2018 NFL Draft: Defensive Linemen Round 1

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2018 NFL Draft

The 2018 NFL Draft is getting closer and closer and many young men wait to see where their futures will be played. There is an old saying that says defense wins championships. Well, here are some of the guys that are looking to go in round one at the end of this month.

Bradley Chubb DE NC State 6-4 269 LBS.

This young man has what it takes to get to make it big in the NFL and he has the pedigree to prove it. Coming from a family of football players, including his cousin Nick Chubb of Georgia, he has the size, speed, and athleticism. He has great determination and improved every year in college. A monster that can hold the edge, get into his gaps and drive upfield. Has a never stop motor and good feet from his position. He has a knack for wanting to strip ball carrier and keeps good body control.

Still needs to improve his hand usage and placement. Has trouble staying with ball carrier after initial contact at the line. Needs to work on his pad level and balance, as well as his shed. Would get more power with improved knee bend. His tremendous motor tends to work against him when it comes to body control. Must improve his hips and attack versus more athletic linemen.

Vita Vea DT Washington 6-4 347 LBS.

A massive specimen of a man that has nimble feet and some speed. Athletic enough to play the edge when necessary. Looks like he will blossom against the run and has powerful upper body strength. The tape shows him destroying opposing centers and almost moving them at will. Has good hips and is pretty flexible off the snap. Uses his hands to his advantage when rushing after the passer. Can shed his blockers and get into the running lanes, even for his size.

With all his potential, he still needs plenty of work mastering his craft. Has shown star potential and then the tendency to take plays off. In order to become a complete player, he needs lots of work in the passing game. Can be a bit slow off the snap of the ball and is still raw when it comes to double teams against him. Cannot rely on his power and needs to learn better technique. His feet can be too heavy and clumsy at times.

Marcus Davenport DE Texas-San Antonio 6-6 264 LBS.

Another impressive player that has played stand up, but looks to be a defensive end at the next level. A physical and aggressive guy that uses his length to his advantage. Very good speed and can get down the line of scrimmage to close out the running lanes. Has good change of direction and speed allows him to get downhill well. Good hips and with time may be a very explosive player.

Will need to learn to get off his blocker rather than relying on just power. Really needs to improve on reading the play and the field as a whole. Needs to improve on his hand and footwork. Can improve his coverage in the passing game with his lack of closing speed. Shows flashes but will need a coaching staff ready to show him what it will take to become the player he looks like he can become.