Redskins.com previews the NFL Draft position-by-position, with a focus on some of the top rookie prospects available in the April 29-30 NFL Draft. Tuesday: Defensive Tackles.
The Redskins have two solid starters at defensive tackle in Cornelius Griffin and Joe Salave'a and a pair of backups in Cedric Killings and Ryan Boschetti. Defensive coordinator-defensive line coach Greg Blache likes linemen who are versatile, though, so it's likely that Phillip Daniels, Renaldo Wynn and Demetric Evans could see action inside next season.
It's possible that the Redskins could add a defensive tackle in the draft for depth purposes. Keep an eye on the position in later rounds.
Redskins Draft History: The Redskins have rarely selected defensive tackles in the draft. (In recent years, defensive tackles Cornelius Griffin, Joe Salave'a, Dana Stubblefield and Dan Wilkinson were among players acquired via free agency or trades.) The team has not had great luck in drafting defensive tackles, with 1991 first-rounder Bobby Wilson the most notable bust.
Top Prospects
Ngata faced double- and triple-teams at Oregon State and was still one of the elite defensive tackles last year, recording 61 tackles, nine for a loss and three sacks. He is 6-4 and 336 pounds and is thought to be better served as a nose tackle in 3-4 defensive schemes. He is expected to be a top 15 pick.
Bunkley jumped up draft boards after a strong showing at the NFL Scouting Combine in February. He is thought to be a top-notch pass-rusher for a tackle, logging nine sacks, 66 tackles and 25 tackles for a loss last season. He is 6-3 and 300 pounds--somewhat light--but should be able to bulk up some in the pros.
Another prototype nose tackle, Watson was the most impressive run defender during the Senior Bowl. The 6-3, 341-pounder can clog running lanes and allow blitzing linebackers to penetrate into the opposing backfield. He had 40 tackles, six tackles for a loss and two sacks last season.
The brother of former 49ers' first-rounder Kwame Harris, Orien Harris is a 6-3, 302-pound tackle who should translate to the pros as a powerful run-stuffer. He logged 40 tackles, a career-high 14 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks last season.
Wright is a 6-5, 306-pounder who shows all of the tools to be a dominant tackle, but some scouts suggest he did not live up to his potential in his college. Playing for the NCAA champion Longhorns last season, Wright recorded 46 tackles, 13 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks.
Wroten played two years at LSU after transferring from a junior college. The 6-1, 295-pounder has good speed and is adept at penetrating into the backfield. He finished last season with 49 tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss, five sacks and 26 quarterback pressures. There are some questions about his character, however.
At 6-1 and 304 pounds, Lewis is regarded as a one-gap tackle. He started all four years at Virginia Tech and was a consistent performer, recording 38 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks last season. He best fits a 4-3 defensive scheme.
Late-Round Possibilities
Regarded as a high-energy player, Dvoracek is quick off the snap and an intimidating force--when healthy. The 6-2, 300-pounder has struggled through neck and shoulder injuries the last few years.
A nose tackle who has not received a lot of publicity, Oshinowo is regarded as one of the "sleepers" of the draft. At 6-1 and 302 pounds, he logged 15 sacks in his college career, an impressive stat for a nose tackle.
