STRENGTHS
Tommy is the type of Defensive Lineman that requires a double team if an offense wants to run the ball between the tackles. His effort on every down and distance is his strength along with his size and quick feet and hands. He is excellent at shedding blocks and making tackles at the line and does a good job on most downs in changing the line of scrimmage in his favor at the snap of the ball. Tommy will push the pocket and has the quickness to get into the backfield and disrupt on obvious passing downs. He understands his position and is smart and recognizes at the snap of the ball, offensive line blocking, and what they are trying to do against him. Tommy brings to the next level, size, quick feet and hands, high football IQ, and remarkable effort on every play. You can’t teach effort it just has to come from within.
CONCERNS
Tommy is tight in the hips and in general is not the most athletic defensive lineman in this draft but he is one of the better ones.
BOTTOM LINE 2.67
The beginnings of a good defensive line against the run or pass, starts with your defensive tackles, and their ability to demand double teams. Because of Tommy’s effort and size and quick feet and hands, he requires the double team or he will get into your backfield and disrupt your passing game. He requires double teams on running plays or he will shed the block and make the tackle. Tommy likes playing Defensive Tackle and with more repetitions, he will get better and improve and that is the key to becoming an impact defensive tackle. As I have told you before, I rate good Defensive Tackle’s higher than most because of the value I put on the position. I know that no matter what Defensive front a team uses if the tackles or Nose tackle is not effective then your linebackers and pass rushes cannot reach their potential to impact. Think of it this way, if you have back problems no matter how good an athlete you are that bad back is giving you problems and holding you back from producing or working at your job. Think of Defensive tackles and Nose tackles as the backbone of a defense and without a strong backbone your athletes on defense will struggle to impact because THEY will be up against double teams. Defensive tackles HAVE to stop the run, push the pocket and they have to require the double team to stop them from doing that. The only way a defensive tackle requires the double team is by changing the line of scrimmage in their favor on EVERY play and that requires size, quick feet, and hands, and a whole lot of effort. It’s just that simple.
