2011 NFL Mock Draft: Breaking Down The Defensive Line

Last week we took a look at the offensive line; this week, we'll look at the opposite side of the ball in the defensive line. The Cowboys defensive line was horrible last season as Jay Ratliff's numbers went down across the board, because of the inconsistency of Igor Olshansky and Jason Hatcher. 

Also adding into this equation is the fact that Hatcher and Marcus Spears, who missed most of the season with a torn calf muscle, will be unrestricted free agents (considering a CBA is reached).

* The placement of these lineman aren't based on who's the best and worst, but rather on who can fill the Cowboys needs the best (outside of  Fairley and Bowers, who are the top two lineman in this draft).

* J.J. Watt is third on this list because ESPN's Todd McShay has Watt as the Cowboys first round pick.   

Da'Quan Bowers

Strengths:

Bowers is a rare combination of size, speed and athleticism. He has everything you look for in a defensive lineman, long arms, agility and great change of direction, excellent burst off the line of scrimmage, a great work ethic and drive and the potential to get even better. 

He can play on the end of inside on passing downs, is a leader and overcame a personal tragedy to have a terrific junior season on the field.

Weaknesses: 

At times Bowers can be inconsistent, he was also plagued by injuries and mediocre play in his first two seasons at Clemson. He's put just one really good season together and doesn't have a wide range of pass rush moves.  

Outlook:

On most draft boards, Bowers is expected to be the first pick in the draft and because of that there's almost no way he drops to the Cowboys at #9. However if miracles do actually happen and the Cowboys are picking with him still in his seat with his family around him, they can't let a talent like this go.

Tape:

Here's some tape of Bowers game against Georgia Tech in 2009.  

Nick Fairley

Strengths: 

Nick Fairley is a very rare combination of size (6'4, 315) speed and athletic ability. He has long arms and knows how to use them, he can stop the run and push through the line. He has an explosive first step and is quick off the line.

Fairley has a great bull rush, but also has an array of moves to get to the quarterback (11.5 sacks and 24 TFLs). Great anticipation off the snap, often the first lineman off the ball and can stretch a play from sideline to sideline.

Weaknesses:

Gained the reputation of a dirty player while in college.

Outlook:

Fairley is considered a top five pick and arguably the best defensive lineman in the draft. Even a bad combine wouldn't stop this guy from being a top ten pick. If the Cowboys want him they'll either need to trade up or pray.     

Tape: 

I couldn't find a tape of Fairley, but here's a highlight reel. 

J.J. Watt

Strengths:

J.J. Watt has good size at (6'6, 290), he's quick off the line and gets consistent penetration through gaps (21 TFLs this season). Watt is good at shedding blocks and is a solid run stopper, he also plays with tremendous intensity and is a born leader. He's a great tackler and holds up against double teams.

Weaknesses:

Watt doesn't possess a lot of pass rushing skills or a variety of pass rushing moves. He's still learning the position and is still inexperienced, making him somewhat of a project. He doesn't possess elite speed or agility.

Outlook:

Watt can play DE in a 4-3 or a 3-4 system. He plays above his skill level because of his heart and drive. The Cowboys could use Watt to replace Olshanksy one day, and put him on the inside on third downs to help the interior pass rush next season.

A good combine can put into the later part of the first round, but ESPN's Todd McShay has the Cowboys taking Watt with their #9 pick in his latest mock draft, However in the mock draft's I trust, the earliest Watt gets drafted is 17th so it'll be a wait and see approach when it comes to the Cowboys interest in Watt.       

Tape:

Here is tape of Watt's game against Ohio St. this season.  

Cameron Heyward

Strengths: 

Cameron Heyward has the size (6'5, 280) to play inside and outside on the defensive line. Heyward's quick speed and great strength allows him to get inside of his man and take him over. He's a disciplined tackler and loves to go for the fumble when sacking the quarterback. Heyward can also chase down a play from behind.  

Heyward also has a great work ethic and never gives up in a game and will do anything to stop a play whether it's knocking down a pass or taking on the blocker so someone else can make the tackle. 

