The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy gave his top 10 defensive linemen in this year’s NFL Draft based on evaluations and interactions with people around the league:
- Christian Bermore, Alabama, 6-4, 310 lbs.: The 2021 National Championship Game was named Defensive MVP, the best stretch of his career. Explosive is the first step, but was a one-year starter for the late-bloomer and Tide in high school.
- Levi Onwuzuraic, Washington, 6-2, 290 lbs.: The corners are required to bend towards the burrows by nearby pressure. Went out of the 2020 season and was limited due to injury in the Senior Bowl. Underlined, but may be prominent.
- Davion Nixon, Iowa, 6-3, 313 pounds.: The Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year deals with a 13.5 loss following a breakout season, making all FBS interior linemen. A one-year starter after junior college that has some continuity issues.
- Marlon Tuipulotu, USC, 6-3, 305 pounds.: He struggled with injury early in his career to become a three-year starter. Can be a dominant run defender who shines as a pass razor because of agile legs.
- Jay Tuffel, USC, 6-2, 305 lb.: Played with Tuipulotu for two years until COVID-19 exited the 2020 season after impressing his family. High motor and reverse load. Born in American Samoa.
- Marvin Wilson, Florida State, 6-5, 304 pounds.: Unanimous No. 1-Defensive fixture in the nation outside of high school which at one point was a possible first round. Three blocked kicks in an otherwise disappointing 2020. Plays with power.
- Aleem McNeill, NC State, 6-1, 317 pounds.: One of college football’s farewells was named by Athletic as he squats 445 pounds and 650 pounds. Powerful enough to blow plays in the backfield but concerns exist about their length.
- Tyler Shelvin, LSU, 6-3, 350 lbs.: The massive nose tackle that weighed 390 pounds at one time in college. Designed to anchor a defensive line, but also has rare athleticism. Only one year as a contributor and not a third-down pass ranger.
- Milton Williams, Louisiana Tech, 6-3, 284 pounds.: Is that an end or a tackle? Versatility is a good label; Is not a ‘tweener. Noted tackles 19 for losses in the last two seasons but allows some big beneficiaries to take the wrong step.
- Bobby Brown III, Texas A&M, 6-4, 321 lbs.: Lots of room for development, especially using her hands. Possible day 3 was mentioned by scouts as a “boom” sleeper, which could cause him to be over drafted.
late riser
Bobby Brown III: All-SEC Freshman Team in 2018 and All-SEC First-Team in 2020. It is said that he piles up against the best of the best. No lack of confidence.
Fall fast
Osa Odighizuwa, UCLA, 6-2, 280 lbs.: The brother was a third-round pick in 2015, who dropped out after 18 career games. The plan is versatile and tireless, but very often it dominates the interior.
Small-school wonder
Khiris Tonga, BYU, 6-4, 321: Played 50 games and was drafted BYU defensive draft for the first time since 1999. Rugby comes from the background. It will be 25 years before the season starts.
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