2013 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings: Defensive Tackles
Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl south squad defensive lineman John Jenkins of Georgia (6) against the Senior Bowl north squad during the second half of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The South squad defeated the North squad 21-16. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Leading up to the draft we will be taking a position by position look at the player in this draft and their rankings within their group. today we cover defensive tackles. Don’t forget to check out our draft page for rankings on other positions, mock drafts, big boards, scouting reports and rumors.
1. Sharrif Floyd, Florida- (Update 3/6/13)Floyd has been shooting up boards at an insane rate the past month or so. Floyd has gon from late first-early second to a top 5 lock. He grades out very well on tape, but I would go with a higher upside player if I were picking in the top 5.
2. Star Lotulelei, Utah-(Update 3/6/13)Lotulelei is in a bit of a holding pattrn right now. He failed his physical at the combine and was not allowed to participate in drills due to a heart condition. Star was supposed to have already undergone further testing, but if he has word has not been leaked as to the results. This long delay isn’t a good sign for his stock as it heavily indicates there might be a serious problem that could drive Stars stock down, maybe even out of the draft completely depending on the severity of the condition. Until I hear firm word one way or the other, he remains a top 10 pick.
3. Sheldon Richardson, Mizzou- (Update 3/6/13)Richardson is my favorite Tackle in the draft and has been a riser the past few weeks. Many people weren’t even mocking him in the first round and now he is a top 15 lock. Richardson is a disruptive force and some team will be happy to have him.
4. Kawaan Short, Purdue-(Update 3/6/13)Kawaan Short is an interesting prospect. He has the size and athleticism to play basically anywhere on the line, but his best fit is as a true DT in a 4-3 system. It is highly unlikely the Ravens have much, if any, interest in him.
5. Jesse Williams, Alabama-(Update 3/6/13)Jesse Williams is the first player on this list the Ravens have a realistic chance to get, and a genuine interest in. Williams is a nose tackle that has the ability to switch to DE in a 3-4 if needed. He would be a great fit for the Ravens DL and the Ravens obviously have a sever lack of talent across the DL(outside of Ngata of course). Williams has a huge upside, he is a first round talent despite having only been playing football a handful of years. He is a big time space eater in the middle and can routinely absorb double teams.
6. Johnathan Hankins, Ohio St.-(Update 3/6/13)Hankins is the second of three straight player that has been heavily mocked to the Ravens. Hankins is a very similar player to Williams. He can play 3-4 DE but is a more natural fit at NT as a 2 gap defender. Hankins would be a solid pick and is more polished than Williams, but he does not carry the same potential.
7. John Jenkins, Georgia-(Update 3/6/13)Jenkins is the third Ravens linked Tackle. Jenkins is a straight up nose tackle all day long. No 4-3 team should even look at him and there isn’t much chance he would or could play DE in the 3-4. He is a nose tackle, period. He has a very similar game to Vince Wilfork. He is a big ball of disruptive ability and is a terror for opposing offenses to block. He has a huge frame( 6’4” 359lbs with 34”+ arms) and can absorb double teams and even can occasionally occupy three blockers when the team is blitzing. Williams has more upside, but I would rather have Jenkins. To me, Jenkins is a ten year starter at a probowl or near probowl level in the NFL.
8. Sylvestor Williams, UNC- (Update 3/6/13)Williams is a guy that I personally am not super high on because I do not think he has the versatility to play DE or NT in a 3-4 scheme and thus is of very little interest to the Ravens.
9. William Gholston, Michigan St.- (Update 3/6/13)Gholston is a really interesting prospect. He has the ability to play DT in a 4-3, DE in a 4-3 or a 3-4 and OLB in a 3-4. He is a player I expect to be very high on the Ravens board, he isn’t a first round player, but I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he ended up going higher than may expect and getting into the middle of the second round.
10. Bennie Logan, LSU- (Update 3/6/13)Logan is a guy that I think is an under-the-radar gem right now. He is a 4-5 round prospect on many boards, but I have him as a 3rd round grade. Logan is an excellent block absorber and he is a huge reason that his LSU team-mates Barkevious Mingo and Sam Montgomery are likely to go in the first round. He is a 4-3 DT or a 3-4 DE.
11. Jordan Hill, Penn St.-
12. Kwame Geathers, Georgia– (Update 3/6/13)Geathers is a guy I recently mocked to the Ravens in the 4th round. I like him quite a bit. I think he isn’t far behind former team-mate and likely first rounder John Jenkins but due to some injuries and Jenkins being on the roster Geathers didn’t get much opportunity at Georgia. I would take a flier on him in the middle rounds in a heart-beat.
13. Brandon Williams, Missouri Southern-
14. Josh Boyd, Miss St.-
15. Akeem Spence, Illinois-
16. Damion Square, Alabama-
17. Corey Grissom, South Florida-
18. Baker Steinkuhler, Nebraska-
19. Montori Hughes, Tennessee Martin-
20. A.J. Francis, Maryland-
21. Joe Vellano, Maryland-
22. Omar hunter, Florida-
23. Larry Black, Indiana-