Sizing up the defensive linemen
Joey Bosa, 6-5, 275, 4.82, Ohio State Bosa dealt with constant double-team blocking attention last season and still generated five sacks and 16 tackles for losses. He served a suspension at Ohio State for violating team rules.
DeForest Buckner, 6-7, 290, 4.87, Oregon Buckner dominated blockers last season, piling up 10½ sacks, 17 tackles for losses and 83 tackles.
Sheldon Rankins, 6-2, 304, 4.8, Louisville Rankins had 58 tackles, 13 tackles for losses and six sacks. He excelled at the Senior Bowl, separating himself from the pack of defensive tackles.
A’Shawn Robinson, 6-3, 312, 5.1, Alabama Robinson had 46 tackles, 7½ tackles for losses and 3½ sacks last season. He has drawn comparisons to Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Michael Brockers.
Kevin Dodd, 6-4, 275, 4.84, Clemson Dodd checks several boxes with his strength, size and ability to run past offensive tackles. Dodd had 12 sacks and 23½ tackles for losses last season.
Robert Nkemdiche, 6-3, 296, 4.86, Mississippi Nkemdiche is an enigma. He is dominant, but his production is underwhelming with seven sacks and 19 tackles for losses in 34 career starts. He has every physical tool, but some NFL teams question how much Nkemdiche loves the game. Nkemdiche was involved in a high-profile incident at an Atlanta hotel room where he fell out of a window and suffered minor injuries. He was charged with a misdemeanor possession of marijuana charge.
Emmanuel Ogbah, 6-4, 273, 4.63, Oklahoma State Ogbah, who played at Fort Bend Bush, had 28 career sacks. He has the proportional build of an NFL player and is working to upgrade his pass-rushing moves.
Andrew Billings, 6-1, 310, 5.04, Baylor Strong and mobile for a big man with a stocky frame, Billings had five sacks and 15 tackles for losses last season. Billings has the brute strength to burst through centers from the nose tackle position.
Noah Spence, 6-3, 254, 4.7, Eastern Kentucky Permanently banned from the Big Ten Conference because of a pair of failed drug tests while at Ohio State, Spence revived his career at Eastern Kentucky after transferring. He was named the Ohio Valley Conference co-Defensive Player of the Year and had 11½ sacks, 22½ tackles for losses, 63 tackles and 15 quarterback hurries.
SLEEPER James Cowser, 6-3, 250, 4.68, Southern Utah An ultra-productive pass rusher, Cowser broke Jared Allen’s records with 43 career sacks and 80 tackles for losses. Although a bit undersized, Cowser has quick-twitch athleticism and a high motor.
TEXANS NEEDS The Texans could use a nose tackle for the future to develop behind veteran starter Vince Wilfork. They also have a starting job open opposite star defensive end J.J. Watt in their 3-4 defense after Jared Crick signed a two-year, $4 million deal with Denver during free agency.