NFL Scouting Combine: Defensive Lineman Recap
The big fellas on the defensive line wrapped up their workouts. The group as a whole is a deep one with a potential J.J. Watt and Haloti Ngata type of impact. Danny Shelton is a 339 pound nose tackle who has been compared to Ngata. Shelton didn’t impress teams with his slow 40 times, but throws grown men for fun so who really cares. A teams success starts up front and drafting the right player can go a long way to getting to the quarterback. Here is the list of players who impressed me in Indy.
STOCK RISING:
1. Leonard Williams (USC)
Williams is the best prospect in the entire draft. The big man from USC has the best chance to be the next J.J. Watt. The Stanford game confirmed his status as the draft’s top prospect. Playing the game on one leg due to a ankle sprain, Williams recorded 11 tackles and a sack in a 13-10 win. I would be shocked if the Titans passed on him come April.
Here is the highlight of his workout
2. Anthony Chickillo (Miami)
An explosive defensive end from Miami is vastly under rated. Chickillo will be a perfect defensive end in a 4-3 scheme. While he hasn’t lived up to his 5 star recruit status, a great senior bowl and combine showed his potential. Chickillo also had one of the best 10 yard splits showing off his great initial explosion.
STOCK FALLING:
1. Carl Davis (Iowa)
The senior bowl practice MVP wasn’t very impressive. Davis showed fatigue which is bad sign for a man whose motor is often questioned. A team would be foolish to waste a first round pick on him. A lack of on field productivity and streaks of laziness have red flags surrounding the former Hawkeye.
Player I need to do more homework on:
- Owamagbe Odighizuwa (UCLA)
One of the fastest risers in the draft is Owamagbe Odighizuwa. His scheme versatility and ripped body physique is pushing him up draft boards. His raw technique and his one year wonder status makes him a player I need to look into further.
Defpen Defensive Lineman Rankings
1. Leonard Williams (USC)
2. Danny Shelton (Washington)
3. Mario Edwards Jr (Florida State)
4. Arik Armstead (Oregon)
5. Michael Bennett (Ohio State)
