2014 NFL Draft Prospects: Defensive Tackles

The top 2014 defensive tackle prospects available for the 2014 NFL Draft. * – denotes 2015 prospect. ** – denotes 2016 prospect.

This page was last updated May 5, 2014. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

2023 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2024 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

2025 NFL Draft Position Rankings:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | NT | 3-4 OLB | 3-4 DE | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K | P

Aaron Donald, DE/DT/OLB, Pittsburgh
Height: 6-1. Weight: 285.
40 Time: 4.68.
Projected Round (2014): 1.
5/5/14: If Donald were bigger, he would be a high first-round pick. He still is likely to go in the No. 11-16 range where the Giants, Rams, Bears and Cowboys are all options to take them.

Donald had a tremendous performance at the Combine with a shockingly fast 40 time. He has put himself into top-20 consideration. WalterFootball.com has heard from teams that Donald could slip lower than expected because he only fits as a three-technique, which limits him to only a few teams. They say a team like the Bears or Cowboys could trade down and target Donald. Thus, he could be this year’s Sharrif Floyd.

At the Senior Bowl, Donald was the most impressive player. He had dominant practices all week as he caused havoc behind the line of scrimmage. Donald was phenomenal in the pass-rushing one-on-ones as he constantly beat blockers to get to the quarterback. Donald is very strong for his size and is able to bull rush heavy interior blockers. He absolutely destroyed massive Baylor guard Cyril Richardson on some bull rushes. Donald has natural pad level that he uses to get leverage.

Donald was phenomenal in 2013. In Pittsburgh’s first game, he had a sack and came close to a few others against a good Florida State offensive line. Donald picked up five tackles, four tackles for a loss and two sacks against New Mexico. He had a multi-sack games against Virginia Tech, New Mexico and Virginia. Donald was one of the nation’s leaders with 11 sacks and led the country in tackles for a loss with 28.5. He also had 59 tackles with 26.5, two passes batted and four forced fumbles. Donald’s interior pass-rush ability is in high demand in the NFL.

8/10/13: Donald started his junior year slowly, but rebounded in the second half. He totaled 64 tackles, 18.5 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks, one forced fumble and two passes broken up last season. Donald doesn’t look like the same player as in 2011 and made the right decision to return for his senior year.

Donald had a breakout sophomore season with 47 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss and 11 sacks in 2011 after recording just two sacks as a freshman. He was a physical player with some quickness to beat offensive linemen.

Donald is a tackle and defensive end tweener for the NFL.

Personal: Communications major. Son of Anita Goggins and Archie Donald.

Ra’Shede Hageman, DT, Minnesota
Height: 6-6. Weight: 310.
40 Time: 5.02.
Projected Round (2014): 1-2.
5/5/14: Hageman could go in the back half of the first round, but also could slip to the second round. Some teams picking early in the second are doing their homework on Hageman in case he’s available. In 2013, Hageman recorded 38 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, seven passes broken up, one interception and two sacks. The senior saw his share of double-teams, and at times, those weren’t enough to contain him, but he needs to become more consistent. Sometimes, Hageman is unblockable with power and explosion. He has pass-rush ability, but needs to get more consistent pressure on the quarterback. That could improve in the NFL when he isn’t facing so many double-teams.

At the Senior Bowl, Hageman had a solid week of practice. He continued to show that he has the power and quickness to overwhelm offensive linemen. Hageman followed that up with a good performance at the Combine. Sources told WalterFootball.com that Hageman did well in the team interviews.

Hageman has a lot of flexibility for NFL defenses. He could play nose tackle in a 4-3 or 3-4 defense while also having the ability to be a five-technique defensive end in a 3-4.

8/10/13: Hageman had an impressive 2012 season and was one of the better interior defensive linemen in the Big Ten. The junior totaled 35 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, two passes broken up, one forced fumble and six sacks. He had 13 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble in 2011.

Hageman was backup early in his career after switching to defensive tackle from tight end. If the senior can build on his breakout 2012 season, he could rise up the rankings.

Personal: Majoring in youth studies. Son of Eric Hageman and Jill Coyle.

Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame
Height: 6-2. Weight: 331.
40 Time: 5.42.
Projected Round (2014): 1-2.
5/5/14: Nix had a decent Combine, but he didn’t wow anybody. Nix’s stock has slid since the end of the season, and he looks likely to go in the back half of the first round. Falling to the second round isn’t out of the question for him, but is probably unlikely given a few teams in the 20s that could use a nose tackle. Teams picking early in the second think Nix could get to their pick.

