2015 NFL Draft Prospects: Defensive Tackles

By Charlie Campbell.
Send Charlie an e-mail here: [email protected]
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The top 2015 defensive tackle prospects available for the 2015 NFL Draft. * – denotes 2016 prospect. ** – denotes 2017 prospect.

This page was last updated April 25, 2015. Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.

1. Leonard Williams*, DT/DE, USC
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 300.
   Projected 40 Time: 4.91.
   Projected Round (2015): Top-10 Pick.
   4/25/15: In speaking with NFL teams, they like Williams, but don’t grade him in the same range as Ndamukong Suh, Gerald McCoy or Jadeveon Clowney when they were coming out. Teams aren’t as high on Williams as some in the media have rated him. They feel that Williams wasn’t consistent or dominant enough to be the No. 1-rated player on their draft boards.
   
   At the Combine, Williams solidified his standing as the top defensive lineman for the 2015 NFL Draft. He ran well in the 40 and looked good in the field drills.
   
   Williams would fit a 3-4 or 4-3 defense in the NFL. He would be an excellent five-technique for the former since he has the strength and length to set the edge while also being able to rush the passer. Williams could play three-technique defensive tackle in a 4-3 or be a power left end who moves inside to tackle in passing situations. Really, Williams can be lined up anywhere on the defensive line.
   
   With his combination of speed and strength, Williams looks like a first-day NFL starter. He is very strong to shed blocks and is fast off the snap. Williams consistently blows by tackles or guards on the pass rush. He is well suited for left defensive end as he gives right tackles a lot of problems. Williams is generally a tough mismatch against all offensive linemen. He is too strong for most left tackles and too fast for right tackles or interior linemen. Off the snap, Williams has a fast burst to fire his gap and achieve penetration into the backfield.
   
   In the ground game, Williams can burst into the backfield to blow up runs and can hold his ground at the point of attack. However, there are areas that Williams can improve. He gets in trouble when he stands up too high, which allows offensive linemen to get under his pads and push him back when they run downhill at him. Williams also had some quiet games where he seemed to disappear in stretches.
   
   Williams totaled 80 tackles, seven sacks, 8.5 tackles for a loss, one interception, three forced fumbles and three passes batted in 2014. He had an excellent game against Arizona with two sacks, eight tackles and a forced fumble. Williams turned in other impressive games, including performances against Oregon State and Washington State. He seemed to take his foot off the pedal in the regular-season finale against Notre Dame, but played well in his bowl game.
   
   Williams rolled his ankle in practice a few days before the game against Stanford, but he still played versus the Cardinal. Williams showed his toughness and battled hard for four quarters. In the third quarter, he contributed to a huge stop on a fourth-and 1 at USC’s own three-yard line. Williams picked a great time for his first sack of the season late in the fourth quarter. He beat the guard to get penetration into the backfield. While Williams wasn’t 100 percent, he gutted it out and found a way to make some big plays to help his team pull off the upset.
   
   Williams played well against Fresno State with a number of tackles at the point of attack. He also batted some passes and made an interception for the Trojans.
   
   8/23/14: Williams played well for USC in 2013. He recorded 74 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss, a forced fumble and five sacks. The sophomore generated more pass rush than the numbers indicate.
   
   In the long term, Williams may prove to be a defensive tackle, but that depends on the defensive scheme. He is at his best when he’s working to get upfield and penetrate the backfield. Williams can get into trouble when he stands up too high while defending runs coming straight at him. As a pass-rusher, Williams could stand to add and refine his moves. It would be good if he could add a rip move.
   
   Williams took the Pac-12 by storm as a freshman in 2012. The Daytona Beach, Florida product excelled for defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin. Williams recorded eight sacks, 64 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, four passes batted, an interception and two fumble recoveries that season.





2. Danny Shelton*, DT, Washington
   Height: 6-1. Weight: 343.
   40 Time: 5.64.
   Projected Round (2015): Top-25 Pick.
   4/25/15: Shelton is a massive lineman who has a lot of power at the point of attack. Not only can he bulldoze his way into the backfield, he is quick and athletic for a heavy nose tackle. Shelton can collapse the pocket quickly. He destroys single-blocks and commanded consistent double-teams. Shelton is an ideal nose tackle for a 3-4 defense. There are a lot of teams that love him.
   
