2013 NFL Draft: Defensive Tackle Rankings

The top 2013 defensive tackle prospects available for the 2013 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 24, 2013.

1. Sharrif Floyd*, DT, Florida
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 297. Arm: 31.68.
   40 Time: 4.92.
   Projected Round (2013): Top-16 Pick.
   4/24/13: There is currently some thought that Floyd could slide on Thursday night. If the Raiders pass on him, he could fall out of the top 10, but looks like a good bet to go to the silver and black. Another team could also trade up for him.
   
   Floyd is the top three-technique defensive tackle in the 2013 NFL Draft. He is extremely fast at the point of attack. Floyd fires his gap and quickly gets penetration into the backfield. Once he gains leverage, he is tough to stop, since he has the strength to shed blocks and maintain his balance with blockers pushing on him. Floyd consistently blows up runs in the backfield and gets a lot of pressure on the quarterback. It wouldn’t be surprising if his sack numbers increase dramatically in the NFL.
   
   Floyd played really well for the Gators in 2012 and was a disruptive force. He recorded 46 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, one forced fumble and three sacks in 2012. The junior made a real impact against Texas A&M and Tennessee when Florida’s defense played great in the second half to lead to comeback road wins. Floyd also played well against LSU. He ended the regular season with dominant performances versus Florida State and Louisville.
   
   Floyd had a great workout at the Combine. He ran the 40 in a stunning 4.87 seconds – unofficially – with a 10-yard split of 1.68 seconds. Floyd was also phenomenal in the field drills with quick feet and good movement skills. It is obvious that he has amazing athleticism for an interior defensive lineman.
   
   8/25/12: Sharrif Floyd was one once of the most sought after recruits in the nation. He showed the reason why as he flashed some real talent as a freshman in 2010. Floyd recorded 23 tackles with 6.5 tackles for a loss. The 6-foot-3, 301-pounder was coming on strong at the end of the season.
   
   Floyd was suspended for the first two games of 2011 by the tyrannical NCAA for violations during his recruitment by a school he chose not to attend. The sophomore played mostly defensive end in 2011. He totaled 46 tackles with 6.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, one blocked kick and one pass broken up.
   
   Floyd can be a load for offensive linemen due to his power and speed. He has a high ceiling and will be playing more defensive tackle in 2012 – his natural position.



2. Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 311. Arm: 33.58.
   40 Time: 5.15.
   Projected Round (2013): Top-16 Pick.
   4/24/13: Lotulelei looks solid in the top 10 as there are a lot of teams in the latter half that could consider drafting him.
   
   The heart issue that caused Lotulelei to be pulled out of the Combine has been determined to be a non-issue. He has been given full medical clearance to play pro football. Lotulelei put on a show at his pro day and was very impressive with power, speed and explosion.
   
   Lotulelei had an excellent senior season. He played well against BYU, Utah State, USC, UCLA and Washington. Lotulelei was extremely disruptive and more so than the numbers indicate. He recorded 42 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, five sacks, three forced fumbles and four passes broken up.
   
   Lotulelei has a rare combination of size, power, speed and explosion. He beats blockers with strength and speed. Lotulelei is dominant when he isn’t double-teamed and remains effective while taking on two blockers.
   
   8/25/12: Lotulelei was a First-Team All-Pac-12 pick in 2011 and won the Morris Trophy as the conference’s top defensive lineman as voted on by the starting offensive linemen. He recorded 44 tackles, 1.5 sacks, nine tackles for a loss and a forced fumble. As a redshirt sophomore in 2010, Lotulelei was a backup for most of the season and had 21 tackles with 2.5 tackles for a loss. He is still developing and has tons of potential.
   
   Lotulelei was more disruptive last year than his numbers indicate. He causes a lot of havoc at the point of attack by his ability to fire through his gap and penetrate the backfield. Lotulelei is powerful and extremely quick. He has the sheer strength to grab guards and toss them aside. He also explodes off the snap to quickly gain leverage on the guard.
   
   The main thing that the senior has to work on is adding some more pass-rushing moves. He should add a rip move and spin move to go along with his speed and power rushes. Lotulelei is still raw. He has a huge ceiling and should only get better as he gains more experience. Lotulelei could fit in any NFL scheme, but could be a prototypical tackle for a 4-3 defense.





