NFL Draft examine: Levi Onwuzurike, Religious Barmore heading leading protective product line leads

This is an interesting post by Kyle Newman from The Denver Post discussing several important news items for the week. Kyle Newman recently posted the article and I thought it was worth syndicating on this website.

Teams looking for elite, NFL-ready defensive linemen in this year’s draft will find those prospects in short supply. Besides Levi Onwuzurike and Christian Barmore, no one else is highly rated, although there’s a number of intriguing tackles and ends who might have major upside if they land with the right team.

The top 10

1. Levi Onwuzurike, DT, 6-2, 290, Washington: The Huskies star opted out of the 2020 season but did participate in the Senior Bowl, where a strong showing boosted his draft stock. Equipped with a quick first step and explosive athleticism, Onwuzurike is a disruptor who will be solid against the run in the NFL.

2. Christian Barmore, DT, 6-5, 310, Alabama: Barmore epitomizes old-school, smashmouth football as someone who can toss blockers around at the line of scrimmage — when he’s motivated. The knock on Barmore is his inconsistent effort and lack of focus, as demonstrated by a poor pro day showing. But his upside is high.

3. Daviyon Nixon, DT, 6-3, 305, Iowa: Nixon earned All-American honors as a redshirt sophomore in 2020, anchoring the Hawkeyes’ D-line and leading the Big 10 with 13 tackles for loss. He has a good feel for snap rhythms and can also close on the quarterback.

4. Dayo Odeyingbo, DE, 6-6, 280, Vanderbilt: A four-year letterman, Odeyingbo has the frame to be an effective end in the NFL against both the pass and run. But he sustained a torn Achilles in pre-draft workouts. The injury will no doubt hurt his draft stock, but once healthy, he has the potential to grow into an NFL regular.

5. Jay Tufele, DT, 6-3, 315, USC: He opted out of the 2020 season but had solid production in 2019, when he tallied 41 tackles, including 5.5 for loss, as well as 3.5 sacks. However, questions remain about his physicality at the point of attack and whether his hands are good enough to shed blocks in the NFL.

6. Carlos Basham, DE, 6-5, 275, Wake Forest: Basham has demonstrated a consistent ability to be disruptive behind the line of scrimmage, as evidenced by his streak of 23 consecutive games with a tackle for loss. He projects as a starting base end in the NFL.

7. Tedarrell Slaton, DE, 6-5, 343, Florida: A good fit for either a 4-3 or a 3-4 scheme, Slaton finished his collegiate career on a high note by starting all 12 games for the Gators in 2020. The nose tackle can stuff runs as well as get a good push going against the pass.

8. Ta’Quan Graham, DE, 6-4, 294, Texas: Graham made a tangible impact over four seasons in Austin and his potential as an NFL regular is high as well. A fit for a 4-3 or 3-4, Graham’s pass-rushing statistics (six career sacks) leaves something to be desired, but his frame and athleticism should allay those concerns for teams that are interested.

9. Tyler Shelvin, NT, 6-3, 346, LSU: The athletic nose tackle opted out of the 2020 season, but he still projects as a late-round pick for teams in need of a run-stuffing force in the middle of the line. He is athletic for his weight, and often occupied — and beat — double teams during the Tigers’ undefeated run to the national title in 2019.

10. Jared Goldwire, DT, 6-6, 305, Louisville: Goldwire upped his draft stock with a strong 2020 that saw him record 35 total tackles and a couple of sacks. He could be a day three pick for teams that are looking for someone who can stop the run and has a knack for batting down passes.

Stock rising

Jonathan Marshall, Arkansas

Projected as a 4-3 defensive tackle, Marshall started only one year for the Razorbacks, making 35 tackles (6 1/2 for loss). But at his Pro Day last month, he lifted the 225-pound bar a whopping 36 times and ran a sub-4.8-second 40.

Stock falling

Marvin Wilson, Florida State

Wilson opted to return to FSU for his senior year and his tackle total dropped from 44 to 17 and his sack total from five to one. His unimpressive 2020 numbers in six games have moved him down to Day 3 consideration.

Related Articles

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Five-year trend

2016: Seven (first round picks).

2017: Six.

2018: Five.

2019: Four.

2020: 11.

Friday: Quarterbacks.