Dallas Cowboys: 5 One-technique targets in 2018 NFL Draft
By Randy Gurzi
1. Tim Settle, Virginia Tech
The No. 1 player on our list is the one that would arguably make the biggest impact — Tim Settle. The Virginia Tech product is the most well-rounded nose tackle outside of Vita Vea and Da’Ron Payne and could be there after Round 1 because of other prospects playing more valued positions.
Vitals
Height: 6-3
Weight: 329 pounds
Bench Press Reps: Did not patricipate
40-Yard Dash: 5.37
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com likens Settle to Vince Wilfork and is very high on the 2017 tape Settle put out there for scouts to see.
"Settle has rare gifts for a big man with good mass, play strength, quickness, and agility. His substantial jump in production in 2017 was due to weight loss and additional conditioning that allowed him to play more snaps and play faster. He’s a disruptive, versatile defensive lineman who offers enough pass rush potential to warrant reps on passing downs. Settle is a natural 4-3 fit but can play in a 3-4 as well. He has the potential to become a very good starter with a Pro Bowl ceiling if he controls his weight and maintains his conditioning."
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He could very well cost a second-round pick, but it’s hard to say that Settle wouldn’t bring plenty of value with that selection. While he wouldn’t be a three-down player, he would be excellent while on the field.