   In 2014, Shelton was one of the nation’s leaders in sacks for a defensive tackle with nine. Not only was he getting to the quarterback, but he also stuffed the run. Besides his nine sacks, Shelton had 87 tackles with 16.5 tackles for a loss and two fumble recoveries in 2014. He battled hard against Stanford, Oregon and UCLA.
   
   At the Senior Bowl, Shelton was phenomenal. He was a load for the offensive linemen and couldn’t be single-blocked. Shelton won in the pass-rushing one-on-ones and was excellent in the run scrimmages. That week in Mobile could push Shelton into the top 10 of the 2015 NFL Draft. He also did well at the Combine as he was impressive in the bench press and field drills.
   
   8/23/14: Shelton turned in 59 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks in 2013. He had an excellent bowl game against BYU with seven tackles and a lot of disruption at the point of attack. In 2012, Shelton recorded 45 tackles, .5 sacks and four tackles for a loss. He was an All-Pac-12 honorable mention that season.
   
   Shelton is a nice fit as a nose tackle who has a burst to get a push on the pocket. He would be a fit as a nose in a 3-4 or 4-3 defense. Shelton is a good run-defender who needs to develop his ability to pressure the quarterback



3. Malcom Brown*, DT, Texas
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 319.
   40 Time: 5.05.
   Projected Round (2015): 1.
   4/25/15: Brown is an interesting prospect as he has the speed quickness to serve as a three-technique with enough size and strength to also play nose tackle in a 4-3 defense. Brown is at his best when he is firing a gap to cause havoc in the backfield.
   
   Brown had a good 2014 season. He used his speed to be a dangerous pass-rusher and showed some power to shed blocks. Brown overwhelmed offensive linemen in many games. For the year, he had 6.5 sacks, 71 tackles, 13 for a loss, one pass batted and two forced fumbles. Brown was tough to block with a good motor.
   
   Brown had stated that if he received a first- or second-round grade from the NFL Draft Advisory Board that he would enter the 2015 NFL Draft, and he ended up declaring. While he didn’t get a lot of media attention, he put together a good Combine performance as he ran rather quickly for a heavy lineman. Brown also moved well in the field drills.
   
   8/23/14: In 2013, Brown recorded 58 tackles with nine tackles for a loss, one sack and five passes batted. He had a number of impressive games, including performances against Oklahoma State, Iowa State and TCU. Texas is expecting Brown to step up his performance as a junior, and having Charlie Strong’s staff could help Brown to develop.
   
   Brown has a good athletic skill set with some size and speed. He was rated as the second-best defensive tackle in the nation coming out of high school by ESPN. Brown served as a backup while a freshman in 2012, but he still registered 17 tackles with two tackles for a loss. Brown could easily rise up the rankings over his junior and senior year.



4. Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 336.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.34.
   Projected Round (2015): 1.
   4/25/15: Goldman did not participate in the Combine drills because of an injury. During the 2014 season, a source close to the Florida State program told me that the Seminoles felt that Goldman was their best defensive lineman. He is big, strong, quick and disruptive. Goldman has enough speed to get pressure as a pass-rusher while being very stout at the point of attack.
   
   Goldman racked up 35 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, four sacks and a forced fumble in 2014. He came up with a huge forced fumble against Clemson when the Tigers were deep in Florida State territory about to kick a chip-shot field goal for the win.
   
   8/23/14: With Timmy Jernigan leaving for the NFL, the Seminoles are counting on Goldman stepping up in 2014. Goldman broke into the starting lineup in 2013 and picked up 19 tackles with three tackles for a loss and two sacks. The sophomore was also suspended for one game. Goldman does a nice job of maintaing his gap in run defense and holding his ground. He needs to improve his pass rush, but he has a good skill set with upside to elevate his play.
   
   Goldman saw brief time in the defensive line rotation as a true freshman in 2012. He made eight tackles with a tackle for a loss. Goldman was a five-star recruit coming out of high school, and the Seminoles believe he could develop into a special player. Goldman was buried by a veteran group, but should play more as a junior.



5. Jordan Phillips*, DT, Oklahoma
   Height: 6-5. Weight: 329.
   40 Time: 5.17.
   Projected Round (2015): 1-2.
   4/25/15: Sources say they have Phillips going in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Phillips was impressive in 2014. He displayed a surprising burst for such a big lineman and used his size to overwhelm offensive linemen. For the year, Phillips had 39 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, two sacks and one pass batted. The redshirt sophomore caused disruption at the point of attack and looks like an excellent candidate to play 3-4 nose tackle in the NFL. That’s the same role he played for Oklahoma.
   
