TOP 5 DEFENSIVE TACKLE PROSPECTS 2021
In 2010 the Detroit Lions invested the #2 overall pick in Ndamukong Suh from the University of Nebraska making him the highest selected Defensive Tackle of the past decade with Marcell Dareus (2011), and Quinnen Williams (2019) coming in tied for 2nd both being drafted 3rd overall respectively. The DT position is one of little limelight until its 3rd & 1, or 4th & Goal, but anyone who has an adequate grasp of what it takes to build a successful football team let alone defense understands that majority of the downs everything starts/finishes in the trenches. Going into the 2021 Draft Class there are 5 clear cut standouts, but I have only 1 of them in elite status at the moment going into the College Football Season. Let’s take a look at these young big fellas who man the trenches.
Marvin Wilson / Florida State 6’5 311 lbs
The prototypical game plan wrecker who can line up at zero, 3 technique, or edge and give you consistent pressure. Tremendous leg drive & lower body strength aids him in maximizing his bullrushes. High “Productive Motor” meaning he’s not one of those tackles who just goes 100mph into a 325 lb wall. Very little wasted movement in his attacks whether playing the run or rushing the passer. I believe between 311- 320 should remain his playing weight range considering his body type, cat-like quicknes, and overall gifted athleticism. Manages to disengage relatively easily at the point of attack, very advanced at combining his strength, and agility to cut angles and get to the passer/ball carrier.
Positives.
Like any prospect Marvin isn’t flawless and does have some areas of concern. His endurance still needs some conditioning has gassed out mid-late 4th quarter in a few games, and he also has a tendency to over run some plays due to his constant motor, and competitiveness which can be attributed to both his negatives.
Negatives.
Marvin Wilson was a big time 5 star recruit from the state of Texas who has done nothing but show exactly why he was the #1 ranked player at his position in 2017. A constant disruption to the timing in the pass game, and run game, excellent size/athleticism ratio, eats 1 on 1’s alive, demands a constant double team, or chip. A gifted competitive player that wants to be great, and can play any position on the D-Line in a 4-3 or can put his hand in the dirt at End in a 3-4. I currently have Wilson at #7 overall on my list of prospects, but with a strong senior season, and considering how much the current NFL values versatility & pass rush ability in their interior linemen i wouldn’t be shocked to see him go in the top 4 by next April.
Final Summary.
Mustafa Johnson / Colorado 6’2 290 lbs
Very disruptive interior pass rusher with very violent hands at the point of attack. Relentless motor, and will win a ton of effort plays is an explosive, compact athlete that gives bigger heavy footed guards nightmares. Violent tackler/Sound tackler/Dependable tackler that is not afraid to mix it up in the trenches or pursuing a ball carrier on the perimeter. Not the tallest, but powerful in his hip movements and overall lower body strength.
Positives.
More of a Thicker DT than Big! Short in stature, and gets rendered relatively non-existent against power run formations, and you can pretty much forget trying to line him up at zero, or in Goal line situations consistently. Despite his height limitations he manages to gain pretty decent leverage against most guards but still gets swallowed up in the forest on run downs way too often.
Negatives.
A JUCO transfer going into his senior season with alot of NFL eyes on how he performs in his final season with the Buffaloes. Does a great job of punching, ripping, and getting skinny through gaps to make plays, but his lack of size could reduce him to a specialist in rotation who could give you high pass rush production via QB pressures, hits, and sacks just not much against the run. BOOM OR BUST? Is he Aaron Donald or Glen Dorsey?
Final Summary.
Tedarrell Slayton / Florida 6’5 358 lbs
Considering how Florida Defensive Coordinator Todd Grantham has chosen to use Slayton we have gotten to see how well he can wreak havoc at the 3 technique as well as anchor down at the nose tackle position. Causes alot of chaos in the backfield and does a great job of doing what is asked of him in that scheme which is to throw off timing and plug gaps.
Positives.
Weight, and conditioning have been issues with Slayton since High School allowing himself to reach 390lbs at one period. Does not give the consistent effort or anger you would like to see out of an every down nose, takes too many plays off, tends to have an “Oh well” approach to plays if he gets too physically engaged with linemen, and is often the last man showing up to the fight. Meaning he’s spotted jogging in at the tail end of the play way too much.
Negatives.
Big, Athletic, Light on his feet, and provides some scheme versatility at the next level. More suited as a run stopping Nose that can eat up space over anything else in my opinion. Must continue to improve his body/conditioning if he ever wants to really reach his full potential. It’s difficult to get a strong gage on Slayton as a pass rusher due to the scheme he plays in at Florida, but some of the traits are definitely there. How good does he wanna be? Potential Mid 1st round or Early 3rd? Both based on how hard he attacks this season, and how valuable an NFL team views him in their particular scheme.
Final Summary.
Jay Tufele / USC 6’3 305 lbs
Excellent balance and hands within the pocket does a nice job of holding his ground in 1 on 1’s so his linebackers can make plays, gives solid effort every play, and is strong against the run. Has the awareness to abandon his pass rush when he can’t get home and get his hands up to tip passes. Provides some scheme versatility as perhaps a 3-4 End.
Positives.
Slighter frame for 305! Projects better as a 4-3 run stopper if slimmed down. Has a long way to go skill wise as a pass rusher still tries to bull rush, and manhandle every opponent questions about how well he actually reads and diagnoses plays. Needs to develop a few go to moves to help him close on the QB quicker.
Negatives.
A 4 star recruit from Utah who brings a great work ethic, intense competitiveness, strength, quick hands, and solid footwork. Tufele is still learning and growing as a player he currently does not bring much value as a consistent pass rush threat due to a limited arsenal of moves, and being prone to playing too upright but with a solid upcoming season, and improving in a few areas he has the potential to be the 2nd DT off the board next April.
Final Summary.
LaBryan Ray / Alabama 6’5 285 lbs
Listed currently as a Defensive Tackle but translates better to a weak side Defensive End Ray shows flashes of brilliance with strong hands placement combined with good burst. Never gives up on a play, and puts forth a solid effort to work his way down the line playing against the run. Is a strong built player with a solid frame, and has the potential to grow into an every down tackle.
Positives.
Why hasn’t he been more productive in his time at Alabama? Understood he has shared a locker room with Raekwon Davis & Quinnen Williams within the last 2 years, but there were too many quarters and sometimes games where you could forget he was even on the field. He’s a strong kid with a strong presence on the field, but every now and then his only carrying 285lbs shows up in film. Can get shielded or muscled out of the play by bigger guards and tackles for sure.
Negatives.
Ray was a highly coveted recruit when he first showed up at Alabama back in 2017 but for one reason or another things haven’t completely worked out the way LaBryan or anyone close to the program expected. He has managed to play in just 20 games in 3 seasons being bitten by injuries the most serious was an unspecified foot injury that sidelined him from week 3 on out in 2019. If healthy for 2020 Ray has a very good opportunity to have the entire spotlight on himself for one last dance rehearsal before he moves onto the next level. If he can remind scouts of why he was a 5 star gem not too long ago he could find himself as a 2nd round possibility.
