2017 Falcons NFL Draft Preview: Interior Defensive Linemen

The Falcons need defensive line help. Which players coming out in the 2017 NFL Draft could help them next season and beyond?

As we continue on through the NFL’s regular season, we see which teams have issues at certain positions, and try to decide what they can do to fix them. While some may prefer established talent in free agency, the NFL draft is one of the most exciting times for team to find some new, developmental talent that can become superstars for their new teams.

While high picks have expectations levied upon them instantly, there are always some diamonds in the rough that can be found in the later rounds of the draft. One position people believe is a spot of need for the Atlanta Falcons is the interior of the defensive line. For every round, we have selected a player that could help the Falcons in this spot. Check out the slide show and let us know who you like best for our team going into the 2017 season.

Nov 28, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes defensive tackle Lowell Lotulelei (93) lines up for a play during the second half against the Colorado Buffaloes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Utah won 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Round 1: Lowell Lotulelei, Utah (6-2, 310lbs)

The brother of Panthers star defensive tackle Star Lotulelei, Utes fans were excited when Lowell made his commitment to the same school as his sibling. He produced about as well as people expected him to, playing in all 13 games as a freshman, and racking up 4.5 tackles-for-loss in his 9 starts. Even though he was given more attention by opposing offensive lines in his sophomore season, he still recorded 5.0 tackles-for-loss and a sack. This year he has 15 total tackles, with three coming for a loss through six games while playing somewhat sparingly due to injury.

Strengths: He is built like his brother, with an extremely strong, thick frame, and short arms. Unironically, strength is his biggest strength. He is able to work interior linemen at will; moving them any which way he has to in order to get to the play. His work as a run defender is impossible to miss. It’s where he can control his linemen and disengage as well as any defensive tackle of his stature. Lotulelei’s best move is his bull rush, but recently, it appears as if he has started to work a swim move into his arsenal. He is deceptively agile, showing the ability to move quickly on stunts and plays designed to move him around the line. Lotulelei’s best play comes from the 1- and 3-technique spots on the defensive line, and he has shown the ability to perform admirably wherever the team lines him up (0, 1, 3, and 5 technique this year). He is a true junior, which means he is younger than many of his counterparts and may still have room to develop.

Weaknesses: Though strong and agile, his frame is likely maxed out and should not be expected to add much more muscle. When he engages offensive linemen with a better reach, he can easily be blocked out of the play. It appears his only move that he has mastered is the bull rush, and when beaten, it can take him a while to disengage in the passing game. He looks to have a low stamina level at times taking plays off when the ball is away from him.

Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Chris Wormley (43) rushes the passer against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Round 2: Chris Wormley, Michigan (6-6, 302lbs)

Wormley, a senior on the Wolverines’ strong defensive line, has been impressive over his four seasons in Ann Arbor. Through 37 games (not counting Saturday’s matchup against Maryland), he has collected 28.5 tackles for loss, with 15.5 coming as sacks. Wormley is a big man who can move across the line. He’s been on the Academic All-Big Ten team since 2014, and as a fifth-year senior, looks ready to make the jump into the NFL and play at a high level.

Strengths: Wormley has played everywhere from the 7-tech to the 1-tech for the Wolverines, and works best as an inside rusher at the 3- or 4-tech spots. At 6’6″, he has great length that he uses to move offensive linemen at will. He has performed well against top competition, scoring five tackles and a sack last year against former Michigan State tackle Jack Conklin. When he’s not using his rip moves or bull rush, he can get good push in the pocket and work his linemen well with good playing strength. Excellent special teams player on the field goal unit for the Wolverines, blocking two field goals in one game in 2016. As a co-captain for Michigan’s 2016 team, he is well-respected by his teammates and coaches.

Weaknesses: While Wormley has been productive this year, his play has been hidden by the greater play of his fellow linemen like Taco Charlton and class of 2016 #1 recruit Rashan Gary. There are times at which it seems his motor runs hot and cold, as he can take plays off when tired. While solid in the run game, he can have problems at times when wrapping backs up when he has the chance to. Wormley should not be expected to perform at his highest level playing outside, where he could be matched up with tackles that match his length.

Sep 17, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Brantley (57) high five fans after they beat the North Texas Mean Green during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the North Texas Mean Green 32-0. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Round 3: Caleb Brantley, Florida (6-2, 297lbs)

Brantley, a true junior from Crescent City, FL, has been a productive member of a Gators defensive line that has generated some talented NFL prospects in recent years. Playing across from linemen like Jonathan Bullard and Dante Fowler allowed Brantley to flourish, scoring 49 tackles and 11 TFLs, with 3 coming as sacks. So far in 2016, he has racked up 13 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, and a sack, all while playing through injury. He was named a Second Team All American by Pro Football Focus in the 2015 season.

Strengths: While he is a bit lighter than the previously listed prospects, Brantley can generate pressure from the inside. He has played all across the line, but works best from the 3- and 5-tech spots on the defensive line. Brantley has showed the abiity to push linemen, as well as use some of his more technical moves to get through the line and create pressure. He has even shown the ability to play through injury (in the game against Vanderbilt in 2016, he played through a sprained wrist in the second half). He’s a quick mover across the line, and works well on stunt plays. When he gets his hands inside on a lineman, he can wreak havoc on quarterbacks and running backs.

Weaknesses: Brantley can create consistent pressure and break through the line, but he can’t always get home and collect the sack (missed 4 opportunities against Vanderbilt). While Brantley has good strength for his size, he often has trouble arm tackling running backs, and they can often power through with strong legs. He has missed 10 games over his college career, and his injuries are often compounded.

