Defensive Line

DL

Position Analysis: MARK ECKEL

01 LEVI ONWUZURIKE, Washington

02 CHRISTIAN BARMORE, Alabama

03 DAVIYON NIXON, Iowa

04 TOMMY TOGIAI, Ohio State

05 TYLER SHELVIN, LSU

06 JAY TUFELE, USC

07 MARVIN WILSON, Florida State

08 OSA ODIGHIZUWA, UCLA

09 DARIUS STILLS, West Virginia

10 JAYLEN TWYMAN, Pitt

11 ALIM MCNEILL, NC State

12 TEDARRELL SLATON, Florida

13 MARLON TUIPULOTU, USC

14 TA’QUON GRAHAM, Texas

15 BOBBY BROWN, Texas A&M

16 NAQUAN JONES, Michigan State

17 KHYIRIS TONGA, BYU

18 CARLO KEMP, Michigan

19 JORDAN SCOTT, Oregon

20 MILTON WILLIAMS, Louisiana Tech

1

Height: 6’3” Weight: 290 lbs. Wingspan: 80 1/8” Arm: 33”

PRO DAY:

Vertical: 30” Broad: 109” Bench: 29 reps 40-yard: 4.85

2019 STATS: *DNP 2020

45 tackles 2 sacks

IN A NUTSHELL:

Onwuzurike played his high school football at Allen High School in Texas, the same high school that produced Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, the No. 1 selection of the 2019 draft. Levi had offers from Georgia and Michigan, as well as in-state programs Baylor and TCU. He chose to go west to the Pac-12 and Washington to follow another highly prized defensive tackle in Vita Vea, a 2018 first-round pick of Tampa Bay. When he decided to opt out of the 2020 season due to Covid-19 concerns, it gave him a chance to ready himself for the 2021 draft. He did choose to partake in some Senior Bowl activities (one day of work) and impressed enough to help his stock among a less-than-stellar group of defensive tackles in this class.

vs. Run: As a run defender, there were never any questions. He has exceptional leverage and is extremely disciplined in his technique and in gap control, which makes him a tough task for an offensive lineman to handle one-on-one. Again, in his brief Senior Bowl work he was very hard to handle by the offensive linemen and actually dominated at times.

vs. Pass: There were questions about Onwuzurike’s ability as a pass-rusher, but his overall athleticism, quickness, and a good first step could have him develop into an intriguing passrush threat, especially if he gets the proper coaching at the next level. In his one day of work in Mobile, he showed just that, as he was extremely disruptive on the interior of the line. Right now, that’s what he is: a disruptor. He needs to become more of a finisher and a producer to succeed in the NFL.

SCOUTS SAY:

“This isn’t a great group [of defensive tackles] by any stretch, but in my opinion he’s the best of the lot,” an NFC scout said. “He’s the most athletic. He beats blockers, and he never stops going. I think there is a lot of upside there.” … “I liked what I saw from him at the Senior Bowl,” an AFC scout said. “He got beat once early and then came back and was just dominant. He didn’t get beat again and really couldn’t be handled. I wish he would have played this past year so there was more to see, but it is what it is.” … “He’s versatile,” another NFC scout said. “I think he can play inside in a 4-3, that’s probably his best fit. But he can handle being an end in a 3-4, too. I don’t see him as a big sack guy, but he’ll do the dirty work and let your big-time pass-rusher get the sacks.”

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

There is no doubt the Packers need more bodies on the defensive line. As a rookie, Onwuzurike would be another good rotational player with Dean Lowry (if he’s still there) and Kingsley Keke and eventually would take over as a starter and provide the interior help next to Kenny Clark the Packers have lacked the past few years. His strength as a run defender would certainly help on early downs and if he can disrupt the pocket on passing downs, Rashan Gary and Za’Darius Smith would be there to get the sacks. With other more pressing needs, the Packers shouldn’t reach at pick No. 29 in the first round, and he may be gone by the time the Packers select in the second round.

