Fifth in an eight-part NFL draft series looks at defensive linemen.
Shawne Merriman,
6-4, 275, Maryland
Big enough to play end but was stand-up linebacker, so development is key.
Erasmus James,
6-4, 270, Wisconsin
Durability is biggest question for natural pass rusher.
David Pollack,
6-2, 265, Georgia
Relentless hustler and playmaker without prototypical size.
Marcus Spears,
6-4, 305, LSU
Great size and potential, although pass rush not a strength.
Luis Castillo,
6-3, 300, N’western
Coming on strong and could be first tackle taken.
Matt Roth,
6-4, 275, Iowa
Intense former top Illinois prep had good Senior Bowl week.
Sleeper
Jonathan Babineaux,
6-2, 285, Iowa
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A little undersized for a tackle and overshadowed by Roth.
Keep an eye on
Dan Cody, 6-5, 260, Oklahoma: First end on some charts is a little thin.
Justin Tuck, 6-5, 275, Notre Dame: Good pass-rush instincts; merits look.
Travis Johnson, 6-3, 305, Florida State: Good size and ability.
Don Pierson
Local connection
In addition to Castillo, Roth and Tuck, tackles Jason Jefferson from Wisconsin and Leo High School (6-3, 308) and Notre Dame’s Greg Pauly (6-6, 295) could get calls on the second day.