Jalen Carter
The pre-draft process hasn’t been great for Jalen Carter as he’s having to deal with some off the field issues and had a poor pro day in which he wasn’t able to finish his workouts. Which has created speculation that Carter might fall out of the top five or maybe even the top 10. Putting all that aside Carter is a very talented player and has all the tools to become a star. He wins with power, finesse, in the run game and passing game which is very rare to see at the position he plays. Carters’ drawn comparisons to Aaron Donald and in my opinion the difference between the two is conditioning. In the semi-final playoff game vs Ohio State Carter struggled to keep up with the Buckeyes up tempo offense. An NFL strength and conditioning program should do Carter well and it’s the only glaring weakness he possesses. In Carters’ collegiate career he’s forced 57 hurries, 13 hits and 9 sacks.
2. Calijah Kancey
During the draft process the two most compelling words are “and” and “but”. Kancey lacks prototypical size “BUT” he’s an athletic specimen with flawless technique in the run and passing game. He’s got an immense package of moves to get to the quarterback and can adjust on the fly. He makes up for his lack of arm length with quickness and fast hands. Hands land inside the linemens’ frame and has good grip strength. I think he could improve at anchoring in the run game from time to time especially on double teams, but he’s consistently shooting the gap and finishes the play. He stays low and maintains gap discipline. Not the strongest but knows leverage which will help him combat that. Played on the outside but better suited on the inside.
3. Bryan Bresee
Breese’s had to deal with adversity both on and off the field. In 2021 he tore his ACL in his right knee. In 2022 his sister Ella passed away from brain cancer. Bresee also missed time due to a kidney infection. He’s came back from that and shown some impressive traits on film. Later in the season his athleticism slowly started coming back to him. It was on full display at the combine showing impressive bend and flexibility. On film Bresee plays straight up which limits his power and leaves him susceptible to be being controlled at the point of attack. He’s not great in the run game or on double teams and you wonder how he can hold up after the injury. Play style seemed basic with occasional technique but showed improvement in Orange Bowl. Last game of his college career he showed technique, finesse and creativity (setting up tackle with sidestep). Overall I think Bresee is going to develop nicely where we question why he didn’t go round one. Mostly because you don’t find many defensive tackles with his size and raw talent.
4. Keanu Benton
Benton possesses prototypical size at the defensive tackle position and loves the club move to go along with the rip. Occasional swim move at times which works well for him and is quick to shoot the gap. At times will hand fight to win but will also try to rely on pure strength. Struggles to find anchor against double teams and on stretch runs. Would love for him to have extended his arms on power rushes and use the bull rush more often. Will most likely serve as a nose tackle in the NFL. Inconsistent pad level, hand placement and gets off balance on runs to sideline. Will over pursue or get driven back leaving back door lane open for rb.
5. Dante Stills
Stills is undersized but he’s stronger than given credit for and eats up space. Making him a very effective run defender. At 286 lbs he’ll most definitely have to add more strength going up against stronger competition in the NFL. Quick and shoots the gap in a hurry. Worry how adding weight might impact his quickness and burst. Stout run defender who anchors and firmly holds the gap. Textbook tackling form (head to side, drive, wrap) and wraps up. Can bend the corner nicely for his size. Still needs to develop pass rush moves but wins with swim and rip in run defense which is promising. A diamond in the rough based on his talent, traits and current projection.
6. Mazi Smith
On tape Smith doesn’t show great athleticism or quickness. Smith can pressure the quarterback and become an immovable force in the run game. He’s got slow get off and quickness. Most of his pass rush wins come from him getting the linemen off balance and attacking their leverage. Really effective swim move. Uses the rip move but stiffness prevents him from collapsing the pocket. Exceptional strength and firm base. Lack of creativity with his pass rush.
7. Moro Ojomo
Ojomo excels in the run game and does a tremendous job of maintaining his gap discipline. His 34 inch arms help him control the offensive linemen and create pressure inside. Although his bull rushes are going to need work when rushing the passer form the interior. Doesn’t provide much when rushing from the outside or have a go to move. Anchors in the run game and it takes a lot to move him off his platform when his anchor is steady. He’s got really good play strength and could add more to a solid frame. What caps his pass rush skills from either side is his hips are really stiff. Hands and hand placement are pretty erratic.
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