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2017 NFL Draft: Top 5 Interior Defensive Linemen

By Tyler Dickson

Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) stands on the field between plays during the second half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) stands on the field between plays during the second half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 8, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes (47) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes (47) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Eddie Vanderdoes – 6’3″ 325 lbs – UCLA

Vanderdoes was a 5-star recruit, the no. 6 overall player and the no. 1 ranked defensive tackle in the 2013 recruiting class. He chose Notre Dame instead of local schools over California, but family issues made him want to return to California.

As a freshman, Vanderdoes burst onto the scene and looked like a future top pick but a knee injury in 2015 slowed that down.

Strengths:

His anchor is the best in the draft, and when he sets his base, he’s immovable. He takes on doubles with ease and revels in contact.

When he’s “on” he’s like a bull in a china shop, just wrecking everything. He has a smooth spin move that leaves undisciplined linemen in the dust.

Has the functional strength needed to play as a 3-technique or a 1-technique. His powerful punch puts opposing blockers on their back foot, and hire fires out from the hips to jolt them back.

Vanderdoes has surprising speed and stride to close down angles. With his power and feet, he could develop a world-beating bull rush. Great combine testing, especially for his size.

Weaknesses:

Vanderdoes uses his spin move way too much. He needs to plan better in the NFL and lacks the nuances of the position in this regard. He doesn’t setup his blocker well enough.

He has quick feet but slow snap anticipation. His pad level is inconsistent, and he has powerful hands but needs to learn how to use them more effectively. The knee injury in 2015 seems to have affected some of his explosion.

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Overall:

Vanderdoes is a player I would like to welcome to the Raiders. His upside is up there with most of the best players at the position.

With his natural power and the team’s defensive line coach, the Raiders could get the best out of him.

NFL Comparison: Kyle Williams

Film Score: 76

Athleticism Score: 7.2 (NFL average)

Final Score: 76 (Round 1 or 2)

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