The junior’s final season ended in early November after going in for knee surgery. He had been playing with a torn meniscus and went to Dr. James Andrews to have the knee fixed. Nix hired an agent, so he was quick to leave behind his final year of eligibility.

Nix recorded 27 tackles with two tackles for a loss in 2013. He played well against Michigan, totaling four tackles and a tackle for a loss, and was very disruptive at the point of attack. His contribution to the Fighting Irish’s pass rush was greater than the numbers indicate. Nix missed the games against Navy and Air Force with his knee injury.

8/10/13: Nix was an animal for Notre Dame in 2012. He was a disruptive force who caused a lot of havoc at the line of scrimmage. The chaos he caused helped his teammates like Stephon Tuitt and Manti Te’o to clean up. Nix totaled 50 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks, five passes batted and one forced fumble last season.

The numbers don’t illustrate how good Nix was for the Fighting Irish. The senior could crack the top half of the first round in the 2014 NFL Draft with a strong 2013 season. Nix also needs to show NFL teams he can maintain good conditioning and be effective over a large amount of snaps.

Nix had a strong sophomore season for Notre Dame, too. He was a tough run-plugger at the point of attack and did a good job of occupying blockers. Nix totaled 45 tackles with 4.5 tackles for a loss, .5 sacks and a pass batted. Head coach Brian Kelly nearly rode Nix out of South Bend in the spring of 2012, removing him from a starting spot. Nix worked his way back into the starting lineup, and it looks to have been a motivational ploy by Kelly.

Personal: Son of Louis Nix and Stephanie Ancrum. Nix has a big personality known by his nickname “Irish Chocolate” and creating a segment of YouTube videos entitled “Chocolate News.”

Timmy Jernigan*, DT, Florida State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 299.
40 Time: 5.06.
Projected Round (2014): 1-2.
5/5/14: Jernigan totaled 63 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 11 tackles for a loss in 2013. He steadily became more and more effective throughout the season. Jernigan improved his pass-rushing skills and put steady pressure down the middle of the pocket. His run defense against Auburn was superb in the National Championship game. Sources have said that Jernigan is grading mostly in the second-round.

Jernigan did well at the Combine and his pro day. He hasn’t received the hype of Aaron Donald, but Jernigan can play a variety of techniques on the defensive line, while Donald is limited to being a three-technique. Many believe that Jernigan is best as a one-technique in a 4-3 defense, and those aren’t typically drafted in the first round.

8/10/13: Jernigan had a solid 2012 season, but wasn’t as productive as he was expected to be. The sophomore had 45 tackles, eight tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks. Surprisingly, Jernigan only started two games. With Tank Carradine and Bjoern Werner commanding double-teams, Jernigan saw a lot of single blocks. He should start every game in 2013 since Everette Dawkins has also moved on to the NFL.

Jernigan was one of the top recruits in the nation for 2011, and made his presence felt quickly for the Seminoles. The true freshman was part of the defensive line rotation and finished 2011 very strong. He is very quick at the point of attack and causes a lot of disruption by firing into the backfield. Jernigan led all of Florida State’s interior defensive linemen with 30 tackles, six tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks.

Jernigan already has a developed body with a ton of upside. He has the talent to be one of the best defensive tackles in the nation over the next year or two.

Ego Ferguson*, DT, LSU
Height: 6-3. Weight: 315.
Projected 40 Time: 5.00.
Projected Round (2014): 2-3.
5/5/14: The speedy and athletic Ferguson was impressive in 2013, especially early in the season. He recorded 58 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss and a sack. Ferguson can be disruptive at the point of attack and use his speed to cause a lot of havoc behind the line of scrimmage. The redshirt junior started out hot, but cooled off. He had seven tackles against Alabama.

Ferguson decided to enter the 2014 NFL Draft, but would have had a better shot at the first round by returning to school. Sources have told WalterFootball.com that Ferguson received a second-round grade.

Ferguson was a backup in 2012 and totaled 14 tackles. He was a backup as redshirt freshman backup in 2011, too, notching 13 tackles.

Personal: Majoring in sports administration. Son of Ego and Brenda Ferguson.

Will Sutton, DT/DE, Arizona State
Height: 6-0. Weight: 303.
40 Time: 5.36.
Projected Round (2014): 2-3.
5/5/14: WalterFootball.com has heard that a number of teams are interested in Sutton, and he could go in the second round. The teams looking for an interior pass-rusher are targeting Sutton if they don’t land Donald in the first round.

