Defensive Tackle

LSU

6-1 298

Draft board overall prospect rank: #37

Draft board overall defensive tackle rank: #7

Overall rating: 80

40 time: 4.92

4/12/10: Drake Nevis is a talented player who is limited in terms of the amount of positions he can play as a defensive lineman, and thus could fall into the 3^rd round. He lacks the elite height and size to move over to defensive end in a 3-4, even though he’s a proven pass rusher. I think he would get swallowed up by offensive tackles in the NFL so he can’t play that position. He is too light to play the 3-4 nose tackle so I don’t think he has a position in a 3-4 and 3-4 teams probably won’t even have him on their boards.

In a 4-3, he’s an under tackle and nothing else. Again, he’s too light to play the 4-3 nose. He’s a one gap penetrator only, but he’s very good at what he does. He’s feisty and has a track record of production in college with 7 sacks last season. He’s got a great motor and a great work ethic and he’s in good physical shape, but he struggles when run at and when you look at him, you see why. NFL teams who have seen him in person are turned off by just how small he is. He doesn’t look like an NFL defensive tackle.

Still, I grade him high because of his pass rushing ability and his work ethic. He is a perfect fit for a 4-3 under tackle as a one gap penetrator. He can get into the backfield and take down running backs behind the line of scrimmage. He’s a great tackler and he has good closing speed. Pass rushing is so valuable in the NFL and this guy can get after the quarterback from the inside of the defensive line. Worst case scenario, I think he’s a nickel rusher. He has a role in the NFL.

NFL Comparison: Glenn Dorsey