Green Bay Packers 2015 NFL Draft: Breaking down the defensive line prospects

Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. (4) is pressured by Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman

(71). Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Tier Two

6. Carl Davis, Iowa (6-5, 320)
7. Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma (6-5, 329)
8. Michael Bennett, Ohio State (6-2, 293)
9. Henry Anderson, Stanford (6-6, 294)
10. Xavier Cooper, Washington State (6-3, 293)
11. Grady Jarrett, Clemson (6-1, 304)
12. Mario Edwards, Florida State (6-3, 279)

The Skinny: There will be a lot of quality defensive linemen available on day two of the draft. The Packers may use their second or third round pick to nab one of them to  improve their depth and secure the position for the future.

Davis and Phillips are the best of this group. They may factor in at the end of the first round but are probably better value in the second.

At Iowa, Davis was dominant at times and can be a disruptive force in the backfield. However, inconsistent effort and play on film will probably keep him from first-round considerations.

Phillips is another interior defensive lineman with a lot of upside. He’s a great fit at nose in a 3-4 and looks like a young Vince Wilfork. However, he may only be a two-down player in the NFL.

Bennett and Cooper are both guys who show a good burst off the line and can generate interior pressure, but they both seem like better fits in a 4-3 defense as three-technique defensive tackles.

Anderson was a 3-4 end at Stanford for four seasons and would fit perfectly in the Packers base. He’s a tough, gritty player who has a non-stop motor. Though he’s known for his ability against the run, he’s an underrated pass rusher. He reminds me a lot of the Niners’ Justin Smith.

Despite being undersized, Jarrett is a feisty player who brings it on every play. On film, he’s disruptive and looks like a Mike Daniels-type player. If the Packers could get Jarrett at the end of the third round then I’m sure they could find a role for him on their defense.

Edwards is a tough player to figure out. He’d be an odd fit in the Packers 3-4 scheme. I’m not sure if he’d be an edge rusher or a 3-4 end. He’s probably better suited with a team that runs a 4-3 defense.

Next: Tier Three