2016 NFL Draft Rankings: 3-4 DEs
16.) Carl Nassib, Penn St (6’7 | 273 | 4.74) – Former walk-on who got his first chance to start in 2015 and led the FBS with 15.5 sacks despite missing the last two games of the season. Nassib has the ability to be the rare 5-tech who is better at rushing the QB than stuffing the run.
Nassib is solid against the run, but his quick burst off the ball, ability to shed blockers, non-stop motor, and polished pass rush moves give him double-digit sack potential. He may need a season or two to get stronger before he can hold up verse the run, but could be a sub-package DE early in his career and eventually a solid all around 5-tech DE.
Bears angle: Good value in round 3 if he’s still available
17.) Jihad Ward, Illinois (6’5 | 296 | 4.98) – Played inside at Illinois, but moved outside at the Senior Bowl and impressed scouts all week with a surprisingly quick first step for his size, long arms to keep blockers at bay, and the closing speed to track down QBs. Ward has the size, long arms, power, and quickness to be an above average 5-tech in the NFL, but needs to clean up his technique and learn the nuances of a new position. It might take a season of development before Ward makes an impact, but the potential is there.
Bears angle: High upside round 3 pick
18.) Charles Tapper, Oklahoma (6’3 | 276 | 4.87) – Has been primarily a run stopper in his two years as a starter for the Sooners. Tapper uses his size and long arms to keep blockers at bay and disengage to stop running backs. His main responsibility was setting the edge and stopping the run, which he excelled at, but Tapper flashed some pass rush skills as well during his senior season with seven sacks. With two years as a 5-tech at Oklahoma Tapper’s game is polished enough that he could contribute right away.
Bears angle: Upgrade over Bears current DE depth with starter upside
19.) Matt Ioannidis, Temple (6’4 | 303 | 5.03) – Played outside on early downs and then moved to nose tackle on passing downs for Temple. Ioannidis has a quick first step, good motor, and uses his hands well to disengage from blockers. He was considered a day 3 pick before the Senior Bowl but really raised his draft stock by showing the ability to generate pass rush inside, take on double teams without giving up ground, and a non-stop motor. Ioannidis was one of the lesser regarded d-linemen in Mobile but was just as effective as guys rated a few rounds higher on most draft boards.
Bears angle: Could contribute at all three spots on the Bears front as a rookie, which would be good value in 3rd-4th round.
20.) Aziz Shittu, Stanford (6’3 | 284 | 4.91) – Former 5-star recruit who never quite lived up to his potential in college, but was a solid starter when healthy enough to play. Shittu has the size, athleticism, and power to play the 5-tech in the Bears scheme, though he played inside more often in college. He was a force against the run for the Cardinal, holding his own against double-teams and making plenty of stops near the line of scrimmage while providing occasional interior pressure.
Bears angle: Early day 3 pick who could contribute as a rookie, playing outside on early downs and inside in sub-packages.
Just missed: Anthony Zettel, Penn State; Dean Lowry, Northwestern; Ebuka Onyemata, Manitoba; Lawrence Thomas, Michigan St
¹ Scouting reports on players are from a combination of watching plenty of college football, individual player tape from Draftbreakdown, and various reports from CBS Sports, Walterfootball, NFL.com, and ESPN.