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2014-02-05 18:41:05
-by Taber Small, Contributing Writer; Image: ASU defensive tackle Will Sutton hits Wisconsin’s Joel Stave as he throws. (Image Source: Getty Images)
Here’s a look at a trio of defensive prospects coming out of the Pac-12:
Will Sutton, DT Arizona State: Sutton is an explosive defensive line prospect that fits best as a 3-technique at the next level. He plays with exceptional balance and is very active with his hands against offensive lineman showing an effective punch. Sutton stays low to the ground out of his stance, displaying quick feet and agility when changing direction. He fires off the snap aggressively with an explosive first step using his speed to beat offensive guards to disrupt the pocket. NFL scouts like that he runs with a relentless motor and goes hard until the end the play.
Lacks the great size for the DT position, which makes NFL scouts fear that he may struggle against larger offensive lineman at the next level. He’s battled some injuries throughout his college career, which also has scouts wondering if his body can hold up in the NFL. Sutton had a sensational 2012 season but had a slow start to 2013 and came on strong towards the middle of the season.
He finished his career as a highly productive player for the Sun Devils and he’s been one of the best pass-rushing interior defensive linemen in college football.
Taylor Hart, DT Oregon: Hart is a tall, athletic defensive lineman with tremendous size and ability. He is an explosive player and consistently got pressure in the pocket against UCLA offensive linemen. Hart is a gritty, tough interior lineman who does the dirty work of taking on blocks to tie up offensive linemen. This allows his defensive mates to make plays.
He is a versatile player that can line up on the outside or inside at the three technique. Hart is a perfect fit as a DE in a 3-4 defense and has the frame to gain weight as he can easily carry over 300-pounds. His toughness, versatility and quickness could also land him with a 4-3 team as well. Hart provides great value in the middle to late rounds because of his versatility to play multiple positions along the defensive front.
Deone Bucannon, SS Washington State: Bucannon is the top rated senior strong safety prospect in the eyes of many scouts after an All-American season in 2013. He possesses the type of NFL size (6-1 215), speed, instincts and ball skills that teams heavily covet for the position. Bucannon led the conference and team in tackles with 109 while also snagging six interceptions. He plays in the box, near the line of scrimmage and he’s an aggressive hitter and punishing tackler. Bucannon plays with exceptional range and shows good awareness in coverage.
He does get caught with his eyes in the backfield at times leading to some blown coverages. Bucannon needs to improve his consistency when diagnosing play-action and also reading the eyes of quarterback. Overall, he is a top-60 NFL prospect that is projected to be drafted in the early to mid second round.
For more NFL Draft analysis from Taber Small, check out his blog NFL Draft Talent Evaluator.
NFL Draft Links:
Pac-12 Receivers Josh Huff & Shaquelle Evans
Auburn Tigers Dee Ford, Chris Davis & Jay Prosch
Florida State Defenders Christian Jones, Telvin Smith & Terrence Brooks
Wisconsin Badgers James White & Jacob Pedersen
Big Ten Linebackers Chris Borland & Jonathan Brown
Oklahoma Sooners Jalen Saunders & Aaron Colvin
Big Ten Defensive Tackles Ra’Shede Hageman & DaQuan Jones
Big Ten Wide Receivers Jared Abbrederis & Kain Colter
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Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel Declares
Player Profile of Florida State QB Jameis Winston
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