Defensive Tackles Still Have Much to Prove
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July 6, 2006 by
With top senior defensive ends Adam Carriker and Jay Moore returning and up-and-comers Zach Potter and Barry Turner in the mix, it’s understandable that people are excited about the prospects for the defensive line in 2006. But with the departure of defensive tackles LeKevin Smith and Titus Adams (a three-year starter and two-year starter respectively), there are big shoes to fill.
Ola Dagunduro and Barry Cryer played well enough in supporting roles, but maintaining or improving that level of play when the number of snaps they get doubles is a much bigger challenge. Not to mention the holes created at the backup spots Dagunduro and Cryer will vacate. Yes, there are pedigreed guys like Ty Steinkuhler, Ndamukong Suh, and Craig Roark in the mix to fill those main backup spots, but none of them bring the experience that Dagunduro and Cryer brought coming out of junior college. So to expect improvement at the tackle spots is expecting a lot.
Some fans point to the sacks by Dagunduro and Cryer versus Michigan, but as Callahan notoriously said, “It’s one game, one season�. If the level of play at these spots can simply be maintained (minus the major gaffe versus Texas Tech), then the defensive line overall will be better. But more realistically, fans can hope that any declines in the performance of the interior line will be offset by improvements at the defensive end spots.
Those who still think there are no concerns need only to look back at the change in production between 1999 and 2000. With a first-day NFL draft pick like Steve Warren on the interior, the defensive line collected 27.5 sacks in 1999. In 2000, even with first-day NFL draft picks like Kyle Vanden Bosch and Chris Kelsay starting as the rush ends, the defensive line collected a measly 13.5 sacks. While Smith and Adams were second-day picks, they were both deemed worthy of an NFL draft pick, which makes them above average even by Nebraska’s high standards.
So while there are greater areas of concern on the team (safety, for example). Those who think that Nebraska has automatically reloaded at defensive tackle may be in for an unwelcome surprise. Hopefully, that won’t be the case.
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darren Jul 06 06
I always appreciate your very realistic view of things, Steve. Nobody can accuse you of having rose-colored glasses. But, I have to disagree with you on this one.
First I admit that Smith and Adams were valuable contributors. No doubt about it. But, I'm willing to say that Ola and Cryer leave NU little to no drop off. Further, their total talent level may actually be higher than their predecessors. Things I have read show Mel Kiper (draft expert) projecting Ola to be drafted higher than Smith or Adams were.
Problem is that they are both JC guys, so this is their last year. And, what about depth? I think you are underestimating Suh dramatically. He may actually be the best one of the bunch. If he can stay healthy and develop technique, the sky is the limit for him. And Ty is a big effort guy with good talent, too. He'll give them reps. And..you are forgetting the biggest "X factor", Brandon Johnson (aka, the beast). This JC product from Compton CC will bolster NU's depth at DT considerably.
With a high talent level and 5 players capable of taking reps, I think NU's DTs could be an area of real strength.
Then again, I've always been the blatantly optimistic one.
Steve Jul 06 06
I agree that in time Suh may be the best tackle we've seen in years. But probably not right out of the gate. Cryer was not the prospect that Smith and Adams were coming into the program (though Dagunduro was ranked similarly high). If Johnson had participated in Spring ball, I'd agree that he'd be in the mix. But chances are he'll sit the whole season or at least a good chunk of it to get his bearings.
I hope you're right about little to no drop-off, because a lot of things have to come together in order for that to be the case (Ola and Barry don't get worn out, backups play near Ola and Barry's level, etc.). Despite my concerns, the interior defensive line is an area of relative strength. I'm more concerned about the safeties and offensive line, but I'm just not on the bandwagon that the Huskers are going to lead the nation in sacks either.