2

Height: 6’4” Weight: 310 lbs. Arm: 33 5/8”

PRO DAY:

40-yard: 4.98 20 yd: 4.75 3-cone 7.81

2020 STATS:

37 tackles 9 1/2 TFL 8 sacks

IN A NUTSHELL:

Early in his high school career at Philadelphia’s NeumannGoretti, which is part of the powerful Philadelphia Catholic League, Barmore committed to hometown Temple University. As he got bigger, his play improved, and he became a four-star recruit. The bigger schools got involved and he chose Alabama over SEC rivals South Carolina, Georgia, LSU, and Tennessee. In 2019, his redshirt freshman season, he mostly played as a third-down pass-rush specialist, and even in 2020 he didn’t get what you would consider full-time snaps until late in the season. His play took off in the College Football Playoffs, as the Crimson Tide disposed of Notre Dame and Ohio State to win the National Championship and raised his draft stock. Barmore was good against the Fighting Irish with five tackles and a sack and had five more tackles, two for a loss, and a sack against the Buckeyes in the championship game, where he was named the defensive MVP. Originally considered a secondday pick, Barmore is now expected to hear his name called at the end of the first round.

vs. Run: Because he only played two seasons and wasn’t a full-time starter, Barmore’s game needs polish at the next level. He needs to become better and more consistent against the run and develop some finesse to go with his power game.

vs. Pass: Barmore uses his raw power and a strong upper body to go with strong hands to punish opposing offensive linemen as a pass-rusher. His best move is a swim move that he seems to have perfected as the season progressed. Where he fell off was when offenses double-teamed him. He didn’t handle that well at all and at times became frustrated.

SCOUTS SAY:

“He’ll get that Alabama bump,” an NFC scout said. “If he went to Alabama St., instead of Alabama, we wouldn’t even be talking about him. I don’t have him as a first-round pick, but he’s going to go first round because of what he did in the playoffs. There have been some real good [linemen] from Alabama, [Quinnen] Williams, [Jon] Allen, [Da’Ron] Payne, and he’s being compared to them. But he’s not at that level.” … “There’s talent there. You saw that against both Notre Dame and Ohio State,” an AFC scout said. “I wish he would have gone back to school for another year. But he won a title and he’s going to be a high pick, so you can’t blame him for coming out. I just don’t think he’s going to be ready right away. He needs a lot of work on his game, especially against the run.”

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Barmore played 3-technique in college, and he’s probably a better fit as just that in a 4-3 scheme at the NFL level where he can play over the guard. He’ll probably begin his pro career just as he did his college career as a third-down passrush specialist and eventually become a starter when his game becomes more well-rounded. With all of that said, could the Packers use a defensive lineman with pass-rush ability? They have one in Kingsley Keke, but Barmore certainly has more upside than the 2019 fifth-round pick does. A good defensive coordinator, even one with a 3-4 scheme could find a spot for Barmore. But he wouldn’t be worth the 29th pick to Green Bay.

3

Height: 6’3” Weight: 313 lbs. Arm: 35 1/8”

PRO DAY:

Vertical: 28.5” Broad: 106” 40-yard: 4.90 20 yd: 4.71 3-cone: 7.56

2020 STATS:

45 tackles 13 1/2 TFL 5 1/2 sacks

IN A NUTSHELL:

The Kenosha, Wisconsin, product began his college career on the JUCO level at Iowa Western before becoming a Hawkeye. Nixon opened eyes in Iowa City last fall with an impressive junior year that included a Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year award to go with being a finalist for both the Outland Trophy and the Bednarik Award. His season got off to a great start when he returned an interception for a 71-yard touchdown in a win over Penn State. His best effort of the season came in a tough 21–20 loss to nationally ranked Northwestern when he recorded 11 tackles, three tackles for a loss, a forced fumble, and one-and-a-half sacks.