Nov 14, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Brandon Allen (10) prepares to hand the ball off in front of LSU Tigers defensive tackle Davon Godchaux (57) in the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

Round 4: Davon Godchaux, LSU (6-4, 299)

With a name like Davon Godchaux, it seems as though the Louisiana native was destined for LSU. Once he arrived there, he played well, totaling 40 tackles with 1.5 coming for a loss in his freshman season. Playing in a 4-3 scheme in his sophomore season, he tallied six sacks and 9.0 tackles-for-loss while playing in 11 of 13 games. He showed up in the Texas Bowl against Texas Tech, getting a sack on his first play. Now that LSU has transitioned to a 3-4 scheme under new coordinator Dave Aranda, Godchaux has 4.0 sacks and 34 total tackles through seven games this season.

Strengths: While possessing a light build, Godchaux has good playing strength and knows how to use it well. It seems like he may have mastered the swim move, using it often against slower tackles. When he’s not trying to use his technique to beat his man, he can bull rush like a player much larger than him. In the run game, he can disengage quickly when the play ends up near him. While he’s slow footed, he can work stunts and looping plays well. Godchaux is one of the best tacklers on the team, and he can wrap up rushers and quarterbacks well. He’s been a strong pass rusher from the one- and three-tech positions, and has played on the outside in a 4-3 scheme as well.

Weaknesses: If his first move is successfully countered, Godchaux is often blocked out of the play. While he is strong and can penetrate when needed, teams should not expect him to completely blow up run plays. While at times he can be explosive off the snap, there are some plays where he’s not fully ready or is a step slow on his timing. Although he is smaller than most other players at his position, he is extremely slow and will likely time higher than 5 seconds in the 40 yard dash. Was booked with a misdemeanor battery charge, but charges were dropped due to inconsistent statements.

Sep 10, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (54) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Round 5: Dalvin Tomlinson, Alabama (6-4, 307lbs)

A senior lineman for the Crimson Tide, Tomlinson has been a strong presence for one of, if not the most talented defensive lines in college football. While playing in his first game as a redshirt freshman, he recorded four tackles before a knee injury ended his season. Since then, he has played in 30 games, collecting 81 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. He has made himself stand out at times, even while playing with future high draft picks like Jarran Reed, A’Shawn Robinson, Reggie Ragland, and the like. He received a lot of praise from head coach Nick Saban, saying he is “a great example of perseverance.”

Strengths: Tomlinson has a knack for batting down passes at the line of scrimmage. He earned 5 passes defensed in his junior year, and three so far in the 2016 season. Moves well for his size, showing the ability to move laterally across the line when necessary. Good strength to manhandle linemen at times, showing up as a strong run defender while plugging gaps. Can generate pressure while pass rushing. Has played all across the line, but works best on the interior.

Weaknesses: Can sometimes end up being blocked out of plays. At times can struggle to diagnose. While he can generate pressure at points, is often just taking up space. Can play lighter than his size at times, which is a gift and a curse. Medical issues could come into question, as he had two knee injuries early on in his career.

Oct 29, 2016; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive tackle DeAngelo Brown (97) lines up against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Round 6: DeAngelo Brown, Louisville (6-1, 317lbs)

One of the better run defenders than pass rushers on this list is Brown, a senior lineman for the Cardinals. After missing the entire 2013 season due to an Achilles tear, he came back in his junior year to play in 9 games with 4 starts, tallying his first career sack against Notre Dame, and collecting another half-sack later in the year. He took on an elevated role in 2015, starting 12 of 13 games, recording 2 sacks, and 7 tackles for loss. After 6 games this year, he has 4.5 TFLs and 1.5 sacks on the year, missing games due to injury. He’s considered a team leader by many, and in his final year of eligibility, he seems to be coming into his own.

Strengths: A strong run defender, boasting the size to command the attention of more than one offensive lineman at times. Has the ability to create pressure on the quarterback and push the pocket. While he doesn’t have gaudy stat numbers, Brown created plenty of opportunities for his teammates while occupying blockers. Fluid mover for someone of his stature. A better fit for 1- and 3-technique spots than others.

Weaknesses: Can get blocked out of plays. Often late off the snap, taking away from some of his power in the pass rushing side of his game. Doesn’t have the same positional versatility as some of the other players on this list. Poor arm tackler, showing the inability to wrap up backs coming towards him. Often gets handled easily by some of the more talented offensive linemen.

Rutgers Darius Hamilton celebrates with defensive coordinator Joe Rossi after a hard hit on UNC quarterback Marquise Williams as Rutgers defeats North Carolina 40-21 in the Quick Lane Bowl at Ford Field. 12/26/14 Detroit, MI (John Munson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

Round 7: Darius Hamilton, Rutgers (6-3, 286lbs)

A five star recruit coming out of prep school, Hamilton didn’t exactly live up to the hype. Coming from an NFL bloodline, with father Keith being an ex-Giants player, Hamilton has been around the game for some time, and he has played well for a long time. While not the prototypical size of an interior lineman, he has shown the ability to handle the inside spots well during his time as a Scarlet Knight. After collecting 11.5 tackles for loss in back to back seasons in 2013 and 2014, he missed the majority of 2015 after suffering a lower body injury.

Strengths: A team captain since his sophomore season, Hamilton is well respected by his peers. While mainly relegated to the 3-tech, he has played everywhere from nose tackle to outside defensive end (7-tech). Impressive strength and speed for his size, especially playing on the interior. Shows the ability to burst through the line and get after the quarterback, as well as the patience to plug his gap and wait for the back. Can get skinny through the gap when necessary.

Weaknesses: Can get swallowed up by bigger offensive linemen. Hasn’t played as well as he did before the injury that derailed his 2015. Too small to contribute consistently in the running game. Will not be a “pocket pusher” on the interior. When his first move is countered, he is likely done with the play. Questionable motor.