NFL Draft 2012: Devon Still Scouting Report

Penn State defensive tackle Devon Still figures to hear his name called in the first round when the 2012 NFL draft gets underway this April. Our own Mocking The Draft has him ranked as the #1 defensive tackle in the 2012 class. Here's what ESPN had to say about the Penn State product.

Still could be more consistent, especially with his pad level, but he's been dominant at times. At 6-5 and 307 pounds, he's tough to move off the ball with one blocker when he stays low, and he has the upper-body strength to shed blocks in time to make the play. And though Still is not a dominant interior pass-rusher, he's capable of collapsing the pocket.

CBS sports took a loot at his run/pass defense capabilities.

Pass rush: Has not yet shown the initial quickness or closing ability to be a major pass rush factor at the next level. Comes fast the hard, though, if given a step by backpedalling linemen in pass pro; will work through the whistle. Tries to swim past his man when there is room to maneuver, bothering the quarterback but rarely getting there. Effective taking up two blockers and flashes some quickness outside on twists.

Run defense: Most productive against the run when slanting into the action. Strong at the point when keeping his pads low, but his height means a constant battle to prevent linemen from getting under his pads. Fights through doubles, at times still finding the ballcarrier through traffic. His anchor against doubles when not attacking the pocket is inconsistent, at best; blown off the line too often. Good effort to reach ballcarriers coming into his area, keeps his eyes on them and can make the play even when moving back or losing his balance. Must work on defeating cut blocks with his hands.

In terms of NFL fits, he's probably best cast as a traditional DT in a 4-3. Some scouts says he could also be a fit as a DE in a 3-4.