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. Read the rest of this entry » «2013 NFL Draft Position by Position Rankings – Defensive Tackles»