NFL Combine 2012: Analyzing Interior Defensive Lineman with the Most to Prove

It's one area of defensive football that goes significantly under-the-radar in a pass-happy league and that's dominant interior lineman.

Now yes, New England's Vince Wilfork took over a small portion of the spotlight and the New York Giants front-four was menacing all season long. That said, not much other attention was brought to such an important part of winning Super Bowls.

As for the combine, here's a look at some interior defensive lineman with the most to prove before the 2012 NFL Draft.

Alameda Ta'amu, Washington

We know a guy who has the size of a 3-4 nose tackle possesses great strength. And Washington's Alameda Ta'amu has that kind of ability considering that he's 6'3" and almost 340 pounds.

He is however, more of an arm-tackler as opposed to power-hitter and despite having good quickness at the snap, Ta'amu's not a reliable pass-rusher. Definitely more of a run-stuffer who can get sacks thanks to blanket coverage, Ta'amu must improve hand techniques and agility to control gaps better.

The past two seasons he recorded 69 tackles and five sacks but only 12 tackles for loss. Now, Ta'amu did see a lot of double-teams which put a damper on his stats. However, he if he improves with quicker hands, Ta'amu can slip under and make more plays in the backfield.

So until he develops more of a broad approach to getting off blocks, Ta'amu will remain a mid-rounder at best.

Marcus Forston, Miami (Fla.)

An ideal 4-3 defensive tackle, Miami's Marcus Forston has major concerns as he basically missed two full seasons because of injuries.

Therefore, Forston has just one full season as a legit weekly starter/contributor under his belt with 37 tackles and three sacks in 2010. And with those injuries, his tangible aspects to becoming a sound defensive lineman has suffered.

For what Forston has in strength, awareness and raw talent, he vehemently lacks in preparedness, lateral agility and maintaining a low center of gravity to quickly change directions and make plays.

Currently an expected late third/early fourth-rounder, if Forston's injury concerns prevent him from having a solid combine, he'll be fortunate to get drafted by Round 5. With many tangible areas to improve at the basics of his position, Forston has arguably the most to prove of anyone this draft.

Josh Chapman, Alabama

It's really, really easy to overlook and underrate Alabama's Josh Chapman simply because of all the talent around him on Nick Saban's defense.

In turn, currently being a projected late fifth-rounder, Chapman has a lot to prove that he just wasn't along for the ride, so to speak, in 2011. The man has good size at 6'1", 310-pounds, but fails to transition his actual power onto the field.

Chapman no doubt has strength but doesn't impress at consistently getting off blocks or providing an interior pass rush. Obviously some of that is due to 'Bama having great outside pressure and lockdown coverage, so it simply remains to be seen as to how Chapman can perform when he's the standout player.

With only 54 tackles between 2010 and 2011 as well as just two sacks, Chapman will need to impress at the combine by displaying great quickness and fluid movement to apply consistent inside pressure.

John Rozum on Twitter.