[Remember to check the '2010 NFL Draft' section for all stories relating to the draft.]
As we continue to roll through our Daily NFL Draft Prospect Profile series, let's look at another of the impressive defensive tackles likely to be taken early in the April draft.
Penn State's 6-foot-5, 296-pound Jared Odrick.
Some think Odrick might be a better fit as a 3-4 defensive end in the NFL. But, he has been a 4-3 DT at Penn State, and he sounds a little bit like a Chris Canty type to me. So let's take a closer look.
Jared Odrick Scouting Reports
From Draft Countdown.
Does everything well but nothing great --- Not particularly flashy but offers a nice mix of physical tools and intangibles.
From Draft Ace.
A prototypical three-technique defensive tackle. Flashes the ability to get into the backfield and consistently make plays. Enough speed to make some plays in pursuit. Has the potential to play defensive end in a 3-4 scheme. Has a nice array of pass-rush moves for a collegiate interior lineman. After an up-and-down career he ended with a very productive senior season.
From the National Football Post.
A long, powerful interior lineman who showcases a good first step off the ball ... consistently finds the ball off the snap and does a great job controlling blockers on contact and closing run lanes on either side of him ... displays impressive power for a guy his size who consistently is able to find the ball off the snap and close run lanes inside. He looks like a versatile three-down type of lineman in the NFL and could play either as a 4-3 DT or 3-4 DE.
From SB Nation's Mocking The Draft.
With so many teams shifting to a 3-4, Odrick is an attractive prospect because he can play end. But he's also good enough for a 4-3, which he played at Penn State.
He was a real difference maker during his final two years in Happy Valley. In those two seasons he had 84 tackles, 20.5 tackles for a loss and seven sacks.
In 2007, though, Odrick battled injuries and missed a portion of the year with an ankle injury. The other questionable non-football issue with Odrick was that he was sighted for disorderly conduct in 2008 his alleged involvement in an on-campus fight.
But make no mistake, Odrick is a solid player. He may never be a superstar in the NFL, but he's a dependable three-down defensive lineman with good strength and tenacity.
Why Odrick fits with the Giants
Because the Giants need help at defensive tackle, and Odrick has the skill set to be as good or better than anyone the Giants currently have. If Odrick lasts until the Giants pick at 46 in the second round and he is the best defensive player on the board it would be a hard pick to argue with.
Why the Giants should pass
Odrick is another one of those talented players whose effort has been questioned in some scouting reports. Great senior season, but some wonder if he will put forth the same kind of effort after he cashes an NFL paycheck. Given a choice, I always want a guy whose effort does not have to be questioned.
(E-mail Ed at bigblueview@gmail.com. Follow Big Blue View on Twitter.)