The NFL Scouting Combine is finished and it’s time again to look at each position for the upcoming NFL Draft. Today, we move to defensive tackle with the top five and then two others to watch.
TOP FIVE
Recruiting: The five-star named Alabama his favorite in February of his junior year and in May decided to commit to the Crimson Tide. Florida, USC, Oklahoma, Ohio State and many others were in the running.
Stats: Allen was third on the Crimson Tide this season with 69 tackles, including 16 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks, both team-highs. He had three fumble recoveries and 15 QB hurries.
Stock report: Steady
Farrell’s take: Allen still remains No. 1 here in a weak overall group despite questions about his shoulder stability and his average testing. As a five-star and the No. 11 prospect in the 2013 class, it was clear that I loved Allen. He was big, intense, ran everything down and could either go around you or bull rush you into the quarterback’s comfort zone. He played end and tackle in high school and couldn’t be stopped at either position, and that versatility is attractive to NFL scouts.
Recruiting: Auburn was the early frontrunner for Adams, but after then-coach Gene Chizik was fired, it looked like Georgia, Clemson and Alabama had inched into his recruitment. Following a visit to Auburn before Signing Day, however, Adams decided to pick the Tigers.
Stats: Adams registered 44 tackles (8.5 for loss) with 4.5 sacks along with an interception, two fumble recoveries and 15 QB hurries this season
Stock report: Up
Farrell’s take: Adams showed excellent athleticism at the combine and raised his stock to many who doubted him. We had Adams as a five-star and the No. 3 player at his position back in 2013. The only question about Adams really was level of competition, because he was very athletic and could shoot the gap. He missed numerous events with minor injuries, so I guess toughness was questioned as well back then, but he’s the best pure defensive tackle in the 2017 NFL draft.
Recruiting: McDowell picked Michigan State over Michigan, Ohio State and Florida State on National Signing Day. However, his letter of intent didn’t arrive in East Lansing until early April because his mother had strong reservations about him going to Michigan State and she told multiple media outlets that she didn’t want her son playing for the Spartans.
Stats: In nine games this season, McDowell finished with 31 tackles (seven for loss) with 1.5 sacks. He also had five quarterback hurries.
Stock report: Steady
Farrell’s take: McDowell’s testing numbers were fine, but apparently his interviews were awful and many question his work ethic and desire. That’s how I saw him at first as well, as I thought he was a bit soft and too raw to be special despite his size and amazing physical gifts. But everyone told me to wait and watch his progress and the next year, he was a different player and he played lower and more physical. Now he’s one of the best gap-shooting defensive tackles in the draft and could be a first-rounder depending on team needs. But there are more questions about him now than before the combine.
Recruiting: Brantley decommitted from Florida hours before the Gators were to play Louisville in the Sugar Bowl, only to recommit a few days later. Florida State, Alabama, Georgia, LSU and others were also involved.
Stats: The former four-star finished this season with 31 tackles including 9.5 for loss, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
Stock report: Down
Farrell’s take: Brantley didn’t help himself, as expected, at the combine because he’s not overly athletic. He was a big kid out of high school who could not only stuff the run but also get after the passer. He was more of a pocket flusher than a pure sack guy, and that continues now. He doesn’t show up in the stat sheet as much as you’d expect, but when you break down the film, he makes the pocket small and uncomfortable for opposing quarterbacks quite often.
Recruiting: Watkins committed to Clemson over Florida midway through his senior season. He had offers from all over the country but had narrowed it down to the Gators and Tigers.
Stats: The former four-star had 82 tackles (13.5 for loss) including 10.5 sacks, a team-high. He also finished with 13 QB hurries this season en route to a national championship.
Stock report: Steady
Farrell’s take: I remember Watkins battling it out for defensive line MVP honors at our Charlotte VTO Camp back in the day with current NFL player Jonathan Bullard, and each brought something different to the table. While Bullard was more athletic and natural as a pass rusher, Watkins was more powerful and was very quick with his hands on the inside. He’s a gap shooter, like most of the guys at the top of this list, and the kind of defensive tackle the NFL covets. However, he’s been in the second-round range at best from the start and didn’t change that stock at the combine.
TWO TO WATCH
Recruiting: Tomlinson committed to Alabama over Georgia and Georgia Tech. He held a 3.9 grade-point average in high school, played multiple instruments and was also a state champion wrestler.
Stats: Tomlinson finished with 62 tackles (5.5 for loss) along with three sacks this past season. He also added seven quarterback hurries, four pass deflections and a forced fumble.
Stock report: Up
Farrell’s take: In a weak year at defensive tackle, Tomlinson is getting some additional looks. He was a blocky, physical defensive tackle who played with good leverage and power and had sneaky quickness. The biggest thing about him was his ability to rush as an end with that tackle build, so he was very scheme-friendly at the next level. He had a great rip move and used his hands well, but mainly he surprised opponents with his quick get-off. He could be a day two guy.
Recruiting: A few days after his official visit to Charlotte in December, Ogunjobi committed to the 49ers. No other offers are listed on his profile.
Stats: Ogunjobi was fourth on the 49ers with 65 tackles along with a team-high 13.5 for loss including three sacks. He also added 10 quarterback hurries.
Stock report: Up
Farrell’s take: A former two-star who was not evaluated much, Ogunjobi was overlooked by most because he lacked great size in high school and was new to football, having played JV up until his junior season. Now he’s an athletic and powerful 300-pounder who tested very well at the combine and is emerging as a rising name in a weak draft at his position.
