STRENGTHS
Derrick is a solid Defensive Lineman who has the athletic talent to play multiple positions in your front four. He does a solid job against both the run and the pass taking up double teams that allow others in the front seven to make plays. Derrick shows excellent effort on every play changing the line of scrimmage in his favor when he is being blocked one on one and also against the double teams and this is one of the most important attributes a defensive tackle with Derrick’s size and strength needs to have to be successful at the next level. Derrick should become a core player for the team that selects him because of his talent, work ethic, and mental strength.
CONCERNS
Derrick has to improve his overall techniques and increase his football intelligence on how and why he is being blocked by an offensive lineman. He has to learn to shed blocks quicker, get his hands up more consistency, keep his shoulders square to the line of scrimmage and not allow double teams and single blocks to turn him off his point of attack easily. Derrick also has to learn better hand usage and when pushing the pocket the timing in getting his hands up and not getting pushed off his line to the quarterback being moved off the quarterbacks passing lanes. Right now Derrick doesn’t have the balance and change of direction skills to be a pass-rushing lineman but that doesn’t mean that Derrick doesn’t have the ability to be effective on passing downs. It just means he still has to learn the intricate techniques of his position to be effective on passing downs.
TALENT BOARD ROUND 3.28
I love Defense lineman and offensive lineman. To me, they are the key to having a great team. That being said, for the purposes of this draft Derrick most likely will be considered as a rotation player until he learns more consistency in every phase of his game. When he does (and I have no doubt that he will), he could be a pro bowl defensive lineman for the team that selects him. His work ethic, effort on every down and play along with his size and overall athletic talent dictate that to me.
