Height: 6-2.5
Weight: 300
40: 5.12
Year: 5Sr
Isaako Aaitui
School: UNLV
Position: DT
Bio: Three-year starter who finished with 27/5/1.5 as a senior after putting up junior totals of 31/2.5/.5. Career-best numbers of 32/7/2 came during his sophomore season.
Positive: Big-bodied interior lineman who flashes skill but shows minimal consistency. Quick off the snap, fights throughout the action, and is tough to move off the point. Built low to the ground and keeps his feet moving up the field. Changes direction well.
Negative: Gets tall as the play proceeds, makes himself an easy target, and can be controlled by a single blocker. Must improve the use of his hands. Marginal instincts and slow locating the ball. Minimally productive in college.
Analysis: Aaitui looked like a top prospect in the making after sophomore season but never improved his game. He has the skills necessary to be used on the inside of a four-man line but must take every aspect of his game to another level.
Height: 6-2
Weight: 301
40: 5.15
Year: 4Sr
Ibrahim Abdulai
School: Arkansas Pine-Bluff
Position: DT
Bio: All-Conference selection in 2010 after posting 67/18/7.5.
Positive: Nice sized interior defensive lineman that shows strength and power in his game. Plays with good pad level, fluid moving about the field and tough to move off the point. Fires off the snap with a quick first step, displays a short burst of closing speed and fights hard throughout the action. Keeps his feet driving up the field, fluid changing direction and chases the action hard.
Negative: Must improve his playing balance and develop more moves with his hands. Lacks great bulk on the inside.
Analysis: Abdulai has fallen under the radar screen in scouting community yet was very productive on the college level and has enough skill to be used as a backup tackle in a four-man line.
Height: 6-1.5
Weight: 297
40: 5.31
Year: 5Sr
Ladi Ajiboye
School: South Carolina
Position: DT
Bio: Four-year starter who finished with 41/5/2 as a senior after putting up 45 tackles with four tackles for loss as a junior.
Positive: Small but explosive defensive lineman who's best as a one-gap penetrator. Breaks down well, plays with good pad level, and fires off the snap with a good first step. Keeps his feet driving up the field, focused on by opponents in the middle of the line, and works his hands. Fluid changing direction, displays good movement skills, and has terrific all-around quickness. Fights hard throughout the action and chases to get involved in the play.
Negative: Undersized, handled by ordinary opponents, and cannot shed blocks. Possesses more of a short burst of speed and ineffective in pursuit.
Analysis: Ajiboye was a terrific college defender but has size and athletic limitations. His playing style and competitiveness could help him find a home as a backup tackle in a one-gap defense.
Height: 6-`1.5
Weight: 309
40: 4.84
Year: 4Sr
Marvin Austin
School: North Carolina
Position: DT
Bio: Two-year starter ruled ineligible in 2010 for violation of NCAA rules. All-Conference selection as a junior in 2009 after posting 42/6/4. Sophomore totals included 38/1.5/1.
Positive: Athletic defensive line prospect who can dominate the action when focused on the task at hand. Breaks down well, plays with balance, and rarely knocked off his feet. Works his hands throughout the action, fluid changing direction, and shows a burst of speed pursuing from the back side. Flashes power in his lower body, bulrushes blockers off the line, and will collapse the pocket. Shows the ability to drop into space and get depth on pass drops during zone blitzes. Effectively makes plays in space on occasion.
Negative: Easily be blocked at the point by ordinary opponents too often. Seems disinterested at times. Will make a dominant play then disappear for stretches. Marginally productive on the college level and never met expectations late in his North Carolina career.
Analysis: Austin is a prospect who passes the eyeball test and flashes the ability to dominate opponents, as is normal for elite prospects. But he lacks consistency and leaves scouts thinking he's capable of much more. He has a skill to be a productive starter in the NFL as a conventional defensive tackle yet must make football a priority, decide to play hard for 60 minutes, and stay away from off-the-field distractions to have a long career.
Height: 6-3.5
Weight: 283
40: 4.77
Year: 4Sr
Christian Ballard
School: Iowa
Position: DT
Bio: Three-year starter who totaled 43/5/3 as a senior after 54/9/5.5 as a junior.
Positive: Explosive and athletic player with ability at a number of positions on the defensive line. Forceful up the field, quickly changes direction, and can pursue the action from every area. Easily moves about the field, possesses terrific playing speed, and effectively uses his hands to protect himself. Displays good punch and jolt at the point of attack, works his hands throughout the action, and flashes power. Pushes blockers off the line, plays with good knee bend, and forceful up the field. Beats blocks to make plays on the ball despite the extra attention he receives. Rarely off his feet.
Negative: Does not consistently play with a sense of urgency. Just average first-step quickness. Average upper body strength.
Analysis: Ballard is a terrific defensive lineman and is one of the more underrated players at his position in this draft. He possesses the explosiveness and size to be used as a traditional defensive tackle or line up as a two-gap end in a 3-4 alignment. Ballard possesses enormous upside and has the potential to be a productive starter in the NFL if he puts the pieces together and continues to improve his game.
Height: 6-2
Weight: 306
40: 5.51
Year: 5Sr
Cornell Banks
School: Fresno State
Position: DT
Bio: Used as part of the starting lineup the past three years. Senior totals included 24/3.5/1 after 30/2.5/1 as a junior.
Positive: Explosive one-gap lineman who flashes power in his lower body. Gets off the snap with a quick first step, plays with good lean, and keeps his feet moving up the field. Displays power in his lower body and the ability to get push up the field. Fluid if asked to twist or stunt.
Negative: Not much of a factor during games. Easily controlled by a single blocker. Must develop more moves with his hands.
Analysis: Banks is a wide bodied prospect with an undeveloped game. He's a camp player who could make a practice squad if he makes significant progress in camp.
Height: 6-0
Weight: 290
40:
Year: 5Sr
Scooter Berry
School: West Virginia
Position: DT
Bio: Four-year starter awarded all-Conference honors as a senior. Totals last season included 35/4.5/4 after 15/2.5/1 as a junior.
