Ron Brace - DT - Boston College

[BroncoBuff]

If we can't get Raji, or we don't wanna trade up to get him, Ron Brace sounds like a fine alternative
in the 2nd or 3rd round ... that way we can draft an impact LB at #12.

Here's his capsule, ends with: "Two-gapper with the potential to be a top 3-4 nose tackle."

[longtimer]

Good call..... We need a 2 stud ILB before we need any thing else

[Ziggy]

Brace is a blue collar type of NT. He won't make flashy plays like Raji will, but he'll be a force against the run in the NFL. He reminds me of Casey Hampton of Pittsburgh, who was voted the Steelers defensive MVP by his teammates for the last 2 years.

[Inkana7]

Originally Posted by longtimer

Good call..... We need a 2 stud ILB before we need any thing else

Not really. The cornerstone of any 3-4 defense is the NT.

[Tombstone RJ]

Originally Posted by BroncoBuff

If we can't get Raji, or we don't wanna trade up to get him, Ron Brace sounds like a fine alternative
in the 2nd or 3rd round ... that way we can draft an impact LB at #12.

Here's his capsule, ends with: "Two-gapper with the potential to be a top 3-4 nose tackle."

it'd b nice if the Broncos can land him...

[lex]

Yeah, if we went with Wells or Brown at 12 then Brace in the 2nd, that would be ok.

[Cecil Lammey]

I just got back from Mobile, and I was largely disappointed by what I saw from Brace. He got too high out of his stance, he'd make one move and then stop trying. I didn't like the lack of fire that I saw from Brace all week.

[illbroncsfn]

Originally Posted by Cecil Lammey

I just got back from Mobile, and I was largely disappointed by what I saw from Brace. He got too high out of his stance, he'd make one move and then stop trying. I didn't like the lack of fire that I saw from Brace all week.

From your observations, were there any true 3-4 NT's on display? I don't really believe B.J. Raji is a 3-4 NT but possibly a hybrid type 1 Tech that is schemed around his abiltiy to disrupt the interior of the line.

[Rohirrim]

Folks around here really need to read this draft profile. What do you think of this guy?

Overview
A number of Virginia Tech outside linebackers and defensive ends have had success over the years. Oftentimes, the tireless work of the defensive tackles who constantly took on multiple blockers in order to free up their teammates to make the big plays have been overshadowed.



Because of the constant multiple coverage that they face, the Hokies' defensive tackles do not have eye-opening statistics, but head coach Frank Beamer has noted the need for his defensive tackles to dominate vs. the inside running game.



While Tech has produced quality run-stuffing tackles in recent seasons, none has shown the ability to simply shut down the opposition's ground game the way Carlton Powell, Jr. can.



How dominant has Powell been? In 73 plays that he made vs. the run, he held the opponent to minus-21 yards rushing. Since Powell was inserted into the starting lineup, Tech has led the nation in total defense the last two years (2005-06) and led the Division 1-A ranks in scoring defense in 2006, after placing second the previous two seasons.



A prep inside linebacker during his first three years at Great Bridge High School, Powell shifted to defensive tackle as a senior while also competing on the offensive line. The All-Atlantic Region choice by Prep Star battled injuries during his final campaign, but still managed to registered 60 tackles, five sacks, five fumble recoveries and a blocked punt. As a junior, he totaled 80 tackles with seven sacks and 15 stops behind the line of scrimmage.



Powell added honorable mention All-Eastern Region accolades and received a three-star prospect rating from Rivals.com. He was rated the 24th-best player in Virginia by The Roanoke Times and the state's 15th-ranked prospect by Super Prep. He was also a member of Tom Lemming's Prep Football Report All-Mid Atlantic team. He was a standout weight performer on the school's track team, finishing seventh in the Group AAA outdoor shot put competition as a senior.



Powell enrolled at Virginia Tech in 2003, turning down scholarship offers from Maryland, East Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. He spent his first season at Tech competing on the scout team. In 2004, he appeared in 13 games as part of the team's defensive tackle rotation. He registered 17 tackles (seven solo) with 7 1/2 stops behind the line of scrimmage, six quarterback pressures and a pass deflection. In 19 plays vs. the run, he held the opponent to minus-17 yards rushing.



As a sophomore, Powell started five of 12 games at defensive tackle, missing the Duke game after spraining his ankle vs. North Carolina State in the season opener. He made 13 tackles (three solo) with an assisted sack and 1 1/2 stops for losses. But, those statistics don't tell the story. Twelve of those tackles came vs. the run, as he held the opposition to minus-7 yards on those plays.



