2012 NFL Draft 3-4 defensive tackle rankings

by Dan Kadar on Dec 14, 2011 2:00 PM EST in 2012 NFL Draft

Earlier this week I put up the 3-4 defensive end rankings, so naturally there are two more 3-4 positions to handle. Today, the nose tackles, which are after the jump.

The biggest point of contention some may have is Alameda Ta'amu ranked as low as he is. When I watch Ta'amu, I don't see the natural traits that are typically looked for in nose tackles. It's true, he's a big body with a wide base, a must for most nose tackles. But he's more of a penetrating defensive tackle.

The main goal of a nose tackle is to occupy blockers and stop the run. Ta'amu looks more natural playing one gap and getting after the passer. Check out the rankings and let me know what you think.

1. Dontari Poe | 6'5, 350 pounds | Memphis *

2. Josh Chapman, 6'1, 310 pounds | Alabama

3. Star Lotulelei | 6'3, 325 pounds | Utah *

4. Hebron Fangupo | 6'1, 331 pounds | BYU

5. Sylvester Williams | 6'3, 320 pounds | North Carolina *

6. Nicolas Jean-Baptiste | 6'2, 335 pounds | Baylor

7. Alameda Ta'amu | 6'3, 337 pounds | Washington

8. John Jenkins | 6'3, 351 pounds | Georgia *

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That's interesting that you'd put Ta'amu

That low. A friend of mine is a Texans fan and has been looking at NT’s. He was saying Ta’amu was the guy he liked most, and that’s the guys most mocks have in the first round. But whenever I’ve seen him on film, I agree with what you said that he’s a much more of a penetrating tackle than a traditional nose. He may just be running the scheme there, but he certainly doesn’t appear to bothered about holding an assignment.

However, some 3-4 systems (Wade Phillips for example) prefer penetrating NT’s which can make plays in the backfield or redirect a runner. So I’d be interested to see where you think he’ll be taken.

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by UkRedskin on Dec 14, 2011 3:12 PM EST reply actions

Ta'amu could fit in quite a few 3-4 teams at NT, most teams do run 1 gap or switch between 1 or 2 gap depending on the play

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Alameda Ta’amu NT/DE 2012 Draftee

by BAMFSpecialOps on Dec 14, 2011 3:34 PM EST up reply actions

The Cowboys employ a similar system right?

Ratliff is definitely more of a penetrator than a occupier.

Go big or go home!!

by average joe blow on Dec 15, 2011 10:30 AM EST up reply actions

I think he’ll be late first, early second. I like him quite a bit for certain 4-3 teams, but not as much as a 3-4 NT.

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by Dan Kadar on Dec 14, 2011 5:15 PM EST up reply actions

The Texans 3-4 ask the D-linemen to shoot the gap

so he would fit perfectly in our 3-4. Remember Wade runs a 1 gap 3-4 not a 2 gap like the more traditional 3-4.

and the clouds opened up and God said "I Hate you Texans Fans."

Our Andre, who art from Heaven, hallowed by thy name.
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by Joe25 on Dec 14, 2011 8:41 PM EST up reply actions

Sounds a lot like Shaun Rogers...

Can’t claim I’ve watched him a ton, but the explanation sound exactly like Rogers. He thrived early in his career playing in a four man front in Detroit. Cleveland tried to make him a NT because of his size and he faired ok, but he seems much more comfortable playing 1 gap.

by polodude017 on Dec 15, 2011 10:33 AM EST up reply actions

Dang it, you’ve got Star and Hebron in there already. I saw this and thought “I’ll name drop them” but you ruined it.

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by d-jackfan10 on Dec 14, 2011 4:41 PM EST reply actions

Where is

Mike Martin? I see you listed Van Bergen in your DE rankings, and Martin is arguably a much better player

by dwhit33 on Dec 14, 2011 5:35 PM EST reply actions

I don’t think Martin is suited all that well for a 3-4 scheme. I do have Martin in here, though.

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by Dan Kadar on Dec 14, 2011 5:54 PM EST up reply actions

Ta'Amu:

1st round body, 4th round talent

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by ICEICETHATGUY13 on Dec 14, 2011 7:08 PM EST reply actions

the next Cam Thomas

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Dec 14, 2011 7:11 PM EST up reply actions

Not quite

I believe Ta’Amu is far more motivated than Cam was coming out of college, although his ceiling may well end up about the same.

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by Buck Melanoma on Dec 14, 2011 7:38 PM EST up reply actions

Are these 8 all 1st/2nd/3rd round guys?

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by SagehenMacGyver47 on Dec 14, 2011 7:20 PM EST reply actions

No.

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by Dan Kadar on Dec 14, 2011 8:27 PM EST up reply actions

Agreed on Ta'amu

it will be a big mistake if he goes to a 3-4 team. Watching him play, he looks like a penetrating guy as you mentioned. I don’t see him holding the point of attack well in a 2 gap scheme

I think he’d be a good fit in Wade Phillips 1-gap 3-4 in Houston. I don’t think he’s as good as Ratliff but he could play in a similar role. If not there he should be a 4-3 DT

C'mon, join us, there's plenty of koolaid on the Broncos bandwagon for everyone!

by DBroncs1414 on Dec 14, 2011 7:57 PM EST reply actions

If he goes to a 3-4 team, I think he’d be best used in a similar way that the Ravens use Haloti Ngata. He’d be decent at the nose, but would be better being allowed to be a playmaker.

Mocking the Draft: Talking NFL Draft all year.

by Dan Kadar on Dec 14, 2011 8:30 PM EST up reply actions

Interesting comparison

Agreed

C'mon, join us, there's plenty of koolaid on the Broncos bandwagon for everyone!

by DBroncs1414 on Dec 14, 2011 8:33 PM EST up reply actions

Houston would be a great fit for him.

come on down, none of our DT’s weigh more than 305lbs

and the clouds opened up and God said "I Hate you Texans Fans."

Our Andre, who art from Heaven, hallowed by thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Canton.

by Joe25 on Dec 14, 2011 8:44 PM EST reply actions

Thompson from Clemson?

He’s shown the ability to take on double teams. Might be a better 1-tech, but he’s a better nose than Ta’amu.

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by ct17 on Dec 14, 2011 10:49 PM EST reply actions

I don't think Dan's even considering him as an NT

and only listed Ta’amu because of his size and the inevitability that people will correlate that with an ability to play NT.

C'mon, join us, there's plenty of koolaid on the Broncos bandwagon for everyone!

by DBroncs1414 on Dec 14, 2011 10:51 PM EST up reply actions

I really like Jean-Baptiste

I forget what Baylor game I was watching (it was late in the season though, maybe even the UT game) and this dude was everywhere. The commentators were saying something about he’s really picked up his play as the season has gone on and something about he was challenged by the coaching staff or someone called him “nice” and he’s played remarkedly better ever since. Anyways you can tell I wasn’t captivated by the game and what they were saying but this guy looked like a pretty damn good player at the time.