2012 DT Prospects

[DKphin]

1. Devon Still Penn St. 6-4 310
2. Brandon Thompson Clemson 6-2 310
3. Jerel Worthy Michigan St. 6-3 310
4. Dontari Poe Memphis 6-4 350
5. Alameda Ta'Amu Washington 6-3 337
6. Baker Steinkuhler Nebraska 6-6 290


Devon Still Penn St. 6-4 310

Still is a big-bodied, thick defensive tackle prospect for the Penn State Nittany Lions. Entering the 2012 NFL Draft, there is room for improvement in his draft stock since he is widely-viewed as a interior run stopper only. He tore his ACL as a true freshman, which will be a concern for some coaches during the interview process. The great thing about this year's defensive tackle class is that there is still the prospect that someone can emerge and break into the Top 5 at the position. Teams are always looking to improve their defensive line, which will carry a player like Still's draft stock a bit higher than projections may indicate.
Still is a tough mauler on the inside who can move bodies between the tackles. He lacks the ability to chase down ball-carriers, but his extreme height and bulk make him a serious handful for offensive linemen.
At the next level, his pass rush needs work. Whether he is shooting the gaps or improving his first step, teams will need to polish his game if they want him to be able to play all three downs. He doesn't have wide hips, but since he is so lean, he can add weight. There is certainly room on his frame to develop a bigger and stronger base.
Still projects as a third or fourth round draft pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

http://www.fftoolbox.com/nfl_draft/profile_display.cfm?prospect_id=2954

Brandon Thompson Clemson 6-2 310

Just like Marcus Stroud he will impact many games but will not have great stats. He has great initial quickness and pushes the line back causing the OL and RB to key on him; and allow others to benefit from the attention he demands. He will be a key part to many teams run defense. He is also able to play in a 3-4 as a NT though probably is a better fit in a 4-3. Teams like Colts, Texans, Bengals, Broncos, Giants, Eagles, and Panthers could use him in a heartbeat. His stock is really, on the uptick and he could pull a Tyson Alualu.
Big nose tackle prospect who played on an extremely talented defensive line last year, but with Jarvis Jenkins and Da’Quan Bowers moved on to the NFL, he will assume a much larger role on a pretty young Clemson defense. As a junior, he tallied a whopping 56 tackles to go along with 6.5 for a loss and one sack. He also hurried the quarterback 15 times, so he made the most of the talented defensive line. Last year, he was quite an opportunist, and when he leaves Clemson, he will have a lot of games started under his belt provided he can stay healthy. The question becomes whether or not Thompson can break through to the next level this year. Can he become a dominant force on a much less talented, or at least experienced defensive line and stand out on his own? Some have him rated as the top senior defensive tackle available in this year’s draft, and that could wind up being so. The key for Thompson is that he is opportunistic while opening plays for others, meaning he will take on double teams and clean up what’s left. He could fit in the NFL in either a 3-4 or 4-3 system, though he is doing quite well in the latter.

http://nflmocks.com/2011/11/05/2012-scouting-report-brandon-thompson-dt-clemson/

Jerel Worthy Michigan St. 6-3 310

Worthy's progression over the last few seasons is subtle, but what fans should know is that although his numbers don't jump off the page, his role in Michigan State's defense is vital. In the beginning of his career, Worthy was free to pass rush and penetrate the line in what is usually called the off-tackle position, or under tackle. At this point in his career, as the team's most dominant defensive lineman, his job is to occupy double teams, seal off running and passing lanes, take up space and hold ground at the point of attack. No, it's not a glamorous job, but it allows his fellow lineman and other blitzers to get after the play. Offenses know if they didn't double team him, he'd blow the play up more often than not. Most evaluations miss this change in assignment and see a guy who doesn't penetrate, doesn't get in the backfield, doesn't make impact plays, etc. But the role of a defensive tackle isn't necessarily to be involved in that more than a couple times per game. Worthy does all his new tasks very well. He shows a great explosion off the line and is strong enough in his upper body to grab a player with one arm and, all in one motion, bring the ball-carrier into his chest and down to the ground.
When he does pass rush, he shows a good bull rush, swim move, and rip move. Worthy will make a great fit at either defensive tackle positions in a 4-3 defense. His development leans more toward him slimming down to be a 3-4 DE rather than a bulked up 3-4 NT. It really depends upon which team selects him.
All in all, Worthy is a very good prospect with a great diversity to his game that opposing offenses respect. His combination of athleticism and brute physicality will be a highly appreciated set of commodities. He projects to be selected toward the middle of the first round in the 2012 NFL Draft.

http://www.finheaven.com/forums/newthread.php?do=newthread&f=75

Dontari Poe Memphis 6-4 350

Poe is another junior on the defensive line whose play has impressed scouts. The 340-pound defender easily moves around the field, collapsing the pocket with his power or chasing the action out to the flanks. He's still rough around the edges, but Poe's size and athleticism more than intrigue scouts. Poe is also expected to enter the draft and, like Mercilus, will end up in the latter part of the first round.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/tony_pauline/11/21/week.12.risers/index.html

Alameda Ta'Amu Washington 6-3 337

Pass rush: Surprising initial quickness off the snap. Wide-bodied frame makes it difficult for him to split gaps, but shows a burst when he has a lane. Developing swim move. Relies mostly on a simple bull rush at this point, which is quite effective in collapsing the pocket. Only phone booth quickness. Gives good effort in chasing down the quarterback, but tires quickly.
Run defense: Strong, stout interior presence who often requires double-team blocks to keep him from clogging running lanes. Short, thick legs and thick trunk which aid him in anchoring. Inconsistent in his effort pursuing laterally and downfield, but surprises opponents with his quickness for such a large man. Short arms could lead to problems against NFL-caliber offensive linemen with longer arms able to get into his chest …
Explosion: Flashes an explosive initial burst off the snap to split gaps, especially when guards vacate the hole to pull. Has the upper body strength to rock his opponent back onto his heels. Quicker and more athletic than his body would lead you to believe, flashing startling explosiveness as a tackler when he gains momentum.
Strength: Powerful man who often requires double-teams. Excellent strength in his upper and lower, though his short limbs limit his effectiveness, at times. Relies heavily on his bull rush to pressure the quarterback. Often is at his most effective as a run-stuffer by simply creating a pile in the middle due to his ability to anchor.
Tackling: Makes most of his tackles by simpyl bludgeoning the ball-carrier. Lacks the quick-twitch muscles and lateral agility to break down in space, but has such great strength that he often is able to grab the ball-carrier with one arm, slow his momentum and grab on with his other arm to pull the ball-carrier to the ground. Inconsistent effort in pursuit, but generates impressive momentum when he's moving at full-speed and can rock the ball-carrier with an explosive hit.
Intangibles: Struggled with his weight early in his career. Has weighed as much as 390 pounds and played at 360, at times. Committed himself to extra conditioning and taking rice -- a staple of the Samoan culture -- out of his diet. He weighed in at 337 pounds for the 2011 Holiday Bowl. Suffered a broken foot during his senior year of high school.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1689166/alameda-taamu

 

[DKphin]

Baker Steinkuhler Nebraska 6-6 290

Steinkuhler is a long shot to declare for the draft but is an attractive prospect for 3-4 teams. If he has a solid season for the Cornhuskers he could look to bolt Lincoln to take advantage of a weak defensive line class. For now, he is a second round prospect but that could change with another solid season.
2012 NFL Draft Projection: 2

http://nflsfuture.com/2012-nfl-defensive-tackle-prospects/