2012 NFL Draft: Defensive Tackle Rankings

The top 2012 defensive tackle prospects available for the 2012 NFL Draft in the order in which I believe they will be drafted. * – denotes 2013 prospect. ** – denotes 2014 prospect.

This page was last updated April 25, 2012.

By Charlie Campbell.
Send Charlie an e-mail here: [email protected]
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1. Fletcher Cox*, DT, Mississippi State
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 298.
   40 Time: 4.79. 10-Yd Split: 1.63.
   Bench: 30.
   Vertical: 26. Broad: 8-7.
   Arm: 34 1/2.
   Projected Round (2012): Top 15.
   4/25/12: Cox has come out on top as the top ranked defensive tackle. Teams are compelled by his capacity to pressure the quarterback. Cox’s pass-rushing ability sets him apart from the other defensive tackles. He is fast, strong and plays with a steady motor. Cox shouldn’t fall further than 15 and stands a good chance to go in the top 10.
   
   Cox had an excellent Combine. He featured phenomenal speed with good strength. Cox would have been labeled as the most impressive defensive tackle there if Poe hadn’t grabbed all the headlines. In the weeks since the Combine, Poe’s lack of production has hurt his stock while Cox has continued to move up draft boards as teams study his tape.
   
   Cox was suspended for the first game of the 2011 season. He didn’t have much production in the first five games of the year, but came alive with four sacks in Mississippi State’s two games against South Carolina and Kentucky. Late in the season, Cox had quality performances against Alabama and Arkansas. He totaled 56 tackles with 14.5 tackles for a loss, five sacks and one forced fumble in 2011.
   
   Cox has a nice combination of speed and playmaking ability. He has the power to push linemen back and get them off balance along with the speed to shoot by them and get to the quarterback. His length and versatile skill set make him a fit at tackle and a potential five-technique defensive end in a 3-4 defense.
   
   8/21/11: Fletcher Cox broke into the defensive tackle rotation as a true freshman in 2009. He had 29 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss that season. Last year, Cox had 29 tackles again with 6.5 tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks. He also blocked two kicks. Cox is a good athlete with the ability to make strides in 2011.



2. Michael Brockers*, DT, LSU
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 322.
   40 Time: 5.33. 10-Yd Split: 1.77.
   Bench: 19.
   Vertical: 26.5. Broad: 8-9.
   Arm: 35.
   Projected Round (2012): 1.
   4/25/12: Brockers’ stock was rising into the top 10 before a disappointing showing at the Combine. He had a startlingly low total on the bench press and ran slowly. The big defensive tackle is a one-year wonder, so his stock is fluid. Sources have revealed that he is grading out in the 10-30 range. As a result Brockers took a ton of pre-draft visits.
   
   Brockers was one of the leaders of a group of future NFL defensive linemen at LSU. He was a disruptive force this year, totaling 54 tackles with 10 tackles for a loss, two sacks, one forced fumble and one blocked kick. Brockers didn’t see a ton of action as a redshirt freshman in 2010, assembling only 25 tackles, one tackle for a loss and zero sacks. Brockers played well in both games against Alabama. In the National Championship game, he totaled seven tackles and a blocked kick.
   
   There is no doubt that Brockers plays fast and strong. He could stay as a defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense or move to defensive end in a 3-4 set. Brockers has the length and a strong enough build to fit as a potential five-technique defensive end. Entering the NFL, Brockers is a tenacious run defender who needs more work on his pass-rushing moves. However, he has a high ceiling to develop into a good pass rusher.
   
   
3. Dontari Poe*, DT/NT, Memphis
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 346.
   40 Time: 4.87. 10-Yd Split: 1.68.
   Bench: 44.
   Vertical: 29.5. Broad: 9-9.
   Arm: 32.
   Projected Round (2012): 1.
   4/25/12: The biggest issue for Poe and his draft stock is a lack of production. With his power and athleticism, one would think he would have posted more numbers with a bigger impact, especially at his level of competition. In the weeks after the Combine that has become a bigger focus and Poe’s stock has slid some.
   
   Poe moved his stock into the top 20 and possibly the top 10 with his Combine showing. Some teams may prefer other first-round tackles because of scheme fits, but he shouldn’t get out of the top-25 picks.
   
