I will be doing a top 5 for each position. And these rankings are pre-Combine. I reserve the right to change my mind later this month.
Defensive Tackle
1. Michael Brockers (LSU, 6’5″, 306lbs)
Given that he was only a redshirt sophomore, I’m not ashamed to say that I was surprised when Brockers decided to give up his last two years of eligibility in order to go pro. But it appears as if that was a very wise decision. He was a big part of one of the best young defensive lines in the country (and I meant big in both a literal and metaphorical sense). He is a massive mountain of a man. Has quite an explosive first step. Maintains good leverage. He has the awareness of a fifth year senior. And plays with 115% every down. He should be an early first round selection.
2. Devon Still (Penn State, 6’4″, 310lbs)
An absolute force to be reckoned with this past season, Still flourished in the same defensive scheme that had sent recent Nittany Lions Tamba Hali and Jared Odrick to the NFL. He can be absolutely dominant against the running game, keeping his pads low and using his hands to get off blocks. Not the fastest of players, yet still manages to get to the quarterback with a small arsenal of pass rush moves and sheer determination. Has had a bit of an injury history (torn ACL and broken ankle). Could be moved to the outside in a 3-4. Should be a mid to late first round selection.
3. Jerel Worthy (Michigan State, 6’3″, 310lbs)
Worthy had an amazing sophomore season for the Spartans in 2010 and looked to be on the verge of breaking out in 2011. However, that didn’t quite happen. Don’t get me wrong, at times he looked absolutely unstoppable but far too much of the time he just disappeared. He has above average speed and agility for a defensive tackle. Holds his ground in the running game and knows how to get off blocks to make tackles in the backfield. He doesn’t have a history of injuries or any character blemishes. Very experienced player. Great potential on special teams (two blocked kicks in 2011). And he finished with a phenomenal showing against Georgia in the Outback Bowl. Could be a five technique player in a 3-4. Late first round, early second round prospect in my mind. Could be targeted by the Patriots, who have two late first round picks.
4. Fletcher Cox (Mississippi State, 6’4″, 295lbs)
Another player that had an up and down season. However, instead of being game to game, Cox had a forgettable beginning to the 2011 season (which started with a one game suspension), yet finished with a string of quality performances. He plays with an amazing quickness, getting in to offensive linemen before they can get out of their stance. Has the frame to put on another 15 pounds of muscle, which would help him anchor against the run. High motor player, always looking for the ball and running a play down from behind. Very good lateral agility. Some experience at defensive end. Has tons of upside. Could be a late first round pick, but more likely a second round selection.
5. Dontari Poe (Memphis, 6’5″, 350bls)
Poe is big. Really big. He uses his size to take on blocks, freeing up the other defenders to swarm to the ball. Very hard to move in the run game and can fill two lanes. Generally plays with a very good pad level and uses his hands to gain leverage on opposing offensive linemen. Does not have a lot of potential as an NFL pass rusher. An obvious nose tackle for any team running a 3-4, however he could fit into a 4-3 if he can drop some weight. He is most likely a second round prospect, however some 3-4 team desperate to fill a void at the nose tackle position to move into the first round in order to acquire his services. I really don’t see that happening though.
Honorable Mention:
Brandon Thompson (Clemson, 6’2″, 311lbs)
Marcus Forston (Miami (FL), 6’3″, 300lbs)
Alameda Ta’amu (Washington, 6’3″, 341lbs)
Kendall Reyes (Connecticut, 6’4″, 300lbs)
Other positional rankings…
Offense
Quarterbacks
Running backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
Offensive Tackles
Interior Linemen
Defense
Defensive Ends
Defensive Tackles
Outside Linebackers
Inside Linebackers
Cornerbacks
Safeties