3. Sheldon Richardson*, DT, Missouri
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 294. Arm: 34.48.
   40 Time: 5.02.
   Projected Round (2013): Top-16 Pick.
   4/24/13: Most draft projections have Richardson going in the top half of the first round, and some believe that a team like the 49ers could trade up for the Missouri standout.
   
   Richardson had solid performances at his pro day and Combine that showed off his speed and athleticism. He had a superb junior season including a great game against Alabama. The junior had 14 tackles and a sack coming from defensive end against right tackle D.J. Fluker. Richardson flashes the speed to fire the gap and make plays behind the line. He has non-stop drive and makes a lot of tackles in pursuit. Richardson demonstrated one of the best motors of any player in college football. He is truly relentless.
   
   Richardson returned a fumble 60 yards against Kentucky. He couldn’t make plays going against guard Larry Warford, but made an impact when taking on other blockers. Richardson was a speedy disruptive force at the point of attack.
   
   Richardson totaled 75 tackles in 2012; a staggering number for a defensive tackle. He also had 10.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks, three passes batted and three forced fumbles.
   
   8/25/12: Richardson started two games in 2011 and saw playing time in the defensive-line rotation. He totaled 37 tackles with eight tackles for a loss and two sacks.
   
   The redshirt junior will start in 2012. He played injured as a sophomore and had shoulder surgery that cause him to miss spring practice.



4. Sylvester Williams, DT, North Carolina
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 313. Arm: 33.48.
   40 Time: 5.03.
   Projected Round (2013): 1.
   4/24/13: Williams’ stock has been rising following the Combine and his pro day, and he looks like he has a shot to crack the top 20.
   
   Williams was getting to the quarterback a lot early in the season, recording five sacks through the first six games. The one game he was kept in check came against Louisville. Center Mario Benavides held Williams to two tackles as the Cardinals gashed North Carolina on the ground up the middle. It was an ugly performance for Williams. He bounced back with better outings against weak opponents.
   
   Williams was quiet in the second half of the season with just one sack. It came against Virginia in an excellent performance by Williams. He finished the year with 42 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss and six sacks. Williams has a nice combination of speed and size.
   
   8/25/12: The junior-college transfer benefited from some good talent around him in Tydreke Powell, Quinton Coples and Kareem Martin last season. Williams had 54 tackles with seven tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, one interception and a forced fumble. He is a specimen with a nice combination of size and speed.
   
   Williams needs more development, but is an interesting prospect. He made a good decision to stay for his senior season.



5. Jonathan Jenkins, DT, Georgia
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 359. Arm: 33 1/8. Hand: 9 1/2.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.45.
   Projected Round (2013): 1-2.
   4/24/13: Scouts have told WalterFootball.com that Jenkins could be a late first-round pick and should easily go in the second round.
   
   Jenkins racked up 50 tackles, two tackles for a loss and a sack in 2012. He stood out with good games against Missouri, South Carolina, Florida and Auburn. Jenkins played well in the SEC Championship and beat Alabama guard Chance Warmack for a sack.
   
   Jenkins is a load at the line of scrimmage who can collapse the pocket while stuffing runs. He helped his stock this season and was dominant at the Senior Bowl. Jenkins was destroying interior linemen with his bull rush and showed some serious explosiveness off the snap. It isn’t out of the question for Jenkins to be a mid first-rounder.
   
   8/25/12: The junior college product Jenkins showed off massive size with some surprising athleticism in his debut last year for the Bulldogs. The junior had 28 with six tackles for a loss and three sacks.
   
   Jenkins is a massive load at the line of scrimmage. He is a natural fit as a zero-technique nose tackle in a 3-4 defense. It helps that Jenkins already plays that position for Georgia.





6. Kawann Short, DT, Purdue
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 308. Arm: 33 3/4. Hand: 9 1/2.
   40 Time: 5.08.
   Projected Round (2013): 1-2.
   4/24/13: Most projections have Short sliding into the second round. After not working out at the Combine, Short did well at his pro day. He ran well and had good numbers in the other measurements.
   