   Poe had a dominant Combine, with an astounding 40 time for such a heavy tackle. He also led the Combine in the bench press and demonstrated rare movement skills in the field drills. His truly unique performance caused big headlines.
   
   Poe totaled 33 tackles with eight tackles for a loss, one sack and one forced fumble in 2011. He did not play very well against Mississippi State in the first game of the season and closed out the year without a tackle for a loss in the last four games. Poe’s best game came against SMU when he registered a sack-fumble and three tackles.
   
   Poe is a space-eater who takes on multiple blocks. Even when his pad level is off, he is hard to move at the line of scrimmage. Poe pursues plays extremely well.
   
   8/28/11: Dontari Poe is a massive defensive lineman who could be a 3-4 nose tackle at the next level. He is a powerful force at the line of scrimmage that offensive linemen struggle to move. Poe recorded 41 tackles and with 6.5 tackles for a loss last season. He got a good amount of playing time as a freshman. If Poe has a strong season, he could enter the draft as their is usually a limited amount of true nose tackles in each draft class.





4. Kendall Reyes, DE/DT, Connecticut
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 299.
   40 Time: 4.79.
   Bench: 36.
   Vertical: 34.5. Broad: 9-5.
   Arm: 33 1/4. Hand: 9 1/2.
   Projected Round (2012): 1-2.
   4/25/12: Reyes was another defensive tackle who had a superb Combine. He was extremely fast in the 40 and looked good in the field drills. His stock has been rising since the Combine, and he has earned first-round consideration.
   
   At the Senior Bowl, Reyes routinely beat offensive linemen in the one-on-one drills. He has a powerful bull rush to go along with some surprising speed rushes. The North defensive linemen really struggled with blocking him all week.
   
   Reyes is fast to close on the quarterback with the quickness off the snap to be a potential three-technique pass rusher in the NFL. He played well in 2011, totaling 46 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sack. Reyes has some developmental skills.
   
   If he gets good coaching at the NFL level, Reyes could turn into a steal. He has some nice speed and can get some pressure in the pocket.
   
   8/21/11: Kendall Reyes is a good athlete and team leader. He has been a starter the past two seasons. In 2010, Reyes had 10 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, and 39 tackles. He also had an interception returned 79 yards. Reyes has been a leader of the program the past couple of seasons. He looks like a potential three technique in a 4-3 defense or a five technique in a 3-4 defense.



5. Devon Still, DE/DT, Penn State
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 303.
   40 Time: 5.00.
   Bench: 26.
   Vertical: 29.5.
   Arm: 33 1/4.
   Projected Round (2012): 1-2.
   4/25/12: Still had an underrated Combine, showing nice speed in the 40-yard dash. His stock has gone down some only because of other prospects are excelling and moving up draft boards. Still had a superb senior season. He was a playmaker and the leader of the Penn State defense.
   
   Still has good size, surprising speed and real power. He played Alabama tough early this season. Still had 55 tackles with 17 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, a pass batted away and a forced fumble in 2011. His last few games, especially against Ohio State and Wisconsin, were his worst showings of the year.
   
   Entering the NFL, Still has an good combination of power, speed and athleticism. He beats offensive linemen with strength as well as quickness. Still has the versatility to play the three-technique or nose tackle in a 4-3 defense. He also could be a 3-4 defensive end.
   
   8/21/11: Devon Still had a strong 2010 season with 10 tackles for a loss and four sacks. He saw frequent double teams, and still was a difference maker for Penn State. As a sophomore, Still had 5.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks. He has scheme flexibility and could fit a 3-4 or a 4-3 defense.



6. Jerel Worthy*, DT, Michigan State
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 308.
   40 Time: 4.97. 10-Yd Split: 1.64.
   Vertical: 28.5. Broad: 8-11.
   Arm: 33.
   Projected Round (2012): 1-2.
   4/25/12: There has been a lot of divided opinions on Worthy and if he is a first-rounder. Some love his potential while the detractors point to how inconsistent he was in college. Worthy is a wild card in the 2012 draft.
   
   Worthy ran well at the Combine with a fast 40 and 10-yard split. However, he still had an inconsistent junior season. There were many games where Worthy has held in check, but there were other games where he was extremely disruptive. Worthy played well against Ohio State, but he did not play well against Nebraska. Worthy also had many mixed outings where he flashed occasionally after being quiet for stretches. That could be said for his outings against Wisconsin and Notre Dame.
   
