3-4 DE's

[Guest Aloysius]

Two guys who could be available in the Round 2/3 range:

 

Fili Moala, USC

 

Scouting report:

Positives: Rare size for the position with the frame to add considerably more mass. Measures in at nearly 300 pounds, but with his height, Moala is almost lanky. Good initial quickness off the snap. Powerful hands that he uses well to slap away the offensive lineman's attempts to control him. Quick to recognize the play and work his way toward the action. Best asset is his size and strength to collapse the interior running lanes. Tough to move off the line of scrimmage and is stout enough to handle double teams and create a pile. Durable performer who has seen starting action each of the past three seasons and enters his senior campaign with 25 career starts. Good bloodlines. Cousin, Haloti Ngata, now a standout defensive lineman with the Baltimore Ravens.

 

Negatives: Essentially a one-trick pony, at this time, as Moala is simply too slow of foot to create much of a pass rush. Reasonable short-area quickness, but lacks closing speed and is too stiff to break down and make tackles in space. Lacks a variety of pass rush moves and relies on his initial quickness off the snap and a simple bull-rush to pressure the passer. Signed with USC out of high school, but failed to qualify academically and spent a year at Cypress Junior College (California), though he didn't play football there. Redshirted at USC in 2004 and will be 24 years old by the time he suits up for an NFL team. Arrested in March 2008 for resisting and obstructing an officer after a fight at a Newport Beach bar was broken up by police. No charges were filed.

Report from the Senior Bowl:

Monday Practice Notes: Showed good quickness and used his hands well in getting off blocks, was complimented on his hips and pass rush abilities by a Jacksonville Jags staff member.

Tuesday Practice Notes: Once again proved proficient in using his hands well to swat those of his opponent. Played well throughout the day, both against the run and pass, but showed a tendency stand straight up off the snap and give up his chest.

 

Alex Magee, Purdue

 

Scouting report:

Positives: Good height with long arms. Very athletic for his size, Magee lines up at all positions on Purdue's down four. May be best as a 3-4 defensive end. Adequate off the ball, as he can occasionally get around the shoulder of the guard at a three-technique to get pressure. Sometimes takes advantage of his size and speed at end to push the pocket and blow up plays to his side. With a free lane, Magee can close quickly on the quarterback. Uses his hands to keep cut blockers off his knees.

 

Negatives: Displays little functional strength despite good weight room numbers. Gets moved sideways easily. Plays tall and loses the leverage battle more often than not. Rarely gets off blocks inside to make a tackle. Does not hold his ground against double teams. Only has a bull rush when lined up outside, lacking the hands to rip and quickness to get around tackles. Poor on twists, getting caught up in the trash. Inconsistent motor: works hard to some plays, usually when the quarterback is near, but does not hustle or chase on others.

Report from the Senior Bowl:

Tuesday Practice Notes: Late arrival to Mobile who had a mix up on the invitation to participate. Magee stepped right in and practiced at a very high level today. Spending the entire practice inside as a defensive tackle, attempts to thwart his pass rush were futile. He was swatting hands, spinning, swimming, doing everything to get around his blockers in pass rush drills. And he did so very affectively. Attempts against the run was not as successful. At times, Magee was unable to read his keys, sink his hips, and anchor against bigger offensive lineman.

Wednesday Practice Notes: Another solid performance for the late arrival. Magee showed he would be would hard to move today against the run throughout practice. Was chastised by his position coach for not playing the edge and giving up too much of his body to linemen during pass rush drills.

[Guest Aloysius]

Interested thought from Matt B. of Draft Daddy:

 

Southern California DT Fili Moala is often projected as a 3-4 DE. While he can play that role, he showed in practice a nice swim move and an upfield burst that might be squandered in a classic 3-4 set. He's more athletic than most of his opposing linemen on the interior and this will probably be the case at the next level. With a good combine workout, he should prove to all the teams he is a well-rounded tackle.

[Guest mz.]

Is it me, or does 90% of our roster and many of the top defensive prospects seem like better 4-3 fits?