NFL Draft- Defensive Tackles

The 2008 defensive tackle class featured some of the most dominating and talented defensive tackles in recent memory. Led my LSU's Glenn Dorsey, the 2008 class also featured talented forces in USC's Sedrick Ellis and UNC's Kentwam Balmer.

The Kansas City Chiefs could not have been happier to see Dorsey land in their hands at pick 5. Dorsey played almost his entire senior season injured, yet he still earned a selection to the All-America. Dorsey also was awarded the Lombardi Award (nation's best lineman or linebacker), the Outland Trophy (nation's best interior lineman), the Nagurski Trophy (nation's best defensive player), the Lott Trophy (Impact Defensive Player of the Year), and was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year. Dorsey finished the end of his senior year with 69 tackles, 7 sacks, 4 pass breakups, and a forced fumble, not to mention a National Championship victory. Depsite all of honors, Dorsey is a tremendous teammate and a great young man who will represent the Chiefs extremely well off the field. While on the field, Dorsey's incredible power, quickness, agility, athleticism, high-motor, and awareness will make him a perennial Pro Bowler. Dorsey is the best football player in the draft, hands-down. He has the ability to be one of the best defensive players in NFL history.

The next defensive tackle taken was Ellis, by the New Orleans Saints. Ellis, like Dorsey, had a dominating college career. Despite playing in Dorsey's shadow in his senior season, Ellis still had 58 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 7 pass breakups. Ellis also earned All-America honors. He has the ability be a one-man wrecking crew at the next level. Ellis' speed and quickness is unparalled for a defensive tackle, yet he also possesses great strength and power. Ellis also makes sure to give 110%. The Saints more than filled their need for a defensive tackle with Ellis, who should end up being a perennial Pro Bowl NFL defensive tackle.

The San Francisco 49ers made North Carolina's Kentwan Balmer the next tackle taken off the board at pick 29. Balmer is a great talent, yet he is very inconsistent and was a one year wonder at UNC. However, Balmer's abilities were too good for San Francisco to pass up in a thin tackle draft. Balmer might be the strongest tackle in the draft, and also possesses good quickness. In order for him to be a starter for the 49ers, likely at end in their 3-4 scheme, Balmer will need to give his all on every play. He cannot be nearly as inconsistent as he was in college to be the defender San Francisco needs.

The Philadelphia Eagles made Notre Dame defensive tackle Trevor Laws the only defensive tackle taken in the second round. Laws does lack the upside to be a dominating tackle in the NFL, but he possesses an incredibly high motor and great quickness. In fact, Laws had one of the few good seasons for the Fighting Irish last year, making 112 tackles with 4 sacks, 5 pass breakups, and 3 blocked kicks. While Laws is not the "sexy" pick at 47, he will give Philadelphia a very solid player for years to come.

While the 2008 defensive tackle class featured some gems in Dorsey and Ellis, this class was extremely thin. Kentwan Balmer and Trevor Laws are the only tackles besides Dorsey and Ellis with a chance at being starters in their careers. However, despite the weakness of the prospects in the position, the defensive tackle position could end up featuring 3 perennial Pro Bowl players, if Balmer can live up to his potential.

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