Over the past three days 32 NFL teams did everything they could to improve their odds for a Super Bowl title. Surprise selections were made, some teams filled big needs while others looked to the future, and a good time was had by all. In fact, it was so enjoyable that maybe we should think about doing it again.
And we will, in about a year for now.
We do not know yet what form the next college football season will take. Are we going to see games in the fall, or will there be a winter/spring college football season? Are we going to see crowded stadiums, or empty venues. Regardless of how that plays out, there is always a new crop of new prospects to get to know over the summer. The offensive half of this list is already available, and here is the defensive half.
Interior Defensive Linemen
1. Marvin Wilson, Florida State
2. Jaylen Twyman, Pittsburgh
3. Tyler Shelvin, LSU
4. Christian Barmore, Alabama
5. Darius Stills, West Virginia
6. Jay Tufele, USC
7. Mustafa Johnson, Colorado
8. Tedarrell Slaton, Florida
9. Damion Daniels, Nebraska
10. LaBryan Ray, Alabama
It was somewhat of a surprise when Marvin Wilson decided to return to Florida State for his senior campaign. Wilson notched career-highs last season in sacks (five) tackles for a loss (eight and a half) and tackles (44), and was considered a first-round selection. In fact, the NFL Draft Advisory Committee gave him a first round grade, but he decided to return to campus. Wilson told the Tallahassee Democrat that he had unfinished business with the Seminoles. “I feel like we’ve got to rep the spear a lot better. I feel like we’ve got to come out and dominate the football field and we didn’t do that the last couple years and I just can’t leave Florida State knowing I’ve got an extra year left. I just want to come out and give my all one last year.”
Shelvin had a big year for the LSU Tigers during their run to the title. The defensive tackle had 13 starts at nose tackle and recorded 39 tackles, including three for a loss, while getting double-teamed on almost every snap. Pittsburgh’s Twyman was the first interior lineman to lead Pittsburgh in sacks since 2013. That player? Aaron Donald. Ray from Alabama battled injuries last year, but if healthy he can be an impact player on the inside.