2011 NFL Draft Preview : 4-3 Defensive Tackles

Though defensive ends tend to make the highlight reels with numerous sacks and creating chaos in opposing backfields, they cannot perform to their duties correctly without those two big guys in the middle of the line, the defensive tackles.

4-3 Defensive Tackles

1. Nick Fairley
Despite only having one collegiate season of meaningful playing time, Fairley certainly made the most of his opportunities this year.  At 6'5" and 299 lbs, he has fantastic size to go with his power and explosiveness.  While he is effective against the run, what sets Fairley apart from most defensive tackles is his pass rushing ability.  Fairley uses a wide variety of moves to blow past opposing offensive lineman into the backfield.  While there are character concerns because of numerous foul penalties committed during his junior season, expect Fairley to be drafted within the top 10.

 (Fairley just has a knack for blowing up plays.  Even against the vaunted Oregon Ducks offense.)

2. Stephen Paea
For only playing one year of high school football, Paea certainly caught up on the fundamentals of football quickly during his time at Oregon State.  He is solid at 6'1" and 311 lbs and uses his unreal strength to occupy the interior offensive line.  Paea has retained incredible toughness and excellent stamina from his kick-boxing days.  He is not afraid to lay to lumber on opposing ball carriers and plays to the whistle on every down.  Though Paea is lacking in the pass rushing department, you will be hard pressed to find a harder working football player than his young defensive tackle and you can be sure that Paea will work to improve his pass rushing skills.

(Did I forget to mention that Stephen Paea was STRONG!)

3. Corey Liuget
Playing in the incredibly physical Big Ten has transformed Liuget into a force to be reckoned with on the interior of the defensive line.  He has great explosion and speed despite his 6'3", 300 lbs frame and combines these talents with great strength to disrupt the opposing offense.  Liuget is equally effective against both the run and the pass as he collapses running lanes and pushes the pocket easily.  For a defensive tackle, Liuget has fantastic tackling technique and is rarely caught out of position.  He could work on his fluidity between pass rushing moves but overall Liuget has the potential to be a nightmarish defensive tackle at the next level.

(Yet another fantastic defensive lineman who gave Terrelle Pryor a difficult day.)