Positive: Undersized yet versatile defensive lineman with a variety of skills. Quickly gets off the snap, effectively works his hands, and shows good punch with the ability to knock lineman from blocks. Goes very hard, stays with the action, and resilient. Plays heads-up football. Rarely off his feet. Displays skill in coverage on zone blitzes and is fluid changing direction.
Negative: Very slow shedding blocks. Marginal skills rushing the passer. Not a great athlete.
Analysis: Berry has been a consistent player for West Virginia and is a prospect who does the little things well. He lacks great size/speed numbers yet is productive in enough areas that he'll get consideration as a backup in a one-gap system.
Height: 6-2.5
Weight: 291
40: 5.25
Year: 5Sr
Mike Blanc
School: Auburn
Position: DT
Bio: Full-time starter the past two years after playing with the first team half a season during his sophomore campaign. Totals last year included 26/4.5/2.5 after he had 32/6.5/3.5 as a junior.
Positive: Explosive one-gap tackle who chases hard to make plays. Quick off the snap, moves well on his feet, and shows ability in space. Makes plays down the flanks and works hard until whistle blows. Effective with his hands and explosive in all his actions.
Negative: Possesses a short burst of speed and ineffective in pursuit. Straight-line defender with an ordinary change of direction.
Analysis: Blanc is a hardworking college prospect who gets the most from his ability yet lacks the natural size and athleticism to be anything other than a camp body in the NFL.
Height: 6-4
Weight: 285
40: 4.96
Year: 5Sr
Corbin Bryant
School: Northwestern
Position: DT
Bio: Three-year starter who totaled 25/8.5/1 as a senior after putting up junior numbers of 30/5.5/2.5.
Positive: Explosive one-gap penetrator with good movement skills. Displays terrific first step quickness, quickly changes direction, and is fluid moving out to the flanks. Constantly draws double teams on the inside.
Negative: Easily knocked off balance by the first block. Gets tall out of his stance and makes himself an easy target. Moderately productive on the college level.
Analysis: Blanc is a hardworking college prospect who gets the most from his ability yet lacks the natural size and athleticism to be anything other than a camp body in the NFL.
Height: 6-4
Weight: 295
40: 5.04
Year: 5Sr
David Carter
School: UCLA
Position: DT
Bio: Broke into the starting lineup as a senior, then posted numbers of 41/5/3.5. Was a reserve the prior three seasons, posting 9/2/2 as a junior coming off the bench.
Positive: Late-developing prospect with a lot of upside. Athletic, plays with good pad level and quickly gets off the snap. Keeps his feet driving up the field, plays with explosiveness and shows ability dropped off the line on zone blitzes. Fires through the open gaps of the offensive line and moves well sideline-to-sideline.
Negative: Must improve the use of his hands. Makes himself an easy target at times. Lacks bulk and can be handled by a single blocker.
Analysis: After three nondescript seasons at UCLA, Carter took his game to another level last season. He offers potential as a conventional tackle or two-gap end and should only get better with time.
Height: 6-0.5
Weight: 300
40: 5.04
Year: 3Jr
Jurrell Casey
School: USC
Position: DT
Bio: Two-year starter awarded all-Conference honors since his sophomore season. Junior totals included 67/4.5/11 after 59/9/4.5 the prior year.
Positive: Stout, low-to-the-ground defensive lineman who displays strength in his lower body. Plays with good lean, gets leverage on opponents, and works his hands throughout the action. Keeps his feet driving up the field, changes direction well and has the ability to chase plays laterally. Fires off the snap, shows a quick burst, and plays with suddenness.
Negative: Not light on his feet or effective in pursuit. Not a dominant bull rushing interior lineman. Has marginal athleticism.
Analysis: Casey was a productive defensive lineman who does not have great skills for the next level. He could be a one-gap tackle or three-technique lineman.
Height: 6-2
Weight: 299
40: 4.89
Year: 5Sr
Zach Clayton
School: Auburn
Position: DT
Bio: Champion college discus thrower that moved into the starting lineup as a senior and posted career numbers of 28/8/1.
Positive: Hard-working, slug it out lineman with a developing game. Fires off the snap with a good first step, strong at the point and easily holds his ground against double team blocks. Keeps his feet moving on contact, slides off blocks laterally and works hard to make plays on the ball carrier. Fluid changing direction, nicely redirects to the action and wraps up tackling.
Negative: Does get a bit tall and plays upright at times. Occupies blockers and not a play making defender. Does not always play on balance.
Analysis: After breaking into the starting lineup as a senior Clayton showed enough skill and an ability to get consideration in the late rounds of this year's draft for a team looking to develop him as an interior lineman in a four man front.
Height: 6-3
Weight: 319
40: 4.93
Year: 3Jr
Marcell Dareus
School: Alabama
Position: DT
Bio: Awarded all-Conference an All-American honors last season after becoming a full-time starter and totaling 34/11/4.5 while breaking up four passes. Missed one game because of a suspension and another due to injury. Sophomore totals included 33/9/6.5, when he started four games.
Positive: Game-impacting defensive line prospect who can play a variety of positions up front. Athletic, fluid moving in all directions of the field, and quickly alters his angle of attack. Plays with great leverage and pad level, gets his hands up, and effectively uses them to protect himself. Displays an inside move, has the ability to pursue the action laterally, and has a strong lower body. Knocks blockers off the ball, runs over opponents, and viciously attacks ball carriers. Collapses the pocket and gets pressure up the field. Has better-than-average instincts and stays with assignments. Does more than pin his ears back and rush up the field and consistently makes positive plays.
Negative: Lacks elite first-step quickness. Has not always played with a great motor.
Analysis: Since breaking onto the scene in 2009, Dareus has been one of the nation's top impact players. He has the size and style to be used as a conventional defensive tackle or line up as a two-gap end in a 3-4 alignment. Dareus comes with great upside and should only get better if he learns to do the little things well and focuses on football.
Height: 6-1
Weight: 300
40: 5.21
Year: 4Sr
Chris Donaldson
School: Oklahoma State
Position: DT
Bio: Posted 25/4/3 as a senior after moving into the starting lineup. Junior totals included nine tackles with one tackle for loss.