   Phillips performed well at the Combine, and WalterFootball.com knows some teams picking late in the first round that are giving serious consideration to drafting Phillips.
   
   8/23/14: Philips was off to a good start in 2013 before a back injury ended his season after only four games. He recorded seven tackles, with two for a loss and 1.5 sacks before the injury. Philips earned some playing time as a redshirt freshman in 2012. He totaled 12 tackles as a backup.
   
   Oklahoma is expecting Philips to have a breakout season in 2014 and believe he could be the next Gerald McCoy. Philips is said to be amazingly athletic for a heavy defensive tackle with the ability to do a back flip and dunk a basketball. The Sooners need him to become a difference-maker.
   
   Personal: Son of Willie and Irene Alford.



6. Arik Armstead*, DT, Oregon
   Height: 6-7. Weight: 292.
   40 Time: 5.10.
   Projected Round (2015): 1-2.
   4/25/15: Armstead is full of athletic ability with size, strength and speed. However, that potential never translated into production. He has upside, but needs development. As an athletic specimen, Armstead is similar to former Oregon edge rusher Dion Jordan. Armstead put that potential on display at the Combine with a solid performance.
   
   Sources say that Oregon’s scheme limited Armstead from producing more numbers and playing more freely. However, they feel that Armstead is more potential at this point, and some teams have said they graded him in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
   
   Armstead started 2014 strongly with a solid September. He had 10 tackles with four for a loss and one sack across the first four games of the season. To open October, Armstead injured his ankle against Arizona, and he was in and out of the lineup for some time. Armstead missed games against California and UCLA while being limited in other contests. Armstead finished 2014 with a total of 37 tackles with 5.5 tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks. He had a solid performance against Michigan State in Week 2. To end the year, Armstead flashed early against Florida State and Ohio State, before falling quiet in the second half.
   
   8/23/14: Armstead has a lot of potential and could easily rise in these rankings over the months to come. In 2013, he played in all of Oregon’s games and had five starts. The sophomore totaled 15 tackles with 2.5 tackles for a loss and a sack for the year. In 2012, he came off the bench to make 26 tackles with two tackles for a loss and .5 sacks.
   
   Armstead is a massive lineman who could be best as a 3-4 defensive end in the NFL.
   
   Personal: Son of Guss and Christa Armstead.





7. Mario Edwards Jr.*, DT, Florida State
   Height: 6-3. Weight: 279.
   40 Time: 4.84.
   Projected Round (2015): 2-3.
   4/25/15: Edwards had trimmed off some weight by the Combine, which helped him to run a fast 40. He played heavier in college. At 280 pounds, Edwards is a tweener defensive end/tackle. Sources say that the weight loss hurt Edwards’ draft grade and they have him as a late second-rounder.
   
   In 2014, Edwards had 44 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, three sacks, four passes batted and two forced fumbles. He put together a number of good games, but his motor and production were inconsistent. Edwards has a good skill set with speed and strength, but he needs to develop his pass-rushing moves and get more consistent on a game-by-game basis. Sources say that Edwards’ skill set and athletic potential could be enough for him to crack the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
   
   8/23/14: Edwards played well for Florida State in 2013. The first-year starter totaled 28 tackles with 9.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, an interception and a fumble return for a touchdown – against Clemson. Edwards played well in the National Championship Game with three tackles for a loss and a sack. He has a nice combination of power, speed and athleticism. His NFL future could be inside at defensive tackle.
   
   In 2013, Edwards’ motor was lacking. He took too many plays off and admitted as much. Edwards also needs to get consistent with his conditioning as he says his playing weight fluctuates between the mid-290s to 305. Still, Edwards is a fast and explosive defensive lineman.
   
   Edwards was stuck behind Bjoern Werner and Tank Carradine in 2012, but he still managed to flash potential in backup duty. Edwards ended up starting the final two games after Carradine was injured. Edwards totaled 17 tackles with 1.5 sacks, one pass batted and 2.5 tackles for a loss in 2012. To go along with some speed, he looks like he has some power to his game. Florida State is expecting Edwards to become a star in 2014.
   
   Personal: Son of Mario Edwards, who played for the Cowboys (2000-2003) and Buccaneers (2004).



