Tag: Dante Stills

Cardinals’ final draft pick called biggest steal of their draft class

Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar believes the Cardinals’ final selection in the draft will be their biggest steal.

The Arizona Cardinals came away from the 2023 NFL draft with eight players they selected in six of the seven rounds. They hope all can contribute and be successful in the NFL, although that rarely happens.

As we look back on each team’s draft pick, the hope is at least one can end being a steal — a selection from the laters rounds who has a nice career.

Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar named who he believes is the steal of each draft class.

For the Cardinals, it is their final pick, defensive lineman Dante Stills.

The Cardinals came into the draft needing interior defensive line help, and with Stills, who they got with the 213th overall pick in the sixth round, they may have a plug-and-play rotational player who can create havoc inside. Last season, the 6-foot-3, 286-pound Stills was good for five sacks and 30 total pressures in 334 passing attempts, with ability to stop the run as well. Moreover, Stills proved able to get pressure everywhere from nose tackle to end, and he made life unpleasant for blockers when he got going in a speed-to-power sense.

He instantly becomes the most athletic interior defender the team has. He should be able to at least play rotationally as a rookie and hopefully can provide some pressure and make some plays.

The truth is that of the five Day 3 picks the Cardinals made, four could all be steals.

Offensive lineman Jon Gaines has the athletic profile to be a longtime starter. Cornerback Kei’Trel Clark plays a position that has a lot of questions, he is athletic and has lots of playing experience as a starter. Own Pappoe could make an impact at linebacker.

Really the only one that is hard to project as a steal is quarterback Clayton Tune because ideally he shouldn’t see the field, even if he can develop into a reliable backup.

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=663414672]

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbw7fa4ahbvdd03 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

2023 NFL Draft: The best draft steal for every NFL team

Every NFL draft has its selection of steals — those players who could surprise despite their low selections — and here’s one for every NFL team.

One of the many reasons the Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl LVII was the job that general manager Brett Veach did outside of the first round of the 2022 draft. Three defensive backs (Bryan Cook in the second round, Joshua Williams in the fourth, and Jaylen Watson in the seventh) were difference-makers all season, and seventh-round running back Isiah Pacheco became the team’s bellcow back down the stretch. Also, second-round receiver Skyy Moore joined Pacheco with touchdowns in that Super Bowl victory over the Eagles.

First-round hits are nice, but it’s almost worse to miss in the first round than it is better to win there from an opportunity cost perspective. If you want to refresh your roster at a championship level, you had better get those picks right on the second and third day. Veach and his staff did that, and it was the difference that made all the difference in the end.

Moving to the 2023 NFL draft, we’ve selected one second- or third-day pick for every NFL team who could have a similar impact on their NFL roaters sooner than mater. Each of these players have reasons for their relatively low picks in line with their tape, stats, and talent, but these are the kinds of finds that can turn a team around over time.

Cardinals draft West Virginia DT Dante Stills in Round 6

The Arizona Cardinals selected West Virginia DT Dante Stills in the sixth round with pick No. 213.

The Arizona Cardinals wrapped up their selections of the NFL draft with the 213th pick, a sixth-round selection. Continuing the trend of selecting extremely athletic players, they added West Virginia defensive lineman Dante Stills.

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal]

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

 

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 20, West Virginia DL Dante Stills

Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is West Virginia DL Dante Stills.

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers lost Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry in free agency, leaving them thin along the defensive line. 

Kenny Clark is the leader and still a dominant force up front. With more snaps on the way, Devonte Wyatt figures to enjoy a breakout campaign during his second year in the league. Those two figure to be the key cogs up front for the Packers and could prove to be a disruptive duo. Now, Brian Gutekunst needs to add depth around them.

A player that Green Bay could target in the upcoming NFL Draft is Dante Stills. The West Virginia defensive lineman checks in at No. 20 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.

Stills, the son of Gary Stills (a 10-year NFL veteran) ended his career at West Virginia with the program record for games played (58). 

During his first season on campus, Stills recorded 5.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. In 2019, Stills recorded 14 tackles for loss and eight sacks. The following season Stills recorded 9.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. In 2021, Stills recorded 15 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and one interception. This past season he recorded nine tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He became the program’s all-time leader in tackles for loss this past season against TCU.

“Dante is another legacy player,” Jed Drenning, the West Virginia sideline reporter said. “He spent part of his career playing on the defensive line alongside his brother Darius who was also an All-Big 12 performer for the Mountaineers. Their father, Gary Stills, was a standout for West Virginia in the 90s before enjoying a long career in the NFL.”

Stills fires off the snap with great initial quickness. His 1.72 10-yard split was the fourth fastest among interior defensive linemen at the combine. He’s able to slither through the gaps and made a living disrupting the action in the backfield. He finished his career with a program-record 53 tackles for loss. He has the lateral quickness and range to make plays up and down the line of scrimmage. 

