2015 NFL Free Agency Preview: Top 5 Defensive Tackles

Dec 21, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) is tackled by Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Jared Odrick (98) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 37-35. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

3. Jared Odrick

Pros: Odrick is another 2010 first-round draft pick like Suh, who has prototypical frame at 6’5″ and 301 pounds for the 3-tech or 5-tech position. Odrick has good hands and great strength, and has improved his shedding technique over the course of his career. He’s an effective pass-rusher, having recorded 16.5 sacks for his career, and he was among the Dolphins leaders in quarterback pressures last season despite only recording a single sack. He’s also a very effective run-stuffer who can attack gaps and blow up inside runs consistently.

Cons: Odrick is slow even for a big man, with very poor straight-line speed and unimpressive lateral quickness. He plays with dead feet, and his good strength can sometimes be lost in poor footwork. He is too often a step late as a pass rusher. He also doesn’t use his frame properly, often playing too high and allowing himself to be defeated with leverage.

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Scheme Fit: Odrick is a highly versatile player who fits as a 5-tech defensive end or a 3-tech tackle and can be highly effective as both. He is a capable pass-rusher and also a good run defender who can play any down, whether it be in a 3-man front, 4-man front, or even in a NASCAR-style pass-rush subpackage. He’s been used in both one-gap and two-gap philosophies, though he excels mostly as a one-gap player.

Market Value: Odrick isn’t a big name but he’s a respected player who is scheme versatile and only 27 years old. He may actually have a better market than Fairley because he doesn’t have the baggage that Fairley does, and more GM’s probably see him as a player who can start every game for you over the course of a 5-6 year deal at a high level. He could make upwards of $7M per year, and seeing him signed to a 5-year, $40M+ contract would not be surprising.

Would he sign with the Raiders: Yes, if Reggie wants him. If the Dolphins let Odrick out of Miami, or if Odrick wants to test his market before making a decision, he could be a very good acquisition for Oakland, especially if McKenzie balks at Ndamukong Suh’s extravagant price tag. Odrick would be a great fit for the Raiders long term, as he could hold down that 3-tech spot or flex out to teh 5-tech spot for years to come. The Raiders can definitely afford to outbid for Odrick’s services, especially if Suh goes to the also-rich Jaguars instead.

Next: DT Rankings: #4 Terrance Knighton