   Short had a hot start to 2012, but that wasn’t surprising. He was one of the top interior pass-rushers in college football over the past three years. Short had a two-sack game against Notre Dame this season and dominated in other outings. He has shown the ability to beat guards with strength as well as speed, and looked more powerful in 2012.
   
   Short was slowed down in the middle portion of the season by an ankle injury, but continued to play. He had an ugly showing against Penn State, but came back dominant against Iowa. Short notched six tackles, four tackles for a loss and a sack veruss the Hawkeyes. A teammate was credited with another sack but it easily could’ve been split with Short.
   
   The senior totaled 43 tackles, 15.5 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, four passes broken up, four blocked kicks and a forced fumble in 2012. He had a good showing at the Senior Bowl.
   
   8/25/12: Kawann Short benefited greatly from Ryan Kerrigan for two seasons. Short took over as Purdue’s defensive leader as a junior last year. The sophomore recorded six sacks and 12.5 tackles for a loss in 2010. He also had 41 tackles with two blocked kicks.
   
   Short is strong, quick and athletic. He looks like a potential three-technique defensive tackle with the ability to shoot the gap and get pressure on the quarterback. Kerrigan was quick to tell WalterFootball.com at the 2011 Senior Bowl that Short helped him to reproduce his success in 2010.
   
   Short started last season slow lywithout Kerrigan next to him, but in the second half of the year, the junior was excellent, including a three-sack game against Ohio State. He totaled 54 tackles with 17 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks and one forced fumble in 2011.
   
   Short was a Second-Team Big Ten performer last – his second straight selection. Purdue does an excellent job of producing quality NFL defensive linemen, and he appears to be the next in line.
   
   Finding pass-rushing defensive tackles is very hard for NFL teams, thus Short stands a good shot of being a first-rounder given his consistent pass-rushing production.



7. Johnathan Hankins*, DT, Ohio State
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 320. Arm: 33.08
   40 Time: 5.31.
   Projected Round (2013): 1-2.
   4/24/13: Hankins was solid, but unspectacular, at the Combine. He started out the year extremely strongly for Ohio State. He was a monster in the middle of the line as a run-stuffer with some pressure as a pass-rusher.
   
   Hankins was a dominant force against California, among others. He totaled 10 tackles and a sack while making plays all over the field. Hankins made tackles outside of his gap. One was on a wide receiver screen on the perimeter. He was beating double-team blocks from a guard and center to stuff runs at the line of scrimmage.
   
   Hankins’ play cooled off some after a dominant September, but he still caused problems at the line of scrimmage and finished his collegiate career strong with a good performance against Michigan. Hankins totaled 55 tackles, four tackles for a loss and a sack in 2012.
   
   8/25/12: Hankins is a massive tackle who takes up a lot of space and blockers at the point of attack. The sophomore had a strong 2011 season. He was a fabulous run-defender at that point of attack and totaled 67 tackles. Hankins also had 11 tackles for a loss and three sacks. He notched 16 tackles and a sack as a freshman.
   
   Even though Hankins only had three sacks last year, he was a better pass-rusher than the numbers indicate. Hankins got good penetration into the pocket to hurry quarterbacks and take away space for them to step up in the pocket. He has serious quickness that he uses to fire into his gap and disrupt plays.
   
   NFL coaches are going to love Hankins’ versatility. He has played all over the defensive line. Hankins has lined up as a three-technique, on the outside shoulder of the guard; a two-gap defensive tackle technique; a defensive end; and the zero-technique – as a nose tackle above the center. Thus, he could fit as in a 4-3 as a defensive tackle, or in a 3-4 defense as a nose tackle or defensive end.
   
   If Hankins becomes a more consistent pass-rusher and is able to produce a quality sack total, he could contend to be the top tackle selected. With Ohio State’s new attacking defense, it wouldn’t be surprising if the junior increases his sack production in 2012.



8. Jesse Williams, DT, Alabama
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 323. Arm: 32.08.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.35.
   Projected Round (2013): 1-3.
   4/24/13: Scouts told WalterFootball.com they don’t view Williams as a first-rounder because he won’t be on the field in pass-rushing situations. However, some project him to go on Thursday night.
   