Positive: Explosive one-gap tackle who makes a lot of athletic plays on the field. Gets leverage on opponents, works his hands well and quickly changes direction. Flashes the ability to chase the action laterally, is explosive in all his movements, and rarely gets knocked off his feet. Effective with his hands and shows good punch with the ability to knock blockers aside.
Negative: Lacks bulk and can be neutralized by a single blocker. Marginal pass rusher and wasn't very productive in college.
Analysis: Donaldson has shown flashes of skill the past two seasons and improved as a senior. He's a penetrating defensive tackle who could be a reserve in a one-gap system.
Height: 6-5
Weight: 346
40: 5.19
Year: 5Sr
Kendrick Ellis
School: Hampton
Position: DT
Bio: Former transfer from South Carolina who has started the past three seasons at Hampton. Awarded All-American and all-Conference honors as a senior after totaling 94/15/2. Junior totals included 51 tackles and 15 tackles for loss.
Positive: Powerful interior lineman who controls the action when motivated. Wide-bodied and easily clogs the middle. Keeps his feet moving on contact, flashes athleticism, and has above-average movement skills for a player of his size. Fluid changing direction, plays with good lean, and is impossible to move off the point. Defeats blocks and constantly makes plays behind the line of scrimmage.
Negative: Lacks first-step quickness. Gets tall, does not use his hands well, and easily neutralized at the point. Lumbers about the field. Seemingly gives up on the action if it's not in his immediate vicinity.
Analysis: After being dismissed from South Carolina for multiple rules violations in 2008, Ellis pulled the pieces together and was very productive on the small school level. He is a mountain of a man on the defensive line and possesses the size, strength, and athleticism to control the action. Ellis needs a lot of work on his game, must improve his fundamentals and get into better shape to have any kind of career in the NFL and play at his expected level of ability.
Height: 6-4
Weight: 291
40: 4.84
Year: 4Jr
Nick Fairley
School: Auburn
Position: DT
Bio: Junior college transfer who broke into the starting lineup in 2010 and produced a monster season. Awarded all-Conference and All-American honors. Named SEC Defensive Player of the Year and totaled 60/24/11. Started two games as a sophomore in 2009, posting 28/3.5/1.5.
Positive: Game-impacting defensive lineman whose star is on the rise. Displays great movement skills and an explosive burst to the action. Quickly changes direction and effectively makes plays down the line or chases the action in backside pursuit. Plays with good pad level, fires off the snap with a great first step, and shoots through the gaps up the field. Fast off the edge, effective in pursuit, and makes plays in every direction. Constantly doubled by the opposition yet remains a game changer.
Negative: Must improve his overall strength. Marginal hand use and displays limited moves getting off blocks. Lacks pure power and can be controlled by single blocker. Mostly a first move lineman that must beat opponents off the snap. Not known as a hard worker in practice.
Analysis: Fairley comes off a career year in which he started the season hot and never let up through Auburn's national title game. He possesses the skills and athleticism to be used as a defensive tackle or two-gap end and has an enormous amount of upside. Fairley will be very productive at the next level if he improves the details of his game and works hard on and off the field.
Height: 6-1
Weight: 305
40: 5.11
Year: 5Sr
Saia Falahola
School: Arizona State
Position: DT
Bio: Two-year starter who posted 13 tackles and 2.5 for loss as a senior after junior numbers of 26/7.5/4.
Positive: Explosive one-gap tackle who plays hard until the whistle blows. Displays terrific quickness off the snap, plays with good pad level, and tough to move off the point. Works his hands throughout the action, keeps his feet driving up the field, and fluid moving in every direction. Shows a short-area burst of speed.
Negative: Lacks strength at the point of attack and is very slow shedding blocks. Easily pushed aside by blockers.
Analysis: Falahola is a tough college defensive lineman who's fallen under the radar in the scouting community. He possesses enough physical skills and intensity to be a backup on a four-man line and fill the role of a three-technique lineman.
Height: 6-1.5
Weight: 308
40: 5.28
Year: 5Sr
Sione Fua
School: Stanford
Position: DT
Bio: Three-year starter awarded all-Conference honors as a senior with totals of 23/6/4.5. Had 24/3/1.5 as a junior and 17 tackles as a sophomore.
Positive: Quick, explosive interior lineman with potential at tackle or on the nose. Explodes off the snap with a terrific first step, quickly gets his hands up, and uses them well to protect himself. Consistently bends his knees, plays with good pad level, and is strong in his lower body. Constantly focused on in the middle of the line but plays with a nasty attitude. Strong, pushes opponents off the ball, and works hard to make positive plays. Fluid moving in every direction of the field and easily changes direction to chase the action.
Negative: Must develop more moves and become quicker disengaging from blocks. Not much of a pass rusher. Marginally productive in college.
Analysis: Fua has displayed consistent progress and is a prospect who can be used at several positions on the defensive line. He's an underrated athlete who will only get better as he physically matures and polishes his game. He possesses the skill and potential to break into a starting lineup at the next level.
Height: 6-1
Weight: 316
40: 5.09
Year: 5Sr
Cory Grant
School: TCU
Position: DT
Bio: Two-year starter who posted 18/5/3.5 as a senior and 25/5.5/2.5 as a junior, when he was awarded all-Conference honors.
Positive: Explosive one-gap penetrator who has good quickness. Easily redirects to ball carriers and can turn it on in a single step.
Negative: Easily controlled at the point by a single blocker. Displays little in the way of moves or hand technique. Lacks great upside.
Analysis: Grant is a potential backup three-technique lineman at the next level if he shows any ability on special teams.
Height: 6-3
Weight: 286
40: 5.09
Year: 5Sr
John Graves
School: Virginia Tech
Position: DT
Bio: Three-year starter awarded all-Conference honors as a senior after posting 37/5/1.5. Had 15/2/1 as a junior and 26 tackles as a sophomore.
Positive: Explosive one-gap penetrating tackle best on a four-man line. Displays solid first-step quickness, plays with good pad level, and gets leverage on opponents. Fluid changing direction, tough to knock off his feet, and effectively uses his hands to protect himself. Keeps his feet moving up the field, explosive at the point, and goes hard until the whistle blows. Adequate skills chasing the action in pursuit.
