:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28637591/20140113_kkt_ah2_276.0.jpg)
Some of you might be saying, "No more defensive tackle prospect profiles, please. We don't need them."
Sorry, I like defensive tackles. Linval Joseph is a free agent. So is Mike Patterson. The New York Giants only really have Jonathan Hankins and Cullen Jenkins. That's clearly not enough. Will Sutton is an interesting player, and one that I still haven't really made up my mind about. The 6-foot-1, 320-pound tackle can play both 1 or 3 technique. Let's look at whether or not he is a fit for the Giants in the upcoming 2014 NFL Draft.
Pros
- Disruptive. Absolutely disruptive. Even if he doesn't get on the stat sheet, he's capable of messing plays up.
- Uses his body weight effectively to bully his opponent into the backfield.
- Active hands with a strong slap move to stun the opponent.
- Is not easily moved from his position. Good wide base.
- When his motor runs hot, his momentum is difficult to stop and he can shoot gaps with quickness.
- Great arm-over-rip pass rush move
- Versatile. Played 1-, 3- and 5-technique at Arizona State.
Cons
- His motor doesn't run hot all the time.
- Some concerns about fitness. Put on some ugly body fat.
- Decrease in production from 2012 to 2013.
- Gets washed out at times when he's pass rushing and going forwards.
- First step is below average.
Does He Fit With The Giants?
Yes. In fact, the player that he reminds me most of is Linval Joseph. Same sort of "tweener" 1 and 3 technique with similar body types and both have that same sort of reckless bullrush up the gut that is successful once or twice a game. They both stunt well and can anchor down and plug up gaps. He'd be a versatile addition to the Giants defensive front.
Prospect Video
Will Sutton vs Washington (2013) (via Aaron Aloysius)
Big Board Rankings
Big Blue View - 39
Mocking The Draft - 59
CBS Sports - 64
Draft Countdown - 98
Draft Tek - 53
Final Thoughts
I think Sutton, as a carbon copy of Linval Joseph, should go right around where Joseph went in the draft. There are a few minor red flags with him regarding his motor and work ethic, but that hasn't stopped the Giants or the rest of this league before. He's a mid- to late-second round player in my opinion and there are several defensive tackles that should go before him, though it would not surprise me if he went late- first round to mid-second round.
A big part of his draft stock will be the Combine. A good combine means he's working hard and will go much higher. A bad combine could torpedo his stock.