2010 NFL Draft: Nose Tackle Rankings

The top 2010 defensive tackle prospects available for the 2010 NFL Draft in the order in which I believe they will be drafted. * – denotes 2011 prospect.

This page was last updated April 12, 2010.

1. Dan Williams, Tennessee – Scouting Report
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 327.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.25.
   Combine 40 Time: 5.17.
   Benchx225: 27. Vertical: .
   Projected Round (2009): Top 15 Pick.
   11/28/09: Dominant at the line of scrimmage this season, Dan Williams has 56 tackles, 8.5 TFL and two sacks in 11 games. With more teams switching to the 3-4, nose tackles are in high demand, so Williams could sneak into the first round.
   
   2/14/09: Dan Williams registered 48 tackle, 8.5 TFL and 1.5 sacks in 2008.
   
   8/1/08: Dan Williams started 10 games as a sophomore, and collected 40 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.
   
   
   
   
2. Terrence Cody, Alabama – Scouting Report
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 349.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.50.
   Combine 40 Time: 5.64.
   Pro Day 40 Time: 5.62.
   Benchx225: 22. Vertical: .
   Projected Round (2010): 1-2.
   3/10/10: Terrence Cody trimmed yet another five pounds off his massive figure, weighing in at 349 pounds at his Pro Day. So much for not being able to control his weight.
   
   2/28/10: After showing up to the Senior Bowl in the 370s, Terrence Cody slimmed down and weighed in at 354 at the Combine. It might be easy for someone as large as Cody to drop a few pounds, but the fact remains that he did what he was supposed to do, while others like Greg Hardy and Andre Smith (a year ago) didn’t put any effort into being in shape for this job interview.
   
   1/26/10: Terrence Cody weighed in at 370 at the Senior Bowl. This is a concern, but with quality nose tackles being so rare, Cody still has a shot at the first round.
   
   11/20/09: Did a great job losing some weight this year and has shown more effort on the field. He’s likely the only stud nose tackle who will be available this offseason, so even though he’s only a two-down player, he’ll be a hot commodity.
   
   11/23/08: Terrence Cody said he’s not declaring early, but once he discovers that he has a great shot at being drafted in the top 15, he could reconsider. Cody is a monstrous run-stuffer and should be a Kris Jenkins-like difference-maker at the next level.
   
   
3. Linval Joseph, East Carolina
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 328.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.27.
   Combine 40 Time: 5.09.
   Benchx225: 39. Vertical: .
   Projected Round (2009): 1-2.
   3/2/10: I know 40 times don’t mean much for nose tackles, but a 5.09 at 328 pounds is damn impressive. Also, 39 reps shows that Joseph is in good shape.
   
   1/24/10: Linval Joseph has declared for the 2010 NFL Draft. Joseph had 60 tackles, 13 TFL and three sacks as a junior.
   
   
   
   
4. Cam Thomas, North Carolina
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 330.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.14.
   Combine 40 Time: 5.27.
   Benchx225: 31. Vertical: .
   Projected Round (2009): 2-3.
   1/31/10: Cam Thomas had a great Senior Bowl performance, prompting Mike Mayock to say that Thomas may not escape out of the second round.
   
   1/28/10: In a weak nose tackle draft, the rankings can be pretty fluid. With a great week, Cam Thomas may have established himself as the No. 3 nose in the 2010 NFL Draft. Details available in the 2010 Senior Bowl section.
   
   1/26/10: Had 23 tackles and 2.5 TFL.
   
   
5. Torrell Troup, Central Florida
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 314.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.34.
   Combine 40 Time: 5.10.
   Benchx225: 34. Vertical: .
   Projected Round (2010): 3-4.
   1/24/10: A member of the All-Conference USA Second Team, Torrell Troup has moved into the No. 3 nose tackle slot behind Dan Williams and Terrence Cody. Troup dominated the opposition during East-West Shrine practices.
   
   11/28/09: Has 27 tackles, five TFL and two sacks in 11 games. Some 3-4 team needing nose tackle depth will take him late.
   