Negative: Lacks bulk and easily controlled at the point by single blocker or out positioned from the play. Just a marginal pass rusher despite his athleticism.
Analysis: Graves is a solid athlete with good movement skills and is a potential three-technique lineman who can be used in a reserve role.
Height: 5-11.5
Weight: 316
40: 5.09
Year: 5Sr
Anthony Gray
School: Southern Mississippi
Position: DT
Bio: Three-year starter awarded all-Conference honors after his senior and sophomore seasons. Senior totals included 43/5.5/1.5 after 40/7/1.5 the prior year.
Positive: Large, athletic defensive lineman who forces the action when he gives effort. Bends his knees, gets leverage on opponents and shows power in his lower body. Consistently doubled in the middle of the line yet displays the ability to hold the point or get push up the field. Fires off the snap with a terrific first step, explodes through the gaps and can be a dominant force.
Negative: More of a straight-line defender and lacks the quick or immediate change of direction. Does not play with a great degree of urgency. Possesses minimal moves with his hands and easily controlled by ordinary opponents.
Analysis: Gray has the strength and athleticism to be used in a variety of interior defensive line positions and has flashed dominance the past three years. Yet despite this he does not consistently play at a high level and all too often leaves scouts thinking he's capable of much more. Possesses the tools to play in the NFL but must quickly pick up the intensity.
Height: 6-4
Weight: 305
40: 4.96
Year: 3Jr
Lawrence Guy
School: Arizona State
Position: DT
Bio: Three-year starter who posted 41/6/1.5 as a senior after putting up 37/7/4.5 the prior year. Posted career-best numbers of 44/10/2 as a freshman.
Positive: Hardworking and fairly athletic lineman defensive lineman who can be used in a variety of spots up front. Plays with good quickness, keeps his feet driving up the field, and occupies blockers on the line of scrimmage. Plays with good pad level, very quick with his hands, and shows explosiveness. Fluid changing direction, constantly doubled in the middle of the action, and shows the ability to hold his ground.
Negative: Slow shedding blocks once engaged at the point. Not a dominant lineman who collapses the pocket. Watched his game level off after an outstanding freshman season.
Analysis: Guy has shown ability the past three years who could be used on the inside of a four-man line or placed as a two-gap end in a 3-4 alignment. He offers good upside and the ability to eventually start in the NFL.
Height: 6-0.5
Weight: 283
40: 4.94
Year: 5Sr
Bryan Hall
School: Arkansas State
Position: DT
Bio: Three-year starter awarded all-Conference honors after his junior and senior seasons. Had 46/10/8.5 as a senior and 30/9/2.5 as a junior.
Positive: Undersized yet explosive one-gap tackle with marginal upside for the next level. Beats opponents off the line with a terrific first step, plays with good pad level, and fights with his hands throughout the action. Fluid making plays laterally, keeps his feet moving on contact, and works hard until the whistle blows.
Negative: Lacks balance and struggles redirecting to ball carriers. Easily controlled at the point of attack by a single blocker.
Analysis: Hall was a terrific player at Arkansas State but has size and athletic limitations for the next level. He could find a home as a backup three-technique linemen in a conventional four-man front.
Height: 6-0.5
Weight: 298
40: 4.95
Year: 4Sr
John Henderson
School: Southern Mississippi
Position: DT
Bio: Junior college transfer that finished his senior season with 28/2.5/.5.
Positive: Hard-working, wide bodied lineman who does the little things well. Quickly gets off the snap, plays with good lean and effectively uses his hands to protect himself. Bends his knees, gets leverage on opponents and displays the ability to collapse down the line of scrimmage and chase the action. Goes hard until the whistle blows and gives effort.
Negative: Possesses just a short area burst of speed and ineffective in pursuit. Lacks the ability to immediately alter his angle of attack.
Analysis: Anderson possesses the quickness and skills to be a three technique lineman at the next level if he improves his ability to make plays laterally.
Height: 6-1.5
Weight: 306
40: 5.24
Year: 5Sr
Derrick Hill
School: California
Position: DT
Bio: Three-year starter used at both tackle and on the nose in college. Totaled 44 tackles as a senior and 18/4.5/to the prior year.
Positive: Hardworking lineman in the middle who does the little things well. Plays with good pad level, quickly gets his hands up, and is tough to move off the point. Gets off the snap with a quick first step and shows the ability to shoot the open gaps. Works hard until the whistle blows.
Negative: Lacks playing balance and controlled by a single blocker. Must develop more moves with his hands. More of a straight-line defender who cannot make plays down the line.
Analysis: Hill is a space-eating defensive lineman who effectively occupies blockers and allows teammates to make plays on the ball. He does not possess a lot of upside for the next level but has enough skill to find a home as a backup in a variety of defensive schemes.
Height: 6-3
Weight: 295
40: 5.25
Year: 5Sr
Shane Jarka
School: Oklahoma State
Position: DT
Bio: Totaled 13 tackles and two tackles for loss as a senior after moving into the starting lineup. Junior numbers included 18/5/1.5.
Positive: Hardworking one-gap plugger with limited upside. Keeps his feet moving up the field, tough to move off the point, and works hard until the whistle blows. Quick off the snap and shows a small-area burst of speed.
Negative: Lacks dominant strength and does not get a lot of push up the field. Cannot quickly change direction. Controlled at the point of attack by a single blocker.
Analysis: Jarka is a competitive defender who makes a lot of plays with his hustle. He possesses a solid frame and could back up in a system that asks him to occupy blockers instead of making plays on the football.
Height: 6-4
Weight: 310
40: 5.08
Year: 4Sr
Jarvis Jenkins
School: Clemson
Position: DT
Bio: Two-year starter awarded all-Conference honors as a senior after totaling 39/8/1. Junior totals included 69/11/1.
Positive: Athletic defensive line prospect who can be used at tackle or as a two-gap end. Displays great quickness, explodes off the snap, and shows an outstanding first step to the action. Fluid if asked to twist or stunt, plays with leverage and smooth making plays in any direction of the field. Pursues the action to the sidelines and shows speed up the field.
