Packers 2016 Draft: Ranking the top-25 defensive linemen
By Dan Dahlke
Tier 4: Late-Round Defensive Linemen
21. Darius Latham, Indiana (6-4, 311, 5.32)
Latham’s a talented big man with an ideal frame for a 3-4 front. He can be disruptive when he wants to be and generate decent pass rush as an interior defensive lineman. However, the effort isn’t always there with him on film. Two suspensions for violating team rules also don’t look good on his resume, and the fact he also tends to play too high losing leverage and power at the point of attack, makes him a bit of a project at the next level. He’s a guy talented enough to sneak into the third round, but the red flags will push him down draft boards. (Projection: Round 5)
22. Jihad Ward, Illinois (6-5, 297, 5.11)
Ward is an athletic freak who grabbed headlines at the Senior Bowl this past January for his impressive performance one-on-one drills. However, between an under-whelming combine performance and very inconsistent game film, Ward is a too much of risk to take any earlier than midway through day three of the draft. (Projection: Rounds 5-6)
23. Adam Gotsis, Georgia Tech (6-4, 287)
After his season was cut short due to a devastating knee injury, Gotsis’s draft stock took a significant hit midway through the 2015 season. Once considered a third or fourth round option at defensive line, Gotsis could still offer some value for a team late on day three for a team willing to be patient with his recovery. He’s still a tough, hard-nosed interior defensive lineman who could play five-tech defensive end in a 3-4 front. (Projection: Rounds 5-6)
24. Niles Lawrence-Stample, Florida State (6-1, 320, 5.13)
Lawrence-Stample is a tough two-gapping interior defensive lineman who should serve as an early-down run stuffer in the NFL. He’s a viable day three option at nose tackle and does well eating up blocks and controlling the line of scrimmage. (Projection: Rounds 5-6)
25. Quinton Jefferson, Maryland (6-4, 291, 4.95)
Jefferson is an athletic defensive lineman better suited for a 4-3 front, which hurts his draft stock with a team like the Green Bay Packers. He could play end in a 3-4 look, but his more natural position is as a three-technique defensive tackle, where he can be disruptive lined up between the guard and tackle. An extensive injury, including a broken jaw from an off-field fight and torn ACL, also hurt his overall draft stock. (Projection: Rounds 5-6)
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