I get into my Top 10 Defensive Tackle prospects for the 2024 #NFL #Draft

Get access to ALL of my positional rankings and exclusive Draft Content on my Patreon at
  / thatfranchiseguy  

Information:
GRADING SCALE (OVR)
8.0 Perfect Prospect
7.5 Day 1 Perennial All-Pro
7.3 Day 1 High End Starter And Likely All-Pro
7.0 Day 1 Quality Starter And Potential All-Pro
6.9 Day 1 Starter With All Pro Upside
6.8 Day 1 Starter With High End Starter Upside
6.6 Day 1 Starter - Unlikely High End Starter
6.5 Day 1 Developmental Starter (More Boom Or Bust)
6.3-6.4 Likely Starter Within First Two Seasons
6.1-6.2 Day 1 Backup With Starter Upside
6.0 Day 1 Backup / Special Teamer - Developmental Traits Based Prospect
5.8-5.9 Day 1 Backup / Special Teamer - Limited Physical Upside
5.5-5.6 Day 1 Roster Bubble or Practice Squader
5.4 Priority Free Agent
5.0 Chance To Be In An NFL Camp
Under 5.0 Needs Time In A Developmental League

IDL Traits

Agility: Lateral explosiveness to change lanes and footspeed to assist in block sheds

Getoff: Physical and technical ability to come off the ball and get on top of blockers in a hurry

Power Rush: Physical and technical ability to win with power including but not limited to Bull, Push & Pull, and Rip Rush Moves

Finesse Rush: Physical and technical ability to win with finesse including but not limited to Swim, Spin, and Side to Side Counters

Block Shedding: Ability to combine strong hands with quick feet to come off of blocks in a timely manner  

Run Diagnostics: The total combination of the player's ability to see the run, know where the runner is attempting to go, and to react when run stop opportunities present themselves all while maintaining the correct gap discipline as to not allow cut backs or bounce runs

Anchor: Player's ability to hold his ground vertically against the run; players with the ability to hold their ground against double teams will receive higher grades  

IDL Scheme Fits

3-Tech: Defensive Tackle who lacks the size and anchor to hold up as a Nose Tackle and consistently take on double teams.

Nose Tackle: Defensive Tackle with size who can lign up over the center or as an outside shade, handle double teams without losing ground, and command two gaps up front. This may or may not be a run-down only player depending on the level of pass rusher he is and the scheme he ends up in.

3-4 End: A specific brand of Interior player who lacks the size and/or tools to project as a 3-down starter, a 3-Tech or a Nose Tackle but has a specific use as a base end for 3-4 style teams and may or may not be able to rotate in as an interior rusher on pass rushing downs.

2-Down*: Excels in run defense and may have a role as a rotational player on early downs but doesn't necessarily have the size to project as a Nose Tackle. This player is likely to struggle generating pass rush at the next level due to any lack of any combining factors and will likely not become a 3-down starter in the NFL.

DPR*: Typically an explosive player who lacks discipline or play strength vs the run. Best used on passing downs only to help create pressure.

Hybrid DE*: Tweener type of D-lineman best utilized as a Defensive End in a traditional 3-4 scheme. Smaller and quicker than traditional IDL to the point that the player may be best used as an early down EDGE player in 4-3 schemes. May have any combination of length, ability to defend the run, and pass rushing skills but their size profile makes them a complicated projection in terms of usage and position.