2007 NFL Draft News - Top Five Defensive Tackles

Top Five Defensive Tackles

By Bernie Marshall | Category: 2007 NFL Draft News
Originally Posted: 2007-04-23

The 2007 NFL Draft is less than a week away, so THN is taking a look at each position's top five prospects. Up next are the defensive tackles:

#1
Name: Amobi Okoye
Class: Senior
School: Louisville
Height: 6’ 2
Weight: 306 pounds

Okoye is a 19 year old big-bodied, space eater who can control blockers with his agility and balance. He does a very good job of anticipating the snap and can beat most blockers to the point of attack. Okoye is very athletic and will be a difference-maker. He may be the first defensive tackle picked in the draft, and will definitely be drafted in the first half of the first round.

#2
Name: Alan Branch
Class:
School: Michigan
Height: 6’5
Weight: 324 pounds

Branch has a very good mix of size and strength for a defensive tackle. He is able to occupy multiple blockers in the run game, and will make plays behind the line of scrimmage using his quickness. Branch’s talent combined with his size could allow him to play nose tackle in a 3-4, or inside in a 4-3 alignment. He should be a top 15 pick.

#3
Name: DeMarcus Tyler
Class: Senior
School: North Carolina State
Height: 6’2
Weight: 305 pounds

Tyler has good strength, plays well against the run and has some quickness. He shows the ability to penetrate the line, control gaps to disrupt plays, but he doesn’t get to the QB too often. He has been creeping up draft boards and should go late in round one or early in the second.

#4
Name: Justin Harrell
Class: Senior
School: Tennessee
Height: 6’4
Weight: 300 pounds

Harrell is a good athlete and has excellent size; he’s tall with adequate bulk. He has above average lower body strength, can push the pocket, and has the wingspan to disrupt passing lanes. He tore his bicep in early 2006 and tried to play with one arm, after 2 games his season was over but someone will make him a day one pick.

#5
Name: Brandon Mebane
Class: Senior
School: California
Height: 6’1
Weight: 306 pounds

Mebane gets a great jump off the snap and has good quickness and agility. He gets great penetration and can hold his own in the running game. He continues to improve his pass rush moves, but still needs work. Mebane will still come off the board on day one.

Check out more at THN's exclusive 2007 NFL Draft section.

This article was released on 2007-04-23.

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