vs. Run: Nixon played left defensive tackle in Iowa’s 4-3 scheme and figures to do the same in the NFL. He showed good form to shoot the gaps and get into the opponents’ backfield with a good burst and an excellent first step. His play against the run appeared to get better and more consistent as the year progressed, but there is still some improvement needed to be successful at the pro level.

vs. Pass: As a pass-rusher, that first step, combined with his strong hands and above-average athletic ability for the position, make him an intriguing prospect who could hear his name called early on Day 2 of the draft, if not Day 1. The team that does select Nixon might have to be patient. He is not a ready-made, ready-to-start player at the next level. As a rookie he’ll probably be a rotational player at best, but there is a high ceiling and with the proper coaching he could turn out to be one of the best players at his position in this draft.

SCOUTS SAY:

“Good inside penetrator who’s gotten better and better,” an NFC scout said. “You have to like his size and strength combination. I think he’s an ideal 3-technique in a 4-3 scheme. That’s the perfect spot for him. Yeah, I think second round is about right. … “I like his footwork, he’s got quick feet,” an AFC scout said. “He can penetrate from the inside—you don’t get a lot of that in this class. He’s raw right now, but I think he’s a guy that you work with him, he’s going to get better and better. He did that in college.” … “I’m hearing the hype, but I don’t see it,” another NFC scout said. “I guess it’s because this is just a bad class [for defensive linemen], but I don’t think he’s very good at all.”

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Nixon looks the part of a 4-3 tackle and will likely be drafted by a team with a 4-3 scheme. He does have the size and frame to play end in a 3-4 scheme and his ability to penetrate and get into the backfield would always be welcomed. It would just take time for him to adjust to a new scheme and position, but he’s a player who most likely will need time to develop anyway, so it is possible a 3-4 team such as the Packers calls his name. Nixon will likely be a Friday pick, and it’s uncertain the Packers will be filling this need that early.

4 5

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’2” | Weight: 296 lbs. | Arm:31 3/4” PRO DAY: Vertical: 32”, Broad: 117”, 40-yard: 4.97, 20 yd: 4.49, 3-cone: 7.20, Bench: 40 reps 2020 STATS: 23 tackles, 4 1/2 TFL, 3 sacks MEASURABLES: Height: 6’2” | Weight: 350 lbs. | Arm: 33 5/8” PRO DAY: Vertical: 29”, 40-yard: 5.40, 20 yd.: 4.97, 3-cone: 8.19 2019* STATS: 39 tackles, 6 TFL – *Opted Out 2020

IN A NUTSHELL:

A four-star prospect out of state champion Highland High School in Pocatello, Idaho, Togiai was the Gatorade Idaho Player of the Year. He chose the Buckeyes over Big Ten rivals Michigan and Penn State and Oregon and USC of the Pac 12. He played as a freshman in a rotation on the defensive line and did the same as a sophomore before becoming a full-time starter his junior year. All three of his sacks last fall came in a dominant performance against Penn State.

vs. Run: Togiai played nose tackle for the Buckeyes and was a top-of-the-line run stuffer. He showed good lateral mobility for a man of his size, which made him a force for the Buckeyes up and down the line of scrimmage. Togai made plays against the run both against interior dives between the tackles and those outside the numbers as well.

vs. Pass: You’re not going to get much of a pass rush from him, especially at the pro level. He showed an occasional pass rush but was too inconsistent. Coaches rave about his high football IQ and non-stop motor, which are good traits going forward.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Togiai is built to play over the center in a 4-3 scheme, but might be able to pull it off as a 3-4 nose tackle as well. In order to do so he would likely have to add some bulk to his 6’2” frame. He’s not that much smaller than current Packer Tyler Lancaster (6’3”, 313) but is much more athletic and more of a playmaker. Most scouts feel Togai will be a late Friday night selection, but, again, it’s not likely the Packers pull the trigger there.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Shelvin was the top recruit in Louisiana coming out of Notre Dame High School in Lafayette. He chose to stay close to home and matriculate at LSU, where he played two years as the Tigers’ nose tackle. The big man opted out of the 2020 season due to Covid-19 concerns and prepared for the NFL draft.

