2014 NFL Draft: Prospect Profile -- Kelcy Quarles, DT, South Carolina

The defensive line was a strength of the New York Giants' defense in 2013 (along with the safety position). The defensive tackle rotation, in particular, was deep, talented, and dominant. However, with the departure of Linval Joseph in free agency, and the future of Mike Patterson uncertain, the Giants will need to restock and rebuild the foundation of their defense.

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Pros

- Prototypical 3-technique build, with a good blend of size and length (6-foot-4, 300 pounds, 33.25-inch arms)

- Shows a good first step but also plays with power. Can win on speed or strenght

- Productive in the SEC (1st team All American, first team All SEC, second in nation in sacks)

- Disruptive in the passing game and run game

- Powerful tackler who plays with a good motor

- Versatile, played every DT position.

Cons

- Scouts need to decide how much Clowney's presence helped -- or hurt -- Quarles.

- Might need to work on conditioning

- Needs to be more consistent with technique (can play too upright)

Does He Fit With The Giants?

If the Giants don't address the DT position earlier, certainly. Given his experience playing next to a freakishly athletic defensive end, in a 4-man front, in a defense that used a hybrid S/LB position, it's almost hand-in-glove.

Unless an absolute worst case scenario happens, Quarles would likely be a bit of a reach at 43, however if he makes to the Giants' third- round pick, and they still haven't added a defensive tackle, they would need to think long and hard about taking Quarles.

Prospect Video

Big Board Rankings

Big Blue View - 76

Mocking The Draft - 157

CBS Sports - 72

Draft Tek - 47

Final Thoughts

Quarles is flying under the radar some. That's not surprising considering he lined up next to one of the biggest headlines in the draft. However, Quarles was still South Carolina's most effective lineman in 2013, racking up 9.5 sacks. And those sacks weren't all because teams were devoting all their attention to Clowney. Quarles saw his share of double teams and still managed to affect plays.