Scout.com: 2009 NFL Draft/Post-Combine

2009 NFL Draft/Post-Combine - Def. Tackles

Auburn DT SenDerrick Marks

By Pete Fiutak

CollegeFootballNews.com
Posted Feb 24, 2009

Where do the top defensive tackle prospects rank as the Combine finishes up? Along with the positives and the negatives for each top prospect, here's the initial ranking for the 2009 NFL Draft defensive tackle class.

2009 NFL Draft

Post-Workout Rankings

1. B.J. Raji, Boston College 6-2, 337
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 1
Post-Combine Skinny: While he wasn't perfect, he was surprisingly quick, came up with 33 bench presses, and built on all the strides he made in a great Senior Bowl performance. He only ran a 5.13, but he was smooth doing it. He's an athlete who'll only get better if he can keep his weight in check.
Positives: Big space-eater … Tremendously productive with great quickness for his size …. Destroyed everyone in the Senior Bowl practices … Durable.
Negatives: Academically ineligible in 2007 … Has to keep weight in check. Could balloon in a hurry … Character question marks.

2. Peria Jerry, Ole Miss 6-2, 299
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 3
Post-Combine Skinny: He didn't work out, but he was still the talk of many as the possible No. 2 tackle behind B.J. Raji. He could stand to get a bit bigger, measuring in at a squatty 299 pounds. He'll need to prove his weight room strength.
Positives: Owned the Senior Bowl. Unblockable … Extremely quick for his size … Dominated in the SEC. Was the star of a fantastic line.
Negatives: Needs to be a bit more consistent against the run … Can get shoved around a bit … Has to get bigger to be an NFL anchor.

3. Fili Moala, USC 6-4, 305
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 2
Post-Combine Skinny: It wasn't the greatest of workouts, but it was good enough. He's not going to be a playmaker in the backfield, but it would've been nice if he appeared to be a bit more comfortable moving around. The key will be to get stronger. An NFL anchor who doesn't get to the quarterback has to be able to bench 225 pounds more than 25 times.
Positives: Excellent size and frame to keep getting bigger … A true anchor. Held up well with everyone working around him on an all-timer of a defense … Will keep moving. Makes blockers work to the whistle.
Negatives: Not a pass rusher. Not quick enough to get into the backfield … Will be used as a wall. Won’t be asked to be a star playmaker … Still needs to get bigger.

4. Ziggy Hood, Missouri 6-3, 300
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 6
Post-Combine Skinny: "Ziggy" came up with one of the better Combines of all the tackles. Everyone knew he was strong, but the 34 lifts in the weight room was still impressive. The real shocker came in the 40 ... the 4.89 was special. Combine the basic skills with his hustle and he's shooting up the charts.
Positives: Always working. A try-hard player who makes plays on hustle … Wants to be good. Will work to make himself a player … Extremely tough. Can’t get him off the field.
Negatives: Not an athlete. He’s not going to get to the quarterback … Not quite big or bulky enough to be an anchor … A limited upside. He isn’t going to get much better.

5. Jarron Gilbert, San Jose State 6-6, 288
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 11
Post-Combine Skinny: One of the stars of the show, Gilbert proved he could be a big end or an athletic tackle by running a stunning 4.87 and benching the 225 pounds 28 times. He was quick, explosive, and looked like the type of player who could wreak havoc in a variety of ways.
Positives: An end who could be a quick tackle, or a tackle who could be a strong end … Always in the backfield. Always … Got a lot bigger without losing any athleticism.
Negatives: Has to prove he can handle himself on a regular basis against better competition … Has to find a role. Versatility isn’t necessarily a plus here unless he finds a role and does one thing well at an NFL level.

6. Ron Brace, Boston College 6-3, 330
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 5
Post-Combine Skinny: While his teammate, B.J. Raji, remained the top tackle prospect, Brace showed that he can be just as much of a brick wall against the run. He checked in at a huge 330 pounds, and he ran a glacier slow 5.52, but he came up with 32 bench presses.
Positives: Extremely quick for his size … Can play just about anywhere on the line at any time. Could be a huge end in a 3-4 … Really tough. Can’t be blocked by one player on a regular basis.
Negatives: Not a pass rusher despite his athleticism … Weight has to be held in check. He can’t get any bigger … Concerns about a back problem.

7. Sen’Derrick Marks, Auburn 6-2, 306
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 4
Post-Combine Skinny: While he bulked up a bit to be more of a true tackle than a big end, he struggled to look smooth. He didn't lift, but he ran a nice 5.03 in the 40. He didn't do enough to up his stock.
Positives: Quick enough to be an end, tough enough to play tackle … Ultra-productive. Was the focus of everyone’s blocking scheme … Can really, really move.
Negatives: Might not have a true position. Needs to figure out exactly what he is … Short. Doesn’t have much room to get any bigger or stronger … Not a No. 1 DT. Will need someone bigger and stronger next to him.

