2021 NFL Draft: 7 Prospects whose success is tied to team fit

6. Darius Stills, DT, West Virginia

There’s no denying one of the weakest positions in the 2021 NFL Draft class is defensive tackle. It’s realistically possible that we won’t see one defensive tackle drafted on Day 1. Teams are looking for a player who disrupts and collapses the middle of the pocket. Perhaps they can find that guy as a steal in this draft, a player like Darius Stills fits the bill.

The former West Virginia tackle saw his numbers increase over the last two seasons. At 6-1, 280 pounds Stills lined up at both the 2i and 0-technique back in college, but that’s not his best fit at the next level. Despite his versatility, his best fit lies strictly in a 4-3 scheme as a situational pass rusher.

Stills doesn’t possess the ideal strength to anchor against the run. What he does best is work as a three-technique. He’s an upfield penetrator with a high motor and quick first step. Stills needs a defensive coordinator who’ll work him in twists, stunts, and has a linebacker that can make up for the voided space.

If a team uses Stills as an early-down tackle, that will handicap the former Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year.