2011 NFL Draft Preview DT's/NT's

Defensive Tackles

1. Marcell Dareus Alabama- Dareus's versatility, athletic ability, and overall talent is very attractive to NFL scouts.He is best suited for either the five-technique defensive end spot in a 3-4 system or the three-technique tackle in a 4-3 set. Dareus could also play nose tackle in either defense.
2. Nick Fairley Auburn-His overall size and athletic ability are rare, which is why he will go very high in the draft. He also has the versatility to play in any system. He's equally devastating against the run and as a pass rusher. He is also a one year wonder so he could have a risk factor as well with him as well.
3. Corey Liuget Illinois-Liuget is a versatile defensive lineman who could play either defensive tackle position in a 4-3 set or the nose tackle spot in a 3-4. The thing that will make him most attractive to NFL teams is his ability to penetrate and be a disruptive force in opposing backfields. 
4. Stephen Paea Oregon St- has the size, strength, and speed to play either tackle position in a 4-3 or any spot on the line in a 3-4. His lack of height at only 6'1" is a drawback, but shouldn't affect his draft status too much because of his incredible strength, conditioning and athleticism. 
5. Marvin Austin UNC-Possesses an impressive combination of power, coordination and explosion for such a big guy and has the ability to be sudden on contact and violent when asked to slip blocks vs. the pass. Tends to be inconsistent at times when he was playing at UNC until he was suspended by the NCAA. Austin's off the field issues may prevent him from being a first round pick, but he could be a major steal in round two.

All the top ten DT in this years draft have the ability to play Nose Tackle but the players underneath are purely one dimensional as Nose Tackles.

Pure Nose Tackles

1. Phil Taylor Baylor-Taylor is your prototypical nose tackle. At 350 pounds, he's an anchor in the middle of the line, and is capable of tying up offensive linemen, allowing the linebackers behind him to roam free. He does have one drawback is that he tends to gain weight rapidly and has been weighed in at 385 at one during his college career.
2. Jerrell Powe Ole Miss- Powe's girth and strength make him an ideal candidate to line up on the nose in the NFL. Considering the number of pro teams switching to the 3-4 alignment, Powe should have plenty of suitors. 
3. Kenrick Ellis Hampton- Might not put up huge sack numbers as quarterbacks will be aware of his presence inside. Shows good quickness off the ball in obvious passing situations. Came from a small school with lesser competition which maybe a draw because of competition he faced. Could turn out to be a decent steal late in rounds 3 or 4.

Who is the ideal Patriot given draft projections?
The Patriots dream is to be able to draft Marcell Dareus but that won't happen since the pats never trade up and Dareus is a projected a top 5 pick.

1. Muhammad Wilkerson Temple- He is physical specimen given his size at 6'5" 310.Has the potential to be very explosive off the snap, but comes off a bit slow and must use his strength to pop into the chest of blockers. Can utilize his strength and length to hit hard and squeeze the football from a ballcarrier.
2. Jarvis Jenkins Clemson- Overshadowed by teammate Bowers, Jenkins is pretty good in his own right and would fit in perfectly with his great first step and tendencies to knock down the QB which the Pats are lacking.

Sleepers who could make you second guess yourself why didn't I draft them instead.

1. Sione Fua Stanford-There's a reason Stanford went from 55th in the nation against the run in 2009 to 19th in 2010, and although Fua can't take all the credit, he deserves a nose guard's share.
2. Mike Blanc Auburn- Nick Fairly wasn't the only guy that defenses had to stop.  Plain and simple he guy deserves more credit he is pretty damn good player himself.

Tune in next time for DE/ Hybrids DE/OLB