DT's w/ Pass Rush Skills

bergo23 · 02-23-2012, 08:09 PM

With the success of "NASCAR" in NY with the Giants front 4 on passing downs...the copy cat NFL now looks for DT's who can pass rush.

Who is this draft class is the best pass rusher from the position? I am thinking of guys like Fletcher Cox and Brockers? 3 down guys who still pose a threat in the pass rush not just "run stuffers".

PhillyBirds25 · 02-23-2012, 08:54 PM

Jerel Worthy to me is the best pass rusher out of the top ranked guys. He has a super explosive first step, a repertoire of pass rush moves and plays aggressive with a nasty demeanor. He needs to work on his stamina and physique though. In the NFL it's all about rotating and keeping guys fresh anyway so I think Worthy will be very effective in the pro's as a pass rusher.

#1 Worthy
#2 Cox
#3 Still
#4 Brockers
#5 Reyes

Nebula · 02-23-2012, 10:24 PM

Jerel Worthy is only good at splitting gaps and penetrating. Only fit is in a 4-3 1-gap system. Not the type of guy who can push the pocket or hold up in the running game when he doesn't win with his explosive first step. Nevermind his inconsistent motor, which could be contributed to a lack of conditioning.

I'd go with Still as the best overall and complete pass rusher. While far from a finished product, he has the ability to split gaps AND win with power when a lineman gets his hand on him, unlike Worthy. He also has very good instincts, run defense, and is quite versatile in a number of roles/positions.

keylime_5 · 02-23-2012, 10:32 PM

Devon Still. Numbers don't show it as much (only 5 sacks) but he had 18 tfls and was always in the backfield. Clearly the best DT in the draft as of today - but a few years from now some of the younger guys might and probably will be better players. Fletcher Cox and Michael Brockers have loads of untapped potential as pass rushers. I think those two could become really special.

Jerel Worthy and Brandon Thompson have the first step quickness and explosion that could translate into being great pass rushers in the NFL despite modest or at least inconsistent success in college at tackling QBs. Honestly, watching Thompson and Worthy in some games you wonder how those guys don't wind up with like 8 or 10 sacks on the year, and then other games they don't really do anything at all.

Dan_Steele · 02-23-2012, 10:59 PM

Kendall Reyes is great against the pass. And I keep endorsing this guy at nauseam, but Derek Wolfe is a stud, high motor player that should be a great interior rusher at the next level.

Brothgar · 02-23-2012, 11:25 PM

Marcus Forston has some good move for a DT outside of day 2.

VikesWookie · 02-23-2012, 11:53 PM

Is it me or do I usually see small ankles on pass-rushing DTs? The ones w/ the big cankles don't have that quick burst. I'm remembering Phat Pat Williams looking as if he had WR ankles. Is there something to that or have I drank a bit too much?

killxswitch · 02-23-2012, 11:56 PM

I doubt ankle size is a good predictor of DT pass rushing ability.

SenorGato · 02-23-2012, 11:58 PM

Still but only because Cox should be playing end (either odd or even).

AntoinCD · 02-24-2012, 04:25 AM

Brockers should not be on anyones top 5 list for this. The guy is a first rounder based on insane upside and prototypical size. Two career sacks and someone who was ocften taken off the field on passing situations. Brockers best fit will be in a two gap system so if you want to run a front like the Giants I would probably look elsewhere. My top guy would be Fletcher Cox