   Worthy needs to improve his conditioning as he came out of games at times when the Spartans needed some big plays. To finish the regular season, he had a strong showing against Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship. Worthy followed that up with an impressive Outback Bowl against Georgia. He had 3.5 sacks with 30 tackles and 10.5 tackles for a loss in 2011.
   
   Worthy gets extra attention from offensive lines at times. He could stay as a 4-3 tackle, but would be better as a gap-shooting three-technique. Worthy also has the power to play the edge as a 3-4 defensive end. Some rate him as a first-round pick while others think he is a second-rounder. There is a lot of variety in the opinions about Worthy.
   
   8/21/11: Jerel Worthy is the consensus top defensive tackle in the draft class. As a prospect, he has some similarities to 2011 first-rounder Corey Liuget. Neither had big stat lines in 2010, and both are considered to be game-changers. Last year, Worthy had eight tackles for a loss and four sacks.
   
   Worthy has a good get-off and is disruptive. Offenses showed their respect for him by sending frequent double teams his way. Entering his junior season, Worthy could move his stock towards the very top of the draft if he is able to increase his production.





7. Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 314.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.15.
   Bench: 35.
   Vertical: 31. Broad: 8-4.
   Arm: 33 1/2. Hand: 9 5/8.
   Projected Round (2012): 2.
   4/25/12: One of the standouts for Clemson this season was Thompson. All year, he was a load at the line of scrimmage who caused disruption by knocking linemen into the backfield. Thompson is an excellent run stuffer and does the dirty work in eating up double teams. He had 46 tackles with 7.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble in 2011.
   
   Thompson impacts the game more than his numbers indicate. On occasion, he bull rushes into the pocket, but he was not a pass-rushing threat in college. Clemson would even take Thompson out of the game in some pass-rushing situations. At the Senior Bowl, he was very tough on offensive linemen and won a lot of the one-on-one reps. Thompson’s quality week in Mobile should secure him as a pick on Friday night. His Combine performance was rather average.
   
   8/21/11: Brandon Thompson is a plugger who was part of good defensive line in 2010. It will be interesting to see how he plays without Da’Quan Bowers this season. Last year, Thompson had 40 tackles with 7.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, one blocked kick and three passes broken up. He could be a fit in a two-gap system, or serve as a nose tackle at the pro level and would probably be best in a 4-3 defense.



8. Alameda Ta’amu, DT/NT, Washington
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 348.
   40 Time: 5.34. 10-Yd Split: 1.78.
   Bench: 35.
   Vertical: 26. Broad: 8-7.
   Arm: 32. Hand: 9 7/8.
   Projected Round (2012): 2-3.
   4/25/12: Ta’amu was solid but he didn’t stand out at the Combine. Ta’amu followed his 2011 trend with an inconsistent showing at the Senior Bowl. Sometimes he was a real force before falling quiet for stretches. The demand for large nose tackles helps push his stock higher.
   
   At times as a senior, Ta’amu was a load at the line of scrimmage, but he was inconsistent. Ta’amu ate up double teams and had success plugging his gap in run defense. He also had some quality plays collapsing the pocket with a bull rush.
   
   Against Stanford however, Ta’amu was neutralized by the Cardinal’s strong offensive line. After that game, he was quiet for some time but finished the regular season on a high note with two sacks, 2.5 tackles for a loss and four tackles against Washington State.
   
   Ta’amu was a non-factor in the high-scoring Alamo Bowl against Baylor. He had 30 tackles with seven tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks in 2011.
   
   8/28/11: Alameda Ta’amu was a tough run stuffer as a junior. He recorded 39 tackles with five tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks. In his second year as a starter, Ta’amu was an All-Pac-10 honorable mention. In 2009, he recorded 19 tackles with 4.5 tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks. Ta’amu started 11 of 12 games as a sophomore. He is a powerful force at the point of attack. Ta’amu enters the season as the top 3-4 nose tackle in the nation and a potential second-round pick.



9. Derek Wolfe, DE/DT, Cincinnati
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 295.
   40 Time: 4.94. 10-Yd Split: 1.70.
   Bench: 33.
   Vertical: 33.5. Broad: 9-0.
   Arm: 33 1/4. Hand: 10 3/4.
   Projected Round (2012): 2-4.
   4/25/12: Others rate Wolfe as a third-day pick while ESPN’s Mel Kiper projected him to go in the first round. Wolfe could be a second-day pick but his stock is difficult to project.
   
