Packers 2016 Draft: Ranking the top-25 defensive linemen

Tier 3: Mid-Round Defensive Linemen

14. Dean Lowry, Northwestern (6-6, 296, 4.87)
There may not be a better defensive end in this class at setting the edge against the run than Lowry. He’s a tough competitor and an outstanding run stopper. He also boasts ideal measurements and athleticism to excel as a five-technique defensive end at the next level. His game against Nebraska, where he recorded six tackles for loss, is one of the more impressive games to watch of any defensive lineman in this group. He’s also an adequate pass rusher and offers an effective bull rush off the edge, making him a nice fit in Dom Caper’s defense. (Projection: Rounds 3-4)

15. Maliek Collins, Nebraska (6-2, 311, 5.03)
Collins may not have ideal size for a 3-4 front, but he’s a still an athletic interior defensive lineman with good pass rush ability. His best fit at the next level is probably as a three-technique in a 4-3 scheme, where he can disrupt and penetrate. However, Collins would still bring a lot of value to the Packers front seven as an interior rusher in the Packers’ oft-used nickel defense. (Projection: Rounds 3-4)

16. Willie Henry, Michigan (6-3, 303, 5.00)
Even though Henry is a great athlete for the position, his production in 2015 at Michigan shows he can put it all together on the field and be an impact player at the line of scrimmage. He tied for the team-lead in sacks as a junior with 6.5 and also notched 10 tackles for loss for the Wolverines. My concern with Henry is he reminds me a bit of former Packers second-round pick Jerel Worthy, who are both miscasts in a 3-4 front. (Projection: Round 4)

17. Matt Ioannidis, Temple (6-3, 299, 5.03)
As a potential two-gapping defensive end, Ioannidis checks all of the boxes to be a solid NFL starter in a 3-4 defense. Built in a Justin Smith mold, Ioannidis is a physical player with good size and strength and plays all out on every down. He’s also a very underrated athlete and can be disruptive at the line of scrimmage, showing good quickness off the snap and an ability to make plays in the backfield. He recorded seven sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss in his final two years as a full-time starter at defensive tackle for the Owls. (Projection: Round 4)

18. D.J. Reader, Clemson (6-3, 327, 5.33)
Maybe one of the more underrated run stoppers in this class, Reader is an active interior defensive lineman who’s best fit in a 3-4 front is at nose tackle. It’s easy to admire the motor he plays with, especially for a guy over 320 pounds, and his effort to battle and take on double teams keeps linebacker clean and creates opportunities for his teammates. However, at times Reader is a bit un-disciplined and allows himself to get washed out of plays. He spent too much time on the ground against elite offensive lines, like Alabama. (Projection: Round 4)

19. Sheldon Day, Notre Dame (6-1, 293, 5.07)
Day is an impressive player on tape and can be a disruptive playmaker in the trenches. However, his size and lack of length make him a hard sell for a 3-4 front. Having said this, 15.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, and 13 quarterback hurries in 2015 alone make him an intriguing enough player to take a chance on with a mid-round pick, even if he’s not ideal scheme-wise. (Projection: Rounds 4-5)

20. Hassan Ridgeway, Texas (6-3, 303, 5.02)
Ridgeway may be the toughest player for me to place on my board. After a really strong 2014 campaign, where he recorded six sacks and 11 tackles for loss, Ridgeway had a really up-and-down 2015 season. He battled several lingering injuries throughout his junior year and didn’t quite look like the same outstanding player from the previous year who some felt warranted an early-round pick. Scouts have questioned his effort and motivation both on and off the field, as well. Ridgeway probably would have benefited from another year in school. (Projection: Rounds 4-5)

Next: Tier 4: Late-Round DLs