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Nose Tackle

Blake

Blake

MMQB
What characteristics are yall looking for when drafting a NT?

Some say, certain guys are pure 4-3 DT. But then you have guys like Jay Ratliff who break the mold.
 
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Here are the players that I am seeing who could play NT.

Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor
Jerrell Powe, NT, Ole Miss
Sione Fua, NT, Stanford
Ian Williams, NT, Notre Dame
Kendrick Ellis, NT, Hampton
Anthony Gray, NT, Southern Miss

Who else could play NT?
 
Super Mario said:
Here are the players that I am seeing who could play NT.

Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor
Jerrell Powe, NT, Ole Miss
Sione Fua, NT, Stanford
Ian Williams, NT, Notre Dame
Kendrick Ellis, NT, Hampton
Anthony Gray, NT, Southern Miss

Who else could play NT?
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I think I would add North Carolina's Marvin Austin to the list. He would be more of a Ratliff type NT.
 
beerlover said:
even if he blows up @ the combine probably not first. early to mid second round, just within the Texans er' Rick Smith/Wade Phillips sights.
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I think I would love it if they could get Ayers & Austin for the first two picks...
 
Super Mario said:
Here are the players that I am seeing who could play NT.

Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor
Jerrell Powe, NT, Ole Miss
Sione Fua, NT, Stanford
Ian Williams, NT, Notre Dame
Kendrick Ellis, NT, Hampton
Anthony Gray, NT, Southern Miss

Who else could play NT?
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David Carter DT UCLA could be a great 5/7th rd pick.

He needs to add a little weight. But seems to hold his ground well.

Phillips is coaching Carter in this weeks East/West Shrine Game.
 
JB said:
I think I would love it if they could get Ayers & Austin for the first two picks...
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That would be sick. But Houston (UGA) is the rush OLB I am looking at. Him and Austin, or even take Watt, and have a front 3 of Watt - Austin - Williams
 
rmartin65 said:
That would be sick. But Houston (UGA) is the rush OLB I am looking at. Him and Austin, or even take Watt, and have a front 3 of Watt - Austin - Williams
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I don't know enough about Houston yet, but I have a feeling that Ayers is going to be something special.
 
rmartin65 said:
That would be sick. But Houston (UGA) is the rush OLB I am looking at. Him and Austin, or even take Watt, and have a front 3 of Watt - Austin - Williams
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I would be happy with Ayers/Austin

However a Watt/Austin/MW front 3 would be sick.

I just hope they take BPA and dont reach for a lesser talent because of need.
 
JB said:
I don't know enough about Houston yet, but I have a feeling that Ayers is going to be something special.
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Ayers is a more well-rounded LB, but Houston is a better pass rusher. Really, I think the Texans would benefit from either player. I just prefer Houston by a smidge.


steelbtexan said:
I would be happy with Ayers/Austin

However a Watt/Austin/MW front 3 would be sick.

I just hope they take BPA and dont reach for a lesser talent because of need.
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The more I think about that front 3, the more I like it. All 3 can stop the run, and all 3 can penetrate and rush the passer. Throw in Cush and Ryans, and hopefully Barwin, and the 3-4 D looks pretty nasty.
 
steelbtexan said:
I would be happy with Ayers/Austin

However a Watt/Austin/MW front 3 would be sick.

I just hope they take BPA and dont reach for a lesser talent because of need.
Click to expand...

I think that Wade will have Mario playing OLB much of the time. I think that Smith will be one end and Okoye/FA the other. Cody will man the nose with Mitchell/ draft pick. If we could get Ayers for OLB, and have Cushing and Ryans in the middle, we will have a formidle front 7. We will need lots or rotation players, so I am really hoping that an agreement is reached on the CBA before the draft, or that is going to really change the draft.
 
well since this thread is dedicated to the nose tackle position we better go find one, don't y'all think? they probably will stand pat with their 4-3 DT's just convert them over to 3-4 DE's, at leaast Amobi & Antonio Smith. Mario will get some looks @ OLB I'll guarantee in certain packages & Barwin exclusively when released with clean bill of health.

So NT has to be the #1 priority, the thing is, no NT is worth the 11th overall selection in the draft. Can/would the Texans trade back? Yes if they receive good value in return, could be package of additional picks and/or player of interest to Texans (not sure how trades will be impacted with collective bargaining agreement?). Still we need to identify a nose tackle the Texans covet to begin Wade Phillips 3-4 Texan era.

It would seem there is a cluster of three to designate for further review & they all should fall into the 2nd rd. pick of the Texans. Meaning Texans can continue to trade back, ala the Patriots of take bpa @ another position of need if he falls into one of those extra pick slots. This way Rick Smith can maximize value, have feeling there are going to be more holes to fill than expected.