8. Carl Davis, DT, Iowa
   Height: 6-4. Weight: 321.
   40 Time: 5.07.
   Projected Round (2015): 2-3.
   4/25/15: Davis had an excellent week of practice at the Senior Bowl. His athletic skill set looked like that of a potential first-round pick. He was strong to shed blocks, stuff runs and bull rush his way into the pocket. Davis also showed the speed to fire by blockers and close on the quarterback. He had a good Combine performance, as expected.
   
   However, those on-field performances may not be enough to make Davis a first-rounder as sources said that Davis was awful in team interviews at the Senior Bowl. He came across as lazy and arrogant. Davis said he should only play 20-30 snaps a game and was unabashed about regularly taking himself out of games as a senior. He also gave excuses for poor practice effort because he said he didn’t want to risk injury while going against enthusiastic scout-team linemen. Davis had a great Senior Bowl on the field, and an equally awful one in the team interviews.
   
   Davis recorded 34 tackles with nine tackles for a loss, two sacks, and a pass broken up in 2014. He was a strong run-defender at the point off attack and was tough to move at the line of scrimmage. Davis is reliable to fill his gap, but he isn’t consistent in getting pressure the quarterback. His motor was inconsistent in college, but he would flash at times.
   
   8/23/14: Davis is a tough run-defender who really stepped up his game in 2013. He notched 42 tackles, four tackles for a loss, one pass batted and 1.5 sacks. Davis had 14 tackles as a sophomore. The senior could improve his stock in 2014 if he is able to improve on his pass-rushing production.
   
   Personal: Son of Ovella Davis.



9. Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State
   Height: 6-2. Weight: 293.
   Projected 40 Time: 5.09.
   Projected Round (2015): 2-3.
   4/25/15: There is some buzz that Bennett could go late in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Interior pass-rushers are in demand, and Bennett could be a nice impact player quickly.
   
   Bennett recorded 41 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, three passes broken up and three forced fumbles in 2014. He had impressive games against Maryland, Penn State, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Alabama. Bennett is a fast gap-shooter who can cause disruption in the backfield, but he also can get pummelled in the ground game. After a slow start to the season, Bennett was on fire to close out the year with some dominant games that showcased his speed to make splash plays in the backfield.
   
   Injuries kept Bennett from working out at the Combine.
   
   8/23/14: Ohio State’s defense had some ugly games in 2013, but Bennett was one of the bright spots. He totaled 42 tackles with 11.5 tackles for a loss, seven sacks and three forced fumbles for the year. Bennett is a quick and athletic interior pass-rusher. He had one sack and three sacks in 2012 and 2011 respectively.
   
   Personal: Son of Connie and Mike Bennett.



10. Grady Jarrett, DT, Clemson
    Height: 6-0. Weight: 288.
    40 Time: 5.06.
    Projected Round (2015): 2-4.
    4/25/15: Jarrett had 43 tackles with 10 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles in 2014. He totaled 83 tackles with 11 for a loss, two sacks and 14 quarterback pressures the year before. The senior is quick at the point off attack, but could use some strength for the NFL. He had a good week of practice at the Senior Bowl, but is undersized and really only fits a 4-3 scheme. In 2012, Jarrett had 49 tackles with two sacks.



11. Gabe Wright, DT, Auburn
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 299.
    40 Time: 5.07.
    Projected Round (2015): 2-4.
    4/25/15: Wright totaled 24 tackles with 4.5 for a loss and one sack in 2014. He played defensive end and tackle for Auburn, but he’s more effective on the inside. Wright is fast at the point of attack, but needs to get stronger. He used his speed to make plays at the Senior Bowl and showed more pass-rushing skills than his senior-year sack total indicates. Wright flashed, but he needs to get more consistent. Wright looks like a three-technique for a 4-3 defense in the NFL.
    
    8/23/14: Wright was a solid defender for Auburn in 2013. The junior totaled 31 tackles with 8.5 tackles for a loss and three sacks. In 2012 and 2011, he was mostly a backup. Wright is a quick defensive lineman, but he needs to add weight and size, plus increase his production, as a senior.
    
    Personal: Son of Viola Wright.





