Top DT's in the draft (1 Viewer)

willbill

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I think that DT needs to be our top priority in this draft because the FA pool of DT is so thin. So we can’t address the need that way. Here is a list and scouting reports for the top prospects.

I wish we would trade up but that’s just not really very likely in my opinion. So with Dorsey and Ellis off the board the next prospect is Kentwan Balmer. I would like to trade down and pick up an extra 3rd rounder and pick him up in the 15th to 20th pick range. Even if Balmer is gone it’s a very good chance that Okam will be there. These 4 are the only players worthy of a 1st round selection and the drop from there is substantial IMHO.
We need to pick up one of these 4 players in the first round. Of Balmer and Okam I think I favor Okam. Did I forget any prospects or sleepers at the position. Add to my list and tell what you think.

Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
Glenn Dorsey Scouting Report
Position: DT
School & Year/Status: LSU - Senior
Height & Weight: 6'2 - 303 lbs.

Ranked #2 on our Top 100 Prospects Board

2008 NFL Draft Prospect - Scouting Report
There was one rule that applied before all others for opponents of LSU this season: Find some way to keep Dorsey from destroying the offensive game plan. Few accomplished the feat and those that did were required to devote more than one player to handle the task. Dorsey simply can't be contained one-on-one. He has the awards to illustrate his dominance, as he claimed the Bronko Nagurski Award for defensive player of the year, the Vince Lombardi Award for outstanding lineman and the Outland Trophy as most outstanding interior lineman.
As a senior, Dorsey had 64 tackles (39 solo), 11.5 tackles for loss and six sacks while playing the second half of the season with a sore knee. He's explosive off the ball, which helped him consistently collapse the pocket. He's more than just a space eater against the run. He has the speed to shoot gaps and strength to fight through double teams and get to the ball-carrier. He doesn't have long arms, which can let blockers get in on him. But, he still gets off blocks well.
The bottom line is he's just more athletic than a man his size should be and what has NFL scouts drooling is he knows how to maximize his physical gifts. With Miami holding the No. 1 pick and in dire need of help to stop the run, there's a good possibility he's the top selection. If the Dolphins pass, he won't last long.
Last Updated Jan-04-2008 by Thomas Scott

Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
Sedrick Ellis Scouting Report
Position: DT
School & Year/Status: USC - Senior
Height & Weight: 6'2 - 305 lbs.

Ranked #6 on our Top 100 Prospects Board

2008 NFL Draft Prospect - Scouting Report
Ellis is a classic one gap defensive tackle that can thrive if put in the right scheme. He penetrates well and has elite closing speed for a defensive tackle, unofficially running a 4.95 40 yard dash according to ESPN.com. Ellis has experience as a nose tackle, but does not do well in a two gap defensive scheme and will not likely play there as a pro. Ellis uses his long arms and hands well to disengage from blockers, and does a great job of batting down passes; he has deflected 7 passes in 2007. Ellis is a disruptive force against the run when allowed to penetrate and create pressure in the backfield. Ellis finished the 2007 season with 58 tackles (12.5 of them for a loss) and 8.5 sacks. There is some concern due to Ellis' relative lack of height at just under 6'1" and his durability, as he has had injuries throughout his career at Southern California. Ellis had a great game in the Rose Bowl against a good Illinois offensive line and continues to solidify his draft status. According to all sources, Ellis has been an absolutely dominant force in Senior Bowl practices -- a tool which many NFL coaches use to evaluate prospects. Ellis will be a top 10 draft pick.
Last Updated Jan-24-2008 by Dustin Claussen

Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
Kentwan Balmer Scouting Report
Position: DT
School & Year/Status: North Carolina - Senior
Height & Weight: 6'5 - 295 lbs.

Ranked #20 on our Top 100 Prospects Board

2008 NFL Draft Prospect - Scouting Report
Kentwan Balmer was a late bloomer, but he sure showed his immense potential during his senior year at North Carolina when he recorded 59 tackles (9.5 for a loss) and 3.5 sacks. Balmer has decent size at 6-5 and 295 pounds, but he can be labeled as a tweener at the next level. He could be an end in a 3-4 defense or a tackle in a 4-3. He'd need to bulk up a bit to play tackle, but he has a big frame and plenty of room to add some weight.
Prior to his senior season, many wondered if Balmer would live up to his potential. Now it becomes a question of whether or not he can keep up that level of play and adapt to the NFL. In order to do so he will need to show that he can consistently keep his motor running and go strong play after play. He is extremely strong and athletic and has enough quickness to hold his own pursuing the ball carrier.
Balmer will be labeled by many as a boom or bust type player. His potential is through the roof, but nobody is quite sure if he can keep it all together enough to be an effective player in the NFL. His great physical tools and high ceiling will make him a borderline first round pick.

