Monday, March 7, 2011
Posted: 10 a.m.
By Ray Didinger
CSNPhilly.com
In last years NFL draft, two of the first three players selected were defensive tackles: Ndamukong Suh, who was selected second overall by Detroit, and Gerald McCoy, who went third to Tampa Bay. Suh was the leagues Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Philadelphia sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Overall, there were five defensive tackles taken in the first round of the 2010 draft, seven in the first 41 picks. It was a deep well of talent and this years class appears just as good. There isnt any one individual as dominant as Suh, but as a group this crop is very good.
Here is my top five:
1. Marcell Dareus, AlabamaSome teams are looking at the 6-3, 285-pound Dareus as an end, but I think he would have more impact as a tackle in a 4-3 defense. One of the hardest things to find is a tackle who can rush the quarterback and Dareus, with his quickness off the ball and excellent technique, can be that kind of player. Very polished. Can step right in and start at the next level.
2. Nick Fairley, AuburnThe 6-5, 320-pound Fairley was unstoppable in the BCS championship game. He dominated the line of scrimmage and was the best player on the field. There were times during the season when he did not look very motivated, but when he turned it on he was outstanding. He isnt as far along as Dareus in terms of technique (moves, use of hands, etc.) but he has great physical ability.
News
3. Stephen Paea, Oregon StateSome scouts worry about his lack of heighthe is a shade under 6-1but he is a powerful 310 pounds and almost impossible to move once he anchors. Broke the combine record in the bench press (49 reps with the 225-pound bar). Quicker than you would expect. He will often beat a blocker with his explosive first step. Plays low and fast in the mold of John Randle and Warren Sapp.
4. Corey Liuget, IllinoisThe 6-3, 300-pound Liuget is shooting up the draft boards as the scouts study more of his game tape. He is a strong, high-effort interior pass rusher who doesnt always get the sack but does a good job of pushing the pocket and getting in the face of the quarterback. Liuget also gets high marks as a run defender.
5. Phil Taylor, BaylorAt 6-4 and 330 pounds (slimmed down from 340), Taylor is the best of the 3-4 nose tackles. Powerful at the point of attack, can take on double teams and still get to the football. Uses his hands well to get off blocks. Dropping the weight increased his stamina and lateral movement. Solid week at the Senior Bowl probably moved him into the first round.
SleeperMartin Parker, RichmondA 6-2, 300 pounder, Parker opened scouts eyes at the East-West Shrine Game where he was voted Outstanding Defensive Player. Led his conference in sacks and tackles for a loss last season. He had 13 tackles in a game against Delaware. He has good movement, makes tackles from sideline to sideline.
Five more to watch: Marvin Austin, North Carolina; Jurrell Casey, Southern Cal; Drake Nevis, LSU; Christian Ballard, Iowa and Jerrell Powe, Mississippi.
E-mail Ray Didinger at viewfromthehall@comcast.net