In 2006, Powell was firmly entrenched as the starter at left defensive tackle. He recorded a career-high 38 tackles (16 solo) with 2 1/2 sacks, 6 1/2 stops behind the line of scrimmage and seven pressures. He also recovered a fumble and deflected a pass. With increased playing time, he also improved his dominance vs. the ground game. In 39 running plays directed at him, Powell held firmly, as the opponent was held to minus-2 yards rushing.



The defensive tackle started 12 of the team's 13 games in 2007. He posted 36 tackles (nine solo) with 2 1/2 sacks, six stops for losses and 15 quarterback pressures. He also forced a fumble.



In 51 games at Virginia Tech, Powell started 31 contests. He recorded 104 tackles (35 solo) with 5 1/2 sacks for minus 40 yards, 21 1/2 stops for losses of 75 yards and 30 quarterback pressures. He recovered two fumbles, caused three others and deflected a pair of passes. In 106 running plays directed at him, Powell's tackles resulted in the opposition in being held to minus-13 yards on the ground.


Career Notes
Powell is the only active defensive tackle in the Division 1-A collegiate ranks to have held the opponent to minus yardage rushing during his career (106 plays for losses of 13 yards)...The only time an opponent registered a rushing attempt for more than 10 yards vs. Powell came on a 13-yard gain by Virginia's Mikell Simpson in 2007...Only four times during his 104 career tackles has the opposition managed to register a first down on that play.

[driver]

Originally Posted by Inkana7

Not really. The cornerstone of any 3-4 defense is the NT.

Absolutely Right! If we go to a 3-4? If we do we would need 2 NT's and 2olb's we sure can't expect any kind of pass coverage ability out of moss or dumervil, the only thing either one can do is put on a spin when they're rushing the qb their ability to turn and flow with a TE or RB is really questionable. We don't have the players to go to a 3-4!

[Inkana7]

Originally Posted by driver

Absolutely Right! If we go to a 3-4? If we do we would need 2 NT's and 2olb's we sure can't expect any kind of pass coverage ability out of moss or dumervil, the only thing either one can do is put on a spin when they're rushing the qb their ability to turn and flow with a TE or RB is really questionable. We don't have the players to go to a 3-4!

Dude, we don't have the players to do anything.

[BroncoBuff]

Originally Posted by Rohirrim

Carlton Powell

Career Notes

Powell is the only active defensive tackle in the Division 1-A collegiate ranks to have held the opponent to minus yardage rushing during his career (106 plays for losses of 13 yards)...The only time an opponent registered a rushing attempt for more than 10 yards vs. Powell came on a 13-yard gain by Virginia's Mikell Simpson in 2007...Only four times during his 104 career tackles has the opposition managed to register a first down on that play.

Holy Maroley! I still don't know how they tally up and individual average rush yards against, but that is one stone-cold-run-stuffer. He might be just 305 now, but he's still just a kid ... he could gain 20+ pounds in the next couple seasons and maybe grow into the 3-4 NT spot.



(Cue lex ... "But he was a low round pick, we can't count on low rounders!")

[BroncoMan4ever]

Originally Posted by BroncoBuff

Holy Maroley! I still don't know how they tally up and individual average rush yards against, but that is one stone-cold-run-stuffer. He might be just 305 now, but he's still just a kid ... he could gain 20+ pounds in the next couple seasons and maybe grow into the 3-4 NT spot.



(Cue lex ... "But he was a low round pick, we can't count on low rounders!")

even with 20 more pounds he would still be a little on the light side as a NT. but his college stats are incredible. if he was available this year, i seroiously doubt we would have gotten gashed as much on runs every week

[Vladimir]

Originally Posted by BroncoBuff

If we can't get Raji, or we don't wanna trade up to get him, Ron Brace sounds like a fine alternative
in the 2nd or 3rd round ... that way we can draft an impact LB at #12.

Here's his capsule, ends with: "Two-gapper with the potential to be a top 3-4 nose tackle."

ALOT of those listed weaknesses sound like they can be addressed by our coaching staff. Sounds like a solid pickup to me if we are really going with the 3-4 defense.

[lex]

Originally Posted by Rohirrim

Folks around here really need to read this draft profile. What do you think of this guy?

