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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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Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) during warm-ups before the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports – Oakland Raiders
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) during warm-ups before the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports – Oakland Raiders /

The Oakland Raiders may be targeting a DT via the draft. Here are the top five defensive tackles in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Less than 24 hours from the start of the 2017 NFL Draft, we’ve almost made it to the end. The Oakland Raiders need help on the interior of the defensive line, and these are the top five in the class.

Jonathan Allen – 6’3″ 286 lbs. – Alabama

Jonathan Allen returned to Alabama after a productive season, and was even better in his senior season. He was a 5-star recruit and the no. 3 ranked outside linebacker in the nation in 2013.

To say the least, Allen put on a few pounds and his been a standout on the interior of Bama’s defensive line.

Strengths:

Allen has lighting quick hands like Bruce Lee. His arm over and swim move are key to him winning early on snaps. He knows where to hit his landmarks, and gets his hands quickly on offensive lineman. From there, he steers them where he wants to go.

Allen’s first step is above average, but it’s his snap anticipation that gets him on the front foot. He has a relentless motor and plays to the whistle. He won’t get stuck hand fighting, he gets off blocks and reacts quickly to the play.

Plain and simple, Allen is a gap destroyer. He has the wiggle to penetrate free gaps, and he knows his run fits, getting his arms extended quickly and will hold the point of attack. He knows the nuances of defensive line play and has excellent fundamentals.

Weaknesses:

First and foremost, Allen has some serious shoulder issues. He’s a bit of a tweener and his combine testing underwhelmed. So there are questions about his upside.

He can get engulfed at the point of attack if he doesn’t win quickly, and lacks the size and anchor to hold up against double teams.

There are questions if he can play defensive end, as he might not big enough to play defensive tackle full-time. That makes him a player without a position, so a savvy defensive coordinator will be needed to help carve out a role for him.

Overall:

Allen is a coach’s dream but a scout’s nightmare. On tape, he’s a first round guy, but he lacks the athleticism to be considered an elite prospect. But again, his tape is too good to ignore.

NFL Comparison: Adrian Clayborn

Film Score: 82.5

Athleticism Score: 7.0 (NFL average)

Final Score: 80 (Round 1)

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