   Wolfe performed well, yet flew under the radar at the Combine. He also had a quality week at the Senior Bowl and had his share of wins. The senior had an excellent season with 70 tackles, 21.5 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and 9.5 sacks.
   
   At the point of attack, Wolfe overwhelms offensive linemen with his strength and speed. He closes on the quarterback quickly and plays the run extremely well. Wolfe has a nice repertoire of pass-rushing moves, and he uses a strong rip move.
   
   Entering the NFL, Wolfe has very good technique with a steady motor. He could be an ideal 3-4 defensive end. If Wolfe stays as a 4-3 defensive tackle, he should add some more weight if he is going to be inside on every down. Some 4-3 teams could play him at left defensive end on running downs and move him inside in passing situations.
   
   8/21/11: Derek Wolfe has had two quality seasons for Cincinnati. In 2009, he recorded 41 tackles with eight tackles for a loss and five sacks. Last year, he had 48 tackles with 6.5 tackles for a loss and four sacks. If he can stay consistent as a senior, it would ensure his status as a mid-round pick. If Wolfe has a big senior season with his scheme flexibility to play either a 3-4 or a 4-3 defense, his could raise his stock.



10. Billy Winn, DE/DT, Boise State
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 294.
    40 Time: 4.95. 10-Yd Split: 1.70.
    Bench: 24.
    Vertical: 27. Broad: 8-11.
    Arm: 32 1/2. Hand: 9 1/8.
    Projected Round (2011): 2-3.
    4/25/12: Winn got his senior season started with a good game against Georgia. He recorded four tackles and a .5 sacks to help the Broncos beat up on the Bulldogs� offensive line. Winn is strong at the point of attack and has some pass-rush ability to collapse the pocket. He was a disruptive player for Boise State, and impacts the game more than his stats illustrate.
    
    Winn had 34 tackles with eight tackles for a loss, three sacks and a forced fumble this season. He did not have an impressive Senior Bowl, but did reasonably well at the Combine.
    
    8/24/11: Billy Winn looks like a very good fit as a 3-4 defensive end. He is a quality run defender with the ability to contribute some pass rush. He was an AP All-America third-teamer last year when Winn recorded 10.5 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks. Winn had a quality sophomore season with 12.5 tackles for a loss and six sacks. Winn is strong at the point of attack and would be a good five technique.



11. Mike Martin, DT, Michigan
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 306.
    40 Time: 4.84. 10-Yd Split: 1.69.
    Vertical: 33.5. Broad: 9-5.
    Arm: 32 1/4. Hand: 9 1/8.
    Projected Round (2012): 3-4.
    4/25/12: Martin had 64 tackles with six tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks in 2011. He has a good motor and defends the run well. Martin looks like a potential nose tackle in a 4-3 defense, or a 3-4 defensive end. The senior didn’t produce as much as he seemed capable of.
    
    That became especially clear after Martin had a phenomenal week of practice at the Senior Bowl. Throughout the week, he was powering offensive linemen straight back into the quarterback marker during the one-on-one scrimmages. When Martin would suspect that the linemen were prepared for his bull rush, he would hit them with a speed rush and rip move to get by the tackles.
    
    There were many plays in the run nine-on-nine scrimmages and the team scrimmages on which Martin would burst through the line and blow up plays in the backfield. Of all the prospects at the Senior Bowl, he may have helped his stock more than any other player.
    
    At the same time, one has to wonder why Martin didn’t show more of that skill and intensity during his collegiate career. He continued his upward trend with a strong Combine. Martin was fast and explosive.
    
    8/21/11: Mike Martin broke into the starting lineup as a sophomore and recorded 51 tackles with 8.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks. Entering the 2010 season, many thought that Martin was poised for a big year, but he didn’t improve his production. Martin recorded 37 tackles with six tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks. He looks like a mid-rounder for a 4-3 defense.



12. Josh Chapman, DT/NT, Alabama
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 319.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.20.
    Arm: 32.
    Projected Round (2012): 3-4.
    4/25/12: Chapman couldn’t work out at the Combine or Alabama’s pro day as he is still recovering from knee surgery. Chapman recorded 23 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss, one sack and two passes batted down in 2011. For most of the season, he played with a torn knee ligament.
    
