2015 NFL Draft Rankings: Defensive Tackle
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
14.) Chucky Hunter, TCU (6’0 | 298 | 5.12)
Scouting report – Workout warrior with elite strength inside and a fairly quick first step. Hunter has been a force against the run for 3 years as a starter with the Horned Frogs. He hasn’t racked up a big sack totals with just 8 in 30+ starts, but has been consistently disruptive in the backfield. Hunter has a non-stop motor, is a leader on and off the field, and has good feet for his size. His lack of sacks is due mainly to a problem shedding blockers, but he has a good punch so with some coaching could become an effective 3-tech.
Projection: 4th round
15.) Marcus Hardison, Arizona St (6’3 | 311 | 4.96)
Scouting report – Had a breakout season in 2014 with 10 sacks after just 1 as a junior. Hardison moved inside after starting out as a DE and was an effective pass rusher for the Sun Devils. He has an explosive burst off the line of scrimmage, good closing speed, and is a big hitter in the backfield. Hardison comes off the ball so quickly that he tends to get off balance and gets pancaked more than a 300+ pounder should. Like Wright, he relies mainly on his quickness to be effective and hasn’t shown the ability to shed blockers or use his hands to disengage. His burst off the ball won’t be as effective against NFL O-lineman and Hardison will need to develop some pass rush moves at the next level to be anything more than a 3rd down DT.
Projection: 4th round
16.) Joey Mbu, Houston (6’3 | 312 | 5.19)
Scouting report – Good size and athleticism for a DT and has improved steadily every season. Mbu generates occasional pressure inside with a quick first step and impressive strength. His technique is very raw, but Mbu has a lot of potential and is a high-upside developmental pick.
Projection: 4th-5th round
17.) Xavier Williams, Northern Iowa (6’2 | 325 | 5.18)
Scouting report – Max-effort player with a solid all around skill-set but no dominate trait. Williams has good size and length, but lacks the power to dominate at the line of scrimmage. He does have very good feet for his size and is quick enough to occasionally split double-teams, albeit at the FCS level. Williams has been a standout player on special teams with 8 blocked kicks in his college career. I thought Williams performed well at the Senior Bowl against a significant upgrade in talent. He’s a better fit in a 4-3 but has a versatile enough skill-set to potentially play the 5-tech in a 3-4.
Projection: 4th-5th round
18.) Terry Williams, East Carolina (6’1 | 353 | 5.24)
Scouting report – Massive 3-4 NT prospect who flashed NFL ability in the Pirates upset of Virginia Tech early in the season. Williams was unblockable at times, disrupting both run and pass plays with a surprising burst off the line of scrimmage and the power to drive blockers into the backfield. Williams conditioning is an issue and he also has a few off-field red flags, but guys who can move well at 350+ tend to get drafted.
Projection: 4th-5th round
19.) Kaleb Eulis, Mississippi St (6’3 | 295 | 4.98)
Scouting report – Was a big part of the Rebels improved defense this year. Eulis has shown flashes of being a dominant force inside, but also disappeared at times and was dominated at others (Alabama). Occasionally Eulis was a force against the run and flashed pass-rush ability (3 sacks), but couldn’t put it all together on a regular basis. He has the athleticism and strength to play at the next level, but inconsistency and a lack of production will drop him down to the later rounds.
Projection: 5th round