Overview
A number of Virginia Tech outside linebackers and defensive ends have had success over the years. Oftentimes, the tireless work of the defensive tackles who constantly took on multiple blockers in order to free up their teammates to make the big plays have been overshadowed.



Because of the constant multiple coverage that they face, the Hokies' defensive tackles do not have eye-opening statistics, but head coach Frank Beamer has noted the need for his defensive tackles to dominate vs. the inside running game.



While Tech has produced quality run-stuffing tackles in recent seasons, none has shown the ability to simply shut down the opposition's ground game the way Carlton Powell, Jr. can.



How dominant has Powell been? In 73 plays that he made vs. the run, he held the opponent to minus-21 yards rushing. Since Powell was inserted into the starting lineup, Tech has led the nation in total defense the last two years (2005-06) and led the Division 1-A ranks in scoring defense in 2006, after placing second the previous two seasons.



A prep inside linebacker during his first three years at Great Bridge High School, Powell shifted to defensive tackle as a senior while also competing on the offensive line. The All-Atlantic Region choice by Prep Star battled injuries during his final campaign, but still managed to registered 60 tackles, five sacks, five fumble recoveries and a blocked punt. As a junior, he totaled 80 tackles with seven sacks and 15 stops behind the line of scrimmage.



Powell added honorable mention All-Eastern Region accolades and received a three-star prospect rating from Rivals.com. He was rated the 24th-best player in Virginia by The Roanoke Times and the state's 15th-ranked prospect by Super Prep. He was also a member of Tom Lemming's Prep Football Report All-Mid Atlantic team. He was a standout weight performer on the school's track team, finishing seventh in the Group AAA outdoor shot put competition as a senior.



Powell enrolled at Virginia Tech in 2003, turning down scholarship offers from Maryland, East Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. He spent his first season at Tech competing on the scout team. In 2004, he appeared in 13 games as part of the team's defensive tackle rotation. He registered 17 tackles (seven solo) with 7 1/2 stops behind the line of scrimmage, six quarterback pressures and a pass deflection. In 19 plays vs. the run, he held the opponent to minus-17 yards rushing.



As a sophomore, Powell started five of 12 games at defensive tackle, missing the Duke game after spraining his ankle vs. North Carolina State in the season opener. He made 13 tackles (three solo) with an assisted sack and 1 1/2 stops for losses. But, those statistics don't tell the story. Twelve of those tackles came vs. the run, as he held the opposition to minus-7 yards on those plays.



In 2006, Powell was firmly entrenched as the starter at left defensive tackle. He recorded a career-high 38 tackles (16 solo) with 2 1/2 sacks, 6 1/2 stops behind the line of scrimmage and seven pressures. He also recovered a fumble and deflected a pass. With increased playing time, he also improved his dominance vs. the ground game. In 39 running plays directed at him, Powell held firmly, as the opponent was held to minus-2 yards rushing.



The defensive tackle started 12 of the team's 13 games in 2007. He posted 36 tackles (nine solo) with 2 1/2 sacks, six stops for losses and 15 quarterback pressures. He also forced a fumble.



In 51 games at Virginia Tech, Powell started 31 contests. He recorded 104 tackles (35 solo) with 5 1/2 sacks for minus 40 yards, 21 1/2 stops for losses of 75 yards and 30 quarterback pressures. He recovered two fumbles, caused three others and deflected a pair of passes. In 106 running plays directed at him, Powell's tackles resulted in the opposition in being held to minus-13 yards on the ground.


Career Notes
Powell is the only active defensive tackle in the Division 1-A collegiate ranks to have held the opponent to minus yardage rushing during his career (106 plays for losses of 13 yards)...The only time an opponent registered a rushing attempt for more than 10 yards vs. Powell came on a 13-yard gain by Virginia's Mikell Simpson in 2007...Only four times during his 104 career tackles has the opposition managed to register a first down on that play.

Im glad we have this guy on the roster but he is also coming off of an injury and has not yet played his rookie season.

[gyldenlove]

I made a list of the players with NT potential in the draft this year:

1. BJ Raji, BC
2. Ron Brace, BC
3. Dorell Scott, Clemson
4. Terrance Taylor, Michigan
5. Chris Baker, Hampton
6. Myron Pryor, Kentucky

Brace and Raji are the best, they have the fewest weaknesses, no character issues and are not from michigan.

