Draft’s top defensive prospects at all three levels
The Appeal’s wire service, Tribune News Service, takes a look at all three levels of defense today for the start of the NFL Draft in Las Vegas.
Welcome to draft season. Here are my top 10 defensive tackles:
— 1. Jordan Davis (Sr., Georgia, 6-foot-6, 341 pounds)
Imagine if your refrigerator came to life and could beat you in a foot race. Davis’ 4.78-second 40-yard dash in Indy suggests there’s some potential as a pass disruptor in the NFL. The Outland (top interior lineman) and Bednarik trophy (top defensive player) winner is an immovable object who could anchor a run defense for years to come. Projected: Round 1
— 2. Devonte Wyatt (Sr., Georgia, 6-2, 304)
Wyatt was dominant at the Senior Bowl and showcased his explosive athleticism at the combine. His first step is as good as it gets in this draft class. He ran a sub-11-second 100-meter dash in high school at 280 pounds. Projected: Round 1
— 3. Travis Jones (Sr., Connecticut, 6-4, 325)
Jones was a three-star recruit at guard in 2018. He is a space-eating nose tackle, but there’s potential for more. He produced 25 pressures from the interior last season and was voted the top defensive tackle on the National team during Senior Bowl practices. Projected: Rounds 1-2
— 4. Perrion Winfrey (Sr., Oklahoma, 6-3, 290)
Winfrey earned MVP honors during the Senior Bowl after a dominant week of practice. He features an explosive first step with violent hands as a pass rusher. Projected: Rounds 2-3
— 5. Phidarian Mathis (Sr., Alabama, 6-4, 310)
Mathis was the emotional leader of the Crimson Tide. He has the ability to play all three downs, contributing as a pass rusher and a run defender from various spots along the defensive line. Projected: Rounds 2-3
— 6. Demarvin Leal (Jr., Texas A&M, 6-3, 283)
Leal features insideoutside versatility and explosiveness, but will need to work on becoming an asset against the run after not taking a step forward his junior season. His immense potential never fully materialized in college — he was the
No. 2 defensive tackle in the 2019 recruiting class. Projected: Rounds 2-3
— 7. Matthew Butler (Sr., Tennessee, 6-3, 297)
Butler was a three-year starter and team captain for the Volunteers who made a leap from his junior to senior season where the production finally started to match the physical traits. Projected: Rounds 3-5
— 8. John Ridgeway (Sr., Arkansas, 6-5, 321)
Ridgeway was a four-year letterman in wrestling, winning the state championship his senior year. After four solid years at Fcs-level Illinois State, he arrived in Fayetteville in 2021 and didn’t look out of place against better competition in the SEC. Projected: Rounds 3-5
— 9. Thomas Booker (Sr., Stanford, 6-3, 301)
If Georgia’s Davis and Wyatt didn’t exist, we’d be raving more about what Booker did in Indy. He’s a highly intelligent, twoyear team captain with explosive athletic traits and scheme versatility who would make a solid developmental selection on Day 3. He blocked three extra-point attempts in his career. Projected: Rounds 5-6
— 10. Eyioma Uwazurike (Sr., Iowa State, 6-6, 316)
Uwazurike’s size, athleticism and versatility is a defensive line coaches dream. He played in the second-most games in school history (60), including five bowl games and blocked a field goal in each of the past two seasons. Projected: Rounds 4-5
— BONUS. Neil Farrell Jr. (Sr., LSU, 6-4, 330)
Farrell exhibits surprising quickness for a nose tackle and showcases excellent vision while tracking running backs in the backfield. He has a history of foot and ankle issues. Projected: Rounds 4-6
— BONUS. Haskell Garrett (Sr., Ohio State, 6-2, 300)
Garrett is a prototypical 3-technique tackle with a quick first step and the ability to penetrate from the interior. Projected: Rounds 5-7
— BONUS. Eric Johnson (Sr., Missouri State, 6-4, 299)
Johnson was a no-star defensive end recruit out of high school who became a five-year starter for the Bears. Impressive performances at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and Senior Bowl created buzz around the league. Power and explosive athleticism make him an intriguing prospect. He recorded four blocked kicks in his career (two field goals and two extrapoint attempts). Projected: Rounds 4-7