Frank Okam, DT, Texas
Frank Okam Scouting Report
Position: DT
School & Year/Status: Texas - Senior
Height & Weight: 6'5 - 320 lbs.

Ranked #42 on our Top 100 Prospects Board

2008 NFL Draft Prospect - Scouting Report
Okam flirted with entering the draft after his junior season, but decided to return to school and widely projects as a solid first-round pick.
With his massive frame, he seems best suited to be a brick wall against the run, but he has proven to be a solid pass rusher as he has shown in his senior year. Besides posting a career-best 49 tackles thus far, he has doubled his career sack total (with five) and he's also credited with 14 quarterback hurries.
Instead of just being a gap filler who waits for the play to come to him, he gets into the backfield with regularity, with his ten tackles for loss this season a career-high.
He seems to slot in behind LSU's Glenn Dorsey and USC's Sedrick Ellis as the third DT off the board, though ESPN's Mel Kiper, Jr. had Okam rated higher than Ellis before the season started. He could go anywhere from the top 15 (or higher, though that may be a reach) to the second, which would be a steep drop. It's unlikely the latter will happen, because his big body and obvious talent make him likely to be taken quickly. There are questions about his consistency and production as well. But, with the way that he's seemingly worked on being better as a pass rusher and the fact that he's had a career season in 2007, might mean there's nothing to worry about when it comes to getting his best every play. He'll likely end up somewhere in or around the top 20, but that may depend on where Ellis falls.
Where he falls depends on how he showcases himself between now and then for the scouts and it's up to him to either help or hurt his status; whether or not he'll be a big-time pro or a bust. But make no bones about it, he does have great talent and even greater potential. If he puts in the work to silence any critics of his work ethic and desire, he'll be an excellent pro, especially if he continues to get better as a pass rusher. He could excel in an a 3-4 defense that allows its defensive tackles to roam, get in the backfield, and be an annoyance both as a pass rusher and a run stopper.
Update (12/28/07): Okam finished out his collegiate career with a solid performance in Thursday's Holiday Bowl against Arizona St. Okam picked up three tackles, including one for loss, and was credited with two quarterback hurries in the Longhorns' 52-34 victory.
He finished his senior season with 52 total tackles (25 solo, 27 assists, 11 for loss), five sacks, 16 quarterback hurries, and five pass breakups -- along with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.



Andre Fluellen, DT, Florida State
Andre Fluellen Scouting Report
Position: DT
School & Year/Status: Florida State - Senior
Height & Weight: 6'4 - 280 lbs.

Ranked #71 on our Top 100 Prospects Board

2008 NFL Draft Prospect - Scouting Report
Andre Fluellen's career at Florida State followed the ups and down of the team itself. The defensive tackle's senior year was marred by injuries and Fluellen only mustered 21 tackles in five starts. The production was better during his junior campaign, but the year was still full of uncertainty. Just two games into the season, Fluellen was forced to move from defensive tackle to nose guard due to an injury suffered by a teammate.
Still, Fluellen flourished during his sophomore and junior seasons, totaling 54 tackles, with 15 for losses. He was touted as the next Broderick Bunkley, Travis Johnson or Darnell Dockett and certainly expected to be a late first round or early second round pick if you asked anybody six months ago.
The lack of production and the injury concerns have dampened the enthusiasm surrounding Fluellen. He still has a nice frame, good quickness and plenty of upside. If he can develop more consistency and beef up a bit, Fluellen could end up being a great second round selection. Inconsistency and injuries are also the calling card of a big time bust and that will make most teams look elsewhere during the first couple rounds of the draft.
Last Updated Jan-17-2008 by Joel Welser

Red Bryant, DT, Texas A&M
Red Bryant Scouting Report
Position: DT
School & Year/Status: Texas A&M - Senior
Height & Weight: 6'5 - 328 lbs.