Negative: Easily disrupted by blocks and out-positioned by opponents. Must develop more moves with his hands. Must improve his overall playing strength.
Analysis: Jenkins is an athletically gifted prospect who moves well about the field. He lacks strength at the point of attack and at this point is mostly a first-step lineman. Jenkins offers growth potential and has starting possibilities in the NFL if he improves his playing strength.
Height: 6-4
Weight: 315
40: 5.35
Year: 4Sr
Frank Kearse
School: Alabama A&M
Position: DT
Bio: Three-year starter awarded all-conference honors after his junior and senior seasons. Senior totals included 57/14/1 after 33/12/3.5 as a junior.
Positive: Big-bodied interior lineman who does a solid job holding the point of attack. Plays with good pad level, quickly gets his hands up, and effectively uses them to protect himself. Tough to move off the line, slides off blocks to the inside, and effectively makes plays. Adequate first step off the ball, gets push up the field, and shows strength in his lower body. Keeps his feet driving on contact and consistently plays with good knee bend.
Negative: Not light on his feet and lacks skill pursuing the action or stringing plays out laterally. Does not play with good balance. Must develop more moves with his hands. Marginal pass rusher.
Analysis: Kearse is a strong, wide-bodied defender who does a better job occupying blockers rather than making plays up the field. He could develop into a zero-technique/nose tackle prospect at the next level as he physically matures, adds bulk to his frame, and gets stronger.
Height: 6-1
Weight: 300
40: 5.15
Year: 5Sr
Dexter Larimore
School: Ohio State
Position: DT
Bio: Part-time starter the past three seasons. Had 40/7.5/4 as a senior and 20 tackles as a junior.
Positive: Hard-working defensive lineman who lacks great physical skills for the next level. Gets off the snap with a quick first step, explosive at the point of attack, and works his hands to protect himself. Plays with good pad level, is tough to move off the point, and chases the action hard.
Negative: Straight-line defender who lacks the ability to quickly change direction. Marginal skill in pursuit.
Analysis: Larimore is a plugger on the defensive line and is best in a system where he's asked to occupy blockers. He lacks great upside but is a blue-collar player who can make a two deep in the NFL on a four-man line.
Height: 6-0.5
Weight: 304
40: 5.05
Year: 5Sr
Ted Laurent
School: Mississippi
Position: DT
Bio: Posted 21/3.5/2 as a senior when he became a full-time starter. Junior numbers included 12/2.5/.5.
Positive: Strong, interior player who takes up space in the middle. Explodes off the snap, plays with good pad level, and has a solid first step to the action. Flashes the ability to get out laterally and chase the action to the sidelines. Uses his hands to protect himself, plays with good knee bend, and gets underneath opponents. Tough to move off the line and bulrushes blockers off the ball.
Negative: Must develop more moves with his hands. Possesses just a short burst of speed. Marginal pass rusher.
Analysis: Laurent is a short, wide-bodied defender whose main responsibility is to occupy blockers and allow others to make plays on the ball. He lacks the size to be a true nose tackle and the athleticism to play in a conventional four-man front , but he could be a rotational lineman used in short-yardage situations.
Height: 6-2
Weight: 298
40: 4.97
Year: 3Jr
Corey Liuget
School: Illinois
Position: DT
Bio: All-Conference selection as a senior after becoming a full-time starter and posting 63/12.5/4.5. Sophomore totals included 36/8/2.5.
Positive: Athletic interior lineman who plays with aggressiveness. Plays with good pad level, flows well laterally to the action, and has a closing burst to the ball carrier. Keeps his feet driving up the field, flashes power, and works his hands throughout the action. Uses his hands well to protect himself and rarely off his feet. Gets off the ball with a solid first step then quickly penetrates behind the line of scrimmage.
Negative: Struggles getting off blocks once engaged at the point of attack. Does not always play with a great sense of urgency. Lacks classic defensive tackle size.
Analysis: Liuget comes off a career season as a junior and decided to enter the draft early. He has size limitations yet his movement skills and quickness would could make him a three-technique lineman in a four-man front. He offers a nice amount of upside and Liuget's best football lay ahead of him.
Height: 6-3.5
Weight: 290
40: 5.04
Year: 5Sr
Ricky Lumpkin
School: Kentucky
Position: DT
Bio: Two-year starter who finished with 21/5.5/1 as a senior after putting up junior totals of 26 tackles.
Positive: Deceptively strong interior lineman with the ability to overpower opponents. Plays with leverage, drives up the field, and flashes power on the inside. Consistently displays the ability to hold the point. Fires off the snap with a solid first step, changes directions well, and makes plays in the box. Chases the action hard.
Negative: Must do a better job using his hands to protect himself and develop moves to get off blocks. Average skills in pursuit.
Analysis: Lumpkin is a workman-type lineman in the middle of the field who does the little things well to allow teammates to make plays. He lacks classic size yet should get consideration on the inside of a four-man line.
Height: 6-4.5
Weight: 289
40: 5.43
Year: 5Sr
Lawrence Marsh
School: Florida
Position: DT
Bio: Played nine games last season and totaled nine tackles. Junior numbers included eight tackles. Full-time starter at nose tackle as a sophomore.
Positive: One-time highly thought of prospect who's struggled with injury the past two years. Resilient, flashes power in his lower body, and keeps his feet driving up the field. Adequate changing direction and displays the ability to collapse down the line of scrimmage and pursue the action. Has solid first-step quickness and wedges through blocks.
Negative: Does not always play with a sense of urgency. Must develop more moves with his hands. Marginally productive in college.
Analysis: Marsh offers terrific size and looked well on his way to being a top prospect after the 2008 season before struggling with an injury. He appears to have lost some explosiveness, but he must be given a chance based on his measurables.
Height: 6-1.5
Weight: 297
40: 4.98
Year: 4Sr
Terrell McClain
School: South Florida
Position: DT
Bio: Three-year starter awarded all-Conference honors as a senior after totaling 24/4.5/3. Junior totals included 25/5/1.5.