Sutton was slow and out of shape at 315 pounds at the Senior Bowl. He is working to get down to 300 pounds to go back to living off his speed and explosion. At his pro day, Sutton was said to be 297 pounds and showed some of his 2012 form.

After Arizona State’s staff encouraged Sutton to gain weight, he had a disappointing senior season with 48 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss and four sacks. Sutton still retained some explosion playing at a heavier weight, but clearly wasn’t the dynamic player he was in 2012. Sutton was still awarded the 2013 Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award over more deserving players like Stanford’s Trent Murphy or UCLA’s Anthony Barr.

Sutton managed a few pressures against Wisconsin and Notre Dame, but was largely a non-factor. He played better against Washington and UCLA. Sutton also saw some double-teams.

8/10/13: Sutton enjoyed a breakout season for the Sun Devils in 2012. He was one of the season’s best pass-rushers, recording 13 sacks. Sutton also had 63 tackles, 23.5 tackles for a loss, five passes broken up and three forced fumbles. Unfortunately, an injury knocked him out for the vast majority of the game against Oregon. Sutton presents a real speed mismatch against guards with the ability to fire by them to collapse the pocket. He totaled 33 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks in 2011.

Sutton would be higher in the rankings if he were bigger. Sutton is listed at 6-foot-1, 288-pounds and who knows if that is exaggerated. At that size, he is a tweener end/tackle. Sutton could play in a 4-3 defense as an end on running downs and move inside to tackle in the sub package. If Sutton can reach, and maintain, 300 pounds; he could be a three-technique defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense.

Personal: Majoring in communications and sociology. His father, Mickey, played defensive back and was a punt returner for the Rams, Packers and Bills (1986-1990).

Anthony Johnson*, DT, LSU
Height: 6-3. Weight: 308.
40 Time: 5.24.
Projected Round (2014): 2-3.
5/5/14: Johnson totaled 35 tackles with nine tackles for a loss, three sacks and an interception in 2013. He wasn’t as good as expected for most of the season. Johnson had a pressure and only two tackles against Alabama. He played better late in the year, but Johnson never produced up to his potential in college. At the Combine, he did well in the field drills. Sources have told WalterFootball.com that Johnson received a second-round grade.

8/10/13: Johnson (6-3, 305) replaced Michael Brockers in LSU’s starting lineup in 2012 and handled it well. The sophomore totaled 30 tackles with 10 tackles for a loss, three sacks and one pass broken up last year.

Johnson is explosive, very fast and has a great skill set, plus a lot of upside. He’s been nicknamed “The Freak” because of his size and speed combination. That is saying something considering some of the other athletes the program has produced in recent years including Patrick Peterson, Morris Claiborne and Barkevious Mingo.

Johnson was a backup in 2011. The freshman rotated into the game behind Michael Brockers and Bennie Logan, but still flashed a nice athletic skill set in limited opportunities. He recorded 12 tackles, three tackles for a loss and a sack.

Johnson could rise higher in these rankings. The junior has a lot of speed to make big plays in the backfield. There is no doubt that Johnson has a great opportunity for 2013 to be his breakout season.

Personal: Majoring in general studies. Son of Nakisha Johnson and Sherman Patty. Johnson is a New Orleans native and was a refugee from Hurricane Katrina before returning to New Orleans and becoming one of the top recruits in the nation out of high school.

Justin Ellis, DT, Louisiana Tech
Height: 6-1. Weight: 334.
40 Time: 5.27.
Projected Round (2014): 2-4.
5/5/14: Ellis is a sleeper prospect who a lot of teams are high on. He is a heavy tackle who has power at the point of attack. Ellis showed some burst and surprising movement skills at the Combine for a big tackle. The senior recorded 48 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and a pass batted in 2013. He could be a nice value pick. Sources have told WalterFootball.com that Ellis received a second-day grade and has raised some eyebrows with his athleticism.

Ellis had 21 tackles with two forced fumbles in 2012. As a sophomore in 2011, he was a Second-Team All-WAC selection with 29 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, and one sack. Personal: Son of Gloria Ellis and Jared Mack.

DaQuan Jones, DT, Penn State
Height: 6-4. Weight: 322.
40 Time: 5.35.
Projected Round (2014): 3-4.
5/5/14: In recent years, Penn State has produced a few good defensive tackle prospects in Devon Still and Jordan Hill. Jones is the latest tackle who could go on the second day of the draft. Jones is a sleeper target who a lot of teams are interested in.

