Report: Mississippi State DT Fletcher Cox to enter 2012 NFL Draft

Sources have told Tony Pauline of Draft Insider and SI.com that Mississippi State defensive tackle Fletcher Cox will forgo his senior season and enter the 2012 NFL Draft.

Cox, who is 6-foot-4 and 295 pounds is having an impressive season for the Bulldogs. On the year he has 49 tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss, 4 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. This season Cox has been named the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week four times.

Against rival Ole Miss on Saturday, Cox paced a Mississippi State defensive line that was dominant against the run. The Bulldogs only allowed 25 rushing yards on 19 attempts in the first half of the game and Cox totaled two tackles for a loss and a forced fumble.

As a draft prospect, Cox is intriguing. He's lined up at end but mostly plays tackle directly over the guard. He has active hands, which he can take advantage of with his long arms. Cox has a nice burst off the line and closes better than most defensive tackles. At the next level, if he stays inside, he may need to add more lower body strength to anchor the run better.

Cox has been starting for the Bulldogs since he true freshman season. As a true sophomore last season, Cox had 29 tackles with 6.5 tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks. On his career, Cox has also blocked four kicks.

Here is a video of Cox against South Carolina earlier this season. He had a sack in the game.