-4 in a 2 gap role but likely does not offer much outside of defending the run effectively. 3rd round grade.
R.J. McIntosh, Miami
Game Film Evaluated:
Notre Dame (2017)
Analysis: Excellent athlete with plus burst off the snap. Flashes spin and pass rush moves. He has pass rushing upside. Lacks power and strength needed to hold the POA or give any kind of power threat on the rush. He wins with quickness and athleticism. Lacks quick change of direction type ability to be a plus pass rusher inside. He finds the ball quickly and can penetrate upfield and find the ball to make a play vs the run. He gets over powered at the POA in the run game, cannot hold his position.
Summary: RJ McIntosh is a raw prospect who has some tools to project he could be something as a rotational pass rusher threat. He needs to add strength and improve his technique before he can compete for any kind of starting job in the NFL. However has good size, burst off the snap, length to project he could be a 3 technique pass rushing threat in a few years. He could compete for a rotational tackle and replacement for run stuffers to come onto the field in passing situations. 4th round grade with good upside.
Trenton Thompson, Georgia
Game Film Evaluated:
Alabama (2018)
Kentucky (2017)
TCU (2016)
Analysis: Wide body run stuffing plugger in the middle of the Georgia defense. Extremely raw player, wildly inconsistent and poor technique. Flashes well with good arm over technique to get off blocks but not consistent at all. He lacks good burst and not a explosive penetrating type tackle. Does not use hands or length effectively, allows blockers into his pads easily. High motor player and he will chase down players outside his area and make the tackle. He has the skills to be an effective run defender either penetrating or occupying blockers as well as using his strength to toss blockers aside and get to the QB. The issue is nothing is consistent due to the poor technique. The better competition vs Alabama made him almost disappear.
Summary: Trenton Thompson is a run stuffing tackle who can play in a variety of roles and schemes at the next level. We have not yet seen the best that Thompson has to offer. He should become a more consistent threat stuffing runs behind the line and causing an inside rush on passing downs but he has to work to improve his technique. He won’t win enough at the next level just on effort and strength alone. He needs to take coaching, learn how to use his hands, keep blockers off his body to control his gap. When that happens, you might have a starter as either a penetrating 1 technique or perhaps a 5 technique in a 3-4 defense. He has impressive athleticism but lacks the consistent burst off the line to project him as a 3 technique. He is a backup tackle his first year or so in the pros before he can compete for a starting job. However if he fails to improve his technique then he will be out of the league in just a few years. 4th round grade.
Deadrin Senat, South Florida
Game Film Evaluated:
UConn (2016)
NC State (2017)
Southern Miss (2017)
Analysis: Ideal length and low center of gravity to generate leverage consistently. He has very strong hands and can toss his man aside with ease to control his gap. Moves well laterally and can beat his man to his gap. He stays low and cannot be pushed back at the line of scrimmage. Offers nothing on the pass rush, he has no moves to get off blocks once engaged. Lacks elite burst at the snap. Built low to the ground. Wide lower body. Has adequate get off at the line and plays with good length. Not overly power at the POA. Effective when he gets on the move especially crossing the face of the lineman. He moves well down the line, he can beat the guard or center to a spot with his mobility. He is a hand fighter and has length to project that he can handle blockers effectively. Technique is poor.
Summary: Deadrin Senat is an effective 1 technique tackle who needs to be in the proper system for him to have the best chance to be successful. He is better on the move than holding the POA, taking on blockers head on and getting off blocks or just occupying them. He lacks top level burst but he has some quickness and necessary tools to project he could handle blockers in the pros than he did in college. Needs to improve his technique, use his length properly and develop technique to get off blocks better. He needs to go to a system that wants penetration, get their lineman on the move down the line or shooting gaps. He will never be a plus asset on the pass rush and may be subbed off the field in passing situations. However he could be an effective run penetrating tackle as a 1 technique in a scheme that wants athleticism over strength inside. 4th round grade.
B.J. Hill, North Carolina State
Game Film Evaluated:
Pittsburgh (2017)
Marshall (2017)
Arizona State (2017)
Analysis: Solid size with adequate burst off the line. Good strength and able to control his gap. Pursues plays outside his area and forced a fumble vs Arizona State. Flashed strong rip move and close on the ball. Able to occupy blockers and holds the POA effectively. He flashes technique to get off blocks but not consistent. He is raw player, wins with athleticism, strength and effort. Good run defender who locates the ball and can make the play when in position. Offers little on the pass rush. Not a quick or explosive type tackle. Does not play with proper hand placement or use his length to keep blockers off his body. Does not get under the pad level of the blocker and generate any type of leverage.