    Chapman is a quality run defender but limited as a pass rusher. He looks like a strong nose tackle candidate for a 3-4 defense in the NFL. Chapman has good technique with natural pad level. His injury could impact the beginning of his rookie season.
    
    8/28/11: Josh Chapman was a backup to Terrence Cody in 2009 and 2008. Last year, Chapman broke into the starting lineup at nose guard and recorded 31 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss and one sack. He is a strong run defender at the point of attack. Chapman could potentially add more weight. In the NFL, he looks like a potential fit as a nose tackle, or possibly as a five technique in a 3-4 defense.





13. Nick Jean-Baptiste, DT/NT, Baylor
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 335.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.40.
    Arm: 33. Hand: 9 3/4.
    Projected Round (2012): 4-5.
    4/25/12: Even though Jean-Baptiste was dominant at the East-West Shrine, he did not work out at the Combine. Throughout the week in Orlando, Jean-Baptiste showed major potential to be a nose tackle in a 4-3 or 3-4 defense. He was like a bowling ball, rolling through offensive linemen to cause disruption in the backfield. Everyone that went against him had problems with his bull rush.
    
    Jean-Baptiste has natural pad level and consistently gets underneath the pads of offensive linemen to push them straight back. As a senior, he totaled 36 tackles with 8.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks and three passes broken up.



14. Kheeston Randall, DE/DT, Texas
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 293.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.00.
    Bench: 28.
    Vertical: 34. Broad: 9-3.
    Arm: 33 3/4. Hand: 9 1/2.
    Projected Round (2012): 4-5.
    4/25/12: Randall had a disappointing season. The senior pushed the pocket more than his numbers indicate, but he didn’t have an impact as needed. Randall struggles to finish plays and doesn’t close on ball carrier well. He had 31 tackles with one sack and four tackles for a loss in 2011. His stock has fallen significantly.
    
    Randall performed well at the Senior Bowl and was being disruptive. He fared well in the one-one-ones and looked a lot better than during the regular season. At the Combine, Randall showed off some speed and athleticism. He looks like a boom-or-bust pick.
    
    8/21/11: Kheeston Randall will be a starter for his third season in 2011. he is strong at the point of attack and is a good run defender. Last year, Randall had 39 tackles, one sack, 13 tackles for a loss, three passes broken up and two blocked kicks. He is similar to Liuget and Worthy in that Randall effects the game more than his stats indicate. As a sophomore, he had 4.5 tackles for a loss and three sacks. Randall could be a 4-3 tackle and potentially a five-technique defensive end in a 3-4.



15. Jaye Howard, DT, Florida
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 301.
    40 Time: 4.75. 10-Yd Split: 1.72.
    Bench: 24.
    Vertical: 27.5. Broad: 8-10.
    Arm: 33. Hand: 10 1/8.
    Projected Round (2012): 4-5.
    4/25/12: Howard flashed at times for the Gators in 2011, but was not consistent. He had 65 tackles with 10 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks and two passes batted away this year. Howard did not have an impact against some of Florida’s better opponents like Alabama, LSU and Auburn. He is a good athlete with speed but has not turned his potential into production.
    
    Howard was relatively quiet at the Senior Bowl, but had a huge performance at the Combine. He ran extremely fast in the 40 and was superb in the field drills. Howard showed special athleticism with his movement skills. The Combine definitely gave his stock a boost.
    
    8/21/11: Jaye Howard had a quality season in 2010 and played better than his numbers indicate. On the Gators’ young defensive line, Howard was clearly the most consistent player. He had 2.5 sacks with 10 tackles for a loss. It took some time for Howard to break into the lineup at Florida, but he could be in for a big 2011 season and that could push his draft stock up. Howard is fast, strong, and has good instincts.



16. DaJohn Harris, DT, USC
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 306.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.96.
    Bench: 28. Arm: 33. Hand: 10.
    Projected Round (2012): 4-5.
    4/25/12: Harris had a strong week at the East-West Shrine, but wasn’t able to work out at the Combine because an exam found a hole in his heart. After undergoing more tests, his cardiologist and doctors ruled it okay for him to continue playing football in the NFL.
    