8. Terrance Taylor, Michigan 6-0, 306
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 8
Post-Combine Skinny: He checked in at a smaller than expected 306 pounds on a 6-0 frame, but the squatty Wolverine was the star of the weight room show benching the 225 pounds 37 times. He did his off-season work to get ready for this, and it showed.
Positives: Put him in the middle of the line and let him eat up space … A pure nose tackle who could be an anchor … Tough and respected leader.
Negatives: Didn’t improve. Didn’t grow into anything special as a senior … Short and squatty. Not huge, even at 320 pounds … Has to keep weight in check. A bit doughy.

9. Vance Walker, Georgia Tech 6-2, 304
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 9
Post-Combine Skinny: He wasn't as athletic as expected. While the 29 reps on the bench might not seem all that impressive, it was a great lift for a player with 35" arms. He was slow in the 40 and didn't move quite as well as he does on the field.
Positives: Elite quickness for a tackle … Always moving. Great in pursuit … Very good at shedding blocks and making things happen.
Negatives: He’ll have to find the right fit … Not bulky. Can’t be used as a nose tackle for extended stretches … Doesn’t have room to get much bigger.

10. Alex Magee, Purdue 6-3, 298
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 10
Post-Combine Skinny: Somewhat quietly, Magee came up with a nice all-around workout. He moved well, cam up with 30 reps, and ran a nice 5.07 in the 40. He didn't boost his stock like some others did, but he solidified his place in the third round.
Positives: Can play end or tackle … Ideal for a 3-4 scheme … Will be way too quick for many NFL interior offensive linemen.
Negatives: Needs work on his technique … Doesn’t always play up to his size and talent … Will get pushed around when focused on.

11. Myron Pryor, Kentucky 6-0, 319
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 12
Post-Combine Skinny: Call it a spotty workout. Everyone seems to love Pryor for being such a force in SEC play, and he was able to run a solid 5.05, but he didn't lift and he wasn't quite as smooth as expected. He'll make his money on the tape of his 2008 season.
Positives: Excellent veteran who saw it all in SEC play … A playmaker. A disruptive force … Really tough and really quick against the run.
Negatives: Short. Might be limited in where he can be put … Not quite strong enough to be a true NFL anchor … Won’t do too much to get into the backfield at the next level.

12. Roy Miller, Texas 6-1, 310
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 15
Post-Combine Skinny: He did exactly what he needed to do. For a prospect who's bread will be buttered on his strength and his ability to hold up on the inside, the 36 reps in the weight room was key. He was smooth enough to look like more than a brick wall and he ran relatively well.
Positives: Vastly underrated producer because he wasn’t as flashy as others on the Longhorn line … Tough. Wants to eat up the run … Willing to do anything. A football player.
Negatives: A try-hard type without the raw skills to be a star … Not quick. Will have to be used as a run stopper … Will be erased at times by big, athletic NFL blockers.

13. Ricky-Jean Francois, LSU 6-3, 295
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 7
Post-Combine Skinny: While he didn't run, the 25 times he lifted isn't good enough for a player known for his strength against the run. His strength is more functional than weight room.
Positives: He has “it.” The skills are there to be special … Extremely strong and did it without maximizing his potential … Massive upside as a pass rusher or as an anchor against the run.
Negatives: Superstar high school prospect who never lived up to the hype … Major character and maturity issues … Has all the skills, but doesn’t use them all and doesn’t have a great motor.

14. George Hypolite, Colorado 6-1, 290
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 13
Post-Combine Skinny: Wasn't At The Combine
Positives: Ultra-productive considering he didn’t get much help … A leader. The Buff defense worked around him. The unquestioned main man … Very quick, very tough.
Negatives: Not big. Barely 6-1 and won’t get too much bigger … Not quite strong enough to make up for his size … Not an elite athlete.

15. Dorrell Scott, Clemson 6-4, 312
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 14
Post-Combine Skinny: He did a good job. He lifted well (29 times), ran better (a 4.95), and looked every bit like the type of prospect who could hang around a line for a decade. If his conditioning is a question, he came through strong in Indy.
Positives: Looks the part. Has the size, frame, and skills to be special … Can’t be blocked by just one player on a regular basis … Polished. Ready to step in and produce.
Negatives: Does he really want to be a star? … Doesn’t necessarily have the high motor and needs to be more fit … While he was good in college, he never quite put it all together.