Summary: B.J. Hill is a strong run defending tackle who offers little as a pass rush threat projecting to the next level. He played the nose and 1 technique at NC State and played all 3 downs consistently. However he will need to be subbed off the field in pass rush situations. He can neutralize his man, stack and shed the block at times to make plays in the run game. He plays with a good motor and able to track down plays outside his area. B.J. Hill projects to be either a 1 technique or nose tackle in a 3-4 team. He has the mindset and style to occupy blockers and free up teammates to make the play. He is likely a 2 down player at the next level in favor of a more athletic option to offer some pass rush threat. He may be more of a consistent threat to penetrate behind the line once he improves his technique and hand use. If he develops that, he may become a 3 down player who is best as a 1 technique in a penetrating scheme that also wants size and strength to improve their interior run defense. 4th round grade.
Harrison Phillips, Stanford
Game Film Evaluated:
Notre Dame (2017)
Washington (2017)
Analysis: Good laterall mobility. He can occassionally penetrate upfield and shoot gaps. Struggled vs Nelson at Notre Dame as did every other defender in the country. Flashed good power and able to use his length to control the gap. He flashes arm over technique to get off block but not consistent. He is better when he crosses the face of the blocker and penetrates upfield. Average get off at the line. Not someone who can consistently knock lineman on their heels. Little upside as a pass rusher, nothing quick or explosive about his game. He is adequate at occupying blockers and allowing those behind him to make the play. Gives good effort and pursues plays outside his area. Balance is an issue, he ends up on the ground too often.
Summary: Harrison Phillips is a big run stuffing type tackle that lacks athleticism to suggest he will be anything more than a 2 down type player. Doesn’t have the explosion off the snap to penetrate nor the strong arms to jolt blockers and knock them on their heels. He projects as either a 3-4 nose tackle or a 1 technique in a scheme that uses lateral mobility and wants size over quickness from their interior tackles. Late 4th round grade.
Foley Fatukasi, UConn
Game Film Evaluated:
South Florida (2016)
Analysis: Ideal frame for the position. Plays with excellent length and rarely lets the blocker get into his body. Poor technique, does not use hands effectively to get off blocks. Good effort on the field. Zero pass rush. Below average quickness. Not a penetrator or someone who is a threat to shoot gaps. Excellent game strength. He is rarely knocked past the line of scrimmage. He can handle 1 gap role effectively. He locates the ball quickly and can control his gap when teams run at him.
Summary: Foley Fatukasi is a big strong power run stuffing 1 technique tackle. He brings nothing on the pass rush, just has no burst or quickness in his game. He can become more a finisher in the run game once he learns to use his hands better. He needs to take advantage of his length to keep blockers off him and then use those strong hands to control them and make the play. At this point he is a nose tackle type in a 3-4 scheme and just occupy those blockers. There is very little upside in the pass rush and could go to a 4-3 team as a 1 technique but not require quickness at all from that position. 5th round grade.
Derrick Nnadi, Florida State
Game Film Evaluated:
NC State (2017)
Ole Miss (2016)
Florida (2016)
Analysis: Short and stocky frame who is ideally built for a one technique tackle. He has solid length and controls his gap effectively. He offers nothing as a pass rusher but gives good effort. He locates the ball well and keeps blockers off his body effectively. He doesn’t have explosive burst off the snap or ability to overpower blockers. He wins with positioning and strength to beat his man to the gap especially when moving down the line.
Summary: Derrick Nnadi is an average run stuffing type interior tackle who projects best as a one technique tackle on a 2 down basis. He would need to be subbed off the field in passing situations but he can hold his own in the run game neutralizing his man and finding the ball when the play comes his way. 5th round grade.
Andrew Brown, Virginia
Game Film Evaluated:
Boise State (2017)
Miami (2017)
Navy (2017)
Analysis: Played as a defensive end in a 4-3 defense either in a 2 point stance or with his hand on the ground. He was used all over the place at Virginia as a 3 technique and even as a 1. He flashes impressive strength and able to drive blockers back into the pocket. He is an impressive athlete supported by all the different roles he played at Virginia. He flashes impressive strength and has some bending ability to drive to the QB. He doesn’t play with explosive level burst off the line or super quick to penetrate upfield. He played so many different roles, may never have gotten comfortable in any one position. Raw player who needs to develop technique, use his length to keep blockers off him and then disengage to make the play. No pass rush moves at all observed.
Summary: Andrew Brown was an extremely versatile player at Virginia and needs time to find out what role suits him best at the next level. He played defensive end standing up, inside on the nose and penetrating as a 3 technique. He lacks the burst to be considered a 3 technique nor he is explosive enough and able to bend with speed to be a defensive end. I project him to be an inside 1 technique or even a 5 technique in a 3-4 scheme. He is more of a power player than speed and quickness. There may be good upside once he finds a home position and develops his technique. He is capable of much more than he showed at Virginia, it remains to be seen whether an organization finds a home for him and he puts in the work to improve his craft. 5th round grade.
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