Positive: Explosive defensive tackle prospect who looks best suited for a one gap system. Fires off the snap with a good first step, flashes power, and is tough to move off the point. Keeps his feet driving up the field and slides off blocks to the inside. Plays with good lean, gets leverage on opponents, and is fluid making plays laterally.
Negative: Lacks natural bulk and gets locked up in blocks. Does not display a dominant base or bull rush opponents off the line. Marginal pass rusher.
Analysis: McClain has been a solid player at South Florida the past three seasons yet never truly elevated his game. He offers potential as a possible three-technique lineman or a penetrating tackle on a four-man line.
Height: 6-2.5
Weight: 292
40: 5.25
Year: 5Sr
Guy Miller
School: Colorado State
Position: DT
Bio: Two-year starter awarded all-Conference honors as a senior after totaling 35/9/6.5. Junior numbers included 39/6.5/2.
Positive: Hardworking lineman with marginal size and upside. Displays terrific first-step quickness, fires through the gaps of the offensive line, and works his hands throughout the action. Keeps his feet moving up the field, works hard until the whistle blows, and is very competitive.
Negative: Consistently handled by a single blocker. Doesn't consistently play with good pad level. Stiff and doesn't change directions fluidly.
Analysis: Miller is a hard-nosed college lineman with poor size/speed numbers for the next level. His approach to the game and competitiveness could help him find a spot on a roster as an defensive lineman.
Height: 6-1.5
Weight: 319
40: 5.06
Year: 5Sr
Chris Neild
School: West Virginia
Position: DT
Bio: Three-year starter awarded all-Conference honors after his senior and junior seasons. Totals last year included 35/4/3 after he had 35 tackles as a junior and 47 as a sophomore.
Positive: Strong, hard-working defensive tackle who is very tough to move off the point. Possesses good first-step quickness, gets leverage on opponents, and holds the point. Quickly gets his hands up, fights hard on every down, and quick to locate the ball. Adequate change-of-direction skills with the ability to make plays down the line.
Negative: Plays stiff on occasion. Not a sure-handed wrap-up tackler. Struggles getting off blocks and can be handled by a single opponent.
Analysis: Neild is a workmanlike defensive line prospect who can be used on the inside of a four-man line while also getting looks at nose tackle. He lacks great upside but is a prospect who uses all his assets to a maximum and should be more than competent at the next level.
Height: 6-0.5
Weight: 294
40: 5.06
Year: 4Sr
Drake Nevis
School: LSU
Position: DT
Bio: Moved into the starting lineup as a senior and posted career-high numbers of 56/13/6. Awarded all-Conference and All-American honors last year. Totaled 50/11/4 as a junior when he played in 13 games but never started.
Positive: Explosive and athletic one-gap lineman coming off a tremendous year. Built low to the ground, explodes off the snap with a terrific first step, and fires through the gaps up the field. Keeps his feet driving on contact, plays with a high motor, and chases the action hard. Collapses laterally to defend the run, flashes initial power at the point of attack, and plays with a great amount of quickness. Can immediately change direction and alter his angle of attack and rarely knocked off his feet.
Negative: Undersized, engulfed at the point and struggles getting off blocks. Has difficulty beating opponents if he does not get the first step on them.
Analysis: Nevis comes off a tremendous season where he went from late round prospect into the top 50 picks of the draft. He consistently makes plays behind the line of scrimmage and would be a very good fit as a one-gap tackle or possibly a three-technique lineman.
Height: 6-1
Weight: 285
40: 4.93
Year: 5Sr
Ollie Ogbu
School: Penn State
Position: DT
Bio: Two-year starter awarded all-Conference honors as a senior after totaling 48/8.5/.5. Junior totals included 30/8/2.
Positive: Small yet explosive one-gap defender who gets the most from his ability. Displays tremendous first-step quickness, is built low to the ground, and gets leverage on opponents. Resilient, fights hard, and keeps his feet moving up the field. Works his hands to get off blocks. Fires through the gaps of the offensive line, plays with explosiveness, and is fluid changing direction or altering his angle of attack.
Negative: Easily knocked from his angle of attack by the first blocker. Just average skill in pursuit. Marginal pass rushing skills.
Analysis: Ogbu has been a productive college lineman and projects as a one-gap penetrating defensive tackle in a four-man line at the next level. His quickness and explosiveness are enticing, but Ogbu must produce in camp this summer to have a shot at a reserve a spot on a final roster.
Height: 6-1.5
Weight: 303
40: 5.05
Year: 5Sr
Stephen Paea
School: Oregon State
Position: DT
Bio: Three-year starter awarded all-Conference honors since his sophomore season. Voted Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year as a senior and named to several all-American teams, putting up 45/10/6. Junior numbers included 43/3.5/3 after he had 41/11/5 as a sophomore.
Positive: Explosive, one-gap defensive tackle who plays with great intensity. Fires off the snap with a terrific first step, plays with outstanding pad level and gets leverage on opponents. Built low to the ground, keeps his feet driving up the field, and works hard until the whistle blows. Knifes through blocks on the inside, fluid changing direction and displays an array of moves with his hands getting off blocks. Slides laterally down the line to make plays, rarely off his feet, and draws extra attention from opponents.
Negative: Easily out-positioned or neutralized at the point by a single blocker. Lacks great bulk on the inside. Did not improve as much as a senior as most scouts thought was possible.
Analysis: Paea is a tremendous college defensive lineman who plays with a nonstop motor. Size is a limiting factor yet if put in a position to best use his talents, he will undoubtedly produce at the next level as a starter. He would be best as a three-technique lineman or one-gap tackle.
Height: 6-2
Weight: 303
40: 4.97
Year: 5Sr
Martin Parker
School: Richmond
Position: DT
Bio: Three year starter awarded all-American and all-Conference honors the past two years. Senior totals included 96/13.5/5.5 after 75/15.5/6.5 as a junior.
Positive: Productive small school defensive lineman with average size/speed numbers for the next level. Displays good movement skills, fluid down the line of scrimmage and displays a burst of speed to the play. Uses his hands well, keeps his feet moving and covers a good amount of area on the field. Gets off the snap with a quick first step, quick changing direction or immediately alters his angle of attack to chase the action.
