DT Prospects for the NFL Draft

There will definitely be teams that get starting Defensive Tackles in this years draft, 3 most likely in the 1st round. There also will be some really good DTs taken in the next few rounds. There are both 3-4 and 4-3 DTs available as well which adds to the positions standing.
DT POSITION GRADE: A-

1. B.J. Raji (Boston College) 6'2 340
Raji was flying up the draft boards before the reports of a failed drug test at the NFL Combine surfaced. Fits both 3-4 and 4-3 schemes. Has great size and quickness. Raji is a serious run stuffer and can be a "2 gap" DT. Raji will not rush the QB effectively but will dominate against the run. He will be taken in the top 10 picks.
DRAFT GRADE: 93

2. Peria Jerry (Mississippi) 6'1 300
Jerry was a very productive player in the SEC conference. He is effective in both the running game and in pass rushing situations (7 sacks in '08). Not the best size for a NFL DT, but will start from day one on his new team. He plays well enough to be a 3-4 DT, but seems to fit 4-3 scheme much better. Jerry should be gone before 25th overall. I would love to see the Lions grab him at 20th overall.
DRAFT GRADE: 86

3. Ziggy Hood (Mizzou) 6'3 300
Very good motor, has got credit from day one for his effort. Great size and strength, had 15 sacks in final 2 seasons at Missouri. Gets up to deflect passes with his 6'3 frame. Not an elite player at any particular skill, but good at all. Has very little in the weakness category. Every so often gets upright and loses leverage against the run. Ziggy should be a first round pick.
DRAFT GRADE: 82

4. Ron Brace (Boston College) 6'4 330
Played side by side with #1 overall DT prospect B.J. Raji, this definitely helped his production as Raji faced double teams consistently. At the same time, that took away from the NFL "pub" going Brace's direction. Brace is a quality DT, 18.5 TFL his last two seasons at BC. Brace's inconsitency in both the pass rush and in leverage during running plays will keep him outside of Round 1, but he should be scooped up in the 2nd rd.
DRAFT GRADE:74

5. Terrance Taylor (Michigan) 6'0 310
There may be a bit of bias in this pick, but I know what kind of player Taylor is. His ONLY downfall is his heigth. At 6'0 tall many would tell you that you have exactly ZERO chance at being an NFL DT. His production at Michigan and his combine results (at the top of every strength drill) will make him a 3rd round pick. Terrance uses excellent leverage to go with his elite strength to shut down the run game inside.
DRAFT GRADE:72