Anyway to three Nose Tackle Prospects we should focus on.

Phillip Taylor, DT
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 340 | College: Baylor
Overview

In the NFL, size matters. Taylor has always had plenty of that, but other aspects of his game and life off the field have held him back in scouts' eyes -- until this year. He earned second-team All-Big 12 accolades in his final collegiate season, putting up 52 tackles, seven for loss, and two sacks for the Bears.

Taylor's career began at Penn State, where he matriculated after being named an All-Washington, D.C. metro player in high school. He played sparingly in seven games as a true freshman (no tackles), then flashed playmaking ability as a sophomore, making 20 tackles, 6.5 for loss and three sacks in a reserve role for the Nittany Lions. After sitting out the 2008 season transferring from Happy Valley to Waco, Taylor didn't exactly light up the world in his nine starts (25 tackles, 2.5 for los, 0.5 sack, interception, two blocked kicks).

Taylor's transfer was forced by suspension, then eventual dismissal, from the Penn State football team several months after his alleged role in a fight during a fraternity function at the student union. If scouts are willing to put that incident in the past, Taylor's excellent strength and mobility for his size, and the need for dominant 3-4 nose tackles, should push his draft stock high.
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Muhammad Wilkerson, DT
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 305 | College: Temple
Overview

Named to the 2010 Outland Trophy Watch List … a 2010 preseason first-team All-MAC selection by Phil Steele's College Football … 2010 preseason All-MAC honoree by Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook … wears jersey #9 this fall after wearing #96 for two seasons. Junior defensive tackle Muhammad Wilkerson (Linden, N.J.) will forego his senior season at Temple University to enter the 2011 National Football League Draft, head coach Steve Addazio announced on Wednesday. "I've spoken to Muhammad and his mother," Addazio said, "and they feel it's in his best interest to enter the Draft at this time. We thank Muhammad for all that he has given to Temple Football during his tenure, and we wish him the best." At 6-5, 305 lbs., Wilkerson was the recipient of the team's defensive most valuable player honor in 2010. A two-time first-team All-MAC honoree, the team captain started all 12 games at tackle. One of just seven Owls to start every game, he finished third in tackles with 70 and led the Owls with 13.0 TFL and 9.5 sacks. Named to the Outland Trophy Watch List, he earned MAC Defensive Player of the Week accolades twice in 2010. A social work major, Wilkerson intends to return to Temple to finish his degree. "I enjoyed my time at Temple University," Wilkerson said. "It was a good experience for me. I'm thankful for the opportunity for a scholarship and for an education. I promise to come back and get my degree. I'm definitely going to miss my teammates and being a student-athlete at Temple." - Temple football

Kenrick Ellis, DT
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 340 | College: Hampton
Overview

Many prospects from the Football Championship Subdivision fell through the recruiting cracks. Ellis is one of a few to end up in the former Division 1AA after being dismissed from a major college program. Despite his off-field issues, NFL teams will be impressed by his combination of size and athleticism.

The Jamaican-born Ellis redshirted as a freshman at South Carolina after a strong high school career in which he racked up 23 sacks in his final two seasons. In 2007, he played in 11 games (starting the finale), making 11 tackles including three for loss. In the spring of 2008, however, the Gamecocks first suspended Ellis for the first three games of the following season then dismissed him for repeated violations of team policy (reportedly due to multiple failed drug tests). He transferred to Hampton and stood out as expected, earning second-team All-MEAC honors with 39 tackles, including 7.5 for loss and 3.5 sacks. Ellis stepped up his game in 2009, garnering first-team all-conference accolades with 51 stops, 15 for loss, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble.

Ellis did not disappoint as a senior -- 94 tackles, including 34 solo, 15 for loss, two sacks -- repeating first-team All-MEAC honors. However, he tripped another red flag for teams when he was suspended for the first game of the 2010 season. He often looked like an SEC talent playing among FCS competition, showing brute strength and very nimble feet for a man his size. Teams utilizing 3-4 schemes would see him as a first-round talent. But character counts in the NFL, making difficult the prospects of drafting a player with excess baggage before the third round treacherous. Some teams will take him off their board altogether.
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player profiles courtesy of http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players
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JB said:
If we could get Ayers for OLB
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He's a 4-3 SAM at UCLA, not what we want to play at OLB in the 3-4.
We need a guy who's established himself as a big-time edge-rusher in college, probably would be a tweener 4-3 DE in his college days with double-digit sack tots.
 
IDEXAN said:
He's a 4-3 SAM at UCLA, not what we want to play at OLB in the 3-4.
We need a guy who's established himself as a big-time edge-rusher in college, probably would be a tweener 4-3 DE in his college days with double-digit sack tots.
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This is a NT thread so this is the only thing I will say about Ayers. Dude is an athlete and can rush the passer and drop into coverage. Not a one trick pony.

