2025 NFL Free Agency and Draft: DT

supafreak84 wrote:

Let's also ask Oregon, Michigan State, Texas, Indiana, etc. There were plenty of games he didn't produce like you'd expect a consensus top 5 player to, especially with another high NFL draft pick playing alongside him. It's all moot obviously because he's not in the conversation for the Vikings, but to me he is one of the more overhyped players in this draft and happy to see him go before we are on the clock.

Lowest graded game of those you mention is 70.9. I’m not a PFF fanboy, but if every single NFL team subscribes, there’s merit to it.

JustInTime wrote:

Lowest graded game of those you mention is 70.9. I’m not a PFF fanboy, but if every single NFL team subscribes, there’s merit to it.

Does anybody really know what goes into a PFF grading formula? I don't think anybody really does, but when I look at some of these stat lines consisting of a solo tackle, two assisted tackles, no sacks, no forced fumbles...it makes me wonder how they come up with some of these grades. 7 total TFL on the year. This is the same outfit (PFF) that had Josh Oliver as a top 5 TE in the league at one point last year or had Bradbury as one of their top graded centers. Stats certainly dont always tell the story, but when you are a consensus top 5 player you'd certainly like to see more numbers in that department. Like I said, it's all moot for the Vikings as Graham will be well off the board before we are on the clock.

Source: The Minnesota Vikings have a formal meeting scheduled with Florida iDL Cam Jackson in Indy.

Athletic & powerful DT had an excellent week at the Senior Bowl and is another name to become familiar with in a loaded DL class.

— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) February 24, 2025

6-6 342

Oh my

supafreak84 wrote:

Does anybody really know what goes into a PFF grading formula? I don't think anybody really does, but when I look at some of these stat lines consisting of a solo tackle, two assisted tackles, no sacks, no forced fumbles...it makes me wonder how they come up with some of these grades. 7 total TFL on the year. This is the same outfit (PFF) that had Josh Oliver as a top 5 TE in the league at one point last year or had Bradbury as one of their top graded centers. Stats certainly dont always tell the story, but when you are a consensus top 5 player you'd certainly like to see more numbers in that department. Like I said, it's all moot for the Vikings as Graham will be well off the board before we are on the clock.

https://www.pff.com/grades. 

Bradbury's pass pro grades are in line with what you might expect, but his grades hold up in context with the rest of the NFL because is a very good run blocker, which is hard for your average fan to even see. 

As far as production goes, I'm sure you've heard me say this before, but I've always felt it's the most overrated factor in the draft. I think that's because you're not looking for good college players; you're looking for players who project to be good pros. And college production can be very misleading. 

Ron Dayne, Ed Marinaro, David Klingler, Case Keenum and Corey Davis all hold NCAA records for production. You know who has the most sacks at the FBS level the last 10 years? Javon Rolland-James. Ya, I don't know who that is either. You know who's sack numbers paled in comparison? Myles Garrett and Danielle Hunter to name just a couple. Just sayin....

The #Vikings have a formal meeting with Florida IDL Cam Jackson at the combine, per @_RyanFowler_. pic.twitter.com/DJc4FdBvsm

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) February 24, 2025

Dancing Bear.

As I look closer at this rep, the result is great but the technique is poor. He pops right up and exposes his chest. NFL lineman probably stones him if he wins the hand battle. Arm over saves him plus I think he sheds his opponent’s hands quickly.

Could Shemar Stewart go in the Top-10? There's a real possibility.

His height/weight/speed, pass rush arsenal, and explosiveness make him a prospect I really like. Can't wait to see how he tests at the combine. pic.twitter.com/E7Lo4w5DT5

— Andy (@AndyyNFL) February 25, 2025

JustInTime wrote:
https://x.com/cuandyy/status/1894183026252194112?s=46&t=TjjB9Q4BmOwmN74RrrMjoQ

I think Stewart is one of the more overlooked players in this draft. Classic tweener. People who want an edge don't like him because he's too big. People who want a DT don't like him because he's too small. Might be a pretty good fit for a team looking for a 3-4 end though.

MaroonBells wrote:

I think Stewart is one of the more overlooked players in this draft. Classic tweener. People who want an edge don't like him because he's too big. People who want a DT don't like him because he's too small. Might be a pretty good fit for a team looking for a 3-4 end though.

Reminds me of Tyree Wilson, who the Raiders are still trying to figure out what his best position is

MaroonBells wrote:

I think Stewart is one of the more overlooked players in this draft. Classic tweener. People who want an edge don't like him because he's too big. People who want a DT don't like him because he's too small. Might be a pretty good fit for a team looking for a 3-4 end though.

That Texas A&M DL was loaded. Again.

#Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell said all of their formal meetings last night were with DT’s, he mentioned on @KFAN1003. One of those was with Cam Jackson from Florida, per @_RyanFowler_.

Minnesota is doing their early due diligence in the trenches defensively.