    Harris worked out fully at his pro day with a nice 40 time. At the East-West Shrine, he was tough in practice and played well in the actual game. Harris totaled 22 tackles with seven tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and six passes batted downin 2011. As a junior in 2010, he had 35 tackles with 5.5 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks.
    
    It is curious that Harris didn’t produce more as a redshirt senior, especially with a good edge rusher in Nick Perry forcing quarterbacks to step up in the pocket.



17. Marcus Forston*, DT, Miami
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 301.
    40 Time: 5.10.
    Bench: 35.
    Vertical: 28. Broad: 8-9.
    Arm: 33.
    Projected Round (2012): 4-6.
    4/25/12: Forston was suspended for the first contest of the season. He recorded five tackles in three games before going down with a season-ending knee injury. Ohio State center Mike Brewster had a good game against him. Even though he didn’t have a strong season, Forston entered the 2012 draft. He is a good athlete with potential but has legitimate durability concerns entering the NFL. Forston performed well at the Combine, especially considering that he is coming off of a knee injury.
    
    8/21/11: Marcus Forston has yet to turn his top-flight athleticism into dominance on the football field, but as junior in 2011, he could be poised for a big season. As a true freshman in 2008, Forston recorded 18 tackles with 4.5 tackles for a loss and three sacks. In 2009, he played in three games before losing the rest of the season to an ankle injury. Forston received a medical hardship for the season. In his second year, as a sophomore, in 2010, he had 37 tackles with 12 tackles for a loss, three sacks and an interception. Forston is quick and fast and looks like a potential three technique for a 4-3 defense in the NFL, but also is stout enough to play nose tackle.



18. Akiem Hicks, DT/NT, Regina University (Canada)
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 318.
    40 Time: 5.21.
    Bench: 26.
    Vertical: 31.5. Broad: 9-0.
    Arm: 35 1/8. Hand: 10 1/8.
    Projected Round (2012): 4-6.
    4/25/12: Hicks was decent at the Combine, but doing well in his team interviews were probably more critical than having a big field performance. The Canada product Hicks caught scouts attention by flashing at the East-West Shrine practices. He is a large man who has some quickness and athleticism.
    
    Hicks was at LSU before leaving the program in January of 2010. He was signed out of the community college ranks prior to that. Hicks has physical tools, but teams will need to do research into his background.



19. Hebron Fangupo, DT/NT, BYU
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 323.
    40 Time: 5.16.
    Bench: 36.
    Vertical: 31.5. Broad: 8-3.
    Arm: 32 3/4.
    Projected Round (2012): 4-6.
    4/25/12: Fangupo featured his athletic ability with some good numbers at the Combine. He showed speed and athleticism on the field drills with some power in the weight room. In his one year at BYU, the USC transfer Fangupo had a decent season. He recorded 26 tackles with six tackles for a loss.
    
    Fangupo got a late start in football, so he may need to be developed for a year or two on the back of the end roster before he can be a contributor.



20. Brett Roy, DT, Nevada
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 275.
    40 Time: 5.03.
    Bench: 32.
    Vertical: 30.5. Broad: 9-0.
    Arm: 32 3/4.
    Projected Round (2012): 5-6.
    4/25/12: Roy had an excellent senior season. He collected 66 tackles with 18.5 tackles for a loss and 10 sacks. In his first season as a starter, in 2010, Roy recorded 50 tackles with 14.5 tackles for a loss and eight sacks. He was a force in the WAC this year, notching sacks against Oregon and Boise State.
    
    For the NFL, Roy will need to add a lot of weight and strength to stay inside at tackle. He had a disappointing Combine with a slower time for a light defensive tackle.



21. Travian Robertson, DE/DT, South Carolina
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 302.
    40 Time: 5.19.
    Bench: 30.
    Vertical: 26. Broad: 9-6.
    Arm: 32 1/4. Hand: 10.
    Projected Round (2012): 5-6.
    4/25/12: Robertson was somewhat disappointing in 2011. He had 49 tackles with eight tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks. Robertson had a lot of talent around him, but he did not take advantage of favorable matchups. At the East-West Shrine Game, Robertson was dominant, destroying offensive linemen all week long. He needed to show more of that in the regular season.
    
    At the Combine, Robertson did not do particularly well.
    