   Williams had a rough start to his senior season. He was limited against Michigan in Week 1 and sat out the next game, against Western Kentucky, with a concussion. Williams played better later in the year with good performances versus Texas A&M, LSU, Georgia and Notre Dame. He had 37 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss and one sack in 2012.
   
   Williams is a good run-stuffer, but doesn’t offer much of anything as a pass-rusher. He looks like a two-down player at most for the NFL, and with the amount of nickel formations teams run, may only end up playing 40 percent of his defense’s snaps.
   
   Williams was unable to run in the field workouts at the Combine.
   
   8/25/12: The “tattooed monster from down under” has some shear power and quickness. The Australian didn’t start playing football until he was 15 years old. He played a couple seasons of community college before breaking into the lineup as a junior for Alabama.
   
   Williams had 24 tackles with four tackles for a loss and half a sack in 2011. He was a starting five-technique defensive end but moved inside to tackle as part of a four-man front in pass-rushing situations. Williams should take on a prominent role in the Alabama defense since the Crimson Tide lost a number of players to the 2012 NFL Draft.





9. Bennie Logan*, DT, LSU
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 309. Arm: 34.08.
   40 Time: 5.08.
   Projected Round (2013): 2-3.
   4/24/13: Logan totaled 45 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, three passes broken up and two sacks in 2012. He was more disruptive than the numbers indicate, but he struggled against Alabama and its NFL-caliber offensive line. Logan has some pass-rush ability and forces quarterbacks to get rid of the ball faster than they intend to.
   
   Logan showed up at the Combine bigger than expected and did well in the field drills.
   
   8/25/12: Like most of LSU’s front seven defenders, Logan is an extremely fast defender who has special athleticism. He combined with Michael Brockers to form a superb interior duo for the Tigers in 2011. Logan recorded 57 tackles with 6.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks and one forced fumble. He was a backup as a redshirt freshman in 2010.
   
   If Logan can add more weight and produce more sacks in 2012, he could rise high in the first round. Logan is very fast and has the makings of a three-technique pass-rusher in the NFL.



10. Brandon Williams, DT, Missouri Southern
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 341. Arm: 32 3/4. Hand: 9 5/8.
    40 Time: 5.37.
    Projected Round (2012): 2-4.
    4/24/13: Williams was a consistent pass-rusher over the last three seasons. He totaled 25.5 sacks over that time. Williams had 68 tackles, 16.5 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks and five forced fumbles this year. He totaled eight sacks and 35 tackles in 2011. Williams recorded nine sacks and 17 tackles for a loss as a sophomore. He helped himself by performing well at the Senior Bowl.



11. Montori Hughes, DT, Tennessee-Martin
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 329. Arm: 33.68.
    40 Time: 5.23.
    Projected Round (2012): 3-4.
    4/24/13: If it weren’t for off-the-field problems, Hughes could be a high second-day pick. He has talent, size and speed. Hughes picked up 42 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, four sacks and a pass broken up in 2012. He had a strong Senior Bowl performance and really helped himself. Hughes also put together a solid performance at the Combine.
    
    8/25/12: Hughes was kicked off of Tennessee’s team, so he ended up transfering to Tennessee-Martin, an FCS school. The junior had a mixed season for the Volunteers in 2011 with 28 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, and one forced fumble, which he recovered. He recorded most of his stats (10 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss, his sack and his fumble) against Eastern Illinois, a team that went 2-9 in 2011.
    
    Hughes recorded 17 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss and a forced fumble in 2010. The sophomore had some academic violations that caused him to be suspended for the season finale against Kentucky.
    
    Hughes combines athletic ability and good size, but his off-the-field problems have killed his draft stock.



12. Jordan Hill, DT, Penn State
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 303. Arm: 32 1/8. Hand: 10.
    40 Time: 5.23.
    Projected Round (2012): 3-4.
    4/24/13: Hill is a sleeper defensive tackle. He has gone under the radar due to the impressiveness of this great class. In a normal year, Hill would have received second-round consideration. He didn’t help himself at the Combine, but he didn’t hurt himself either.
    