As a pass rusher, his initial quickness gets offensive linemen on their heels. He has forceful hands and is able to get into the chest of blockers. He’s able to generate movement and collapse the pocket with his power. According to Pro Football Focus, Still finished this past season with a career-high 30 pressures. 

“Strong enough to create problems on the interior with the quickness needed to hold his own on the edge,” Drenning said. “He’s a powerful kid who can run and can bend. That skill set translated to success on the field over the course of a long career. His production was apparent as he finished his career as the school’s all-time tackles for loss leader.” 

During his time at West Virginia Stills played up and down the line of scrimmage. That versatility could appeal to the Packers as they search for quality depth in the upcoming draft. 

“Dante is highly versatile,” Drenning said. “He can play different spots and is comfortable in even and odd front schemes alike.”

Stills has enjoyed a successful draft cycle. By all reports, the West Virginia defensive lineman was one of the best front-seven players during Shrine Bowl week. He then turned in an impressive performance at the combine. His 4.85 40-yard dash was the third fastest among interior defensive linemen and his 10-yard split was the fourth fastest. His broad jump (9-5) was third best and his three-cone (7.38) was third best. His 20-yard shuttle (4.61) was second-best. 

Fit with the Packers

The Packers need bodies up front. The departures of Reed and Lowry leave the Packers razor-thin along the defensive line. Stills would provide quality depth and has the tools to turn into a productive player at the next level.

Clark, Wyatt, and Slaton combined for 5.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss. Stills could boost Green Bay’s interior pass rush. With his history of making splash plays against the run, he could help shore up Green Bay’s leaky run defense.

“Dante has always been an effective pass rusher,” Drenning said. “He really took a step last year as a run defender and as a more consistent every-down asset. He’s a great teammate who will be a positive addition to any locker room.”

Stills was a disruptive force for West Virginia. With his athleticism and power, Stills could be an attractive day-three target for the Packers as they look to add pieces around Clark. 

5 pressure DTs for Cowboys to consider in 2023 draft

The Cowboys seem to love the progress of Odighizuwa, but that doesn’t mean that pass-rushing DTs are off the menu come draft time. @TimLettiero looks at the best of the 2023 bunch.

The Cowboys’ were lucky enough to see serious development in last season’s Most Improved Player, Osa Odighizuwa. However, there is a severe lack of a versatile presence next to him as the coaching staff have shown they are not keen on Neville Gallimore. Dallas plays a hybrid system that use both even and odd fronts, seeing players like Odighizuwa, and previously Gallimore, used in multiple spots. Along the interior, the 3-and-5-technique positions are some of the most vital.

3-techs line up on the outside shoulder of a guard while 5-techs line up on the outside shoulder of the tackle; sharing responsibilities of getting to the QB while also providing two-gap ability versus the run. Since they play further away from the ball, a good first step while still having solid play strength is required.

Although currently out of favor, Gallimore remains on roster and the likes of Demarcus Lawrence and Chauncey Golston have the ability to kick inside from their edge positions. However, Dallas needs some bodies to supplement the improved play of Odighizuwa. Here are five targets to help bolster the Cowboys iDL.

2023 NFL draft: 3 defensive tackles for Chargers to watch at Combine

Here are a few defensive tackles at the NFL Scouting Combine that the Los Angeles Chargers could target in the draft.

The NFL Scouting Combine kicks off this week, which will bring the 2023 draft class fully into focus, as this is the week of athletic testing, evaluations, and interviews for over 300 prospects.

With the combine ready to set the stage before free agency and the draft, we look at players worth monitoring for the Chargers.

Whether it be players who are options at pick No. 21 or later in the draft, we will pick out some at each position who should test well and generate buzz.

Here are a few interior defensive linemen worth keeping an eye on.

A DT prospect for the Saints in every round of the 2023 NFL draft

A defensive tackle prospect for the Saints in every round of the 2023 NFL draft, from Siaka Ika to Zacch Pickens and Dante Stills:

What is the biggest priority for the New Orleans Saints this offseason — after quarterback, of course? Maybe it’s running back. Maybe it’s defensive tackle. Every player in that position group who got on the field for the Saints last year is headed for free agency, and odds are they won’t able to hold onto everyone. Whether it’s David Onyemata, Shy Tuttle, Kentavius Street, or Malcolm Roach moving on, the Saints should be looking to pick a defensive tackle at some point in this year’s draft.

And the 2023 draft class runs deep. There are players who have something to offer in all seven rounds of the event. Let’s survey some of those options:

2023 NFL draft: 6 potential Chargers targets who stood out at Shrine Bowl

Here are six players who should’ve drawn the attention of the Chargers at the East-West Shrine Bowl.