12. Henry Anderson, DT/DE, Stanford
    Height: 6-6. Weight: 287.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.05.
    Projected Round (2015): 3-4.
    4/25/15: Anderson notched 62 tackles with 15 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks and two passes broken up in 2014. He didn’t have a big presence in Stanford’s upset loss to USC or against Oregon, but played well in other games. Anderson was excellent with huge late-season performances against Utah and UCLA. He showed some real pass-rushing ability versus the Utes and Bruins. Anderson needs to get more consistent, especially with putting pressure on the quarterback.
    
    Anderson had a decent week of practice at the Senior Bowl and looked more athletic than one would’ve expected at the Combine. He will likely fit best in the NFL as a 3-4 defensive end. Anderson could be a nice value pick in the mid-rounds of the 2015 NFL Draft.
    
    8/23/13: Anderson is a strong and physical defender at the point of attack. He totaled 51 tackles with 13 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks, five passes broken up and a forced fumble in 2012. It was Anderson’s first season of playing time. He was banged up in 2013 and missed six games, but he played well while in the lineup. Anderson had 19 tackles with five tackles for a loss and three sacks. With Trent Murphy and Ben Gardner in the NFL, Stanford needs Anderson to step up in 2014.
    
    Personal: Majoring in political science. Won the Tommy Vardell Award epitomizing excellence in both athletics and academics.



13. Darius Philon**, DT, Arkansas
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 298.
    40 Time: 5.00.
    Projected Round (2015): 3-4.
    4/25/15: Philon was a surprise early entry into the 2015 NFL Draft. He had a strong 2014 season for the Razorbacks and formed a nice defensive line duo with Trey Flowers. Philon totaled 46 tackles with 11.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble and two passes broken up on the year. He had impressive performances against Alabama, Ole Miss and Texas. In 2013, Philon recorded 46 tackles with nine tackles for a loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles.
    
    Philon has some quickness and natural strength. He showed up at the Combine about 20 pounds heavier than his listed numbers. Philon could have used more development at the college level.



14. Xavier Cooper*, DT, Washington State
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 293.
    40 Time: 4.86.
    Projected Round (2015): 3-5.
    4/25/15: Cooper was a surprise early entry into the 2015 NFL Draft. He has a serious amount of speed for a defensive tackle close to 300 pounds, and he put that on display at the Combine with a blazing fast 40. Cooper can use that speed to be a pass-rushing threat on the inside.
    
    The junior totaled 37 tackles with 9.5 tackles for a loss and five sacks in 2014. He had 50 tackles with five sacks the year before. Cooper broke into the starting lineup as a freshman with 34 tackles, 8.5 for a loss and three sacks. He could use more strength for the NFL, and perhaps he should have stayed for his senior year.



15. Ellis McCarthy*, DT, UCLA
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 338.
    40 Time: 5.21.
    Projected Round (2015): 3-5.
    4/25/15: McCarthy picked up 21 tackles with three sacks, and 3.5 tackles for a loss in 2014. He didn’t have as big of an impact as expected, but he did finish the regular season playing better and was excellent against USC. McCarthy probably should have returned for his senior year, but he entered the 2015 NFL Draft. McCarthy wasn’t overly impressive at the Combine. Some think he might slide in the 2015 NFL Draft, but after the run on first-round nose tackles, there aren’t many options left for teams that want a big body at the position.
    
    8/23/14: McCarthy totaled 28 tackles with three tackles for a loss and two sacks in 2013. The sophomore was an All-Pac-12 honorable mention. McCarthy did a nice job as a run-plugger a the point of attack. He has some intriguing skills as a nose tackle for a 3-4 defense.
    
    McCarthy had a few knee surgeries that delayed him breaking into the lineup for the Bruins. As a backup during 2012, he totaled 10 tackles with a sack and a pass batted. The freshman also missed five games.
    
    Personal: Son of Edward McCarthy and Libbie Adams.



16. Christian Covington*, DT, Rice
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 289.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.19.
    Projected Round (2015): 3-5.
    4/25/15: Covington recorded 20 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss, one pass batted and 2.5 sacks through the first six games of 2014. His season ended early because of surgery to repair a dislocated kneecap. The rehab time-table is said to be six months. Covington probably should have returned for his senior year, but he entered the 2015 NFL Draft.
    
    8/23/14: Covington was a First-Team All-C-USA pick in 2013. The sophomore had 51 tackles with 9.5 tackles for a loss and four sacks. It was the second-straight good season for him as he had 43 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, five sacks, one forced fumble and a pass batted in 2012. It will be interesting to see if Covington can elevate his game as an upperclassman.
    
