The 2012 NFL Draft is behind us and we begin to look forward. Instead of boring you with pointless 2012 NFL Draft grades we will turn our focus to the 2013 NFL Draft. If you were wondering, my grades for every team are as follows, wait and see. For all we know Jacksonville’s 3rd round punter will be an immediate Pro Bowler and the Browns 3rd round reach on John Hughes will turn out to be a stud. We break down the rearview mirror today and look forward at the grunts on the offensive and defensive line over the next two weeks. Today we look at the defensive tackle class.
1. Johnathan Hankins, Ohio St.*
Height: 6-4 Weight: 318
Big Hank is a scary force in the middle. He gets very little national attention but has consistently been among the top DT’s in the Big Ten since his freshman season. He’s big and athletic which is a needed commodity in the middle of the defense. I would look for another solid season during his junior season and rise up draft boards, possibly into the top ten. Hankins has trimmed down this offseason from as high as 335 pounds to 318.
2. Star Lotuleilei, Utah
Height: 6-4 Weight: 325
Lotuleilei won the Morris Trophy as the top Pac 12 defensive lineman in 2011. He returned to the Utes for his senior season and looks primed to garner some top 15 attention this season.
3. Kawann Short, Purdue
Height: 6-3 Weight: 310
Short is a disruptor in the middle of the defense. He tallied 17 TFL and 6.5 sacks during his junior campaign and will be a contender for the LOTT Trophy this season. Short’s ability to play multiple positions should make him a very valuable commodity come next April.
4. Sharrif Floyd, Florida*
Height: 6-3 Weight: 305
This one is based solely on potential. Floyd has the ability to be a disruptive 3T in the NFL. Unfortunately, he hasn’t produced as much on the field at Florida as was expected out of a highly recruited DT. Floyd’s off-the-field issues have marked him in a negative way and he will look to rebound during his junior season.
5. Jesse Williams, Alabama
Height: 6-4 Weight: 320
The Brisbane, Australia native is still learning the game which is a scary proposition for Alabama opponents. Williams help anchor the top run defense in the country last season and looks prime for a breakout senior season.
6. Kwame Geathers, Georgia*
Height: 6-6 Weight: 328
Geathers slimmed down this spring and drew the praises of his coaching staff. He forms a giant wall in the middle of the UGA defense with John Jenkins. The junior should garner some solid attention on what should be a very good defensive front seven.
7. Johnathan Jenkins, Georgia
Height: 6-3 Weight: 350
The other half of the Georgia duo comes with some solid production. Jenkins is a massive force that netted 28 tackles and 3 sacks during his junior campaign.
8. Bennie Logan, LSU*
Height: 6-3 Weight: 290
Logan is a bit of a tweener at this point in his career and would do well to add some quality weight to his frame. He’s a 3T only at this point that needs to get stronger at the point of attack. Logan was impressive in 2011 playing alongside Michael Brockers as he finished with 57 tackles, 6.5 TFL, and 3 sacks.
9. Sylvester Williams, North Carolina
Height: 6-3 Weight: 320
Williams put up solid numbers during his junior campaign when he racked up 54 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 7 TFL. Williams possesses the size and strength to be a force in the middle at the next level. He needs some work on technique issues but the talent is there.
10. Baker Steinkuhler, Nebraska
Height: 6-6 Weight: 290
Steinkuhler is most likley headed to a move to the outside in the NFL. He has prototypical 5T size and should find himself a home on day two to a 3-4 team.