Top 10 linebackers
— 1. Devin Lloyd
(Sr., Utah, 6-foot-2, 237 pounds)
Lloyd was a threestar safety in the 2017 recruiting class, before morphing into a playmaking linebacker for the Utes. He can rush the passer (eight sacks in 2021), impact the run game (second in FBS with 22 tackles for loss) and make plays in coverage — he had four interceptions last season. The two-time team captain should never have to leave the field in the NFL. Lloyd’s combine testing compared favorably to All-pro Fred Warner. Projected: Round 1
— 2. Nakobe Dean (Jr., Georgia, 5-11, 229)
Murmurings about
Dean’s size not translating well to the next level have hurt his draft stock a bit. It certainly didn’t hurt the Butkus Award winner in the SEC — he won the same award in high school as the nation’s top linebacker — where the tape showed a dynamic blitzer who is capable of making plays all over the field. Projected: Rounds 1-2
— 3. Chad Muma (Sr., Wyoming, 6-2, 239)
If Skynet created a tackling machine, it would be modeled after Muma, the best tackler in this draft class. Defensive coordinators covet his size/speed combo at the MIKE linebacker position in the NFL. Projected: Round 2
— 4. Leo Chenal (Jr., Wisconsin, 6-2, 250)
A big linebacker who is relatively light on his feet, Chenal needs refinement in coverage, but his size and speed, combined with his instincts against the run create an enticing package. There’s upside as a pass rusher here as well with his combine numbers screaming poor man’s Micah Parsons. Projected: Rounds 2-3
— 5. Quay Walker (Sr., Georgia, 6-3, 241)
Walker is a competent run defender who is still developing his instincts, but he shines against the pass with an excellent understanding for zone coverage. He moves like a slot corner, but features prototypical size for the position. Projected: Round 2
— 6. Christian Harris
(Jr., Alabama, 6-0, 226)
Harris finished off a very productive season with his top individual performance coming in the national championship game against Georgia. He had seven tackles (four tackles for loss) and three sacks. He played receiver and defensive back in high school, but started at linebacker as a true freshman for Nick Saban, which speaks to his overall talent and coachability. Projected: Rounds 2-3
— 7. Troy Andersen (Sr., Montana State, 6-3, 243)
Andersen was productive at quarterback, running back and linebacker for the Bobcats. Not many players in college football history have led their team in passing, rushing and total tackles in three different seasons. His athleticism pops every time you see him. He absolutely dominated at the FCS level (including a standout performance in a 52-10 rout of San Diego in 2021) and was impressive during Senior Bowl week. The fly in the ointment is durability concerns with past knee and shoulder issues. Projected: Rounds 2-3
— 8. Darrian Beavers
(Sr., Cincinnati, 6-3, 243)
Beavers is a true SAM (strong side) linebacker. He’s capable of erasing tight ends in coverage due to his supersized athleticism. There’s pass rush upside here as well. In 62 career games with Uconn and the Bearcats, he played safety, linebacker and edge rusher. Projected: Rounds 3-4
— 9. Brian Asamoah (Jr., Oklahoma, 6-0, 226)
Asamoah is undersized, but he possesses sidelineto-sideline range. It’s clear the game finally slowed down for him in 2021, which means there could be another level here. Projected: Rounds 3-4
— 10. Channing Tindall (Sr., Georgia, 6-1, 230)
Tindall’s a special athlete who tested better than most of the wide receivers at the combine. He didn’t receive notable playing time until his senior season and didn’t start a single game for the Bulldogs in four years. Projected: Rounds 2-3
— BONUS. Brandon Smith (Jr., Penn State, 6-3, 250)
The former five-star recruit (top inside linebacker in the 2019 recruiting class) needs to fine tune his tackling technique, but his combination of size, athleticism and coverage skills is impressive. Projected: Rounds 3-5 — BONUS. Damone Clark (Sr., LSU, 6-2, 239)
Clark’s size, athleticism and versatility (he can play all three linebacker spots) would’ve likely made him a day two pick. He has all the tools and physicality to become an elite run defender, but will need to improve in coverage. Clark underwent spinal fusion surgery after an MRI at the combine revealed a herniated disc and he is expected to miss his rookie season. Projected: Rounds 4-7
