2011 NFL Draft: Top 10 Defensive Tackle Prospects

The defensive tackle class of 2011 is loaded with talent. In fact, the top overall pick may be a defensive tackle. There are two guys, Marcell Dareus and Nick Fairley, that are top ten talents and three or four others may be taken in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Whether a team is looking for a defensive tackle to play in a 4-3 scheme or a nose tackle in a 3-4 defense, there are several players to chose from. Most of the players on this list will make an immediate impact on their respective teams.

2011 NFL Draft Top 10 Defensive Tackle Prospects:

1) Marcell Dareus, Alabama

2) Nick Fairley, Auburn

3) Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple

4) Corey Liuget, Illinois

5) Marvin Austin, North Carolina

6) Stephen Paea, Oregon State

7) Phil Taylor, Baylor

8) Drake Nevis, LSU

9) Jarvis Jenkins, Clemson

10) Jarrell Powe, Mississippi

2011 NFL Draft: Top 10 Defensive End Prospects

The defensive end class that is coming into the league this year may be one of the best of all-time. The 2011 NFL Draft is loaded with potential stars at defensive end and many of them with be targeted in the first round. Whether a team runs a 3-4 or a 4-3 defense, there are plenty of players who can fit each scheme. Most of the players on this list will make an immediate impact on their respective teams.

2011 NFL Draft Top 10 Defensive End Prospects:

1) Robert Quinn, North Carolina

2) JJ Watt, Wisconsin

3) Aldon Smith, Missouri

4) Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue

5) Cameron Jordan, California

6) Da’Quan Bowers, Clemson

7) Adrian Clayborn, Iowa

8) Cameron Heyward, Ohio State

9) Brooks Reed, Arizona

10) Sam Acho, Texas

2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Sam Acho

Sam Acho, Texas (6'1" 262 lbs.)

Positives: He plays with good quickness and agility. He's a solid tackler who has a nose for the ball. He's a smart player with solid leadership qualities.

Negatives: He needs to get stronger and learn to use his hands better. He has a tendecy to get taken out of plays too often. He needs to do a better job of holding his ground.

2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Brooks Reed

Brooks Reed, Arizona (6'2" 265 lbs.)

Positives: He's a solid athlete who plays with good speed and agility. He has a full compliment of rush moves including an above average bull rush. He's an active player who chases plays down. He has good instincts and plays with discipline. His stock is rising.

Negatives: He needs to work on getting off blocks better. Doesn't have a great change of direction when rushing the passer. He sometimes gets too aggressive and misses plays.

2011 NFL free agent defensive linemen

-Cullen Jenkins (GB)
-Mathias Kiwanuka (NYG)
-Charles Johnson (CAR)
-Ray Edwards (MIN)
-Jason Babin (TEN)
-Shaun Ellis (NYJ)
-Kenny Iwebema (ARZ)
-Bryan Robinson (ARZ)
-Jayme Mitchell (CLE)
-Robaire Smith (CLE)
-Stephen Bowen (DAL)
-Jason Hatcher (DAL)
-Marcus Spears (DAL)
-Cliff Avril (DET)
-Turk McBride (DET)
-Mark Anderson (HOU)
-Wallace Gilberry (KC)
-Shaun Smith (KC)
-Tony McDaniel (MIA)
-Brian Robison (MIN)
-Anthony Hargrove (NO)
-Jimmy Wilkerson (NO)
-Dave Tollefson (NYG)
-Victor Abiamiri (PHI)
-Nick Eason (PIT)
-Chris Hoke (PIT)
-Jacques Cesaire (SD)
-Travis Johnson (SD)
-Ray McDonald (SF)
-CJ Ah You (STL)
-Tim Crowder (TB)
-Greg White (TB)
-Dave Ball (TEN)
-Kedric Golston (WAS)

Free agents by position: QB, RB, WR, TE, OL, DL, LB, CB, S