    8/21/11: Travian Robertson could be in store for a big 2011 season. With Devin Taylor, Melvin Ingram, and Jadeveon Clowney applying pressure from the outside Robertson could clean up with quarterbacks stepping up in the pocket. Last year, he had 10 tackles for a loss with four sacks and 42 tackles. Injuries knocked him out of all but four games in 2009. Robertson has some upside and needs to produce in 2011.


MISSING

22. Mike Daniels, DT, Iowa
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 291.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.83.
    Arm: 32 1/2.
    Projected Round (2012): 5-6.
    4/25/12: Daniels is an undersized but active defender. He had a massive game against Purdue with three sacks and five tackles for a loss this year. For the season, Daniels recorded 67 tackles with nine sacks, and 10.5 tackles for a loss. He had quality games against Pittsburgh and Northwestern but struggled against Michigan and Michigan State.
    
    Daniels is a tweener for end and tackle. He could play left end in a 4-3 defense and move inside to tackle on passing downs. Daniels did not work out at the Combine because of an injury, but he did earn an invite.
    
    8/21/11: Mike Daniels had an all right junior season with 11 tackles for a loss and four sacks and 40 tackles. He had a lot of good players around him in Adrian Clayborn, Christian Ballard and Karl Klug. It will be interesting to see how Daniels performs without all three of those players. Like Klug, Daniels is a bit of an end/tackle tweener. He may be best adding some weight and playing the five technique in a 3-4.



23. Tydreke Powell, DT, North Carolina
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 309.
    40 Time: 5.28.
    Bench: 29.
    Vertical: 28.5. Broad: 8-3.
    Arm: 32 1/2. Hand: 9 7/8.
    Projected Round (2012): 5-7.
    4/25/12: Powell does a decent job of plugging up running lanes and getting some push when he bull rushes. For the 2011 season, he had 46 tackles with 4.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, one forced fumble and two passes broken up. Powell drew favorable matchups due to the presence of Quinton Coples and Kareem Martin.
    
    It was somewhat disappointing that Powell didn’t produce more. He had a quiet, yet sound performance at the Senior Bowl and was average at best at the Combine.
    
    8/21/11: Tydreke Powell is considered to be one of the better defensive tackles in the draft, despite modest production. He replaced Marvin Austin as North Carolina’s top interior lineman. Last year, Powell had 47 tackles with 2.5 sacks and three tackles for a loss. As a sophomore, he had four tackles for a loss and two sacks. Powell needs to be productive this season with Quentin Coples and Donte Paige-Moss playing around him.



24. Logan Harrell, DT, Fresno State
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 278.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.99.
    Projected Round (2012): 6-7.
    4/25/12: Harrell had a quality season even though Fresno State struggled and failed to qualify for a Bowl. He totaled 71 tackles with 17 tackles for a loss, six sacks, four passes broken up and three forced fumbles this year. Harrell was held in check by Nebraska but played tough against Boise State. He plays physical football, has a fabulous motor and gives maximum effort.
    
    At the next level, Harrell’s best fit might be to play defensive end in a 4-3 defense and move inside to rush the passer on passing downs. If Harrell bulks up, he could be a potential five-technique. Harrell did not work out at the Combine.
    
    8/21/11: Logan Harrell is undersized, but he is a tough and physical football player. His motor never quits and he was an excellent pass rusher in 2010. Harrell finished the season with 10.5 sacks and 14 tackles for a loss with 46 tackles and one forced fumble. It was a breakout year for him, as he had not produced much in his previous two seasons. Harrell could be moved to right end in a 4-3 in the NFL, unless he can add 12 or more pounds to be able to play on the inside. Playing as a five technique in a 3-4 is a possibility as well.



25. Tony Jerod-Eddie, DE/DT, Texas A&M
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 301.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.06.
    Arm: 34 3/8. Hand: 9 1/4.
    Projected Round (2012): 6-7.
    4/25/12: Jerod-Eddie started the year extremely well with three sacks against SMU. After that, he recorded only one more sack during the regular season. Jerod-Eddie had 56 tackles with seven tackles for a loss and five sacks in 2011. He had good pass-rushing opportunities, but did not get a lot of heat on the quarterback.
    
    At the Senior Bowl, Jerod-Eddie fared better in the one-on-ones. He did not work out at the Combine.
    