    Hill recorded 64 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, an interception, 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble in 2012. The pick came against Virginia. Hill was a very good run-defender for the Nittany Lions and helped free up their standout linebackers. He had a dominant performance against Wisconsin to end his collegiate career.
    
    Hill performed well at the Senior Bowl. He won his share of one-on-ones and had success in run defense. Hill didn’t dominate, but he showed that he can be effective against future NFL offensive linemen.
    
    8/25/12: Hill benefitted from playing next to Devon Still in 2011, but Hill produced the most tackles on the defensive line, 59. He also had eight tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble. The junior was an All-Big Ten honorable mention.
    
    Hill was mostly a backup as a sophomore, recording 36 tackles. He could use more size for the NFL.



13. Kwame Geathers*, DT, Georgia
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 342. Arm: 35.28.
    40 Time: 5.44.
    Projected Round (2013): 3-5.
    4/24/13: Geathers played well as part of a rotation on Georgia’s defensive line. He had 40 tackles, five tackles for a loss, a sack and a blocked kick in 2012. Geathers would have been an every-down player on the majority of teams.
    
    The junior struggled in the second half of the SEC Championship Game against Alabama. Barrett Jones wore him down and dominated him. Even though Geathers could have taken over as the starting nose tackle next season, he decided to enter the 2013 NFL Draft.
    
    Geathers didn’t impress at the Combine. The decision to come out early looks like a mistake as he is a mid-round pick at best.
    
    8/25/12: Geathers is a mountain of man who is difficult to move at the line of scrimmage. He looks like a good fit for a 3-4 defense, especially at nose tackle.
    
    Geathers should receive more playing time as a junior as he was team’s defensive MVP for spring practice in 2012. He was mostly a backup in 2011 with 14 tackles. The sophomore also missed a few games. Nose tackles with Geathers’ size are hard to find.



14. Akeem Spence*, DT, Illinois
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 305. Arm: 33.48.
    40 Time: 5.15.
    Projected Round (2013): 3-5.
    4/24/13: Spence is another player who should’ve returned for his senior season. He was hit and miss in 2012. The junior didn’t play well against Wisconsin, but did well versus Penn State. Spence has some speed and explosiveness, but needs to improve his ability to defend the run. He needs more strength to anchor, and just get more consistent overall. Spence totaled 72 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, one sack and one forced fumble this year.
    
    Spence had a good Combine performance and surprised as one of the leaders in the bench press with 37 reps.
    
    8/25/12: Spence had a big-time sophomore season as a run-stuffer. He totaled 69 tackles with 5.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble in 2011.
    
    Spence has a lot of upside and it will be interesting to see how he plays in 2012 without Whitney Mercilus next to him. Spence still has a nice defensive end to work with him in Michael Buchanan. Spence had 45 tackles, four tackles for a loss and one sack as a redshirt freshman. If the junior becomes a dangerous pass-rusher, his stock could skyrocket.





15. Chris Jones, DT, Bowling Green
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 302. Arm: 32.68.
    40 Time: 5.33.
    Projected Round (2012): 4-6.
    4/24/13: Jones has shown the ability to rush the passer over the past three years. He had a huge senior season chasing down the quarterback with 12.5 sacks. Jones also had 42 tackles and 19 tackles for a loss with two forced fumbles. He recorded 47 tackles with 14 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks and three forced fumbles as a junior. Jones had 39 tackles with 11 tackles for a loss, six sacks and a forced fumble in 2012. He is a sleeper prospect who could be a nice mid-rounder.



16. Josh Boyd, DT, Mississippi State
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 310. Arm: 32.18.
    40 Time: 5.14.
    Projected Round (2012): 4-6.
    4/24/13: Boyd was a solid player for Mississippi State in 2012, but it was somewhat of a disappointing season. He totaled 33 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2.5 tackles for a loss and a blocked kick.
    
    There were high expectations for Boyd after a 2011 season in which he totaled 4.5 sacks, 51 tackles and eight tackles for a loss. Teammate Fletcher Cox turned out to be the big reason for that production.
    
    Boyd did fine at the East-West Shrine, but wasn’t impressive. He was a late injury-addition to the Senior Bowl and held his own there. Boyd didn’t stand out at the Combine.



