We stay along the defensive line for this edition of the All-Sleeper Team with a focus on the defensive tackles.
To be clear, the set-up for this defense will be of a standard 4-3, thus we will have two defensive tackles and one inside linebacker. That, however, doesn't necessarily mean that the sleepers need to be a 4-3 scheme fit.
In Case You Missed It:
Introduction
Quarterback & Tight End
Running Back & Fullback
Wide Receivers
Offensive Tackles
Offensive Guards
Center & Middle Linebacker
Defensive Ends
To be clear, the set-up for this defense will be of a standard 4-3, thus we will have two defensive tackles and one inside linebacker. That, however, doesn't necessarily mean that the sleepers need to be a 4-3 scheme fit.
In Case You Missed It:
Introduction
Quarterback & Tight End
Running Back & Fullback
Wide Receivers
Offensive Tackles
Offensive Guards
Center & Middle Linebacker
Defensive Ends
Javon Hargrave
South Carolina State
6'1" 309 lbs.
3rd round projection
Full Draft Breakdown Profile
PROS: Possesses tremendous power, can drive blockers backwards with ease. Drew some double teams and displayed ability to break through them. Stays low and maintains leverage at all times, helped by his compact frame and thick legs. Showcases a plethora of pass rushing moves—including a sick spin move, as you can see in the above video—that keeps blockers on their toes. Was dominate and very productive throughout his college career.
CONS: Played against a lower level of competition. Struggles against the run at times. Sometimes gets lazy and attempts to arm tackle the ball carrier. Lacks ideal length. Rather raw prospect, will need time to develop at the next level.
BOTTOM LINE: The concerns about the level of his competition were tempered somewhat with a solid performance throughout East/West Shrine Week. And regardless of those concerns, it's unusual that a defensive tackle gets the consistent pressure on the quarterback that Hargrave did, which speaks well of his talent. He might be one of the best pass rushers in the draft, and is likely a boom or bust prospect.
South Carolina State
6'1" 309 lbs.
3rd round projection
Full Draft Breakdown Profile
PROS: Possesses tremendous power, can drive blockers backwards with ease. Drew some double teams and displayed ability to break through them. Stays low and maintains leverage at all times, helped by his compact frame and thick legs. Showcases a plethora of pass rushing moves—including a sick spin move, as you can see in the above video—that keeps blockers on their toes. Was dominate and very productive throughout his college career.
CONS: Played against a lower level of competition. Struggles against the run at times. Sometimes gets lazy and attempts to arm tackle the ball carrier. Lacks ideal length. Rather raw prospect, will need time to develop at the next level.
BOTTOM LINE: The concerns about the level of his competition were tempered somewhat with a solid performance throughout East/West Shrine Week. And regardless of those concerns, it's unusual that a defensive tackle gets the consistent pressure on the quarterback that Hargrave did, which speaks well of his talent. He might be one of the best pass rushers in the draft, and is likely a boom or bust prospect.
Matt Ioannidis
Temple
6'3" 299 lbs.
5th round projection
Full Draft Breakdown Profile
PROS: High motor, swarms to the ball when possible. Highly productive. Displayed the versatility to be an occasional stand-up rusher. Has a good swim move. Has impressive power. Disengages from blocks well. Ate many double teams, even against elite competition such as Notre Dame. Utilizes leverage. Won't often bite on play action passes or fakes. Pure muscle.
CONS: Possesses a lack of speed. Shows little burst off the line of scrimmage. A bit stiff, isn't very fluid in his movements. Lumbers around when in pursuit.
BOTTOM LINE: Was one of several NFL Draft prospects to emerge from an impressive Temple team, and isn't the only one included in this series. Tough, gritty player. Probably more likely to thrive in a 3-4 as a nose tackle. Destined for a long career as a solid role player, probably won't be a star.
Temple
6'3" 299 lbs.
5th round projection
Full Draft Breakdown Profile
PROS: High motor, swarms to the ball when possible. Highly productive. Displayed the versatility to be an occasional stand-up rusher. Has a good swim move. Has impressive power. Disengages from blocks well. Ate many double teams, even against elite competition such as Notre Dame. Utilizes leverage. Won't often bite on play action passes or fakes. Pure muscle.
CONS: Possesses a lack of speed. Shows little burst off the line of scrimmage. A bit stiff, isn't very fluid in his movements. Lumbers around when in pursuit.
BOTTOM LINE: Was one of several NFL Draft prospects to emerge from an impressive Temple team, and isn't the only one included in this series. Tough, gritty player. Probably more likely to thrive in a 3-4 as a nose tackle. Destined for a long career as a solid role player, probably won't be a star.
