2015 NFL Draft Rankings: Defensive Tackle
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20.) James Castleman, (6’2 | 300 | 5.12)
Scouting report – Powerful run stopper inside. Castleman is a 1-tech DT who holds the point of attack well against the run. He moves pretty well for a big man, but has balance issues and gets pancaked in pursuit more than a guy with his size and power should. Castleman should hear his name called sometime on day 3 and be an early-down rotational DT in the pros.
Projection: 5th-6th round
21.) Darius Kilgo, Maryland (6’4 | 320 | 5.34)
Scouting report – Decent agility for his size, with some lateral quickness and a good motor, but gets moved off the ball to often in the run game for a guy his size. Flashes the ability to disrupt plays when he fires off the ball with a low pad level, but stands up too often and gets driven away from the play. Strong tackler when in range of the ball carrier, but hasn’t shown consistent ability to disengage from blockers. Kilgo should get drafted due to his athleticism at 320 pounds, but looks like a rotation NT.
Projection: 5th-6th round
22.) Louis Trinca-Pasat, Iowa (6’1 | 291 | 5.02)
Scouting report – Productive interior pass rusher, who had 6.5 sacks and 10.5 TFLs this season. He is quick off the ball and uses his hands well to maintain separation and disengage to attack ball carriers. Trinca-Pasat needs to get stronger to continue his production in the NFL, but has the potential to be a rotation 3-tech.
Projection: 5th=6th round
23.) Leterrius Walton, Central Michigan (6’5 | 321 | 5.19)
Scouting report – Raw player with great size and the frame to add more mass. Walton has surprising quickness and light feet for his size, but inconsistent technique and no pass rush moves to speak off. He has gotten by on raw ability so far, but will need to develop some D-line skills to produce at the NFL level. The size, strength and athleticism are there for Walton to become a contributor in the NFL, but it will probably take a year or two of development.
Projection: 6th-7th round
24.) Quayshawne Buckley. Idaho (6’3 | 305 | 5.24)
Scouting report – Small school prospect with some off-field red flags, but has NFL size and athleticism. Buckley dominated at times despite being double-teamed, which is what you want to see from a DII prospect. On tape he moves more like a LB than a DT despite being a legit 300+ pounds. Buckley had a solid week of practice at the NFLPA Bowl holding his own against DI players, making multiple stops against the run, and showing a good attitude and coachability.
Projection: 6th-7th round
25.) Derrick Lott, Chattanooga (6’4 | 299 | 5.04)
Scouting report – Moves well for his size and shows a surprising closing burst and a good motor early in games at least. Lott has good power which was enough for him to win at the line of scrimmage at the FCS level. He’ll have to develop some pass rush moves to win in the NFL and it may take him a year or two before he is ready to contribute. He’s a former 4-star recruit who started at Georgia before transferring to Chattanoga. Lott has the size and athleticism to be an NFL player but he’s raw and a developmental prospect who may take awhile before he makes an impact.
Projection: 6th-7th round
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26.) Leon Orr, Florida (6’5 | 319 | 5.14)
Scouting report – Had a good week of practice at the Senior Bowl, but disappeared during the game as he did so often at Florida. Orr has day 2 talent but his lack of production on the field, multiple injuries throughout his career, and the fact that he was kicked off of Florida’s team for leaving a game after finding out he wasn’t starting, are serious red flags for Orr. He has flashed NFL ability at times during his career with the Gators, is very athletic for his size and has enough potential that some coaching staff will probably take a flyer on Orr late on day 3.
Projection: 7th round – UFA
27.) Angelo Blackson, Auburn (6’5 | 319 | 5.08)
Scouting report – Wasn’t originally on my list but I saw enough flash plays while watching tape on teammate Gabe Wright that I decided to tack him on to the end. Blackson has NFL size and athleticism, and occasionally explodes off the line to wreck havoc in the backfield. His technique is all over the place and he tends to take himself out of plays by being too aggressive, but Blackson has NFL ability and if paired with a good D-line coach and patient approach he could develop into an impact DT by the end of his rookie contract.
Projection: 7th – UFA
28.) Ethan Farmer, North Carolina (6’2 | 291 | 4.91)
Scouting report – Good athlete with a quick burst off the line and lateral quickness. Farmer has trouble shedding blocks though and needs to improve his hand play so he can ditch blockers and generate penetration. If a team thinks they can improve Farmer’s technique they could use a late day 3 pick on him as a developmental 3-tech.
Projection: 7th round – UFA