17. Corey Grissom, DT, South Florida
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 306. Arm: 32 1/2. Hand: 9 1/8.
    40 Time: 5.31.
    Projected Round (2012): 5-6.
    4/24/13: Grissom was one of the few players on South Florida to have a good 2012 season. The senior totaled 38 tackles with seven tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks and two passes broken up. He had a quality 2011 season with 38 tackles, six tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
    
    Grissom didn’t have a good showing at the Senior Bowl and was regularly beaten in the one-on-ones. He didn’t rebound at the Combine.



18. Damion Square, DT, Alabama
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 293. Arm: 32.18.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.10.
    Projected Round (2013): 5-7.
    4/24/13: Square had 33 tackles, four tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks in 2012. He was a contributor for Alabama, but not a difference-maker.
    
    8/25/12: Square is a tweener defensive end and defensive tackle. He may be best adding some weight and playing on the inside for the NFL. His speed could be a mismatch for guards and centers.
    
    Square can play inside; he also plays the five-technique 3-4 defensive end in Alabama’s defense. Square totaled 32 tackles with seven tackles for a loss and a sack last season.



19. Quinton Dial, DT, Alabama
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 318. Arm: 34.48.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.30.
    Projected Round (2013): 6-7.
    4/24/13: As a senior in 2012, Dial was part of a rotation and totaled 21 tackles with 1.5 sacks. His first season at Alabama was as a backup in 2011 when he recorded one sack. Dial played two seasons at East Mississippi Community College before landing with the Crimson Tide. He could be a backup in the NFL.



20. Everett Dawkins, DT, Florida State
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 292. Arm: 32.68.
    40 Time: 5.06.
    Projected Round (2012): 6-7.
    4/24/13: Dawkins had 26 tackles, 1.5 tackles for a loss, .5 sacks and one pass broken up in 2012. He ran well at the Combine.
    
    8/25/12: Dawkins became a full-time starter as a junior. He was an All-ACC honorable mention. He had 25 tackles with three tackles for a loss, two sacks, a forced fumble and an interception. As a sophomore he had 39 tackles with six tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks. Dawkins has some quickness as a gap penetrator and looks like a potential backup in a 4-3 defense in the NFL.



21. Joe Vellano, DT, Maryland
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 285.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.03.
    Projected Round (2013): 6-FA.
    4/24/13: Vellano had a good senior season. He totaled 61 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss and six sacks. Vellano is a very good college player, but a tweener for the NFL. He had flashed at times at the East-West Shrine. Vellano didn’t work out at the Combine.
    
    8/25/12: Vellano had 94 tackles with 7.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and four passes broken up last season. He was an excellent run-defender for Maryland. Vellano had 63 tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss, five sacks and one forced fumble in 2010.
    
    The senior should add more weight for the NFL. He probably fits best as a nose tackle in a 4-3 defense.



22. A.J. Francis, DT, Maryland
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 305.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.03.
    Projected Round (2013): 6-FA.
    4/24/13: Francis had a quality senior season with 43 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, five passes batted and four sacks. He played well at the East-West Shrine. Francis didn’t work out at the Combine.
    
    8/25/12: Francis had 31 tackles with three tackles for a loss and two sacks in 2011. He was Maryland’s starting nose tackle for the majority of the 2010 season. The sophomore was second on the defensive line in tackles with 44. He also had seven tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks. Francis has room to improve in 2012.



23. DeWayne Cherrington, DT, Mississippi State
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 335.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.50.
    Projected Round (2012): 7-FA.
    4/24/13: Cherrington is a heavy defensive tackle who has some athletic ability. The senior totaled 24 tackles with a tackle for a loss. He was impressive against Alabama. Cherrington totaled 12 tackles in 2011 as a backup to Fletcher Cox.



24. Jose Jose, DT, Central Florida
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 345.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.40.
    Projected Round (2012): 7-FA.
    4/24/13: Jose recorded a total of 11 tackles over the past two seasons with zero sacks, yet he thought it was a good idea to enter the 2013 NFL Draft. Jose will be lucky to get drafted. He didn’t work out at the Combine.