The senior impressed in 2013. He picked up 53 tackles with 11.5 tackles for a loss and three sacks. Jones has some quickness and pass-rush ability. He put more heat on the quarterback than his sack total indicates. Jones was solid, but unspectacular, at the Senior Bowl and Combine. He has added some bulk and opened himself up for consideration to be a 3-4 nose tackle.

Jones started next to Hill in 2012 and recorded 22 tackles with .5 sacks. Jones had eight tackles as a backup in 2011.

Personal: Majoring in criminology. Son of Steve Jones and Vaile Newborn.

Caraun Reid, DT, Princeton
Height: 6-2. Weight: 302.
40 Time: 4.91.
Projected Round (2014): 3-4.
5/5/14: Reid was impressive enough in his time at Princeton to land a spot in the Senior Bowl. He recorded 3.5 sacks and seven tackles for a loss in 2013, and he really played well in Mobile. Reid showed speed to beat interior lineman with some power. It was a good week that really helped his draft stock. He followed it up with an impressive performance at the Combine.

Reid broke out in 2011 with eight sacks, 68 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss, one forced fumble, three blocked kicks and three passes broken up. He had 40 tackles with 9.5 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a pass broken up in 2012.

Personal: Son of Courton Reid and Claudette Palmer-Reid.

George Uko*, DT, USC
Height: 6-3. Weight: 284.
40 Time: 4.99.
Projected Round (2014): 3-4.
5/5/14: Uko was impressive in the first four games of 2013 as he recorded four sacks. After that, Uko’s production declined, but he was still a solid defender for the Trojans. Uko had 36 tackles with seven tackles for a loss, another sack and one forced fumble, too. He should have returned for his senior season, but has upside to develop. Uko has been filling out his frame and should continue to work to approach 300 pounds.

8/10/13: Uko was impressive last year for the Trojans. The first-year starter totaled 31 tackles, nine tackles for a loss and five sacks. He was a backup as a freshman in 2011, recording 18 tackles with 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a pass batted. It will be interesting to see how Uko performs in USC’s new defensive scheme.

Personal: Majoring in sociology.

Daniel McCullers, DT, Tennessee
Height: 6-7. Weight: 352.
Projected 40 Time: 5.54.
Projected Round (2014): 3-4.
5/5/14: The senior had 33 tackles with 4.5 tackles for a loss, one pass batted and .5 sacks in 2013. He wasn’t as good as expected, but played better against Georgia and Florida than he did versus Oregon. McCullers flashed at the Senior Bowl. He can overwhelm offensive linemen with his power and strength. McCullers didn’t run at the Combine.

8/10/13: The mammoth McCullers was a presence for Tennessee in 2012. He had a good game against Florida with three tackles and a tackle for a loss. McCullers also had some pass pressure versus the Gators. He totaled 39 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, a pass broken up, a forced fumble and a blocked kick in 2012. McCullers is still raw, but he could turn into something special.

McCullers started out his college career at Georgia Military College. He had 37 tackles, nine tackles for a loss and two sacks there in 2011. McCullers had 27 tackles, four tackles for a loss and a forced fumble in 2010.

Personal: Majoring in arts and sciences. Son of Donnie McCullers.

Kelcy Quarles*, DT, South Carolina
Height: 6-4. Weight: 297.
40 Time: 5.03.
Projected Round (2014): 4-5.
5/5/14: Quarles had a solid season for South Carolina. He recorded 39 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss and 9.5 sacks. The junior notched sacks in seven different games in 2013. As a run-defender, Quarles needs work. Wisconsin had a lot of success running at him in the bowl game. For the NFL, Quarles looks like a situational pass-rusher. He had a solid performance at the Combine.

8/10/13: Quarles has a solid sophomore season last year, totaling 38 tackles, eight tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks. He totaled 28 tackles in 2011.

Quarles seems capable of producing more after gaining more experience and strength. He could produce a big season in 2013 with all the attention Jadeveon Clowney draws.

Personal: Majoring in public health.

DeAndre Coleman, DE/DT, California
Height: 6-5. Weight: 314.
Projected 40 Time: 5.34.
Projected Round (2014): 4-5.
5/5/14: Coleman recorded 40 tackles with nine tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks this year. He played well for California and did well at the Senior Bowl. Coleman didn’t run at the Combine.

