NFL teams are constantly in search of the next freak athlete on the defensive line, and the Combine is a fantastic opportunity for defensive line prospects to show off their athleticism. Some premier talents are sitting out the on-field drills this year because of the new schedule, but that just opens up the door for others to make their mark in Indianapolis. Here are five players to keep an eye on over the next few days.
5. Ross Blacklock, DT, TCU
At 6'3″ 290lbs, Blacklock has great size for a three-technique defensive tackle. Whether it's exploding off the snap or moving laterally, Blacklock's quickness is elite. His run defense in college was subpar, but interior pressure has never been more important in the NFL, and Blacklock can certainly provide that.
He has a legitimate chance to be the most athletic DT in attendance, and his Combine performance could put him in the discussion to be a first-round pick. His athleticism is all the more impressive when considering he missed the entire 2018 season with a torn achilles tendon.
4. Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn
Perhaps the strongest player in college football, Brown should put up a huge number on the bench press, but that's not all. At 6'5″ 326lbs, he routinely chased down ballcarriers across the field and at the second level. Brown is a special talent, and his Combine performance should cement his status as a legitimate top-five player in this class.
He's an elite run stopper and will also be a terror on passing downs. Double-teams are a minor nuisance for him. There aren't many DTs whom a defense can be built around, but Brown is certainly one of them, and he should put on a show in the on-field drills.
3. Alex Highsmith, EDGE, Charlotte
A lesser-known prospect, Highsmith made 18 tackles for loss as a junior, and followed that up with a 21.5 TFL and 15 sack senior season. He has good size at 6'3″ 248lbs and has a plethora of pass-rush moves to get past offensive lineman. He needs to add functional strength, but has the potential to be a good starter at the next level.
A good performance in Indy could elevate him to a Day 2 pick in the NFL Draft, much like his former teammate Larry Ogunjobi was in 2017.
2. A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa
Epenesa seems to have been passed up by K'Lavon Chassion as the second-best EDGE prospect in this class, but with Chassion sitting out the Combine drills, Epenesa will have a chance to bring his stock back up. At 6'5″ 275lbs, he has great size for a 3-4 DE, but could easily play in a 4-3 as well.
Over the past two seasons, he tallied 30.5 TFLs along with 22 sacks. Epenesa resembles a bigger Trey Flowers or Olivier Vernon; he isn't incredibly explosive, but he's a solid run defender and generates consistent pressure. If he's able to show better athleticism and bend than on tape, he could go in the top 15 picks in the NFL Draft.
He's a first-round pick, the question is how high will he go? Epenesa's floor is very high, but his ceiling is not nearly that of someone like Chassion, or the next player on this list.
1. Julian Okwara, EGDE, Notre Dame
With Chase Young and Chassion sitting out, Okwara has a prime opportunity. He's an early second-round player at the moment, but he could easily become a legitimate first-rounder with a great Combine performance.
Okwara's older brother, Romeo, was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Giants in 2016, and put up 7.5 sacks in 14 starts in 2018. Julian is the better athlete, although about 10lbs smaller at this point.
His production isn't the best; 24 TFLs and 15.5 sacks over the last three years. But Okwara has the traits of a good starting DE. His 2019 season ended early due to a broken leg, but he is fully recovered and is ready to show off his athleticism. Okwara needs some work technique-wise, but he has what can't be coached.
Follow Us
Subscribe