I think most agree that unless some NT shoots up the first round, we are looking at NT in the 2nd where there should be a couple good prospects.

I am on the Phil Taylor bandwagon until someone can convince me someone else is better that will be available @ 2.
 
If the Texans can sign a vet FA NT this would lower the need for drafting a NT high in the draft.

If this happens look for the Texans to pick one of the lower level NT's that are playing in the East/West Shrine Game this weekend.

David Carter NT UCLA

Martin Parker NT Richmond

Terrell McClain NT South Fla

There have been glowing reports about these 2 guys coming out of practices this week. They should be available in rds 4-5 and would have great value in those rds.

BTW, How did Terrell Troup play for the Bills this yr? According to Leavitt, McClain compares favorably with Troup.
 
steelbtexan said:
If the Texans can sign a vet FA NT this would lower the need for drafting a NT high in the draft.

If this happens look for the Texans to pick one of the lower level NT's that are playing in the East/West Shrine Game this weekend.

David Carter NT UCLA

Martin Parker NT Richmond

Terrell McClain NT South Fla

There have been glowing reports about these 2 guys coming out of practices this week. They should be available in rds 4-5 and would have great value in those rds.

BTW, How did Terrell Troup play for the Bills this yr? According to Leavitt, McClain compares favorably with Troup.
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with lockout looming the draft is a teams only lifeline for roster movement & remember Cody is a free agent when dust finally does settle so double dipping NT position is fine with me, but is Houston big enough for another McClain :pop:
 
Super Mario said:
This is a NT thread so this is the only thing I will say about Ayers. Dude is an athlete and can rush the passer and drop into coverage. Not a one trick pony.

I think most agree that unless some NT shoots up the first round, we are looking at NT in the 2nd where there should be a couple good prospects.

I am on the Phil Taylor bandwagon until someone can convince me someone else is better that will be available @ 2.
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We know that Phillips had a quick, smallish (300 pounder) NT in Dallas, on the other hand he had a really big 350 pounder fat-guy (Jamal Williams) playing nose in SD who clearly, unlike Ratliff, was a 2-gapper. So then before we start picking noses for Wade, lets see what kind of player he has in mind for that posiion in Houston ? Maybe he'll go either way, or maybe he's going to
specifically target one or the other, be it a 1-gapper or 2-gapper ? Based upon what he's saying about Cody & Michell I'm thinking its the smaller, 1-gap type.
BTW, my comment about Ayers was in response to a comment earlier in the thread by another poster. And I still suggest its unwise to draft a 4-3
OLB, no matter how athletic he may be, to play OLB in the 3-4. A classic example of this is former UT standout and now Chiefs LB is Derrick Johnson.
 
some interesting points made, does anyone who follows the Cowboys know to what extent Wade Phillips had in Dallas with personnel decisions (from the outside sure seemed like Jerry's World)? Big difference between one-gap & two-gap DT's. If they want Mario to be happy playing DE they better find a bigger, run-stuffing two gap as opposed to one gap pass rushing DT like Amobi or (in this upcoming draft) someone like USC DT Jurrell Casey. And if we try to project another DE to OLB lets not move whole boards to move up for another Babin, who has proven to be a 4-3 DE. Pray for Wade Phillips & your, Houston Texans :toropalm:
 
I look back at our recent past as it relates to defensive tackles and we see the focus on getting "smaller, quicker, penetrating" type of guys vs the big ol' boys that just hold the point of attack. Then I see our staff try desperately to keep Frank Okam (the only big boy of the group) on the roster as long as possible. Was this in an effort to 'diversify' so to speak? Have a different kind of player for certain situations?

I just bring this up becuase I wonder if Wade will want 2 or 3 or 4 of the same kind of nose tackles on our team... or if he may want 2 penetrating type of guys and also maybe a big fat ass to have options depending on what's working that Sunday or what team we're playing.

Thoughts?
 
Ole Miss Texan said:
I look back at our recent past as it relates to defensive tackles and we see the focus on getting "smaller, quicker, penetrating" type of guys vs the big ol' boys that just hold the point of attack. Then I see our staff try desperately to keep Frank Okam (the only big boy of the group) on the roster as long as possible. Was this in an effort to 'diversify' so to speak? Have a different kind of player for certain situations?

I just bring this up becuase I wonder if Wade will want 2 or 3 or 4 of the same kind of nose tackles on our team... or if he may want 2 penetrating type of guys and also maybe a big fat ass to have options depending on what's working that Sunday or what team we're playing.

Thoughts?
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I would think that he would want a couple of penetrating DT's that we already have on the roster, and a couple of run stuffer big boys. Traditional NT types. That way he has wiggle room on what type of coverage and scheme he wants to run for certain plays.
 
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