2017 NFL Draft DE Evaluation
#5 Dawuane Smoot
(AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Year: Senior
School: Illinois
Height: 6’3
Weight: 265 lbs
Dawuane Smoot may be fifth on this list, but that’s only because I think defensive end is arguably the deepest position in this year’s draft. Smoot is an explosive defender who continues to gather speed with every stride he takes. The Illinois player also has a flexible lower body which helps mask his lack of balance as well as his bad habit of standing up too tall when coming out of his stances. Both of these tendencies cause him to lose leverage battles too often. All of that being said, if Smoot can improve his technical flaws, then he could become a solid defensive end at the next level.
#4 Taco Charlton
(AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Year: Senior
School: Michigan
Height: 6’6
Weight: 277 lbs
Taco Charlton is an end who keeps his head up and is disciplined with his eyes. He can overwhelm offensive ball carriers with his natural strength and long arms. The downside that I see in Charlton’s game is his limited number of technical moves — the only two things he can do are bullrush a blocker or spin off of them. To me, Charlton also has a below average level of explosion, which sometimes leads him to lose outside containment. Fortunately, Charlton makes up for his flaws with an intense commitment to ball pursuit. He is the definition of a player who doesn’t stop until the whistle is blown. I’m not sure what to make of Charlton’s future, but I am more confident that he’ll have a productive career as opposed to ending up a bust.
#3 Derek Barnett
(AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Year: Junior
School: Tennessee
Height: 6’3
Weight: 259 lbs
Barnett is an attractive prospect who will bring with him an elevated level of explosion to any roster that he joins. Aggressive should be Barnett’s middle name as he seems to want to pulverise every opponent he comes into contact with. Barnett is also an intelligent football player who uses his quick hands to both evade blockers and bat passes out of the air. However, his tight hips limit his ability to change directions when engaging with blockers. Barnett’s weight is also a concern to many NFL scouts. But not to me, as I think Barnett’s weight could actually lead him to become a great outside linebacker if he’s plugged into the right 3-4 scheme. Barnett is a risk taker who has bet on his skills ever since putting on a Volunteers jersey. Nothing about his game says to me that he won’t succeed doing the same thing in the NFL.
#2 Solomon Thomas
(AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Year: Junior
School: Stanford
Height: 6’3
Weight: 273 lbs.
I think Solomon Thomas is one of the top 15 prospects in the entire 2017 NFL Draft. Thomas is a physically imposing end whose explosion alone is enough to leave tackles flat on their butts. On top of that, Thomas possess an unique ability to bounce off blocks, as if he were a rubber ball greased up with cooking oil. Though, for as much as I love Thomas, I will admit he has some flaws that could limit his impact at the next level. First off, Thomas needs to stop standing up so much when coming out of his three-point stances. He won’t get the chance to show off his skills if he’s constantly getting knocked down by tackles with better leverage. Thomas also needs to strengthen his hands as they seem quick but easily moved by stronger tackles. All of that being said, Thomas is a versatile athlete who can flourish in both a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. I honestly believe his full potential has yet to be met and when it is, the entire NFL will be put on notice.
#1 Myles Garrett
(AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Year: Junior
School: Texas Tech
Height: 6’5
Weight: 261 lbs.
“What the heck” was the first thing I said when watching Myles Garrett dismantle offenses in college. Garrett makes the cliche “men amongst boys” an understatement. I think Garrett is better described as being Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson amongst a class of preschoolers. Garrett’s explosion around the edge is amazing and his strength allows him to easily throw blockers aside on the rare occasions that they’re able to get in front of him. My criticisms of Garrett are few and far between but should still be mentioned. First, Garrett is so athletic that at times he forgets to stay true to his technique and instead relies on his natural ability a bit too much. He also needs to improve his ability to pursue ball carriers when they break to the outside. Lastly, Garrett will need to focus on increasing his stamina as whatever team he joins will end up asking him to carry a hefty workload. The bottom line is Myles Garrett runs like a wide receiver, tackles like a middle linebacker, physically dominates like a nose tackle and understands the game like a quarterback. I agree 100% with Garrett’s belief that he will, “punish [every] team for the next 10 to 12 years” that doesn’t select him on draft day.