vs. Run: With his massive size, Shelvin played on the nose for LSU in odd fronts and moved to 1-technique when they switched to a four-man front. He did not put up flashy stats in his two years, but he was a space eater who often took up double teams. Shelvin has excellent upper body strength and uses it to be a force at the point of attack. He does not possess great lateral speed, but for his size it’s OK.

vs Pass: Shelvin’s relative short arms and lack of initial quickness is always going to prevent him from being much of a pass-rusher, but Shelvin is a sleeper in this draft who could come in and start as a rookie as an early-down run-stuffer.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

If the Packers are looking for a big body to put next to Kenny Clark if, and when, they go with just two down linemen (are they still going to do that?), Shelvin could be their guy. And if they want someone to help their run defense get better Shelvin is the guy. A lot will depend on where he goes—early third day?—and when the Packers decide to look for help up front.

6 7

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’2” | Weight: 305 lbs. PRO DAY: Vertical: 30”, Broad: 105”, Bench: 30 reps, 40-yard: 5.02, 20 yd: 4.9, 3-cone: 7.81 2019* STATS: 42 tackles, 4 1/2 sacks – *Opted Out 2020

IN A NUTSHELL:

Tufele was the No. 1-ranked player in the state of Utah for Bingham High School. He turned down offers to stay home at both Utah and Brigham Young and instead chose to attend USC, where he played two seasons for the Trojans. Tufele redshirted as a freshman and opted out of the 2020 season.

vs. Run: In 2019, his play against the run showed steady improvement. What stands out about Tufele over some other prospects is his versatility. Because of his athletic ability and movement across the line of scrimmage, he seems as if he would be a good fit inside as a 3-technique in a 4-3 scheme, or as the same 3-technique as an end in a 3-4 alignment.

vs. Pass: Tufele has an excellent first step to the ball, which helps to disrupt the pocket as a pass-rusher or to get into the backfield as a run defender. In 2019, he often drew double teams from opposing offenses to try to counter his abilities and seemed to handle those.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Tufele can be a three-down player, possibly as early as his rookie year. He needs work, as all rookies do, but he could fit as an end in the Packers 3-4 without much of a problem. His explosiveness and overall athleticism are traits that this Packers regime seems to admire. And why shouldn’t they? If the team moves on from Dean Lowry and does not address the position in free agency, Tufele could be a good fit.

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’3” | Weight: 319 lbs. | 40 Time: PRO DAY:

2020 STATS: 17 tackles, 2 TFL, 1 sack, 3 blocked kicks

IN A NUTSHELL:

Coming out of Episcopal High School outside of Houston, Wilson was the No. 1 defensive tackle recruit in the country and chose Florida State over Alabama, LSU, Ohio State, and Oklahoma. After an impressive junior season for the Seminoles (44 tackles, five sacks), Wilson was projected as a second or third-round selection in the 2020 draft. Instead, he opted to return to Tallahassee for his senior year. A seasonending leg injury hampered what began as a disappointing senior season for both the big tackle and his school.

vs. Run: Wilson wasn’t terrible against the run in college but needs to work on that aspect of his game or he will just be a situational player in the NFL. He did show a unique ability to block kicks on special teams, which should not go unnoticed.

vs. Pass: Wilson played mostly inside for Florida State, but did move outside as a 5-technique at times. In the NFL he figures to be more of a 3-technique in a 4-3 scheme that will allow him to use his quickness to rush the passer.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Wilson reminds a lot of observers of current Packer Montravious Adams, a former third-round pick out of Auburn who never really seemed to fit in the team’s scheme and, as an unrestricted free agent, will likely head elsewhere. His special teams knack is intriguing, but he doesn’t appear to be a real good fit in Green Bay’s 3-4 scheme.