Weaknesses: 

Heyward has good discipline, but keeps his pads high sometimes. He's not very fluid at changing directions in the open field. He was quiet in some big games against bigger lineman, and had to be moved around to make an impact. 

Outlook: 

Heyward's versatility is going to make him attractive to a lot of teams, who have a star on the line already and are looking for someone to compliment that guy. The Cowboys could use Heyward to team up with Ratliff to make a formidable pass rush. They can both switch in and out of the middle and the outside. The Cowboys could also use Heyward as a short term backup for Ratliff so he doesn't get worn down through the course of a game.

Tape:  

Here's some game action from the 2010 Rose Bowl against Oregon. 

Marcell Dareus

Strengths: 

Dareus has incredible speed for someone his size (6'4 305) and has the strength to go with it. He also has quick hands and good leg drive. He can fight through a double team or hold the line and stuff the run. He can also chase the ball from sideline to sideline or chase the play from behind. 

Weaknesses: 

Dareus started just one season for Alabama, which means he doesn't have a lot of experience, but no one is going to hold that against him come draft day. He also plays with his pad level too high at times.

Outlook:

Dareus is another guy in a long list that can play both inside and outside. He can play defensive end in a 3-4 defense and defensive tackle in a 4-3 system. Dareus is someone that scouts will rave about come combine time. His exact draft position is uncertain however. He's definitely a top ten pick, but he could go as soon as third or as late as 13th. If there's a rush of offensive lineman early, there's a good chance that he'll be available at #9. 

Tape:  

There isn't any extended tape on Dareus, but here are a couple of plays to check out.   

Cameron Jordan

Strengths: 

Cameron Jordan has good size (6'4, 280) and strength to go with above average speed. He has great snap anticipation, evidenced by his 12.5 tackles for a loss this season. He can play both the run and the pass using his quick hands to get into his defender and push him, or shed the block to make a play in the run game. He's also quick around the corner for a bigger defensive end. 

Weaknesses:

Jordan doesn't consistently wrap up and finish tackles. He's also not as fast as the elite speed rushers in this draft but makes up for it with his quickness off the snap. Tends to jump offsides sometimes. 

Outlook: 

Jordan is a guy who's draft position could be top ten in the first round or the last pick in the first round. He'll need a solid combine to get the higher teams to give him a good look, but the talent is there and the Cowboys wouldn't be reaching taking him at #9 or moving their way up late in the first round through a trade. 

Tape: 

Here is some tape of a game Jordan played against Colorado.

Robert Quinn

Strengths: 

Robert Quinn has as explosive first step that he uses to beat even the most elite of tackles. He also has the strength to push his man if he can't get around him and he uses his hands well, especially when it comes to knocking down passes. Has the speed to go sideline to sideline and can chase a back down from behind. 

Weaknesses:

Quinn needs to add strength to hold up against bigger guys in the run game. He was also suspended in 2010 for contact with agents and accepting benefits, so his character will come into question a lot during the combine. He'll need to improve his cover skills if he is moved to linebacker, which is a possibility; he also has a tendency to overrun plays.

Outlook:

He'll have to own up to being suspended when he gets to the combine, but the talent is there and he has a solid work ethic. He could be a linebacker or a defensive end in the Cowboys system and will contribute more to the pass rush than Anthony Spencer does. 

If Quinn can get teams to look past his suspension, and has a good combine as well, he could move up into the top ten and could be a great pick for Dallas, playing opposite DeMarcus Ware.

Tape:

Here's tape of Quinn's 2009 game against Virginia.  

The End

Scott Halleran/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 19: Linebacker DeMarcus Ware #94 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates with defensive ends Jay Ratliff (R) #90 and Stephen Bowen (L) #72 after a sack against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on December 19, 2009 in New

There are a lot of skilled defensive lineman in this draft, so if you know someone you'd like me to put up here, let me know and I will add them. Also be sure to comment on what player would be the best fit for Dallas.

Stay tuned for next week when we take a look at the Safeties.