Tydreke Powell 2012 NFL Draft prospect notes

Tydreke Powell
6'3, 310 pounds | Defensive tackle | North Carolina

First word: North Carolina has been doing a good producing top level defensive prospects.  This past draft saw Robert Quinn, Bruce Carter, Marvin Austin, and Quan Sturdivant all selected.  This year appears to be just as promising with Quintin Coples making a push to land in the top 5.

Tydreke Powell is gaining some steam as a potential defensive tackle prospect.  He possesses good size and the thick base you look for in a defensive tackle.  Powell shows some good straight line speed and quickness.  His high motor helps him pursue and make plays.  He has good strength and promise but needs to make some improvements.

The biggest problem facing Powell is his ability to keep his pads down.  This impacts his leverage, pass rush skills, and ability to hold at the point of attack.  To often, the blockers are able to get underneath him and drive him off the line.  Unless he is able to remain low he will be unable to be a good run defender.  Powell doesn't have the suddenness/quickness to be an effective pass rusher or shoot the gap.  His success is going to be tied to his ability to remain low and hold up against the run.

Overall, Powell was mostly underwhelming as he was push around to easily.  He wasn't around the football or really disruptive.  Again, the potential is there but only if he learns to remain low.

Bold statement: Powell will be the last of the top rated UNC defensive players drafted

Games viewed: Virginia Tech ('10), LSU ('10), Tennessee ('10), Florida State ('10), NC State ('10), Miami ('10)

Tydreke Powell
6'3, 310 pounds | Defensive tackle | North Carolina

Notes:

• Powell has good size and weight distribution
• However, his thick base is negated by his high pad level
• To often, Powell allows the offensive lineman to get underneath him and drive him off the ball
• This issue could be corrected by maintain leverage
• Powell is a hard worker with a good motor
• His lack of awareness impacts his ability to find the football and make plays
• He doesn't provide much of a pass rush and isn't very disruptive
• Powell has some straight line quickness but lacks the suddenness to avoid blocks