STRENGTHS
John is a big, strong, powerful, long arm Defensive Lineman. He has that natural strength that most offensive linemen will struggle to match no matter how many times they can lift 225 lbs in a workout. John has the ability to easily shed a block make a tackle between the hash marks because of his long arms. He uses excellent hand techniques to defeat the offensive lineman he is up against. John shows the good solid feet and the balance needed to push the pocket and that means he demands a double team on just about any down and distance. If you don’t double team him he will make a play. He will either make a tackle or disrupt the rhythm of the play or knock the pass down because of his height and long arms.
CONCERNS
John will collapse the pocket and QB’s hoping to move up in the pocket on passing downs will find him sitting there waiting for them. Otherwise, he is not going to give you much of a pass rush. He has excellent quickness but not much footspeed outside of the hash marks but then again, isn’t that why there are ten other players on the field? John will be pigeonholed as a Nose Tackle and that might affect his draft status. Nevertheless, he can play either tackle position and impact in any defensive front because you still will need to double team him.
BOTTOM LINE: 2.03
Defensive Linemen who can collapse the pocket and stop the run between the hash marks are as much value to a Defense as a good center is to an offense. Since I consider offensive center as one of the skill positions, I’m guessing you might guess what I think of the tackle position on Defense. That’s right I consider it as one of the skill positions for the defense. You will not have a consistent pass rush unless your team has a defensive tackle that demands the double team. Double-teaming John will allow your Edge Rushes to go one on one on the outside. Usually, players who will be rotated, and not used on third downs to rush the passer, will not be valued as high as I value them. All I can say to that is…if you want to get the other team’s offense off the field on third down then John will have to be on the field. The minute a good offensive coordinator see’s that John is not on the field on third downs then you get bet, on third and eight, he will call a play that runs the ball up the middle. Or on third and eight he will call for the deep pass because the QB can step up in the pocket, giving him more time to extend the play and complete the deep pass. Rotating Defensive linemen does keep them fresh but, it also gives the play-caller more options on third and long downs.
