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2008 Draft Prospects: Defensive Tackles
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Prospect rankings · Risers/Fallers · Mock drafts · History · Draft Tracker
TSX · Offense · Defense · Special Teams
Defensive Ends · Defensive Tackles · Inside Linebackers · Outside Linebackers · Cornerbacks · Safeties
Clark Judge ranks the top five defensive prospects at each position.
| Top Prospects: Defensive Tackles |
| 1. Glenn Dorsey, LSU |
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| Agility Tests: |
| 40-yard dash: 5.12 |
Bench press: 425 lbs |
Vertical jump: 25.5" |
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| The skinny: The He may be the top player in this draft ... provided, of course, that he's healthy. Dorsey is a dominant lineman, whether he's inside or out, and last year produced a career-high seven sacks playing with a sprained knee. He's quick, strong and relentless. He also has a history of injuries, but his Pro Day workout answered most questions scouts had about him. |
| 2. Sedrick Ellis, USC |
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| Agility Tests: |
| 40-yard dash: 5.05 |
Bench press: 440 lbs |
Vertical jump: 30" |
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| The skinny: Started all 13 games at nose guard, producing a career-high 58 tackles -- including 8.5 sacks. A first team All-American, he was also the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year and USC's co-MVP. Though he lacks ideal size, he explodes off the line of scrimmage and appears unblockable at times. |
| 3. Kentwan Balmer, UNC |
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| Agility Tests: |
| 40-yard dash: 5.11 |
Bench press: 360 lbs |
Vertical jump: 29" |
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| The skinny: He can play inside or as a defensive end in a 3-4 but found himself as a defensive tackle his senior year under Butch Davis' guidance -- finishing second on the club in tackles. Consistency is an issue, though Balmer fired at all times under Davis. If that continues he could be an impact player at the next level. |
| 4. Marcus Harrison, Arkansas |
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| Agility Tests: |
| 40-yard dash: 5.06 |
Bench press: 405 |
Vertical jump: 29" |
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| The skinny: A second-team all-SEC choice, Harrison has been climbing steadily on draft boards in the last month. He has great size, good burst and the ability to occupy blockers with his strength. He had 72 tackles last season despite tearing an ACL in spring practice. Biggest concern here is character: He was suspended for a drug arrest. |
| 5. Trevor Laws, Notre Dame |
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| Agility Tests: |
| 40-yard dash: 5.09 |
Bench press: N/A |
Vertical jump: 30.5" |
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| The skinny: Highly productive, with 112 tackles last season -- the only down lineman at a major college to have 100 or more stops. He also had a team-high four sacks. He's a sure tackler, with great instincts and determination. He also is high on character, making the All-American Academic second-team. |
| Player on the rise: |
| Harrison. His stock has been going north the past month despite the off-field issues. Harrison has great size and is able to locate the ball quickly. Scouts like his toughness, too; Harrison recovered from a torn ACL to play last season. |
| Player on the decline: |
| Pat Sims, Auburn. Once he was considered a late first or early second-round pick, but one scout I consulted had him no higher than the fourth or fifth rounds. Sims tested well, and he played much of last year with a broken hand. But observers question his passion for the game, with one scout labeling him "lazy." |
| Sleeper |
| Lionel Dotson, Arizona. He may project more to a defensive end in a 3-4, but he has the quickness and experience you want in a defensive lineman. At 6-4, he has the size, too, but he could be more consistent. He's probably a fifth-round pick waiting to happen, but he could make an impact if he lands at the right spot. |
| Overrated |
| Balmer. No one's sure what to make of the guy after one year of productivity. He could be hit or miss. There's no question he has talent; it's just how often he decides to use it. Last season he was terrific, but who's to say that continues once he cashes in? |
| Position analysis: |
| Glenn Dorsey and Sedrick Ellis are top 10 locks and, potentially, two of the top five draft picks. So the position is stacked with premier talent. But then it drops off quickly, with Kentwan Balmer considered the only other first-round cinch. Harrison could make it, too, but there is more second round -- and second-day -- depth here than there is top-notch talent. |
| Talk Back |
Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Feb 26, 2008
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April 26, 2008 8:21 pm
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(POLL)
Who will have a bigger impact in his Rookie season
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Reputation:89
Level:All-Star
Since:Apr 8, 2008
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July 7, 2008 2:03 pm
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(POLL)
(n/a)
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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Nov 26, 2007
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April 22, 2008 4:25 pm
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Hey... the Bengals deserve a break with the malcontent "85"... Sedrick Ellis is a future ALL-PRO and is perfect to improve the "D" in the 'Natti...
For Carson Palmer's sake.... Bengals TAKE Sedrick if he is there at #9!!!!
Fight ON!!
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Reputation:93
Level:All-Star
Since:Dec 20, 2006
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April 28, 2008 2:11 pm
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Brennan against Washington: 42 out of 50 for 442 yard with 5 TDs and no ints. I don't care a what level you are playing, those are difficult stats to put up. He did that fairly regularly. The game before was not as good. He played Boise St. and went 40 out of 53 for 495 yards, 5 TDs, 2 ints, and he also ran for one TD. This guy could be a real 6th round steal.&n
...(more)
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Feb 12, 2008
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March 4, 2008 8:42 am
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(POLL)
With about 53 days until this years NFL draft, and the building hype that surrounds that day, I am reminded of past drafts and what might have been. Who is the biggest bust in NFL draft history? I have listed a few top candidates. I'm sure that there are more. I'd like to hear what others think. This should get us ready for the 2008 addition to the list.
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Reputation:96
Level:Superstar
Since:Oct 22, 2007
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April 26, 2008 4:45 pm
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Why, why, why! There are so many others spots you need to fill. Jonathan Stewart is good, but not good enough to give up needed picks.
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