Marcus Forston 2012 NFL Draft prospect notes

Marcus Forston
6'3, 300 pounds | Defensive tackle | Miami

First word: Miami's defensive line has received some attention due to the emergence of Allen Bailey.  While evaluators were watching Bailey, Forston stood out and made some nice plays.  He is among several defensive line prospects that are hoping for a Nick Fairley type surge.

Forston's size and bulk make him a legitimate defensive tackle prospect.  He has the potential to play either the 3 technique or nose tackle in a 4-3 system.  His strong lower half allows him to hold at the point and avoid getting moved off the line.  Forston's success is dependent on his snap awareness which helps him get off the line and penetrate the pocket.

I see some upside with Forston but he will need a big season in order to be considered a high level prospect.  He just isn't disruptive enough to warrant a high grade.  The biggest issue is his lack of leverage and high pad level.  As soon as the ball is snapped, Forston raises his pad level and stands upright impacting his leverage and balance.  This also limits his ability to generate a push on the pocket.  His hand usage is inconsistent and less than ideal as he doesn't get his arms extended and into the body of the blocker.

Overall, Forston needs to make improvements and create more pressure to be considered a 1st or 2nd round prospect.  His ideal fit seems to be as a nose tackle in a 4-3 but the potential is there for him to develop into a 3 technique option.

Bold statement: Forston will not be a 1st round selection

Games viewed: Ohio State ('10), Pittsburgh ('10), Florida State ('10), Notre Dame ('10)

Marcus Forston
6'3, 300 pounds | Defensive tackle | Miami

Notes:

• Forston has good size and lower body bulk
• He works hard and has a high motor
• His thick lower half allows Forston to anchor and hold at the point of attack
• The key to Forston's success is his snap awareness and ability to get a jump on the snap
• His awareness helps Forston penetrate the pocket and wreak havoc from time to time
• Forston plays too high and exposes to much of his frame
• He doesn't do a good job extending his arms and hands into the offensive lineman
• His poor pad level impacts his leverage and hinders his push on the pocket
• Forston struggles to disengage from the block and lacks the short area burst to make plays away from his frame