Kheeston Randall 2012 NFL Draft prospect notes

Kheeston Randall
6'5, 301 pounds | Defensive tackle | Texas

First word: This past draft seen a major surge in highly drafted defensive linemen.  I don't forsee that trend stopping anytime soon as it is an important position that requires depth.  Defensive linemen are often rotated in and out of the lineup increasing the need for good depth.

Kheeston Randall is a very interesting prospect in that he seems to lack a defined position.  He plays with good strength and leverage but lacks the explosiveness to be a 3 technique.  His good strength helps him play two gap football but ideally he need more bulk to be considered a nose tackle.  Randall might best fit as a nose tackle in a 4-3 or as a run stopping 5 technique.

The name of Randall's game is strength has he is hard to move off the line and able to push the pocket.  He uses his leverage and strength to make is way to the ball carrier and disrupt the play.  His lack of explosiveness means that he has to control the lineman and clog the running lane.  Randall doesn't provide much of a pass rush as he doesn't have the quickness to shoot the gaps.  His best pass rush move is a bull rush but even that takes time to develop.

Overall, Randall will be considered a good NFL prospect but his stock might suffer because of his limited quickness.  The players that make big plays and are disruptive tend to go higher in the draft.  Randall isn't that type of player as he plays a better two gap game.

Bold statement: Randall's scheme versatility will help him overcome his lack of explosiveness

Games viewed: Oklahoma ('10), Baylor ('10), UCLA ('10), Texas A&M ('10)

Kheeston Randall
6'5, 301 pounds | Defensive tackle | Texas

Notes:

• Randall has good size and a thick lower half
• He keeps his pad level low allowing him to maintain leverage
• His hands are routinely inside helping him control the offensive lineman
• Randall is able to hold at the point of attack b/c of his leverage, balance, and strength
• His thick lower half helps him remain upright after contact
• Randall often lines up over the center and shows that he can play two gap football
• He is extremely strong showing the ability to move linemen and hold his ground
• His hand usage, leverage, and strength are the key factors to his ability to collapse the pocket
• Randall does a nice job of remaining balanced as he works his way to the ball carrier
• He is a very good run defender with good instincts and nose for the football
• Randall is not an overly explosive player and lacks the short area burst to make a ton of plays away from his frame
• However, he has a good snap awareness which helps overcome his lack of explosiveness
• He doesn't provide much of a pass rush and his moves are limited to a bull rush