8/10/13: California had a rough 2012 season, but he still played solid football. The junior totaled 48 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks and one pass breakup. He totaled 19 tackles with six tackles for a loss and two sacks in 2011.

Coleman could fit as a 3-4 defensive end or a 4-3 defensive tackle in the NFL. He may not be quick enough to play a traditional 4-3 defensive end at the next level. Personal: Social welfare major. Son of Randy Washington and Deborah Coleman.

Ed Stinson, DE/DT, Alabama
Height: 6-3. Weight: 287.
Projected 40 Time: 4.99.
Projected Round (2014): 4-5.
5/5/14: Stinson had 42 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 2013. He played better and was more disruptive than the numbers indicate. Stinson is a good run-defender, but he needs to improve his pass rush to be a starter.

8/10/13: Stinson is a tough run-defender at the point of attack, but doesn’t offer much pass rush. He had 30 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss and three sacks last year. Stinson recorded 19 tackles, five tackles for a loss, one sack, one forced fumble and a pass broken up in 2011. He was part of a rotation previously, but should play more in 2013 with Quinton Dial and Damien Square in the NFL.

Shamar Stephen, DT, Connecticut
Height: 6-5. Weight: 309.
40 Time: 5.25.
Projected Round (2014): 4-6.
5/5/14: Stephen didn’t do a lot in his first three seasons at Connecticut, but he was much improved as a senior. Stephen recorded 60 tackles with 10 tackles for a loss and three sacks in 2013. At the Senior Bowl, he flashed at times and was a physical defender at the point of attack. Stephen could play on the edge in a 3-4 defense. He didn’t participate in the Combine.

Personal: Economics major.

Jeoffrey Pagan*, DE/DT, Alabama
Height: 6-3. Weight: 310.
Projected 40 Time: 5.15.
Projected Round (2014): 4-6.
5/5/14: Pagan had 34 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks in 2013. He played well against LSU with a sack coming in that game. Pagan should have returned for his senior year, but WalterFootball.com knows some 3-4 teams that are interested in him.

8/10/13: Pagan came off the bench in 2012 and contributed some solid run defense. The sophomore totaled 23 tackles, four tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks as a rotational player. With Quinton Dial and Damien Square in the NFL, Pagan should take on a starting role in 2013 as a junior. He has the skill set to produce more as a junior and/or senior.

Beau Allen, DT, Wisconsin
Height: 6-3. Weight: 325.
Projected 40 Time: 5.39.
Projected Round (2014): 5-7.
5/5/14: Wisconsin got a good season out of Allen as he was a tough run-defender at the point of attack. Allen had 20 tackles with two tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks. He could be a nose tackle in a 4-3 or 3-4 defense in the NFL. Allen didn’t participate in the Combine.

8/10/13: Allen broke into the starting lineup as a junior and was a solid run-stuffer for the Badgers. He had 37 tackles with 7.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks and two passes defended. Allen chipped in 22 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss and four sacks in 2011. He may be best in the NFL as a nose tackle who is mainly used for run defense.

Personal: Majoring in business. Son of Susie and Matt Allen.

L.T. Tuipulotu, DT, Utah
Height: 6-1. Weight: 305.
Projected 40 Time: 5.35.
Projected Round (2014): 5-7.
5/5/14: Tuipulotu was quiet in the early going of his career, but he played well as a senior when Utah had to replace Star Lotulelei. Tuipulotu had 42 tackles with 1.5 sacks, three tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and four passes batted in 2013. He had a good performance against UCLA guard Xavier Su’a-Filo. Tuipulotu is a sleeper tackle to keep an eye on.

Personal: From America Samoa. Son of Lomanipau and Seini Tuipulotu. Sociology major.

Kerry Hyder, DT, Texas Tech
Height: 6-2. Weight: 281.
40 Time: 5.10.
Projected Round (2014): 6-FA.
5/5/14: Hyder played well in 2013 for the Red Raiders with 65 tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss, three forced fumbles and two sacks.

8/10/13: Hyder was a First-Team All-Big XII selection in 2012 and had good production for the Red Raiders. He totaled 56 tackles with 14 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks and four passes batted. Hyder broke into the starting lineup as a sophomore in 2011 and had 42 tackles with five tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks.

The senior is very undersized for an NFL defensive tackle. Hyder will have to move to defensive end if he can’t gain a significant amount of weight.

Personal: Majoring in restaurant, hotel and institutional management. Son of Kerry Hyder and Jacqueline Nash.