    Personal: Son of Grover and Natasha Covington. Grover Covington is a member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.



17. Marcus Hardison, DT, Arizona State
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 307.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.28.
    Projected Round (2015): 3-5.
    4/25/15: Hardison exploded onto the Pac-12 scene in 2014. The senior flashed some pass-rush ability with 10 sacks and 15 tackles for a loss. He also had 53 tackles, three forced fumbles, two passes broken up and two interceptions. At the Senior Bowl, Hardison put together a quality week. Hardison was a backup as a junior and didn’t see the field much. He started out his collegiate career in the junior college ranks.





18. David Parry, DT, Stanford
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 308.
    40 Time: 5.18.
    Projected Round (2015): 4-6.
    4/25/15: Parry is a sleeper prospect who could be a nice value pick. After serving as a backup, he became a starter as a senior. Parry was a tough defender for Stanford in 2014 as he totaled 34 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks. Parry is very strong at the point of attack and is reliable at controlling his gap. He had an impressive week at the East-West Shrine and was one of the best defensive linemen there.
    
    Personal: Son of George and Elaine Parry. Majoring in political science.



19. Tyeler Davison, DT, Fresno State
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 316.
    40 Time: 5.18.
    Projected Round (2015): 4-6.
    4/25/15: Davison recorded 58 tackles with eight sacks and 12.5 tackles for a loss in 2014. He picked up three sacks against Hawaii. Davison had a quality week at the East-West Shrine.
    
    8/23/14: Davison was a Second-Team All-Mountain West pick in 2013 as he totaled 41 tackles with 7.5 tackles for a loss and two sacks. Davison was a First-Team All-Mountain West selection the year before when he recorded 43 tackles with seven tackles for a loss and three sacks. Davison is a quality run-defender and has flashed some pass-rush ability, but he needs to more consistently get after the quarterback in order to improve his stock.
    
    Personal: Majoring in criminology. Son of Katie and Ramsey Davison.



20. Joey Mbu, DT, Houston
    Height: 6-2. Weight: 315.
    40 Time: 5.54.
    Projected Round (2015): 5-7.
    4/25/15: Mbu totaled 32 tackles with 2.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for a loss in 2014. He has some size and quickness, but he never really produced up to his skill set. Mbu had some good reps at the Senior Bowl and also was handled on other plays. He recorded 29 tackles with .5 sacks, 3.5 for a loss, and three passes broken up in 2013.



21. Kaleb Eulls, DT, Mississippi State
    Height: 6-3. Weight: 305.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.98.
    Projected Round (2015): 5-7.
    4/25/15: Eulls was a quality defender in the middle of a good Bulldogs defense in 2014. He had 34 tackles with three tackles for a loss and three sacks. The senior was impressive against Auburn and Kentucky, but was virtually shut down by Alabama. He recorded 26 tackles with 1.5 tackles for a loss in 2013. Eulls had 28 tackles as a sophomore and 30 as a freshman. He did not participate in the Combine.



22. Louis Trinca-Pasat, DT, Iowa
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 290.
    40 Time: 4.96.
    Projected Round (2015): 5-7.
    4/25/15: Trinca-Pasat was a solid defender next to Carl Davis and put more heat on the quarterback than Davis did. Trinca-Pasat totaled 69 tackles with 11.5 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks and two passes broken up in 2014. He was much improved over his junior year when he had 38 tackles, one sack and eight tackles for a loss. Trinca-Pasat notched 40 tackles as sophomore. He could use more strength for the NFL.
    
    Personal: Son of Estera and Vasile Trinca-Pasat.



23. Chucky Hunter, DT, TCU
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 305.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.27.
    Projected Round (2015): 6-FA.
    4/25/15: Hunter totaled 44 tackles with 9.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks and a force fumble in 2014. He didn’t participate in the Combine.
    
    8/23/14: After being a backup in 2011, Hunter had a strong debut as a starter in 2012. He was a Second-Team All-Big XII selection as he totaled 36 tackles, six tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks. Hunter followed that up with another season as a Second-Team All-Conference pick in 2013. He recorded 43 tackles with six tackles for a loss and two sacks. Hunter is a solid run-defender.
    
    Personal: Son of Charles Hunter and the late Tenia Willis.



