The NFL Scouting Combine is right around the corner. Here is a pre-combine breakdown of our top five defensive tackles heading into Indianapolis.
Recruiting: Payne, who committed to Alabama over Auburn and Mississippi State at the Under Armour All-America Game, grew up an Auburn fan but had developed a great relationship with then-Alabama assistant Mario Cristobal, now the coach at Oregon.
Career stats: In three seasons at Alabama, Payne finished with 102 tackles, three sacks and two fumble recoveries. This past year, he had 53 total tackles.
Buzz: After playing really well against Georgia in the national title game, Payne could be drafted first or second at defensive tackle.
Farrell’s take: Payne could be one of the most underrated prospects in the draft. He is an absolute monster, built like a block and able to hold up blockers at the point of attack and push the pocket. At times on the camp circuit he would show his pass rushing moves, especially a nice inside rip, but other times he was stoned despite his size, which was puzzling. However, with the ability to bull rush and be more physical in pads, he was unstoppable and showed off light feet and the ability to shoot the gap. He was obviously a special prospect based on his ranking and has lived up to the billing. He’s a prospect who can play over center or in a 4-3 scheme so scouts will love his scheme versatility.
Recruiting: Vea, who had 296 tackles and 19 sacks during his time at Milpitas, Calif., committed to Washington over Cal, Oregon State, San Diego State, San Jose State, Tennessee and Utah.
Career stats: Vea finished with 99 tackles including 15 for loss and 9.5 sacks in three seasons with the Huskies. Four of his five pass deflections came this past year.
Buzz: On the lower end, Vea’s NFL comparison is Danny Shelton. Others point to Vea being a Haloti Ngata clone which means he could be special for years to come.
Farrell’s take: Vea is one of the athletic freaks of the draft and could put on a show in front of scouts. Vea was ranked as a big defensive end for us out of high school but played on the nose his senior year and was very active. He started off as a four-star pass rusher for us but dropped to a three-star as he got bigger but lost some quickness. He was a tough evaluation because he hadn’t played a ton of football and was very effective when he played, but he was a ‘tweener for us and it was hard to figure out what scheme he would fit into. He’s found his home as a defensive tackle and the NFL covets big men in the middle who can move, so any team looking for a zero technique will jump on him.
Recruiting: Hurst called a potential Michigan offer a “dream come true,” and when it came in the summer before his senior season it was clear the Wolverines were the leader. Boston College, Michigan State, Nebraska and Ohio State were also involved.
Career stats: In four seasons at Michigan, Hurst totaled 130 tackles (32 for loss) with 13.5 sacks. This past season, he had 50 stops with 13 coming for loss.
Buzz: Hurst has tremendous speed off the snap but his size is a concern. If he was bigger, Hurst could easily be a first-round pick.
Farrell’s take: Hurst is the best pass rushing defensive tackle in the draft and I would have never seen this one coming. While I liked Hurst enough to have him as a high three-star, I thought he was overplaying his skill level in choosing Michigan and would have been better at a middling program. He was a tad sawed off but even with that he had a tendency to play high, but he did have a great motor and light feet. But the player you see now is not close to what we saw in high school. He’s improved so much when it comes to explosion and pursuit and the NFL has noticed.
Recruiting: After a visit to Florida in the summer before his senior season, the Casper, Wyo., standout committed to the Gators. Oregon, Washington and others were also involved in his recruitment.
Career stats: Bryan finished his career with the Gators compiling 62 tackles (10.5 for loss) along with 5.5 sacks in three seasons. He also had three fumble recoveries.
Buzz: The son of a Navy Seal, there is no questioning Bryan’s athletic ability or toughness, but his “feel” for the game seems to be a question.
Farrell’s take: Bryan was rated as a strongside defensive end for us out of high school and was a mid three-star prospect with some upside but lacked technique and pass rushing ability. He was very stout against the run and had a huge frame, so it’s not a surprise to see him grow into a defensive tackle. His athleticism is average but he’s very good against the run and very strong at the point of attack. I wouldn’t have seen this coming, similar to Hurst.
Recruiting: Although he was a lifelong Omaha resident, Phillips said Stanford was always his No. 1 choice and he committed soon after being offered. Kansas State was also very high on Phillips’ list mainly because of his relationship with coach Bill Snyder.
Career stats: Phillips had a breakout season with 98 tackles including 17 tackles and 7.5 sacks this year. Over his career but mainly in the last two seasons, he totaled 153 stops (29 for loss) and 16 sacks.
Buzz: A former star wrestler, Phillips might be moving up draft boards after an excellent season, but is he anything more than a run stuffer?
Farrell’s take: A tough, physical and nasty end out of high school, Phillips had the size to grow into a defensive tackle but maintain his ability to rush the passer and he did just that. A mid-level three-star mainly because of poor competition and some stiffness, he’s played better than that ranking this year and is the motor that makes the defense run. He won’t wow you in any one area, but he could easily be a solid 10-year NFL guy.
