Some 2nd-Later Round DL prospects to take notice of

[davos]

Given DG's DL emphasis, I thought it'd be interesting to take note of a few guys that fit our scheme we may fall for in the draft process:

 

Za'Darius Smith DE Kentucky

6'6' 265

 

Probably my favorite 4-3 DE prospect in this draft for us.  He could be a 3rd round grab and a strong addition to our defense. 

 

Preston Smith DE Miss St.

6'6' 270

 

This guy is a well rounded player and team leader...has some fixable awareness issues.  I think he would be an interesting add to our rotation at 1, 3, and 5 tech.  Some think he's more of a 3-4 interior, but put him behind CJ and he could learn a lot in a hybrid role.  

 

Xavier Cooper DT Wash St.

 

If we just get one of D'wan or Cole back (which is what at the most happens IMO), we're going to need a new rotational DT and Cooper fits the bill with potential as a starter down the road.  He reminds me of a more raw Fletcher Cox. 

 

 

 

--Feel free to mention guys you would consider as well. 

 

 

[Kuech the Sneak]

Love all those guys, cooper is a guy I think the media is underrating a little bit and he'll rise up once they start to take notice

[Ace_Aladdin]

Given DG's DL emphasis, I thought it'd be interesting to take note of a few guys that fit our scheme we may fall for in the draft process:

 

Za'Darius Smith DE Kentucky

6'6' 265

 

Probably my favorite 4-3 DE prospect in this draft for us.  He could be a 3rd round grab and a strong addition to our defense. 

 

Preston Smith DE Miss St.

6'6' 270

 

This guy is a well rounded player and team leader...has some fixable awareness issues.  I think he would be an interesting add to our rotation at 1, 3, and 5 tech.  Some think he's more of a 3-4 interior, but put him behind CJ and he could learn a lot in a hybrid role.  

 

Xavier Cooper DT Wash St.

 

If we just get one of D'wan or Cole back (which is what at the most happens IMO), we're going to need a new rotational DT and Cooper fits the bill with potential as a starter down the road.  He reminds me of a more raw Fletcher Cox. 

 

 

 

--Feel free to mention guys you would consider as well. 

 

 

Preston Smith played in a 4-3 scheme like our and he would be a perfect fit for us. He has length and speed for outside rush but is excellent on run blocking also.

[TylerVagyler]

Za'Darius would be a solid pick in the 3rd. Might be a bit of a reach in the 2nd depending on who else is there.

 

Markus Golden is another guy I like in the 2nd. Along with Owamagbe Odighizuwa.

[LinvilleGorge]

I like Preston Smith a lot.  He really stood out to me when I was watching MSU vs. Alabama.  I just checked the stat sheet and he only had 3 tackles and a sack, but that doesn't really tell the story of how many impact plays he had.  He was all over the field.

[saX man]

Preston Smith played in a 4-3 scheme like our and he would be a perfect fit for us. He has length and speed for outside rush but is excellent on run blocking also.

 

Agreed

[davos]

Preston Smith played in a 4-3 scheme like our and he would be a perfect fit for us. He has length and speed for outside rush but is excellent on run blocking also.

 

I've read about that 3-4 potential on some sites like CBS and NFL to name a few but I see an every down 4-3 DE in him and we're on the same page. 

 

Adding him to our rotation with Kony, CJ, and Mario would make an awesome balance of guys and a huge upgrade over Horton, not too mention a guy who's athletic but balanced.  Doesn't overly rely on any one thing which is big to have in a DE...especially one his size.