   2/14/09: A member of the All-Conference USA Second Team, Torrell Troup registered 52 tackles, 12.5 TFL and two sacks.
   
   
   
   
6. Ekom Udofia, Stanford
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 315.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.12.
   Combine 40 Time: .
   Benchx225: . Vertical: .
   Projected Round (2009): 6-7.
   1/24/10: Hobbled by an ankle injury all year, Ekom Udofia had 36 tackles and 1.5 TFL. Should be a solid reserve nose tackle in the NFL.
   
   2/14/09: Playing nose tackle for the Cardinal, Ekom Udofia had 29 tackles and a TFL.
   
   8/1/08: A mammoth of a defensive tackle who contributed in a rotational role last year. He had to miss the final portion of the 2007 campaign with a fractured ankle. In 2006, Udofia was named to the Freshman All-American third team.
   
   
7. Kade Weston, Georgia
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 320.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.05.
   Combine 40 Time: .
   Benchx225: . Vertical: .
   Projected Round (2010): 7-FA.
   1/24/10: Solid numbers for a nose tackle: 28 tackles, six TFL and two sacks.
   
   2/14/09: In 10 games, Kade Weston managed 18 tackles and 3.5 TFL.
   
   8/1/08: A huge defensive tackle who made five starts and registered 6.5 tackles for loss. Kade Weston had six starts as a freshman as well.
   
   
8. Al Woods, LSU
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 314.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.12.
   Combine 40 Time: .
   Benchx225: . Vertical: .
   Projected Round (2009): 7-FA.
   1/24/10: Rebounded with a half-decent senior campaign (33 tackles, 5.5 TFL).
   
   2/14/09: Limited by a leg injury, Al Woods had just 11 tackles on the year.
   
   5/9/08: Al Woods finally got his first start in October and he’ll have more opportunities with Glenn Dorsey headed to Kansas City. He’ll have to put his size and strength together and become a force on LSU’s defensive line.
   
   
9. Travis Ivey, Maryland
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 325.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.40.
   Combine 40 Time: .
   Benchx225: . Vertical: .
   Projected Round (2010): FA.
   1/24/10: The massive Travis Ivey had 25 tackles, two TFL and a sack in 2009.
   
   MISSING
   
10. DeMarcus Granger, Oklahoma
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 320.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.40.
    Pro Day 40 Time: DNP.
    Benchx225: 32. Vertical: .
    Projected Round (2010): FA.
    3/9/10: DeMarcus Granger only took part in the bench press at his Pro Day. Well… at least we know he’s strong like bear.
    
    11/28/09: DeMarcus Granger has gone through so many injuries and surgeries that the Oklahoma medical department asked Granger to be a test subject for them. Granger, who has a history of off-the-field trouble, has ballooned to 330 pounds. He won’t be drafted. 1/10/09: Missed the UPS-sponsored fake national championship because of back surgery.
    
    11/23/08: Owner of 16 tackles and 2.5 TFL through eight games, DeMarcus Granger’s stock is still hurt by his alleged shoplifting.
    
    5/9/08: DeMarcus Granger is still suspended for allegedly shoplifting. Granger has first-round talent, but he may fall out of the top 32 picks in the wake of his foolish incident.
    
    2007: DeMarcus Granger, a red-shirt sophomore, doesn’t have to declare himself until 2010. However, the Sooner defensive tackle had an outstanding freshman campaign and was a far cry from the guy who came into Oklahoma weighing more than 350 pounds.
    
    
11. Trey Bryant, Baylor
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 315.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.20.
    Combine 40 Time: .
    Benchx225: . Vertical: .
    Projected Round (2010): FA.
    1/24/10: Had 24 tackles, 1.5 TFL and a sack as a senior.
    
    2/14/09: Trey Bryant had 24 tackles, 3.5 TFL, half a sack and two passes broken up.
    
    8/1/08: A massive nose tackle with a nimble 40, Trey Bryant started 12 games as a sophomore.
    
    

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