Let's continue our 2011 NFL Draft prospect profile series with a player I occasionally see connected to the New York Giants, Illinois defensive tackle Corey Liuget.
I am not really big on the idea of the Giants going defensive tackle in the first round, even if they lose Barry Cofield to free agency. That is what they would likely have to do in order to snag Liuget, who is one of those players moving up NFL draft boards. Last year's second-round pick, Linval Joseph, needs to be given a full opportunity.
Still, Cofield might be gone and no one is thrilled with Rocky Bernard, leaving only Joseph and Chris Canty. As much as the Giants play a lot with three defensive ends you have to think they might try to supplement defensive tackle at some point.
Scouting reports after the jump.
Corey Liuget
DT, Illinois
6-foot-3, 300 pounds
Scouting Reports
From Sideline Scouting:
Positives: Good size... Stout... Athletic... Disruptive... Gets some penetration... Good quickness... Very good strength at POA... Good initial punch... Good power... Can get penetration... Can bull his way into the backfield... Does a nice job shedding blocks... Violent hands... Can be unblockable in one-on-one situations... Solid versus the run... Anchors well... Good change of direction agility... Can occupy double teams... Strong base... Stays low... Stays active... Hustles... Pursues the action... Keeps his head up... Good tackler... Hard hitter... Goes for the strip... Good motor... Plays with a lot of energy... Leader.
Negatives: Doesn't have much of an arsenal... Average closing speed... Needs to improve maintaining containment as five-technique... Conditioning issues, wears down late in games.
From SB Nation's Mocking The Draft:
Pass rush: Liuget's pass rush ability comes from his quick hands and first step. He has the ability to properly read the snap and fire off into the offensive line. However, his best attribute is his ability to deliver a violent blow and lock out a blocker. He consistently gets inside had placement which allows him to quickly disengage and work his way to the quarterback. The fact that he can rush the passer with both a speed move and a bull rush makes him a versatile playmaker.
Run defend: One of Liuget's biggest strengths is his ability to quickly locate the football. As a run defender you need to be able to quickly identify the ball carrier and work your way towards him. Liuget possesses both the awareness and skills to be an effective run defender.
Final word: Liuget is growing on me and continues to rise up my draft board. He plays with such great leverage and technique that he is rarely out of position. He combines that good technique with excellent quickness and a non- stop motor. He has the versatility to play in either a 1 or 2 gap system which will appeal to may different teams. I look at him as a solid mid- 1st round selection.