Negative: Does not consistently play with good pad level, gets tall and makes himself an easy target for opponents. Easily knocked off balance by the first block or handled by a single opponent. Marginal skill in pursuit.
Analysis: Parker was a top defender at Richmond the past three seasons and is a solid NFL prospect that offers a good amount of upside. He's best suited to play on a four-man line and has the movement skills necessary to be used as a three technique lineman.
Height: 6-1.5
Weight: 335
40: 5.25
Year: 4Sr
Jerrell Powe
School: Mississippi
Position: DT
Bio: Two-year starter awarded all-Conference honors after his junior and senior seasons. Totals last year included 27/8.5/2.5 after he had 34/12/3 as a junior.
Positive: Large, powerful nose tackle prospect who can control the line of scrimmage. Explodes off the snap, plays with good lean, and consistently doubled or even tripled teamed on the inside. Rarely off his feet, tough to move off the point, and does not give up an inch of room. Bulrushes opponents off the ball, plays with consistently good pad level, and has always displays strength.
Negative: Ineffective using his hands and shows limited moves getting off blocks. Rather easily controlled by a single opponent on occasion. Straight-line type defender and a poor pass rusher.
Analysis: Coming into the season Powe was justifiably rated as the top nose tackle prospect in the draft, but he had a somewhat disappointing season and watched his stock slip. At the top of his game he's a powerful presence in the middle of the line and can occupy blockers, allowing his teammates to make plays on the ball. He possesses a good amount of upside but must quickly get his game back on track to achieve the ability scouts believe he has.
Height: 6-2
Weight: 317
40: 5.31
Year: 5Sr
Terron Sanders
School: Florida
Position: DT
Bio: Part-time starter through most of his Florida career. Posted 18 tackles with two tackles for loss as a senior after recording 19 tackles and two tackles for loss as a junior.
Positive: Strong interior blocker who flashes power. Works hard, gets his hands into defenders, and pushes them off the ball. Plays with good quickness and is tough to move from the middle because of his big frame.
Negative: Straight-line defender who lacks quickness and fluidity changing directions. Tends to get tall out of his stance and makes himself an easy target. Marginally productive at Florida.
Analysis: Sanders is a size prospect who's flashed skill the past yet never really developed his game. He possesses the strength to play in the NFL but must improve his technique.
Height: 6-1
Weight: 312
40: 5.32
Year: 4Sr
Lawon Scott
School: Mississippi
Position: DT
Bio: Former starter who came off the bench as a senior and totaled just five tackles with one tackle for loss. Junior numbers included 24 tackles, when he started 13 games.
Positive: Lumbering lineman with the ability to clog the middle of the field. Shows power in his lower body, gets push up the field, and flashes athleticism. Holds the point and overpowers blockers.
Negative: Tends to get tall and makes himself an easy target for opponents. Ineffective with his hands and does not properly use them to disengage from blocks. Struggles redirecting to ball carriers.
Analysis: Scott showed ability early in his college career but was never able to build upon that momentum and is coming off a disappointing senior season. He possesses the size and power to be a two-gap stopper in the middle of the line, but he needs a lot of work on his game.
Height: 6-1.5
Weight: 305
40: 5.25
Year: 3Jr
Sealver Siliga
School: Utah
Position: DT
Bio: Two-year starter who finished with 41/4/1.5 as a junior after he had 49/6.5/1 the prior year.
Positive: Strong, run-defending lineman who is best in a small area. Plays with good pad level, fires off the snap with a nice first step, and keeps his feet driving up the field. Displays power, tough to move off the point, and bulrushes opponents from the action. Works hard to make plays and constantly doubled in the middle of the line.
Negative: Straight-line defender who lacks a burst. Must develop more moves with his hands. Has marginal pass rushing skills.
Analysis: Siliga been a solid player the past two seasons at Utah and has the ability to occupy blockers up front. He lacks classic size for the NFL space eater has limited growth potential but could be a reserve in the middle of a four-man line.
Height: 6-1
Weight: 323
40: 5.25
Year: 5Sr
Xzavier Stewart
School: Illinois State
Position: DT
Bio: Kansas State transfer who played in 11 games as a junior in 2009, totaling 19/3.5/2. Played four games in 2010, finishing with 14 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss before being dismissed from the program for conduct detrimental to the team.
Positive: Explosive interior line prospect with good size. Plays with leverage and is very quick with his hands. Rarely off his feet, shows terrific balance, and changes directions fluidly. Moves well for big man, quickly getting out to the flanks to chase the action. Displays a terrific first step to the play and fires off the snap.
Negative: Does not play to his size and can be driven off the line or easily controlled by a single blocker. Has played minimal football the past three years.
Analysis: Stewart passes the eyeball test as an athletic big man who makes plays sideline to sideline. However, he has a minimal body of work in large part due to his own fault and will struggle getting out of camp this summer.
Height: 6-1.5
Weight: 335
40: 5.21
Year: 5Sr
Blaine Sumner
School: Colorado Mines
Position: DT
Bio: Three-year starter awarded all-Conference honors the past two years. Senior totals included 32/6.5/.5 and three blocked kicks. Junior numbers included 33/7/4. Occasionally used as a lead blocker or short yardage ball carrier. Completed 52 repetitions of 225 pounds on the bench press during his Pro Day in March. Other weightlifting marks included 905 pounds on the squat and 625 pounds on the bench.
Positive: Powerful and underrated nose tackle prospect who shows a good degree of athleticism on the field. Bends his knees, plays with terrific pad level, and gets underneath opponents. Adequate first step off the snap, displays the ability to easily bull rush opponents off the ball, and collapses the pocket. Consistently doubled in the middle the line. Moves well on the field, fluid if asked to twist or stunt, and has the ability to get around blockers besides run over them. Rarely off his feet, shows the ability to change direction, and works hard.
Negative: Must develop more moves with his hands and use them better to protect himself. Struggles to regain balance off the initial block. More of a space eater in the middle rather than a defensive lineman who makes a lot of plays on the ball.
