2012 Possible Atlanta Falcons Draft Pick Profile: DT Josh Chapman

Atlanta has brought in quite a few players and Josh Chapman was one of them. Chapman is one of the best nose tackles in the draft and could signal a more balanced scheme for Atlanta.

Josh Chapman

Defensive Tackle

University of Alabama

Combine Measurements

Height: 6’0-7/8” Weight: 316 pounds

Arm Length: 32" Hand Measurement: 11-7/8"

Stats

2007 - Redshirt

2008 - 13 Games, 2 Games Started, 16 Tackles, 4.0 Tackles For Loss

2009 - 13 Games, 0 Games Started, 17 Tackles, 2.5 Tackles For Loss, 0.5 Sacks

2010 - 13 Games, 12 Games Started, 31 Tackles, 3.5 Tackles For Loss, 1.0 Sacks

2011 - 12 Games, 12 Games Started, 23 Tackles, 3.5 Tackles For Loss, 1.0 Sacks

Scouting Report

Strengths

He’s a strong, round-bodied player with a great ability to control the point of attack and force double teams. He has a tenacious bull rush and is one of the hardest workers on the field. He will be able to keep linebackers clean and his new MLB will love him.

He has one of the quickest first steps seen for a man his size and could create matchup issues for guards and centers in the NFL. He was a first team All-SEC defensive tackle and a team captain at Alabama.

Weaknesses

He has shown to be winded in games sometimes and his conditioning could easily be improved. He isn’t the quickest player when it comes to changing directions and needs a lot of work when it comes to rushing the passer.

Overview

Chapman is best suited for the 3-4 defense and is better as a monster interior nose tackle in the two gap situations than as a penetrating one gap tackle. He will be a better value than where he is picked and could surprise whoever takes him as he could be a long term starter.

How he would fit into the Falcons' plans

The drafting of Josh Chapman would mean that Atlanta is looking into a hybrid defense and would use Chapman in their 3-4 sets on the defensive line. He could also be looked at as a run situation defensive tackle and could contribute extremely well in that situation.