Ranked #82 on our Top 100 Prospects Board

2008 NFL Draft Prospect - Scouting Report
After redshirting in 2003, Bryant was a Freshman All-America honoree in 2004 after registering 34 tackles (3.5 for loss) and starting 12 games for the Aggies.
He kept it up the next year, making 28 tackles (7.5 for loss) and three sacks. Bryant missed the last three games and four of the last five in 2006 because of injury and was held to 19 tackles (2.5 for loss) and one sack.
But, he's come back with a vengeance in his senior season, posting a career-high 45 tackles in the regular season (six for loss) and one sack. As a result, he was named All-Big 12 honorable mention.
The most obvious thing about Bryant is his big body, which makes him the perfect hole-clogger at nose tackle. But, he has great speed for his size and by using that speed and great strength, can get into the backfield and cause problems. That size also means that he can bat down passes (nine pass breakups in his career) and block kicks (three career blocked kicks).
Bryant is widely rated as a second-round pick, so he won't have to wait to know where he is going. He'll be an asset to a team looking for an active, disruptive big body in the middle of their front line.
Update (12/30/07): Bryant was held to a single tackle in Texas A&M's 24-17 loss to Penn State in Saturday night's Alamo Bowl, finishing the season with 46 total tackles (13 solo, 33 assists).
Update (1/31/08): In Saturday's Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., Bryant had a solid outing, picking up two tackles (both solo), one of which was for a loss of two yards and he also recovered a fumble in the South's 17-16 win over the North.

Marcus Harrison, DT, Arkansas

Marcus Harrison Scouting Report
Position: DT
School & Year/Status: Arkansas - Senior
Height & Weight: 6'3 - 307 lbs.

Ranked #95 on our Top 100 Prospects Board

2008 NFL Draft Prospect - Scouting Report
Harrison was expected to come back strong in 2007 after his 2006 campaign was hampered by a knee injury and concussion that limited him to 42 tackles -- 27 solo. But this past season couldn't have gotten off to a worse start. He tore his left ACL in spring practice, then was arrested on a drug charge that led to him sitting out Arkansas's game against Troy. Still, Harrison managed to overcome not being 100-percent healthy to post decent regular-season numbers. He had 72 tackles -- 37 solo -- with 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, nine pass breakups and seven quarterback hurries. He was named second-team All-Southeastern Conference by The Associated Press.
Harrison has a good burst for someone his size. His strength allows him to be tough at the point of attack. His ability to occupy multiple tacklers makes him a force against the run. He is good at shedding blockers to make plays. He knows how to utilize leverage. Most scouts believe he hasn't reached his potential.
One of the biggest concerns about Harrison is he doesn't go hard every play. While he projects to have the ability to move to defensive end, he hasn't shown the pass rushing skills to make that likely. He doesn't make many plays beyond the routine. Teams will have a lot of questions about his character after his arrest. There are also concerns about his knee. He needs a good combine workout. He could be a third-round pick, but may fall further.
Last Updated Feb-05-2008 by Thomas Scott
 
DT is the most important position we need solely because we need help there and games are won in the trenches. Next is LB. Once we have a good line, the LB'ers job will become easier, and by adding new talent to that position, they will become even better, allowing our CB's to actually play better. The better people are in front of you, the better you will be. Our CB's wouldn't have been so bad if we had a good front 7.
 
Well NFL Draft Countdown has him as the 12 rated DT and On The Clock has him rated as the number 7 DT.... I usually trust both of those sites. I'm not really sure where you are looking, but taking Okam that high would be a reach.
 
Lately I haven's seen him even crack the first two rounds of most mock drafts.

An Evidently these are seniors because Pat Sims is conspicuously missing.
 
I've seen Okam and Bryant as late 3rd early 4th picks. Harrison has too much baggage to even consider touching.
Does anyone know anything about Dre Moore?
 
I would rather trade a 3rd for Shaun Rogers than pick Balmer in the first. Roy Williams and Rogers for next years 09 2nd rounder/conditional 1st. :9:

If that falls through I'd try Okam in the 3rd.
 
Well NFL Draft Countdown has him as the 12 rated DT and On The Clock has him rated as the number 7 DT.... I usually trust both of those sites. I'm not really sure where you are looking, but taking Okam that high would be a reach.