16. Darryl Richard, Georgia Tech  6-3, 303
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 16
Post-Combine Skinny: Known for his strength as a player, the 17 reps on the bench was a major negative. He's not known for his speed and quickness, so he has to show he can do something well at the NFL level.
Positives: Rock steady. Lunchpail type who’ll work well next to a top tackle … Gets moving. Will find ways to get to the ball on hustle … Strong. Holds up well. Great size.
Negatives: Limited athleticism … Not fast or particularly quick … he won’t get into the backfield on a regular basis.

17. Marlon Favorite, LSU 6-1, 310
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 17
Post-Combine Skinny: Wasn't At The Combine
Positives: Always moving. Fights to get into the backfield … A leader. Good character … Will work to make himself better.
Negatives: Never quite lived up to his immense prep hype … Doesn’t have room to get any bigger in a positive way … Didn’t produce enough despite having an NFL line around him.

18. Corvey Irvin, Georgia   6-3, 301
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 18
Post-Combine Skinny: He needed to come in and give the scouts something to get excited about, and he didn't. He wasn't smooth and he only came up with 24 reps. However, the 5.0 in the 40 was a nice surprise considering he's not considered much of an athlete.
Positives: NFL body … Excellent upside with the potential to be a steady starter … Good mover. Decent at working his way into the backfield.
Negatives: Isn’t a closer. Not an elite athlete … Won’t get to the quarterback at the NFL level … Struggles at shedding blocks.

19. Demonte Bolden, Tennessee 6-4, 282
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 19
Post-Combine Skinny: Everyone knows he can move, and he showed it off with a good 5.01 in the 40 and he was smooth. However, he didn't lift and he appeared to look like he still needs to hit the weights.
Positives: Very quick, very athletic … Has room to get much bigger and much stronger … Big-time upside. If he can add bulk and keep his athleticism, look out.
Negatives: Not big enough yet … Always trying to make big plays, and that’s not always a good thing. Needs to make more of the routine plays … Needs technique work to be a regular NFL tackle.

20. Terrance Knighton, Temple 6-3, 321
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 20
Post-Combine Skinny: The Owl came in big; he did his work to beef up and it showed. Even so, he was surprisingly quick, jumped well, and did enough to make some noise as a possible sleeper.
Positives: Great NFL body with upside to get bigger … Good producer. Good veteran leader … Nice athleticism. Will get moving and will make plays.
Negatives: Needs to find a home. He’s not a true NFL tackle … Has to work on doing more to get into the backfield against top interior linemen … Not strong enough to overpower an NFL guard.

21. John Gill, Northwestern 6-3, 300
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 21
Post-Combine Skinny: Wasn't At The Combine
Positives: Great size. A true-space eater on the inside … Productive. Found ways to make plays in all phases … Decent burst. Will get into the backfield.
Negatives: Not all that athletic even with his stats … Doesn’t have special NFL skills outside of his size … Not much upside.

22. Clinton McDonald, Memphis 6-1, 275
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 22
Post-Combine Skinny: Wasn't At The Combine
Positives: Great interior pass rusher … Too quick for most interior linemen. Fast ... Good leader. Was the main man for the Tiger defense … Very tough.
Negatives: Size. Simply doesn’t have the bulk … Puffed up linebacker at tackle. Not necessarily an end … Will have to be a specialist.

23. Ra’Shon Harris, Oregon 6-4, 298
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 24
Post-Combine Skinny: Harris came in leaner and more athletic, running well, moving fine, and coming up with a strong 4.99 in the 40. The 28 reps, considering he's known more for his athleticism, was good enough. It's going to take a scouting department to do a little work, and a coaching staff to use a little motivation, but Harris could be a steal on the second day.
Positives: Big body with great upside … Strong. Tough shove around against power blockers … Anchor potential.
Negatives: Needs to show he wants to be an NFL player … Not an every down defender. Doesn’t always to full tilt … Has to prove it. Had one good year.

24. Sammie Lee Hill, Stillman 6-4, 329
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 23
Post-Combine Skinny: It's all about his size. He ran a not that bad 5.15, but the 27 reps on the bench wasn't all that impressive. He's got the bulk, and now he has to show he can use it in a positive way.
Positives: HUGE … Very big and shockingly mobile for his size … Really strong. Looks like he should’ve been playing for a big-time school.
Negatives: Obvious competition question marks … Will need a lot of technique work. A LOT … Needs to get moving more. Might need a fire lit under him.

25. Adrian Grady, Louisville 6-1, 298
Pre-Combine Position Rank: 25
Post-Combine Skinny: Considering he's known for his quickness for his size, the 5.23 40 was way slow. He was lumbering and wasn't quite as big as some of the other prospects. The 31 reps were solid.
Positives: Good size and quickness .. Will always get moving to make plays … Productive when healthy. If he was 100% throughout his career, he’d be a first day pick.
Negatives: Health. Was rarely a full strength … Not enough of a pass rusher … Doesn’t necessarily look the part. Not a prototype.

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