Green Bay Packers 2017 Draft: Red and black dot players on defense

Our “Red Dot” Defensive Linemen

Kyle — Dalvin Tomlinson, Alabama

Tomlinson has flown under the radar a little bit. With his teammates seemingly all projected to fill the first few rounds of the draft, Tomlinson spent his time at Alabama doing the dirty work in the trenches. Remember A’Shawn Robinson and Jarran Reed? Tomlinson isn’t far behind them as a run defender and you probably get him 2 rounds later. He immediately adds strength and depth to a DL rotation. Also interesting, Dalvin turned down an academic scholarship to Harvard in favor of playing football at Alabama. This dude’s smart and big. Sign me up.

Dan — Chris Wormley, Michigan

At a towering 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds, Wormley brings a unique build to the defensive line. He’s a natural fit in a 3-4 scheme as a five-technique defensive end, and he even offers up some pass rush ability as an interior lineman. He recorded 12 sacks the past two seasons as a starter. He could be the five-tech the Packers have needed in their 3-4 front for some time. Against the run, Wormley seals a strong edge and gives tremendous effort in the trenches, enabling him to battle through double times and hold the point of attack.

Our “Black Dot” Defensive Linemen

Kyle — Malik McDowell, Michigan State

From a pure talent perspective, McDowell might be one of the most exciting players in this draft. However, his motor runs hot and cold and he seems to prioritize his own interests over those of the team. It won’t take long for that to be a problem in the NFL. I want a team-minded player who gives me 100% and doesn’t need extra motivation to want to compete.

Dan — Elijah Qualls, Washington

Qualls is a very athletic defensive lineman with intriguing player traits. He moves better than most 6-foot-1, 313-pound defensive tackles. Washington even dropped him in coverage or had him rush from a two-point stance in a wide formation. However, as a next-level nose tackle Qualls has unusually short arms–30.5 inches. While some measurables are highly overrated, short arms for a nose tackle is a bit of a deal breaker. A 3-4 nose is asked to take on double teams and hold the point of attack. Arm length plays an important role in striking off the line and keeping offensive linemen from getting their hands into the player’s chest and controlling him at the line of scrimmage.