8 9

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’2” | Weight: 282 lbs. | Arm: 34 1/8” PRO DAY: Vertical: 31.5”, Broad 120”, 20 yd.: 4.44, 3-cone: 7.57, Bench: 25 reps 2020 STATS: 30 tackles, 4 sacks MEASURABLES: Height: 6’1” | Weight: 278 lbs. | Arm: 32 1/4” PRO DAY: Vertical: 32.5”, Broad: 110”, 40-yard: 4.98, 20 yd: 4.49, 3-cone: 7.18, Bench: 23 reps 2020 STATS: 25 tackles, 7 1/2 TFL, 3 sacks

IN A NUTSHELL:

Osa was a three-star recruit out of the state of Oregon and chose to follow his brother Owa’s path to UCLA. Owa was later a draft pick of the New York Giants after a good career with the Bruins. Osa played well for Chip Kelly’s team in a shortened 2020 season.

vs. Run: He does not have ideal NFL size for either playing inside in a 4-3 scheme or as an end in a 3-4 scheme, which hurts him as a run defender. Some scouts feel if he put on some weight he could be a better fit inside in a 4-3, but they also fear that extra weight could take away some of the speed and agility that made him so effective at the college level. He might have to try being an end in a 4-3.

vs. Pass: Osa has good quickness, which has helped him become an effective pass-rusher at the college level. He uses good natural leverage and has enough of an explosive first step to get by his blocker and into the opposition’s backfield.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Odighizuwa is smaller than Kingsley Keke (6’3”, 288), who is not exactly ideal for a lineman in a 3-4 scheme, and at 6’2” he might find it difficult to play end. The Packers once upon a time had a short (6’0”) lineman named Mike Daniels who did pretty well in a 3-4. Can Osa be another Daniels? The Packers probably won’t find out.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Stills was an All-Star performer at Fairmount High School in West Virginia, which is about 15 miles from Morgantown. Darius chose not only to stay close to home but to follow in his father Gary’s footsteps. Gary Stills was, and still is, a legend for the Mountaineers and spent nine seasons in the NFL as a linebacker and a Pro Bowl special teams player.

vs. Run: Stills knows how to get into an opponent’s backfield and make plays against the run. Stills goes non-stop against both the run and pass. That aggressiveness can sometimes become overaggressiveness, causing him to leave gaps in the running lanes, which leads to big gains. At the next level he’s going to need to refine his game a bit, which in the right system and with the right coaching staff can be achieved.

vs. Pass: Stills makes up for a lack of height as a lineman with quick moves, good hand strength, and power at the point of attack. Stills is an aggressive player who made the most of West Virginia’s switch from a stack defense to a more traditional look under coordinator Jordan Lesley and head coach Neal Brown. He got consistent pressure on the quarterback during his senior season as an interior pass-rusher.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Like many others in this class, his size doesn’t bode well as an end in a 3-4 scheme. Stills’ nonstop motor, aggressiveness, and ability to get pressure all go with what the Packers want on defense going forward. He doesn’t figure to go off the board until Day 3, so maybe there’s a role for him as a pure designated pass-rusher when the Packers go to a subpackage look.

10 11

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’2” | Weight: 301 lbs. | Arm: 32 1/8” PRO DAY: Vertical: 32.5”, Broad: 104”, 40-yard: 5.40, 3-cone: 8.00, Bench: 40 reps 2019* STATS: 41 tackles, 12 TFL, 10 1/2 sacks – *Opted Out 2020 MEASURABLES: Height: 6’1” | Weight: 317 lbs. | Arm: 32 5/8” PRO DAY: Vertical: 31”, Broad: 108”, 40-yard: 4.94, 20 yd: 4.59, 3-cone: 7.71, Bench: 27 reps 2020 STATS: 25 tackles, 7 TFL, 1 sack, 1 interception

IN A NUTSHELL:

Coming out of Washington D.C.’s Woodson High School, Twyman barely listened to other offers because he wanted to go to Pitt and follow his idol Aaron Donald. Once there, Twyman put up the best numbers by a Panthers defensive lineman since Donald. That impressive sophomore line of 10 1/2 sacks and 12 tackles for a loss didn’t receive an encore as Twyman opted out of the 2020 season and then declared for the 2021 draft.

