4/20/22
1. Jordan Davis (Georgia)
When you think of a classic DT/NT, you picture the body type of a Jordan Davis at 6’6, 341 lbs. Davis is a true two-gapper who can really clog things up in the middle by occupying multiple Offensive Linemen, allowing LBs to run free and make plays. However, he can also make plays himself. Played Nose Tackle in Georgia’s 3-4 Defense, mainly lining up directly over the Center. For a player of his size, shows very good quickness off the ball and is able to penetrate the backfield before Offensive Linemen can get their hands on him. Was dominant against the run, using his incredible power to shed blocks and get to the ball carrier. Very good tackler for his size, does a great job of wrapping up. As sturdy as can be in the run game and does not often get moved off the line of scrimmage by Offensive Linemen. It is extremely tough to double team Davis, although I don’t recommend trying to block him with one OL either. I would like to see him improve his pass rush to become a little more of a complete player. He will be a problem in the league.
2. DeMarvin Leal (Texas A&M)
Very, very good pass rusher, Leal has shown several moves – spin, rip, chop, bull rush, and speed rush. Has proclaimed in the past that he wishes to be referred to as a DE and lined up as such in college, but definitely has enough size to play inside at 6’4, 290 lbs. Had his best year in 2021, accumulating 58 tackles and 8.5 sacks. Great athlete who moves very well when you watch his film, but his Combine numbers do not support that. Leal is another case of a player with all the physical gifts you could ask for, but there is still some development to be desired. I believe he can become an even better pass rusher and still needs to show more against the run. Does not play with great effort.
3. Devonte Wyatt (Georgia)
Wyatt is a prospect who seemed to put it all together in his final year with the Bulldogs, having his best season statistically while also leading DTs on the team in total tackles. One may think that as a DT, his best trait is his run defense, but I am really impressed with his pass rush ability – was credited with 23 QB pressures last year alone. Excellent get off. Good lateral movement, quickly knifing across the faces of OL on outside zone plays. For a true DT, Wyatt is one of the better athletes I’ve seen and runs very well. Also lined up a bit at DE earlier in his career in some pass rush situations. An overall solid player, I think whichever team selects him will be pleasantly surprised.
4. Perrion Winfrey (Oklahoma)
Winfrey is my personal favorite at the DT position in this year’s draft. Was the top ranked JUCO player in the nation before transferring to Oklahoma in 2020, symbolizing an immediate upgrade on the Sooners’ unimaginably porous defense. Affects every aspect of the game and plays with uncommon effort – he is a real difference maker. Shows relentlessness, nastiness, and physicality, all at an elite level. Most of the time, he is able to put pressure on the QB with his power alone and will certainly need to develop some more pass rush moves. Absolutely wreaks havoc in the run game and was very disruptive, causing TFLs, fumbles and safeties. If you haven’t seen Winfrey play, I suggest you get familiar with his name, as he will be one to watch in the next few years.
5. Phidarian Mathis (Alabama)
Received second team SEC and second team All American honors in 2021 in recognition of his stellar season – 12 TFLs and 9 sacks, although he flew somewhat under the radar for the majority of the season. Typical Alabama DT with great strength. Just bullies Offensive Linemen with a nice bull rush. Understands blocking angles and uses good leverage in both the run and pass game. Mathis shows aggressiveness and power, proving to be hard to move off the ball in the run game as well. Also forced several fumbles throughout his career. Although he is very talented, has not shown sustained production. If he continues to improve his play and become more consistent, I think he can be a rotation player who sees a lot of action at the DT spot.
Others to know:
Travis Jones (UCONN)
LaBryan Ray (Alabama)
Logan Hall (Houston)