Defensive Line Gap Attackers Wanted

Travis Jones, Connecticut

A nose tackle and defensive tackle, built more along the lines of the current Bears defensive linemen at 6-foot-5, 333 pounds and more suited to nose or 3-4 end like Akiem Hicks. Jones is from a program which has produced more and more NFL players. He is fast and powerful, but needs some technique refinement according to NFL Draft Bible. They have rated him the 10th best interior defensive lineman in the draft and consider him a late-round pick.

Haskell Garrett, Ohio State

At 6-2, 300, he is more along the lines of the classic size for a three technique, though a bit lacking in lower body strength according to NFLDB. He played three technique for the Buckeyes and finished his college career with 10 tackles, 2 1/2 for loss. Because of his perceived need for lower body strength, he's regarded 13th best IDL in the draft by NFLDB.

Otito Ogbonnia, UCLA

Good size (6-4, 320) and strength, and NFLDB notes his ability to split double teams with a nice swim move. They see him overall as lacking speed off the ball. It shows in his inabiilty to finish rushes. NFLDB sees a player with average "lower body flexibility." He had 4 1/2 sacks and 8 1/2 tackles for loss in his four seasons. He does have a good knack for using his height and reach to knock down passes as he had six pass breakups. Mathis is the kind of player any team likes because he is an outstanding citizen and team leader, but will probably fit better in a 3-4 because his strength is gap control. Rated the sixth-best interior defensive line prospect by NFLDB.

American Team Defensive Tackles

Phidarian Mathis, Alabama

A player who flashes the ability to dominate at times but doesn't consistently hit this high mark as a 6-4, 320-pounder. He's more of a defensive end in the 3-4 but has some ability to get in gaps and be a three technique. He has great power and ability to take on double teams, which translates well to a 3-4 defense. NFL Draft Bible sees a lack of explosiveness and a "below-average bull rush."

John Ridgeway III, Arkansas

Another home-grown Illinois interior defensive lineman, he played four years at ISU after playing high school ball in Bloomington, Ill. At 6-6, 320, his best fit might be in a 3-4 as a nose but NFLDB sees some hope for him as a three technique because of his power and speed, and the kind of quickness it takes to shoot gaps.  Made three sacks and 12 tackles for loss for his career.

Zachary Carter, Florida

Tweener weight at 285 pounds, he stands 6-foot-4 so there are some who think his best fit is a 4-3 end. He has moved between end and tackle in college so some teams might like his versatility. NFL Draft Bible considers him the seventh best interior defensive lineman in the draft. He shoots gaps well using his quickness but his lack of strength hinders His hand usage and speed is also a strength. Highly productive, he finished college with 17 sacks and 26 tackles for loss. 

Devonte Wyatt, Georgia

A potential starter in the NFL at three technique and the fourth-best interior defensive lineman in this draft but only the third best on his own defensive line, according to NFLDB. At 6-3, 315, he has that one most coveted quality for a three technique and it is a very quick first step. He has good size for a defensive tackle and produces "splash plays," according to NFLDB. However, consistency is lacking and he had only five sacks and 12 tackles for loss in four years. NFLDB suggests he'll be a situational player, but then again that's how many players are used on the line now. His inability to anchor well against double teams and his high pad level make him a better fit in the 4-3 than the 3-4. .

Neil Farrel Jr., LSU

An underachiever considering his ideal weight and height, but NFLDB blames this on his "very short" arms. He does have ability to penetrate and explode in a way that allows him to stack blockers but he lacks athleticism to finish many plays. He's regarded only as the 30th best interior defensive lineman because of his lack of impact plays.