24. Travis Raciti, DT, San Jose State
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 285.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.13.
    Projected Round (2015): 6-FA.
    4/25/15: Raciti recorded 72 tackles with 6.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks and one forced fumble in 2014. He had a decent week at the East-West Shrine. Raciti didn’t participate in the Combine.
    
    8/23/14: After a big sophomore year in 2012, Raciti had a disappointing junior campaign with a big drop in production. He totaled 37 tackles with four tackles for a loss and two sacks for 2013. Compare that to Raciti’s 2012 tallies of 52 tackles with 13 tackles for a loss and 8.5 sacks. He named a First-Team All-WAC selection off of that. In 2011, Raciti started nine games as a redshirt freshman and made 26 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss and a sack. In order for the senior to improve his draft stock, he needs to return to his 2012 form.



25. Ray Drew, DT/DE, Georgia
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 284.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.89.
    Projected Round (2015): 6-FA.
    4/25/15: Drew had 39 tackles in 2014 with 1.5 tackles for a loss. He didn’t have much of a presence and fell into backup duty. Drew didn’t participate in the Combine.
    
    8/23/14: In 2013, Drew recorded 43 tackles, six sacks and eight tackles for a loss. He was very good for Georgia. Drew could play as a 3-4 defensive end who rushes from the inside in the sub package. In a 4-3 defense, he could play end on run downs and rush from the inside in passing situations.
    
    Drew picked up 23 tackles with one tackle for a loss in 2012 as a sophomore backup. He worked his way onto the field as a freshman in 2011; no easy accomplishment as Georgia had a lot of experienced defensive linemen ahead of him. Plus, the Bulldogs utilize a 3-4 defense, so it is harder for linemen to get snaps. Drew totaled eight tackles and 2.5 tackles for a loss in 2011.
    
    Personal: Mass-media arts major.



26. Terry Williams, DT, East Carolina
    Height: 6-1. Weight: 353.
    Projected 40 Time: 5.21.
    Projected Round (2015): 6-FA.
    4/25/15: Williams had 29 tackles with 7.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, one pass broken up and two forced fumbles in 2014. He is an under-the-radar prospect, but he looks like bowling ball rolling through the offensive line. Williams did not participate in the Combine.
    
    Williams is very disruptive, and Virginia Tech couldn’t block him in the Pirates’ Week 3 upset. He recorded five tackles, but was a much bigger presence as he constantly blew up plays in the backfield. Williams needs to improve his conditioning, but he has a burst with size that overwhelms offensive linemen. The senior looks like a great fit as a 3-4 nose tackle.
    
    Williams missed eight games in 2013 because of a suspension for violating team rules. The year before, he recorded 46 tackles with one sack and 5.5 tackles for a loss.



27. Leon Orr*, DT, Florida
    Height: 6-5. Weight: 323.
    40 Time: 5.16.
    Projected Round (2015): 7-FA.
    4/25/15: Orr recorded 16 tackles and two tackles for a loss with a forced fumble in 2014. He made a big move to send himself to the undrafted ranks when he quit the Florida football team. After being told he wouldn’t be starting against Vanderbilt for the fifth-straight game, Orr decided to leave the team and take a bus from Nashville to Gainesville. The coaches explained to Orr that him leaving would be the end of his playing at Florida, but he still left.
    
    8/23/14: Orr had 21 tackles with 2.5 sacks in 2013. He played better than the numbers indicate, but made the right decision to return for his senior year. Orr played well in reserve duty in 2012, totaling 15 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss and one sack. He has an intriguing combination of size and quickness.



28. Brandon Ivory, DT, Alabama
    Height: 6-4. Weight: 308.
    Projected 40 Time: 4.99.
    Projected Round (2015): 7-FA.
    4/25/15: Ivory had 13 tackles in 2014. He’s adequate at filling his gap, but he doesn’t make many tackles or generate pass rush. Ivory didn’t participate in the Combine.
    
    8/23/14: Like a lot of Alabama defensive linemen, Ivory rotates into the game, but he has been unable to establish himself as an every-down player. The junior totaled 24 tackles with 1.5 tackles for a loss and zero sacks in 2013. He had 21 tackles with a fumble recovery the year before. Ivory should see the field more as a senior with Ed Stinson and Jeoffrey Pagan in the NFL. Ivory needs to show some pass-rush potential as a senior.

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