To be honest I just started considering the options beyond Dorsey and Ellis. So I guess Kentwan Balmer is maybe the best choice. Thanks for the info.
 
To be honest I just started considering the options beyond Dorsey and Ellis. So I guess Kentwan Balmer is maybe the best choice. Thanks for the info.


I agree DT is a top priority for us, but the right ones will be gone by the tenth pick.

Caution on Balmer, this is FOX sports (and here on SR):

"Most overrated prospect: Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina. While he's very strong and he looks the part, forget about counting on him for a full 16-game season. He'll be taken high enough for someone to expect him to be an anchor to build around, rather than a piece-of-the-puzzle No. 2 DT. He'd be perfect for Chicago next to Tommie Harris."

I fully agree with those who think we should trade down, but to get one of the several good CBs in this draft.

This gets interesting. I have stated before I think we should go after CB, MLB, and DT in the first 3 rounds, in no particular order. Mike D thinks we should try to get all 3 in free agency, then do our usual BPA draft. He knows more than I do!

I don't know, just some thoughts. But if we can't get Dorsey of Ellis, I don't like any of the other DTs.
 
Thanks for taking the time to put together the list. The first two on your list are likely top-10 picks. It drops off from there to Balmer who also should be a late first rounder. Okam should be around top of the 2nd.

One player you did not list that I think would be a good pick for us in the 3rd is Trevor Laws from Notre Dame. He is not the biggest or strongest player, but he is incredibly intense with a "non-stop motor".
 
I agree DT is a top priority for us, but the right ones will be gone by the tenth pick.

Caution on Balmer, this is FOX sports (and here on SR):

"Most overrated prospect: Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina. While he's very strong and he looks the part, forget about counting on him for a full 16-game season. He'll be taken high enough for someone to expect him to be an anchor to build around, rather than a piece-of-the-puzzle No. 2 DT. He'd be perfect for Chicago next to Tommie Harris."

I fully agree with those who think we should trade down, but to get one of the several good CBs in this draft.

This gets interesting. I have stated before I think we should go after CB, MLB, and DT in the first 3 rounds, in no particular order. Mike D thinks we should try to get all 3 in free agency, then do our usual BPA draft. He knows more than I do!

I don't know, just some thoughts. But if we can't get Dorsey of Ellis, I don't like any of the other DTs.
I largely discounted Balmer after I read where he was being compared to Jonathon Sullivan. One bit and twice shy I guess.
 
I agree DT is a top priority for us, but the right ones will be gone by the tenth pick.

Caution on Balmer, this is FOX sports (and here on SR):

"Most overrated prospect: Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina. While he's very strong and he looks the part, forget about counting on him for a full 16-game season. He'll be taken high enough for someone to expect him to be an anchor to build around, rather than a piece-of-the-puzzle No. 2 DT. He'd be perfect for Chicago next to Tommie Harris."

I fully agree with those who think we should trade down, but to get one of the several good CBs in this draft.

This gets interesting. I have stated before I think we should go after CB, MLB, and DT in the first 3 rounds, in no particular order. Mike D thinks we should try to get all 3 in free agency, then do our usual BPA draft. He knows more than I do!

I don't know, just some thoughts. But if we can't get Dorsey of Ellis, I don't like any of the other DTs.

I would love to do that as far as addressing all three but who is out there in FA that will make us better at the position of DT. I don't see anybody personally that just turns me on.
 
I largely discounted Balmer after I read where he was being compared to Jonathon Sullivan. One bit and twice shy I guess.


Holy Cow!

I didn't realize he was that bad! LOL

I guess Sullivan will go down as worst disaster in recent memory.

And willbill,

DT will still be a priority, there are indeed few in free agency. The guy from Detroit? I don't know, he may be a sleeping Sullivan (ok, a joke there).

DT? Yes sir, we need a good one, few free agents are available, the two good ones will have already been drafted before we pick, the position is one that takes most players Years! to get good at.

I'll stop, What are we gonna do?


ddd
 
I dont know if its a priority, because of the talent in this years class, but I know that we will be happy with whatever DT the Saints decide to choose, we draft pretty high in each round so thats an advantage we should take advantage of when it comes to aquiring talent at the LB, CB & DT spots.
 

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