vs. Run: Like so many others in this class, Twyman lacks ideal size, but in his breakout sophomore season he overcame that with some dominant performances. He is going to have to get stronger and more consistent against the run to be a threedown player in the NFL.

vs. Pass: You can’t argue with his productivity, especially in a class where no other defensive tackle came close to that production. Twyman uses both an effective swim move and push-pull moves in his repertoire to get to the quarterback. At the next level, Twyman looks at worst to be an ideal thirddown interior pass-rusher, which is what he will likely be early in his career.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

A lot will depend on where Twyman comes off the board. Opting out of the 2020 season could drop him on some team’s boards, since they don’t have a lot to see. But what they have seen has been impressive, so that could help his stock. If he goes Day 2, the Packers likely pass. But he lasts until the middle rounds of Day 3, he may get a call from Brian Gutekunst, who wouldn’t mind another productive pass rusher.

IN A NUTSHELL:

A running back and linebacker in high school in Raleigh, North Carolina, not far from the N.C. State campus, McNeill went from 270 pounds to 315 and kept most of his speed that saw him run sub-4.9 40s while a prep standout. Despite the fact his stats are not jumping off the page, there is a lot to like about McNeill.

vs. Run: His weight gain appeared to be good weight and allowed him to play nose tackle most of his time with the Wolfpack. That will also most likely be his position in the NFL, either as a 3-4 nose or playing over the ball in a 4-3 scheme. McNeill stands his ground well even when double teamed and is a solid run stuffer. At N.C. State, in a two-gap system, he was very good at controlling his opponent and moving him back into the pocket.

vs. Pass: Despite good athleticism, McNeill has shown very little in terms of a pass rush, as he tends to stay blocked when trying to get to the quarterback.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

The Packers had a virtual visit with McNeill, so they obviously liked what they saw of him with the Wolfpack. He appears to be a classic nose tackle, so he can either pair with Kenny Clark when the defense goes to a two-linemen look and could be a more than a capable backup for Clark, who could use a break from time to time. The ceiling appears to be high for McNeill.

12

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’2” | Weight: 305 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

The Oregon native was just OK for the Trojans this past fall. He was better against the run than he was as a passrusher. He went to the Senior Bowl and watched his draft stock rise with an impressive week of practice that had some in attendance calling him the best defensive lineman in Mobile. Tuipulotu’s strengths are a high football IQ and a high-end motor. He’s a nonstop pursuit player who never takes a play off. He projects as a defensive tackle in a 4-3 scheme who can stay on the field for all three downs.

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’4” | Weight: 330 lbs. | Arm: 32 5/8” PRO DAY: Vertical: 29”, Broad:109”, 40-yard: 5.12, 20 yd: 4.81, 3-Cone: 7.91, Bench: 27 reps 2020 STATS: 37 tackles, 1 1/2 sacks

IN A NUTSHELL:

The Ft. Lauderdale native stayed in-state and chose to attend Florida after being a two-time high school state champion. A three-year starter for the Gators, Slaton probably had his best season in 2020 and his best games against Georgia and Kentucky, where he was stout against the run and ate up space in the middle of the line. Scouts comment that for as big as he is, Slaton isn’t “overweight” and uses his weight well.

vs. Run: Slaton lines up in a low stance and uses good leverage to be a force at the point of attack. His game is all about power, and he appears to be a true nose tackle, which will likely be his position at the pro level. He also needs more polish before he becomes a starter in the NFL. There were too many times where he failed to get the running back to the ground and instead ended up there himself.

vs. Pass: As a pass-rusher he has a swim move but is more of a bull rusher and has not been very effective. For the most part, he is an early-down run stuffer who will be replaced on passing downs.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Slaton is a true 3-4 nose tackle. If the Packers are looking for a backup for Kenny Clark or someone to pair with Clark on early downs, he could be a good fit for them. Slaton doesn’t figure to hear his name called until Day 3, and with some extra picks in hand that’s probably when the Packers will look for help on the defensive front.

