1. DeForest Buckner, Oregon, 6-7 291: I really like Buckner’s size and length. He’s strong at the point of attack. He does a great job extending out on blockers, separating and getting into his pursuit angle. Buckner is a terrific interior pass rusher who wins with power and quickness. He can line up as a three technique or play a five technique defensive end based on the front. Buckner has a tendency to play tall at times and he loses leverage. I think he’s one of the top ten players in this draft.

2. A’Shawn Robinson, Alabama, 6-3 1/2 307: I like Robinson’s burst off the ball. He is quick for a man his size. Robinson moves well laterally and has shown an ability to play down the line of scrimmage and make plays from the backside. Robinson is a bull and rip pass rusher who does a good job taking a side on an offensive lineman. He can play as a three technique or as a shade tackle depending on the front. Robinson offers scheme versatility and can play in either a 30 or 40 front.

3. Jarran Reed, Alabama, 6-2 1/2 307: Reed is a pure 3-4 nose tackle. He is strong at the point of attack. He can engage, anchor down and play a two-gap technique. Reed moves well vertically. He can penetrate and re-create the line of scrimmage on a consistent basis. I think he’s an average pass rusher but he is going to make his money on Sunday’s stopping the run. A sure fire first round pick in my book.

4. Sheldon Rankins, Louisville, 6-1 299: Rankins is a pure 4-3 defensive tackle. I think he is a shade tackle at the next level but he has played the three technique in the past. He is a good pass rusher who wins with lean and leverage. Rankins moves well laterally and vertically. He can be really disruptive. He reminds me a lot of Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald but he is not as athletic. I think Rankins has the potential to be a top fifteen pick.

5. Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss, 6-3 1/2 294: Nkemdiche has the most upside of any player in this loaded defensive tackle class but he comes with a ton of baggage. He is explosive off the ball and moves well laterally and vertically. Nkemdiche is strong at the point of attack. He can engage, stack and shed lineman with ease. Nkemdiche is effective on twist stunts. He gets up field quickly when free. My issue with him is he can be blockable at times. Tends to get lazy. There is no doubt the upside is there and if a team is willing to take a chance, they’ll get a hell of a player if he can stay out of trouble.

6. Andrew Billings, Baylor, 6-0 1/2 311: Any other year and Billings would be a top three defensive tackle. He possses the three S’ He’s strong, stout and short. Billings is a big man who can move well in all four directions. He is a deceptive pass rusher who can penetrate and play down the line of scrimmage. He is a sure tackler who finishes off ball carriers when he gets his hands on them. Billings is ideally suited to play the nose tackle position in a 3-4 defense but he can also play the shade tackle in a 4-3. I think he is a top 25 pick. We’ll see if the rest of the league agrees.

7. Chris Jones, Miss State, 6-5 1/2 310: Any other year and Jones would be a top five player at this position. Jones is a tweener. He can play tackle on first and second down and kick out to defensive end on third down based on the front and sub package. Jones is explosive and he can consistently re-create the line of scrimmage. Moves well laterally and can make chase plays from the backside. Jones is strong. He can engage, separate and finish plays. Can be inconsistent at times and there is a dog element to his game but he has immense talent.

8. Kenny Clark, UCLA, 6-2 1/2 314: Another guy who would be a top five tackle in any other draft. Clark is explosive and he moves well vertically. He has shown an ability to re-create the line of scrimmage. Clark has good lower body strength and can extend and shed blockers regularly. Moves well down the line and he is a solid tackler. Clark plays tough and is consistent. I really like this kid. I think he is a bit underrated. I think he is a second round talent.

9. Vernon Butler, Louisiana Tech, 6-3 1/2 323: I think Butler is a hidden gem in this draft. He has steal written all over him. Butler was highly productive at Louisiana Tech. He moves well in all four directions and is strong at the point of attack. Butler has a nice thick frame but he is athletic. He has some juice as a bull and rip pass rusher who shows the ability to get into a double move. He is a tough kid who can play all three downs. I think he would be a solid day two value.

10. Austin Johnson, Penn State, 6-4 1/2 315: Johnson looked dominant at times and then at other times, you wondered if he was in the game. He’s long and lean and offers scheme versatility. Johnson has pass rusher potential because he has shown an ability to play with good lean. He doesn’t always use his length to his advantage when defending the run. He gets caught in traffic and struggles to disengage. Johnson has upside but he needs to end up in the right scheme with the right defensive line coach.