    8/21/11: Tony Jerod-Eddie was expected to produce more in 2010, but had only 2.5 tackles for a loss with 49 tackles last season. He still was named an All-Big XII honorable mention for his run defense. Jerod-Eddie made some bad headlines for grabbing the groin of Nebraska’s Ben Cotton in a pile. He has some athletic ability and could fit as a 3-4 defensive end.



26. Micanor Regis, DT, Miami
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 305.
    Arm: 33. Hand: 10 1/4.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.13.
    Projected Round (2012): 6-7.
    4/25/12: Regis had 41 tackles with 6.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks this season. He did not look good going against Ohio State center Mike Brewster. Regis was a standout at the East-West Shrine and that helped him to be a late-round pick on the third day of the draft. He didn’t participate in the Combine.
    
    8/21/11: Micanor Regis notched 42 tackles with eight tackles for a loss and three sacks as a junior in his first year as a starter. He needs to improve his production as a senior to make sure he gets drafted.



27. Dominique Hamilton, DT, Missouri
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 313.
    40 Time: 5.50.
    Bench: 31.
    Arm: 33 1/8. Hand: 10 1/4.
    Projected Round (2012): 6-FA.
    4/25/12: Hamilton had 56 tackles with seven tackles for a loss, three sacks and three passes broken up as a senior. That was a big improvement over the 20 tackles and 1.5 sacks he had in 2010. A strong week at the East-West Shrine really boosted Hamilton’s stock. However, he had a slow and disappointing time at the Combine.



28. Kaniela Tuipulotu, DT/NT, Hawaii
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 310.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.30.
    Arm: 32 1/4. Hand: 9 7/8.
    Projected Round (2012): 6-FA.
    4/25/12: Tuipulotu had 32 tackles with four tackles for a loss and a sack in 2011. He did not particularly stand out at the East-West Shrine or the Combine.
    
    8/21/11: Kaniela Tuipulotu decided to transfer back to his native Hawaii after playing at Arizona. He recorded 34 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss and one sack last season. Tuipulotu would be best as a 3-4 defensive end.




29. Delvin Johnson, DT/NT, Marshall
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 312.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.20.
    Projected Round (2012): 7-FA.
    4/25/12: After a quiet junior season, Johnson made a big improvement this year as a senior, making 42 tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks. He took advantage of offenses being focused on teammate Vinny Curry. Johnson barely played in 2008 and 2009 before making a modest contribution in 2010. He did not work out at the Combine, or play in a major All-Star game.



30. J.R. Sweezy, DE/DT, N.C. State
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 298.
    40 Time: 4.97. 10-Yd Split: 1.84.
    Bench: 21.
    Vertical: 36. Broad: 9-5.
    Arm: 34.
    Projected Round (2012): 7-FA.
    4/25/12: Sweezy broke his foot in the preseason and missed the first four games of the year. In nine games this season, he had 20 tackles, two sacks, four tackles for a loss and one forced fumble. Sweezy had a decent Combine.
    
    8/21/11: J.R. Sweezy was a reserve in 2009 who had three sacks and five tackles for a loss. Last year, he earned a starting spot and broke out with 11.5 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks and 50 tackles. Sweezy was an All-ACC honorable mention. If he adds some muscle and power, he could be a good fit as a nose tackle in a 4-3 defense.



31. DeAngelo Tyson, DT, Georgia
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 315.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.11.
    Arm: 33 7/8.
    Projected Round (2012): 7-FA.
    4/25/12: Tyson had 20 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks this season. He did not have a good games against Boise State or South Carolina, but played well against Florida. Tyson was invited, but he didn’t work out at the Combine after being ‘medically excluded’ with undisclosed, yet specific, reasons from his physical.
    
    8/21/11: Last year, DeAngelo Tyson was a first-year starter for Georgia and recorded 36 tackles with four tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks. Tyson has some athletic ability, but he will need to make a big jump in his production to get drafted next April.



32. Terrell Resonno, DE/DT, Missouri
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 295.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.93.
    Projected Round (2012): FA.
    4/25/12: Resonno had 19 tackles with two sacks and 3.5 tackles for a loss on the season. He did not attend the Combine.
    
    8/21/11: Terrell Resonno should benefit from some quality defensive ends playing on either side of him. Last year was his first as a starter, and he recorded 35 tackles with four tackles for a loss and a couple of sacks. Resonno will need to improve his production in 2011 to make sure he gets drafted.

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