Analysis: Sumner is an impressive physical specimen and a great combination of power and athleticism. Always playing with good football technique, he has definite potential at the next level and should get looks by a 3-4 team in the late rounds.
Height: 6-3.5
Weight: 311
40: 5.35
Year: 5Sr
Adrian Taylor
School: Oklahoma
Position: DT
Bio: Played in 10 games last season, totaling 12 tackles before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury late in the year. Full-time starter the prior two-years, totaling 37/7/3.5 as a junior and 26/6.5/4.5 as a sophomore. Suffered a severely dislocated ankle during Oklahoma's bowl game in December 2009.
Positive: One-time highly rated defensive tackle who's had a lot of injury problems lately. Fires off the snap with a nice first step, plays with good pad level, and works his hands throughout the action. Fluid changing direction, chases hard, and shows solid body strength. Keeps his feet moving up the field and gets a good amount momentum going in a straight line.
Negative: Can be turned from the action by a single blocker. Lacks playing balance. Easily knocked from the action by the first block. Has struggled to stay healthy for more than a year.
Analysis: Taylor looked like the next top tackle from the Oklahoma program but has been unable to stay healthy since the end of his junior season. At one time considered a potential first round pick, he presently grades as a medical risk.
Height: 6-3.5
Weight: 334
40: 5.09
Year: 5Sr
Phil Taylor
School: Baylor
Position: DT
Bio: Former Penn State transfer awarded all-Conference honors last season with totals of 62/7/2. Started nine games as a junior and totaled 25 tackles. Dismissed from Penn State in 2008 after multiple off-the-field incidents, including an assault charge.
Positive: King-sized defensive lineman who moves well about the field and can dominate the line of scrimmage. Bends his knees, plays with good pad level, and flashes power. Overruns offensive linemen, tosses aside blockers, and plays with good quickness. Keeps his feet moving up the field, fluid changing direction, and is tough to move from his angle of attack. Displays good punch with his hands and knocks blockers away with ease. Better-than-average lateral movement skills.
Negative: Has had a weight problem in the past that resulted in his benching during the 2009 season. Marginally instinctive on the field. Possesses limited moves and does not use his hands well.
Analysis: Taylor has proven to be a dominant force and possesses a terrific combination of size, strength, and athleticism. He has the skills to be used in a variety of systems and the versatility to line up at a number of positions on the defensive line. He offers good upside but comes with character questions and must prove his outstanding 2010 campaign was not an aberration.
Height: 6-3
Weight: 302
40: 5.27
Year: 5Sr
Cedric Thornton
School: Southern Arkansas
Position: DT
Bio: Two-year starter awarded all-Conference honors the last two years. Senior totals included 52/13/1.5 after 80/23/8.5 the prior year.
Positive: Ultra-productive small school defender with average potential for the next level. Quick off the snap, displays a terrific first step, and fires through the gaps up the field. Fluid changing direction, displays the ability to make plays laterally, and gives effort.
Negative: Likes to talk on the field a little bit too much. Does not play with good pad level, gets tall, and makes himself an easy target for opponents. Must improve his balance.
Analysis: Taylor has proven to be a dominant force and possesses a terrific combination of size, strength, and athleticism. He has the skills to be used in a variety of systems and the versatility to line up at a number of positions on the defensive line. He offers good upside but comes with character questions and must prove his outstanding 2010 campaign was not an aberration.
Height: 6-2
Weight: 302
40: 5.37
Year: 4Sr
Colby Whitlock
School: Texas Tech
Position: DT
Bio: Four-year starter awarded all-Conference honors as a senior after totaling 57/8.5/2. Junior totals included 45/8/3.
Positive: Hardworking interior lineman with limited upside. Quick off the snap, plays with good pad level, and is tough to move off the point. Immediately gets his hands up and effectively uses them to protect himself. Has some width to his frame and occupies blockers upfront.
Negative: More of a straight-line defender and doesn't change directions well. Does a better job of occupying blockers rather than making plays.
Analysis: Whitlock lacks the sheer physical skills to be a star at the next level. His approach the game and the ability to use all his assets to their maximum should help him secure a spot on an NFL roster.
Height: 6-4
Weight: 315
40: 4.96
Year: 3Jr
Muhammad Wilkerson
School: Temple
Position: DT
Bio: Three-year starter awarded all-Conference honors as a senior after totaling 70/13/9.5. Junior numbers included 61/10.5/7.
Positive: Terrific junior defensive line prospect with a great amount of upside. Flashes athleticism, moves well about the field, and shows ability in pursuit. Possesses a burst of speed, quickly changes direction, and easily gets out to the sidelines, making plays in space. Stays within his angle of attack, tough to move off the point, and can be an overwhelming force who bulrushes blockers off the line of scrimmage. Possesses good size as well as growth potential.
Negative: Must develop more moves with his hands. Lacks the great bulk to this point to be an interior tackle.
Analysis: Wilkerson has shown tremendous improvement in his game the past two seasons and comes with a great amount of potential. He has the ability to be used at several spots on the line of scrimmage and can line up as a three-technique tackle or two-gap end. He should only get better as he physically matures and improves the details of his game, eventually developing into a productive starter at the next level.
Height: 6-1.5
Weight: 319
40: 5.21
Year: 4Sr
Ian Williams
School: Notre Dame
Position: DT
Bio: Three-year starter who was limited to nine games as a senior and finished the year with 38/3.50/1.5 and an interception. Junior totals included 39 tackles with six tackles for loss.
Positive: Strong defensive tackle built low to the ground and best defending the run. Plays with good pad level, tough to move off the point, and effectively uses his hands to protect himself. Shoots the gaps up the field, remains disciplined, and consistently plays with leverage. Keeps his feet driving up the field and displays good strength in his lower body. Possesses adequate change-of-direction skills.
Negative: Marginal pass rusher with only a small burst of speed. Short and engulfed by opponents.
Analysis: Williams is a hardworking interior lineman who can control the middle of the line and plays smart football. He offers ability in a variety of systems and could develop into a starter at the next level.