Dorell Scott is middle of the pack, he would need some coaching and he may never be great, but he would be a solid player to have in rotation.

Taylor is from Michigan and the only thing worse than drafting a Michigan defensive lineman is having a horrible STD.

Baker has played pretty well this year, but has a couple of convictions and only performed well after transfering to a small school.

Pryor played well this year at Kentucky, he lacks the tools to be an every down starter, but could be a rotation player.

[Paladin]

So with Brace and Baker. you'd have your NT rotation. Add Thomas and Powell, you'd have a good 4-3 line. There would be options.........

[Mediator12]

Originally Posted by gyldenlove

I made a list of the players with NT potential in the draft this year:

1. BJ Raji, BC
2. Ron Brace, BC
3. Dorell Scott, Clemson
4. Terrance Taylor, Michigan
5. Chris Baker, Hampton
6. Myron Pryor, Kentucky

Brace and Raji are the best, they have the fewest weaknesses, no character issues and are not from michigan.

Dorell Scott is middle of the pack, he would need some coaching and he may never be great, but he would be a solid player to have in rotation.

Taylor is from Michigan and the only thing worse than drafting a Michigan defensive lineman is having a horrible STD.

Baker has played pretty well this year, but has a couple of convictions and only performed well after transfering to a small school.

Pryor played well this year at Kentucky, he lacks the tools to be an every down starter, but could be a rotation player.

You missed Sammie Lee Hill From Stillman. He might just be the only true 3-4 NT is the whole group. Was good enough to play DE @ 6-4 331 last season!

Brace and Raji were not looking very good on SAT versus a weaker group of interior OL in the game. I agree with Cecil that Brace was flat out not impressive at all for the whole week. He was not productive or even effective for me.

I like Dorrell Scott as a NT, but not as a 3-4 Type NT. Same thing With Chris Baker, who has compared to Howell in several other scouting reports I have seen.

I need to see more of Pryor before commenting, but he does not strike me as a Zero technique NT.

[Paladin]

Med, I would never doubt your view, But I wonder if Maualuga at 1 with Brace at 2 and maybe a DE at three wouldn't make that Dline much better? Maybe Thomas and Powell and Doom and Clemons make the rotation look pretty good.

I guess I am looking to see vast improvement in teh front seven and the Dline in particular. Even if your start the year with rookies, you at least are looking at improvement to come. The only other area I think they would desperately need help in is S. Although an argument could be made for a replacement for Bly. But if the Dline is better......

[oubronco]

Originally Posted by BroncoBuff

If we can't get Raji, or we don't wanna trade up to get him, Ron Brace sounds like a fine alternative
in the 2nd or 3rd round ... that way we can draft an impact LB at #12.

Here's his capsule, ends with: "Two-gapper with the potential to be a top 3-4 nose tackle."

Brace wil not last to the second round NT's are a premium in the NFL

[cutthemdown]

I don't think any of these DT worth a top 15 pick. They all have problems with their games.

[Drek]

Originally Posted by Mediator12

You missed Sammie Lee Hill From Stillman. He might just be the only true 3-4 NT is the whole group. Was good enough to play DE @ 6-4 331 last season!

Yep, got to agree with you on that. I was hoping we might grab him as a late round sleeper NT to develop behind a vet, but I got a feeling that if he goes to the combine he could turn some heads athletically and wind up in the 3rd or 4th round.

Even at that price I'd like to see us grab and develop him, though I'd greatly prefer paying only a 5th or a 6th. Maybe he minor ankle tweak he suffered in the Shrine game could help us out with that.

[Mediator12]

Originally Posted by oubronco

Brace wil not last to the second round NT's are a premium in the NFL

Brace is not a second level talent and might not be a 3rd before it's all over. I am not sure where he fits right now, but an elite NT is way beyond what he is worth right now. What was blatantly apparent is that without Raji playing next to him and drawing the double teams, he could not beat weak top level college competition one on one. How the heck does that kind of guy play a 3-4 NT in the NFL?

I was hopeful on Brace leading into Mobile, not very much after.

[oubronco]

the way the lst few years drafts have gone the so called best DT's go early even if they don't deserve it

[Tombstone RJ]

Originally Posted by oubronco

the way the lst few years drafts have gone the so called best DT's go early even if they don't deserve it

yep. It's a keystone position and even in weak drafts, they are a priority. Brace sounds like an intereting prospect. Is he a premium DT in this class, no. Is he a viable first day pick, yep.