14 Ta’Quon Graham (SR)

Texas

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’3” | Weight: 292 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Graham had a solid career for the Longhorns and finished with a senior season that saw him record seven tackles for a loss and two sacks in just nine games. His best game came in a win over then No. 6 Oklahoma State, where he had three tackles for a loss, a sack, and recovered a fumble. At Texas, Graham played inside as a 3-technique in a four-man front. With his size and build, he could easily move to left end in a 4-3 front in the NFL or outside to 5-technique in a 3-4 scheme.

15 Bobby Brown (JR)

Texas A&M

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’4” | Weight: 321 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Brown is one of the enigmas of this draft. He certainly looks the part with excellent size to play anywhere across the line in either a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. And at times he plays as well as he looks as he did in the Aggies big win over Florida. Other times, you don’t notice him on the field, and that should never be the case with a player with Brown’s talent. That lackadaisical play and what some scouts describe as “a poor work ethic” is why he is not ranked higher on draft boards.

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’3” | Weight: 313 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

There is some upside to the big man from Evanston, Illinois, who was a three-year starter for the Spartans. Jones didn’t put up big numbers (24 tackles, five for a loss in seven games last season), but he was a big nose tackle who filled gaps and let others pile up the stats. His best trait was his consistency. You knew what you were going to get from Jones on a weekto-week basis—a stout presence in the middle of the line. At the NFL level he fits best as a nose in a 3-4, but he could also work in a 4-3.

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’2” | Weight: 325 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Tonga played in both even- and odd-man fronts with the Cougars and showed good skills as a run stuffer. He has good strength and a knack for getting to the ball carrier. He needs to show more consistency in his play and learn how to disengage from blockers quicker. He’s also shown the ability to knock down passes at the line of scrimmage. At the next level, Tonga has shown he can play in either a 4-3 or a 3-4 scheme but projects to be a backup in either alignment.

18 Carlo Kemp (rSR)

Michigan

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’3” | Weight: 286 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Kemp is the nephew of long-time NFL defensive coordinator and one-time head coach of the Colts, Chuck Pagano. The Boulder, Colorado, native started three years for Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines and played a fifth year as a graduate student in 2020. Kemp has good quickness up and down the line and a good burst to the ball. A good athlete and a very intelligent player, he is going to have to get stronger at the next level. He played nose tackle for Michigan, but projects to be a 3-technique in a 4-3 scheme in the NFL. He might also be able to play some 5-technique in a 3-4 scheme.

19 Jordan Scott (SR)

Oregon

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’1” | Weight: 322 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Scott was a three-star prospect out of Pinellas Park High School in Largo, Florida, and chose Oregon over several other schools including Pac 12 rival Arizona. He played nose tackle for the Ducks’ hybrid defense that used multiple fronts. Scott also has a ton of experience in terms of playing time, since he played and started for most of his four years in college. He’s a little shorter than ideal for the NFL but is very athletic for his size and could find his niche at the next level as a subpackage rusher in a single-gap scheme.

20 Milton Williams (rJR)

Louisiana Tech

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’2” | Weight: 290 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

A first-team All-Conference USA selection, Williams saw his draft stock rise after an impressive Pro Day in late March. The big man ran the 40 in 4.62, among the fastest of any defensive linemen. He also put up a time of 4.25 in the short shuttle and had the best 3-cone drill with a time of 6.87. His vertical jump of 39-inches was also the best of the linemen. That rare display of athleticism will earn him a phone call from a team that feels it will translate into play on the field some time on Day 3 of the draft. 21 MUSTATA JOHNSON (SR)

22 MALIK HERRING (SR)

23 XAVIER KELLY (rSR)

24 AUSTIN FAOLIU (SR)

25 JOSIAH BRONSON (SR) Colorado

Georgia

Arkansas

Oregon

Washington