Derrick Hopkins, DT, Virginia Tech
Height: 6-0. Weight: 285.
Projected 40 Time: 5.25.
Projected Round (2014): 6-FA.
5/5/14: In 2013, Hopkins recorded 54 tackles with nine tackles for a loss and four sacks. He played extremely well for Virginia Tech. Hopkins started strong against Alabama and was very disruptive. He was the tone-setter and wreaked havoc at the point of attack with teammate Luther Maddy. Hopkins also played well against Georgia Tech, Pittsburgh, Miami and UCLA. He had a solid performance at the East-West Shrine, but didn’t participate in the Combine.

Hopkins recorded 51 tackles with 10 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks in 2012. In 2011, he had 51 tackles with five tackles for a loss and three sacks. Hopkins is strong and quick. He has the ability to play three-technique and nose tackle.

Personal: Son of Gary and Jackie Hopkins. Majoring in apparel, housing and resource management.

Calvin Barnett, DT, Oklahoma State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 300.
Projected 40 Time: 5.17.
Projected Round (2014): 6-FA.
5/5/14: Barnett recorded 32 tackles with 6.5 tackles for a loss and three sacks in 2013. He played well for the Cowboys. For the NFL, Barnett would probably fit best as a three-technique in a 4-3 defense. He didn’t participate in the Combine.

8/10/13: Barnett was the Big XII Defensive Newcomer of the Year in 2012 for the Cowboys. The junior college product had a solid season with 30 tackles with nine tackles for a loss, one sack and one pass broken up. He played better than the numbers indicate and was disruptive at the point of attack. Barnett could make big improvements as a senior now that he has a year of experience going against Big XII offensive linemen.

Personal: Majoring in psychology. Son of April Allen.

Bruce Gaston, DT, Purdue
Height: 6-2. Weight: 303.
Projected 40 Time: 5.35.
Projected Round (2014): 6-FA.
5/5/14: Gaston played well in 2013 and recorded 44 tackles, seven tackles for a loss and three sacks. He didn’t take part in the Combine.

8/10/13: Gaston formed a nice interior defensive line for Purdue in 2012 with Kawann Short. The strong and physical Gaston did a nice job of controlling his gap and defending the run. The junior totaled 28 tackles with 5.5 tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles. He had 30 tackles with seven tackles for a loss, three sacks and two passes batted in 2011.

In the NFL, Gaston would probably be best adding weight and playing nose guard in a 4-3 defense.

Personal: Law and society major.

Jacobbi McDaniel, DT, Florida State
Height: 6-0. Weight: 286.
Projected 40 Time: 4.87.
Projected Round (2014): 7-FA.
5/5/14: McDaniel notched 29 tackles and two tackles for a loss in 2013. He didn’t participate in the Combine.

8/10/13: McDaniel took a medical redshirt in 2012 because of an ankle injury. He had nine tackles in the 2011 regular season before being hurt. The true junior did not play well against Oklahoma and missed the last half of the year.

McDaniel was a tough run-defender in 2010. The first-year starter recorded 31 tackles with 5.5 tackles for a loss and an interception. He needs to stay healthy and make big improvements in 2013.

Demonte McAllister, DT, Florida State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 285.
Projected 40 Time: 5.08.
Projected Round (2014): 7-FA.
5/5/14: McAllister recorded 22 tackles in 2013. He didn’t go to the Combine.

8/10/13: McAllister totaled 33 tackles with 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble last year. He was backup in 2011, but also spent some time on the offensive line and on special teams. McAllister had 16 tackles and three sacks in 2010 after redshirting the year before due to a knee sprain. He needs to add weight and improve his production.

Mister Cobble, NT, Kentucky
Height: 6-0. Weight: 340.
Projected 40 Time: 5.35.
Projected Round (2014): FA.
5/5/14: Cobble notched 25 tackles in 2013. He flashed against Louisville. Cobble didn’t participate in the Combine.

8/10/13: Cobble had 25 tackles and two sacks in 2012. He started the year well before an illness sidelined him for a few games. The junior just wasn’t the same player for the rest of the season.

Cobble broke out late in 2011 with some impressive games, finishing the season with 33 tackles, three tackles for a loss and one sack. He was a standout in two good defensive efforts for Kentucky in its final two games, against Georgia and Tennessee. The redshirt sophomore totaled six tackles with two tackles for a loss and a sack in those contests.

Personal: Majoring in community communications and leadership development. Son of Cassandra Cobble.