Sideline Scouting

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2005 Defensive Tackle Preview
By Michael Struening

The number of first round defensive tackles dropped from six in 2003 to only three last season. The drop-off might continue this season unless a few underclassmen enter the mix.

Wisconsin defensive tackle Anttaj Hawthorne enters the season as the top defensive end on most boards - including our own. At 6-3, 300 pounds, he’s one of the top run defenders in the nation - something that could translate well into a NFL league in need of run stuffers. While he’s not the quickest of tackle prospects (only four sacks), he’s able to penetrate using his superior strength.

Oklahoma’s Dusty Dvoracek needs to add more weight to his 285 frame while not losing any of his athleticism. Mike Patterson of Southern California and Lorenzo Alexander of California should also hear their names called on day one

Underclassmen:
As is usually the case in the NFL Draft, underclassmen play a big role at the defensive tackle position. This year will be no different as arguably the top two rated tackle prospects in college football are juniors.

Haloti Ngata of Oregon came to the Ducks with huge prep accolades and nearly attended BYU. While a torn ACL ended his season prematurely, Ngata will be back for the upcoming season. He recently participated in Oregon’s track and field program at shot put. When healthy, he’s by far the top defender against the run in the NCAA’s.

Rodrique Wright has been a force for Texas since his freshman season. With 80 tackles last season, his skills are only increasing with time. Both Ngata and Wright are potential top 10 picks come next April. Kedric Golston of Georgia and Miami’s Orien Harris are two other highly rated juniors.

Sleepers:
Florida State’s Travis Johnson may have finally put some past altercations behind him. He’ll make his first appearance as a full-time starter for the Seminoles in this upcoming season. With intriguing size at 6-5, 290, an NFL team might be able to do wonders with Johnson - as long as he’s in the right program.

Future Years:
Rutgers tackle Nate Robinson came to the Scarlet Knights after failing to meet the SAT requirements at Miami. Southern California has another top prospect in Manuel Wright. Xavier Lawson-Kennedy of Oklahoma State is another underclassmen to keep an eye on. Take a look at Rob Peckham’s latest edition of Inside The Trenches for a look at some of the top freshman lineman.

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