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) February 25, 2025

The #Vikings had a formal interview with Toledo DT Darius Alexander last night, @DWolfsonKSTP on @SKORNorth. pic.twitter.com/oqJJge1KKx

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) February 25, 2025

Alexander can step in immediately and make an impact. His age doesn’t bother me. Just means he is at him prime earlier. Doesn’t have to fill out his body and his muscle. Reminds me of the Verse vs Turner debate. I would take Turner every time. Verse was a monster year one, but I believe his age and body was already NFL ready. Alexander is someone that we could count on right away and play well year one.

Why does my anxiousness go through the roof when I hear Alexander and DL?

purplefaithful wrote:
Why does my anxiousness go through the roof when I hear Alexander and DL?

D. Alexander no less.

Don’t worry, nobody named Sapp available.

I get that there are questions with Omarr Norman-Lott's prospect profile. But I think it should matter that he is one of the most explosive interior DL in the entire draft. That trait should carry weight for his valuation imo

— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) February 25, 2025

Win rate is nuts. Triangle numbers. Mock him frequently. Snap count is only concern.

Canthony wrote:
Alexander can step in immediately and make an impact. His age doesn’t bother me. Just means he is at him prime earlier. Doesn’t have to fill out his body and his muscle. Reminds me of the Verse vs Turner debate. I would take Turner every time. Verse was a monster year one, but I believe his age and body was already NFL ready. Alexander is someone that we could count on right away and play well year one.

The issue with drafting any older prospect is that you can't be sure that they've already maxxed out physically. Alexander played at Toledo in the MAC. He never had to play against the better OL's that typically play at Power 5 conferences.

The big question about Alexander is going to be is there enough growth remaining in his game that he can compete against NFL OL.

JustInTime wrote:
https://x.com/ledyardnfldraft/status/1894207663879106903?s=46&t=TjjB9Q4BmOwmN74RrrMjoQ

Win rate is nuts. Triangle numbers. Mock him frequently. Snap count is only concern.

You don't see Ledyard around much anymore. So I watched more of the DLs last night, and there seems to be very little difference between Nolen, Harmon, Alexander, Sanders and ONL. 

But Shemar Stewart could become an AD-level obsession for me. Guy plays with his ass is on fire.

MaroonBells wrote:

You don't see Ledyard around much anymore. So I watched more of the DLs last night, and there seems to be very little difference between Nolen, Harmon, Alexander, Sanders and ONL. 

But Shemar Stewart could become an AD-level obsession for me. Guy plays with his ass is on fire.

iDL class is just mind boggling. I see DJ has Alexander at #50 now. Several guys in the mid 20s. Would love to find a guy who guys an OC sleepless nights, or the runs. Or both simultaneously.

JustInTime wrote:

iDL class is just mind boggling. I see DJ has Alexander at #50 now. Several guys in the mid 20s. Would love to find a guy who guys an OC sleepless nights, or the runs. Or both simultaneously.

LOL. IMO the only two players who fit that description (and our needs) are Mason Graham and Shemar Stewart.

MaroonBells wrote:

LOL. IMO the only two players who fit that description (and our needs) are Mason Graham and Shemar Stewart.

I’m going to be super interested to see Stewart in the hoop drill. About 90 seconds into my first look at him I’m like “can you show me something other than power”. Immediately he puts a nice spin move on and follows it up with a great loop. More power, power, power. Then I see him dip and yeah he can but seems a tad stiff.

But, Jesus he is relentless, pursuing all over, doesn’t get fooled and can close. He can definitely line up at 4i. He’s gonna make an assistant OL coach shart.

Predicting some FREAKISH 40 yard dash times for defensive linemen:

4.52 - James Pearce Jr.

4.61 - Shemar Stewart

4.66 - Mykel Williams

4.69 - Jordan Burch

4.70 - Landon Jackson

4.87 - Kenneth Grant 👀 pic.twitter.com/iCpVwSivMF

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 26, 2025

JustInTime wrote:
I’m going to be super interested to see Stewart in the hoop drill. About 90 seconds into my first look at him I’m like “can you show me something other than power”. Immediately he puts a nice spin move on and follows it up with a great loop. More power, power, power. Then I see him dip and yeah he can but seems a tad stiff.

But, Jesus he is relentless, pursuing all over, doesn’t get fooled and can close. He can definitely line up at 4i. He’s gonna make an assistant OL coach shart.

Yep, Aggies put him at 4i a lot. Interesting article HERE about that. 

"Under first-year HC Mike Elko at Texas A&M, the Aggies ran the tite/mint front defenses that have taken over college football, and are similar to what Georgia has run in their latest stretch of dominance. In these defenses, the defensive line is taught much differently than other defensive line play. The structure of the defense calls for players like Stewart to be placed as the 4i technique on the line, rarely having many reps out wide where he can pin his ears back."

I watched Nolen, Harmon, Collins, ONL, Alexander, Sanders...and then put on Stewart. Now I know it's a slightly unfair comparison due to where each lined up, but my jaw is still on the floor. I think he can be a pass rushing maniac from the 5t/4t/4i position.