Ourlads Archives

Defensive Tackles - 2023 Ourlads' Draft Preview

Jon Cooper
12/15/2022 12:39AM ET

1. Carter, Jalen*

Georgia  6030  300

Two year starter, Apopka, FL. Second team All-SEC in 2021. As part of an outstanding Georgia defensive line in 2021 he still stood out with incredible production. Sudden at the snap he can engage offensive linemen out of their stance with powerful hands and knee bend. Extremely disruptive when attacking a gap. He routinely requires double teams.  Blocking schemes have to account for him as he has unique range as a defensive tackle. Covers a lot of ground on the first few steps and sheds well on the move. Outstanding lateral movement and agility he can quickly come off blocks and pursue down the line and in the backfield. As a pass rusher he shows a quick punch into a move. He can get a lineman on his heels and go from there. Gets up field in a hurry and provides consistent interior push along with producing sacks.  Double teams have been effective against him and he will at times show great initial movement and not finish. He will fit as a three technique or 3-4 defensive end that kicks inside in the nickel. 

 

2. Bresee, Bryan*

Clemson  6050  305

Three year starter, Damascus MD. Third team All-SEC in 2021 despite only four games. Bresee was a standout as a freshman and was on his way to another great year when he tore an ACL four games into the season. Elite first step quickness: he can beat blocking schemes at the snap. Flashes ability to stun with his hands attacking blocks and can shed on the move. Solid agility in traffic he uses his hands well to redirect off blocks and find the ball. Has a closing burst in pursuit and has made plays in the backfield hitting a gap. Shows solid pass rush moves working a punch with the hands into various moves. Normally uses his length well to keep blockers off his frame.  Hand usage can be inconsistent as he can let blockers get into him at times. As a tall interior defensive lineman he fights getting too upright which can be a problem at times. He will lose leverage at times as a result. His athletic ability provides versatility and he could play 3-4 end or a three technique at the next level. 

 

3. Ika, Siaki

Baylor  6040  354

Two year starter, Salt Lake City, UT. Second team All-Big 12 in 2021. Transfer from LSU where he was a rotational player on the 2019 National championship team. Limited playing time as a sophomore caused a transfer to Baylor. At Baylor he blossomed into a dominant interior defender. Imposing size he is more than a space eater showing lateral agility to make plays down the line and chase outside. He’s a stout defender that routinely requires double teams in the run game. He shows first step quickness and can explode into a block. Has pushed double teams back into ball carriers. More than a push guy in the pass rush he flashes ability to escape and chase the quarterback. Effective pushing and collapsing the pocket creating opportunities for edge rushers. Doesn’t always finish plays. After an initial burst he can fizzle out and get upright on blocks. Needs to be more consistent with shed technique. Plays primarily as a three technique at Baylor he has the potential to be a dominant NFL one technique and three technique in the nickel package. 

 

4. Dexter, Gervon*

Florida  6060  312

Two year starter, Lake Wales, FL. Dexter has unique length and height for an interior defender. He shows first step quickness and extreme explosion at the snap. With a strong lower body he normally plays with knee bend and quick powerful hands attacking blocks. Shows separation ability along with an up field push. Can play two gap and anchor double teams or penetrate a gap. Flashes shed ability to come off blocks and make plays along the line. As a pass rusher he’s mostly a push the pocket player and has been effective creating sack opportunities for edge rushers. His sacks come mostly from second effort. Shows average change of direction skill. He gives an effort in pursuit and he’s more than a space eater but he’s not a dynamic chase player. With his height he can struggle at times with low blocks but he recovers quickly. Will get high on a block at times especially as a game wears on. Has the tools of a productive three technique in the NFL.

 

5. Benton, Keeanu

Wisconsin  6037  312

Three year starter, Jainseville, WI. Second team All-Big Ten in 2021. Benton has length, size, a powerful frame and upper body strength. As a nose tackle he is strong at the point of attack and is difficult to move. Can anchor against double teams and flashes quick, strong hands to separate from blocks. When he plays with leverage can shed blocks and work laterally down the line. Normally gives a great effort and is more than a space eater.  Vs. one on one blocks he is a solid two gap player. As a pass rusher he is a push the pocket guy that can get his hands in the throwing lane. He flashes the ability to escape but needs to develop pass rush technique if he is to be more than a two down nose tackle. He needs consistency in pad level as he can get knocked upright and back at times. With development in those areas needing improvement he can be a productive NFL starter at nose tackle.

 

6. Roy, Jaquelin* 

LSU  6040  315

 

7. Young, Byron

Alabama  6027  299

 

8. Davis, Tyler

Clemson  6020  291

 

9.  Smith, Mazi

Michigan 6030  337

 

10. Coburn, Keondre

Texas  6014  339

 

11. Slade, Jacob*

Michgan State  6040  305 

 

12. Pickens, Zacch

South Carolina  6037  305

 

13. Kancey, Calijah*

Pittsburgh  6000  280

 

14. Dorius, Brandon

Oregon  6030  289

 

15. Orhorhoro, Ruke

Clemson  6041  303

 

16. Young, Cameron

Mississippi State  6034  316

 

17. Dale, D J

Alabama  6003  300

 

18. Mustipher, P J

Penn State  6041  324

 

19. Lovett, Fabian

Florida State  6035  309

 

20. Crumedy, Jaden 

Mississippi State  6036  313

 

21. Lole, Jermayne

Louisville  6014  310

 

22. Stills, Dante

West Virginia  6040  280

 

23. Robinson, Darius

Missouri  6052  293

 

24. Godbout, Cole

Wyoming  6034  289

 

25. Ademilola, Jayson

Notre Dame  6026  276

 

26. Redmond, Jalen

Oklahoma  6030  290

 

27. Cage, Jeron

Ohio State  6020  306

 

28. Fiske, Braden

Western Michigan  6033  282 

 

30. Hutchings, Jaylon

Texas Tech  5113  304

 

31. Johnson, Jeffery

Oklahoma  6012  305

 

32. Chatman, Elijah

SMU  6000  294

 

33. Matlock, Scott

Boise State  6037  298

 

*Denotes Underclassman