Who do you guys like at defensive tackle?

[Requiem]

I started this thread on another forum, but thought I'd come back to my favorite draft friends on the Mane to get their thoughts.

The defensive tackle in this class isn't that bad, in fact -- I think it could get reasonably strong on the first day if Terrence Cody [probably more of a 3-4 guy, but his size and production are just out of this world], Sen'Derrick Marks [quality all-around player, who offers help in the pass-rushing department] and Geno Atkins [another great player, better run-defender than pass-rusher, but can help in both areas] declare. As mentioned, those guys are underclassmen.

After that you get Peria Jerry and B.J. Raji; who are this years top performing seniors. Jerry completely dominated in the game against LSU today; and will be fighting for a spot in the first-round in this coming draft after missing some time earlier on this season. He is a fantastic run defender, gets into the backfield and can get after the quarterback. He has over 10 tackles for loss in 10 games, and has four sacks in those ten games. In regards to Raji, he has put up similar statistics in the same amount of games as Jerry.

I expect all of the five guys I mentioned to go in the top two rounds. Their measurables, production and the need for quality defensive tackles in the NFL are too high for them not to.

After them -- you have some quality prospects in Evander Hood, Terrance Taylor, Vance Walker and Fill Moala -- who could sneak up into the second round -- but are more plausible values in the third round. They're not as consistent as the aforementioned players; but are good prospects in their own right.

Another player I like is Clemson's Dorell Scott out of Clemson. He has tremendous size and does a great job anchoring the run and can disrupt in the backfield; however I don't feel he offers much as a pass-rusher. His conditioning seems to be a little iffy and might be a little out of shape, but would serve well as a quality role player for this team who is in desperate need of a run-stuffing force in the middle.

I just thought I'd bring this up because MLB, S and RB are often the positions mentioned where we need help -- but I can't help but state we could use another quality person in the middle. I think Robertson in his limited PT has done a good job, and that Thomas has showed continued improvement as the season has went on. We still don't know about Powell, but I'm sure he'll be a nice player to have on the field next season.

At any case, Denver needs a true difference maker on the DL position and I feel that the first five I mentioned can be that on this defensive line.

Where would you select a DT? Who would you select?

Please share your thoughts. I'm interested. :beer:

[Doggcow]

I liked the DT's last year. I had a hardon for Ellis, this year i'm not too familiar with them.

[Requiem]

Well D, I hope this thread shed a little light on some of these guys. The top five guys can be and (IMHO) will be better pros that Ellis.

[lex]

I started this thread on another forum, but thought I'd come back to my favorite draft friends on the Mane to get their thoughts.

The defensive tackle in this class isn't that bad, in fact -- I think it could get reasonably strong on the first day if Terrence Cody [probably more of a 3-4 guy, but his size and production are just out of this world], Sen'Derrick Marks [quality all-around player, who offers help in the pass-rushing department] and Geno Atkins [another great player, better run-defender than pass-rusher, but can help in both areas] declare. As mentioned, those guys are underclassmen.

After that you get Peria Jerry and B.J. Raji; who are this years top performing seniors. Jerry completely dominated in the game against LSU today; and will be fighting for a spot in the first-round in this coming draft after missing some time earlier on this season. He is a fantastic run defender, gets into the backfield and can get after the quarterback. He has over 10 tackles for loss in 10 games, and has four sacks in those ten games. In regards to Raji, he has put up similar statistics in the same amount of games as Jerry.

I expect all of the five guys I mentioned to go in the top two rounds. Their measurables, production and the need for quality defensive tackles in the NFL are too high for them not to.

After them -- you have some quality prospects in Evander Hood, Terrance Taylor, Vance Walker and Fill Moala -- who could sneak up into the second round -- but are more plausible values in the third round. They're not as consistent as the aforementioned players; but are good prospects in their own right.

Another player I like is Clemson's Dorell Scott out of Clemson. He has tremendous size and does a great job anchoring the run and can disrupt in the backfield; however I don't feel he offers much as a pass-rusher. His conditioning seems to be a little iffy and might be a little out of shape, but would serve well as a quality role player for this team who is in desperate need of a run-stuffing force in the middle.

I just thought I'd bring this up because MLB, S and RB are often the positions mentioned where we need help -- but I can't help but state we could use another quality person in the middle. I think Robertson in his limited PT has done a good job, and that Thomas has showed continued improvement as the season has went on. We still don't know about Powell, but I'm sure he'll be a nice player to have on the field next season.

At any case, Denver needs a true difference maker on the DL position and I feel that the first five I mentioned can be that on this defensive line.

Where would you select a DT? Who would you select?

Please share your thoughts. I'm interested. :beer:

Guys I like:
T. Cody
Peria Jerry
BJ Raji
Vance Walker
Dorrell Scott
Rashaad Jackson

Whoever I would select would depend on how the draft unfolds. But Im leaning more towards 300+ guys to anchor the run defense.

One of the most impressive under the radar guys has been Jerry. Ole Miss has three top prospects in Hardy, Oher, and Jerry and they all play on the LOS, which is a big reason for why they have an impressive resume of wins this season. That kind of play on the LOS, gives you a chance to win a lot of games.

[SoCalBronco]

Duke's Vince Oghobaase. He's a junior prospect, but is starting to bloom and still has alot of upside. He's been a big reason why they're an improved team (as has their MLB Tautilli). He is pretty strong and is starting to get some good production. He's quite well known in the ACC now. The only thing that could hurt him is that he might be too tall for a DT and that might be a problem leverage wise.

I think he would be a good pick in the 3rd to continue to groom if he came out early. Keep your eye on Vince.

[Requiem]

Thanks SoCal!

[elsid13]

The DT from Old Miss, who name escapes me right now seem to playing for a big pay day. If he around in the 2nd grab him

[bpc]

I haven't seen much by the way of DT's, most of them are out east and I don't get to watch a ton of their games.

I do like the DE/DT King from Iowa. He'll be a grinder on the next level, a little undersized but he's one of those little pissants you need on your roster.

Jarron Gilbert from SJSU is a little known prospect who is leading the nation in tackles for loss. He's also up there with 7 or 8 sacks now on the year. He'll need a year to grow but he reminds me a lot of Trevor Pryce. Very tall, stork like almost. Plays a little too high sometimes but his wing span and quickness give OL's fits. SJSU does a good job of moving him around as well.

[gyldenlove]

I think our need on the DL is more of a big power DE than DT. The way I see our defensive line work out next year barring any major FA additions or injuries is going to be Thomas, Powell and Robertson rotating on 1st and 2nd downs and Peterson seeing the field on 3rd downs. As for DEs, I imagine that we resign Ekuban to another 1 year deal and add a big DE in the draft, then let those guys rotate on one side with Moss and Dumervil rotating the other side.

Honestly, Engelberger shouldn't be on the field, his only strength is when people run the ball but not directly at him. When you run right at him he is too easy to shield off, but when you run the ball in the middle he uses his tenacity well to get over and make the tackle after a decent gain.

I would like to see us use 3 big guys up front to protect the linebackers and then 1 smaller faster edge rusher to apply the pressure.