2021 NFL Draft: 7 Prospects who need a college football season
6. Darius Stills, DT, West Virginia
Everyone is looking for the next Aaron Donald or Geno Atkins type player; a three-technique who creates pressure from the inside. After all, the NFL is a passing league. Darius Stills can be that guy. He’s squatty at 6-1, 292-pounder who plays with violence and relentlessness. At the point of attack, he’s sudden, quick and understands how to exploit gaps.
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In 2019 he finished with 43 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and six sacks. He has an excellent burst and he uses his leverage to his advantage. With such an elite set of skills, why did he make the list?
For starters, he’s a one year wonder, but there is another glaring issue. The senior interior lineman was inconsistent last year against the run. Part of the reason he struggles against the run is his overzealous approach to create penetration.
If Stills can show he grasped the concept of space and run fits, his stock will rise. Being more disciplined against the run will determine whether he’s a pass rush specialist or a three-down defender.
Stills has an opportunity to increase his sack number and his tackles for loss. But it wouldn’t help him if he doesn’t stack up against the run. If he does, Stills could be one of the first senior interior rushers taken off the board as he’ll still be able to suit up for West Virginia this year.