Player: Dontari Poe
Position: Nose Tackle
School: Memphis
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 350-pounds
Positives: Elite size and impressive athleticism for a man his size, prototypical 3-4 nose tackle, good at taking on double teams, dominates the middle of the line in run plays, very explosive off the line and can collapse the pocket in on the quarterback, very strong upper body and can shuck blockers to the ground, good hands and quick feet, uses long arms and leverage to beat offensive lineman, really shot up the draft boards this past year, unlimited upside and potential.
Negatives: Conditioning may be a factor and will be interesting to see what he weighs at the combine, needs to work on larger repertoire of pass rush moves, ability to attack different gaps is lacking, Did not play against top competition in the Conference USA — originally from Memphis so opted to stay very close to home.
Draft Grade: Top 20
Overview: A great run stuffing nose tackle is the heart and soul of any good 3-4 defense. Casey Hampton, Jamal Williams, BJ Raji, and Vince Wilfork have all made their name in the league not by registering sacks, but by being a force in the middle of the line eating up blockers and freeing up linebackers to make the tackle in the process. Poe fits into this mold perfectly and although he is from a basketball school, his size/strength combo make easily make him Memphis’s first 1st round since DeAngelo Williams.
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