25. Omar Hunter, DT, Florida
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 290.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.93.
    Projected Round (2013): 7-FA.
    4/24/13: Hunter was solid in 2012, but wasn’t a difference-maker for the Gators. He had 40 tackles, four tackles for a loss and four passes batted. Hunter stepped up in the regular-season finale for a big performance against Florida State.
    
    8/25/12: Omar Hunter should form a good tackle tandem with Sharrif Floyd this season. Hunter has the opportunity for more playing time with Jaye Howard in the NFL.
    
    Hunter had 25 tackles in 2010 and 31 tackles in 2011. He is one of the Gators’ young defensive lineman that is expected to improve this season. There is talent around Hunter, and he could benefit from other playmakers to produce in 2012.



26. Darrington Sentimore, DT, Tennessee
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 288.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.03.
    Projected Round (2012): 7-FA.
    4/24/13: Sentimore played just one season at Tennessee, but he flashed some pass-rushing ability with four sacks. Still, he only had 18 tackles on the season. Sentimore was a backup at Alabama in 2010 and 2009 prior to landing in Knoxville. He played in the junior college ranks during 2011.
    
    Sentimore definitely should’ve returned to school rather than enter the 2013 NFL Draft. He didn’t attend the Combine.



27. Brandon Moore, DT, Texas
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 320.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.37.
    Projected Round (2012): 7-FA.
    4/24/13: Moore was only at Texas for one season, but he totaled two sacks, 14 tackles and 5.5 tackles for a loss. Moore had previously played in the JUCO ranks. He should not have entered the 2013 NFL Draft. Moore didn’t work out at the Combine.



28. Aaron Tipoti, DT, California
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 274.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.99.
    Projected Round (2013): FA.
    4/24/13: Tipoti totaled 31 tackles with .5 tackles for a loss this year. He wasn’t invited to the Combine.
    
    8/25/12: Tipoti had 25 tackles, four tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks in 2011. He needs to add weight for the NFL or move to defensive end.



29. T.J. Barnes, DT, Georgia Tech
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 369. Arm: 34.78.
    40 Time: 5.30.
    Projected Round (2013): FA.
    4/24/13: Barnes had 28 tackles, five tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks this season.
    
    8/25/12: Barnes had 11 tackles with a sack in 2011 and was quiet. He occupies blocks at the line of scrimmage, but does not do a good job of disengaging to get in on tackles.



30. Baker Steinkuhler, DT/DE, Nebraska
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 290.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.92.
    Projected Round (2013): FA.
    4/24/13: Steinkuhler had 47 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks in 2012. He was a stout defender, but not a play-maker. Steinkuhler missed the Big Ten Championship Game and Nebraska’s bowl game against Georgia. He didn’t attend the Combine.
    
    8/25/12: Steinkuhler had 40 tackles with four tackles for a loss and two sacks in 2011. Against Washington, he started the game strong with some good plays against the run and pass rushes, but did not play as well in the second half.
    
    Steinkuhler struggled against Wisconsin, but played better against Michigan State. He had a big game against Northwestern, but was shutout by Iowa. Steinkuhler really missed teammate Jared Crick. Steinkuhler needs to get more consistent as a senior, especially in the pass rush.
    
    Steinkuhler – a first-year starter – registered 46 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 2010. He is strong at the point of attack and has the frame to add more weight and bulk at the NFL level. Steinkuhler could be a better fit as a 3-4 defensive end.



31. Larry Black, Jr., DT, Indiana
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 309.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.55.
    Projected Round (2013): FA.
    4/24/13: Black played well for Indiana and made a number of plays behind the line of scrimmage. He had 12 tackles for a loss, four sacks and 36 tackles in 2012. Black didn’t work out at the Combine.
    
    8/25/12: Black, Jr. could fit as a nose tackle in the NFL. If he were to add 20 pounds of bulk, he could be a good fit as a 3-4 nose tackle. Black totaled 47 tackles with 5.5 tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks as a junior in 2011.
    
    The sophomore started 12 games at defensive tackle in 2010. He had 7.5 tackles for a loss, 29 tackles and 1.5 sacks. If Black plays well this season, his stock could rise.

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