2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Marcell Dareus

Strengths:

Strength, size and speed teams look for

Bull rusher up the middle

Collapses the pocket

Handles double teams

Able to shed blockers

Reacts well to snap with quick first step

Extremely versatile, position and scheme

Agile and moves well laterally

Anchor to disrupt the run and occupy blockers

Disciplined when it comes to containment

Weaknesses:

Limited starting experience

Arm length

Needs to prove he can hold up in feature role

Not going to make many tackles on his own

Tendency to get too upright

Suspended for taking benefits from an agent

Summary: Marcell Dareus might wind up being the best defensive lineman in a draft crop littered with top talent. Coming out of Nick Saban’s 3-4 defense, he is ready for the NFL although he only started four games in 2009 and was suspended for two in 2010 so he is light on experience. His family life has been hard and teams will have to be sure he is still motivated to work hard after getting paid. Assuming he clears that hurdle, teams can either use him as a 3-4 end or possibly a nose tackle.

RELATED LINKS:

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Greg’s | Walt’s

2011 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings

2011 NFL Draft Scouting Reports

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