Name: Dalvin Tomlinson

School: Alabama

Position fit: Defensive interior

Stats to know: Tomlinson had 43 QB pressures and 23 run stops in 2016.

What he does best:

• One of the premier run defenders in the draft class.
• Sheds blockers with ease in the run game.
• Very difficult for just one blocker to move and holds up to double teams well.
• Can play two-gaps with ease as he locks out blockers away from his frame and sheds at will.
• Can knock blockers backward off the snap with an initial jolt.
• Very good playing strength and he plays bigger than even his listed size.
• Uses a club-swim, bull and bull-jerk rush to get pressure on the quarterback.
• Impacted far more passing plays in 2016 than he did earlier in his career.
• Uses his long arms to clog passing lanes and bat down passes (9 batted passes in two years).
• Sound tackler who has only missed three tackles for his career.

Biggest concern:

• Had an impressive 70 hurries over the last three years but only knocked down the quarterback 11 times (three sacks, eight hits).
• Very reliant on his club-swim move to get pressure, will need to develop more pass-rush moves.
• Only one season of playing at least 50 percent of defensive snaps.
• Surrounded by one of the most talented college defenses in recent memory.

Player comparison: Johnathan Hankins, New York Giants.

Hankins has been a solid run defender throughout his career with one strong years as a pass-rusher (2014). Tomlinson should at least be viable in the run game, capable of winning from multiple alignments, while he’ll have to improve his pass-rush arsenal to made a three-down difference.

Bottom line: Tomlinson is one of the elite run defenders in this draft class. Tomlinson can beat the blockers across from him with quickness, length or strength. Tomlinson has a thick strong lower body which makes him tough to move. He can also keep his opponent at a distance with his arms and locate the ball very well. Tomlinson has the ability to play two-gaps as well as the quickness to be a one-gap penetrator. Tomlinson’s ability to play different positions along the defensive line will help his value in the draft. Tomlinson’s pass-rush production increased in 2016 but the question will be does he offer enough as a pass-rusher to be selected high in the draft. The natural pass-rush ability is there and perhaps it will develop with time making him an even more valuable asset to his team.

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