The all-star circuit began in Vegas for the East-West Shrine Bowl, where there were a handful of prospects making some of their final impressions to NFL evaluators.

The Chargers Wire staff was on hand throughout the week, catching all the action. So with that, here are six players who should’ve drawn the attention of the Chargers.

WR Antoine Green, North Carolina

Speed was plentiful at the Shrine Bowl, but no players showcased their jets better than Antoine Green over the course of the week. Green not only could cleanly separate in a footrace and stack his defender with ease during one-on-ones, but he also proved how friendly to the quarterback a receiver of his size (6-2, 201 pounds) could be. He routinely extended his long arms for catches away from his frame to high point balls above the rim and away from contention. Green was one of the better receivers at combatting press coverage from an aggressive group of cornerbacks, a testament to his experience as a fifth-year player. His current toolset has all the makings of a dependable field stretcher at the next level. 

CB Kei’Trel Clark, Louisville

Clark, who played the slot this past season for the Cardinals, may have been overlooked by Shrine Bowl attendees. He has below-average size at 5-10 and 179 pounds, but Clark is able to compensate for that with his fine-tuned footwork, instincts, and ball skills. He completely jumped the gun on a couple of receiver screens during team period, an aspect that popped on his tape. Clark’s smooth ability to mirror receivers through their entire route pattern and time pass breakups was a feature across all three days of practice observed by the Chargers Wire staff. He was a top-five player in Vegas based off performance.

S Trey Dean III, Florida

Dean has the traits of a hard-hitting safety that you bet on: tall, fearless, and enough downhill speed to create some second thoughts. He capped off an impressive week in the back half of the secondary with a tip-drill interception in the Shrine Bowl game. Dean’s 6-3, 211-pound measurables were first utilized at cornerback before he swapped positions. Dean executed a variety of tasks and assignments at safety for the Gators, so competing one-on-one against the West team tight ends looked like a natural process for Dean. He is physical, oozes swagger, and teams will love the intensity he attacks the game with.

OL Atonio Mafi, UCLA

The Chargers need offensive line depth this offseason and Mafi’s presence could really boost the group. Just three years ago, Mafi was playing nose tackle for the Bruins. After making the position change to guard, Mafi still imposed his will, as he consistently moved people and held rushers at bay. That type of physicality was displayed throughout the week. The former rugby player was a bully with violent hands, great feet, and a strong anchor to limit every defensive lineman he went up against. In my interview with Mafi, he told me that the Chargers have been watching him closely since his first season in 2018 and really loved his tape.

DT Dante Stills, West Virginia

With Morgan Fox set to be a free agent, the Chargers could be in the market for an interior pass rusher, which Stills could serve as. Stills was one of the most energized players in the trenches. He raised eyebrows with his first-step quickness and twitchiness to penetrate, which blockers struggled to compromise for. He continuously fought with his hands and owned the leverage battle with great pop in his upper half. His motor ran nonstop and he was one of the most vocal players on the field.

EDGE B.J. Thompson, Stephen F. Austin

The Chargers don’t have a lot of valuable depth behind Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack and Thompson is a guy who I could see them targeting on Day 3 to help fulfill that. Thompson ran a 4.56 40, recorded an 11’3″ broad jump with a 40-inch vertical last offseason, and the freakish athleticism was evident. Thompson won with first-step explosiveness, speed, bend, and with his 82.5-inch wingspan.

2023 Chiefs NFL draft prospects: Group 20

Our latest group of 2023 NFL draft prospects for the #Chiefs covers four players set to play in East-West Shrine Bowl on Thursday.

With the 2022 college football season now behind us, we’ll soon turn our attention to the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine and the pro-day circuit. This evening, however, we’ve got the East-West Shrine Bowl set to kick off after a successful week of practice in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can watch the game on Thursday, Feb. 2 on NFL Network at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Our annual draft prospects series returns for the sixth consecutive year. We’ve identified over 200 college prospects to keep an eye on ahead of the 2023 NFL draft, all of whom might be potential fits with the Kansas City Chiefs. Last season’s prospect list included several of the Chiefs’ 2022 NFL draft picks including George Karlaftis, Skyy Moore and Bryan Cook. Who will be next?

Our twentieth group of prospects includes a defensive lineman who has ties to the Chiefs, a ball-hawking cornerback, an athletic offensive tackle and a receiver turning heads during the practice week.

Offensive, defensive line standouts from East-West Shrine Bowl: Day 2

A look at the players in the trenches who stood out on Day 2 of the East-West Shrine Bowl.

The second practices for the East and West teams at the Shrine Bowl are in the books in Las Vegas.

Today, I honed in on the trenches, as the Chargers could be looking to shore up their offensive and defensive line depth and address the edge defender position in this year’s draft.

Here is a look at the crop of players who stood out on Day 2.