Top 10 cornerbacks
— 1. Ahmad Gardner (Jr., Cincinnati, 6-foot-2, 190 pounds)
Gardner made it through the playoff loss to Alabama unscathed. He played 1,100-plus snaps in his collegiate career and produced nine interceptions (two pick-sixes) with zero touchdowns allowed. “Sauce” will be the first Bearcats prospect selected in the first round since 1971 (Bob Bell). Projected: Top 10
— 2. Derek Stingley Jr. (Jr., LSU, 6-0, 190)
Stingley features rare ball-tracking skills that make him a threat to take the ball away anytime it’s in his vicinity. In 2019, as an 18-year-old, he produced one of the most impressive true freshman seasons in college football history. Durability has been a concern ever since. Projected: Top 10
— 3. Trent Mcduffie (Jr., Washington, 5-10, 193)
Mcduffie plays bigger than his 5-10 frame. He’s one of the surest tacklers at the position in this draft class and his instincts are elite. Projected: Round 1
— 4. Kaiir Elam (Jr., Florida, 6-1, 191)
Elam is a big corner with elite ball skills who fine-tuned his technique after an underwhelming sophomore season. His game is built on speed and physicality, which you normally don’t see in the same toolkit. His father (Abe) played eight seasons in the NFL. Projected: Rounds 1-2
— 5. Roger Mccreary (Sr., Auburn, 5-11, 190)
Mccreary simply doesn’t allow much separation and he’s battle-tested out of the SEC — he led the conference with 16 passes defended in 2021. His 28 7/8-inch arms would be the shortest of a starting outside cornerback in the NFL, which will likely pigeonhole him into the slot, and likely off some draft boards entirely. Projected: Round 2
— 6. Kyler Gordon (Jr., Washington, 5-11, 194)
Gordon is an aggressive, uber-athlete who showed significant development in his technique this season, but there’s still a ways to go. He features inside/ outside versatility while his martial arts and dance background shows up in his fluid footwork. Gordon was named the Huskies’ most outstanding special teams player his freshman and sophomore season. Projected: Rounds 1-2
— 7. Coby Bryant (Sr., Cincinnati, 6-1, 193)
The 2021 Jim Thorpe Award winner (best defensive back) gets overshadowed by “Sauce” Gardner, but he held his own against Alabama, too. Bryant is an average athlete, but his ball production is impressive — 15 forced turnovers in his career (10 interceptions and five forced fumbles). He was also a four-year starter and two-time team captain. Projected: Rounds 2-3
— 8. Andrew Booth Jr. (Jr., Clemson, 6-0, 194)
Booth’s ball skills enable him to thrive while playing in press or off coverage. He exhibits physicality in defending the run, but needs to sharpen his tackling technique. There are durability concerns with multiple surgeries during his collegiate career. Projected: Rounds 1-2
— 9. Cam Taylor-britt (Sr., Nebraska, 5-10, 196)
Taylor-britt was a threeyear starter, and team captain with experience at both cornerback and safety. His speed and physicality translates to any scheme. Projected: Rounds 2-3
— 10. Marcus Jones (Sr., Houston, 5-8, 174)
Sure Jones is undersized, but the ball has an affinity for him (10 career interceptions) and he knows what to do with it when he gets his hands on it. The 2021 Paul Hornung Award winner (most versatile player) scored a touchdown four ways in college (reception, interception, kick return and punt return) and tied the NCAA record with nine career special teams touchdowns. Jones is a slot-only corner who will be a starting kick and punt returner from Day One. Projected: Rounds 2-3
— BONUS. Tariq
Woolen (Sr., UTSA, 6-4, 205)
Woolen is sashimi raw — he switched to corner his sophomore season after playing wide receiver most of his life — but his blend of size and speed (4.26 40yard dash at the combine) make him a worthy investment. Projected: Rounds 2-3
— BONUS. Zyon Mccollum (Sr., Sam Houston State, 6-2, 199)
Mccollum is a fiveyear starter (extra year of eligibility due to COVID-19) who produced a historic combine performance. The twotime team captain led the Bearkats in interceptions four of his five years while logging time at both cornerback and safety. Projected: Rounds 3-4