Written by Christian Lysek
In comparison to the 2016 draft, the 2017 draft is lacking with elite defensive tackle prospects. There are a few good ones, but aside from Jonathan Allen, nobody has really been considered an elite talent at the position. While Allen is special, Montravius Adams from Auburn is not too far behind. After a strong senior season and Senior Bowl, Montravius Adams is a top-20 pick. Here is why:
Measurables:
Height-6’4’’
Weight-308 lbs
Arm Length- 31 ⅞ in
Year:
Senior (22)
2016 stat line:
43 tackles (26 solo), 8 TFL, 4 sacks, 2 PD, 1 FF, 1 INT
Pros: Montravius Adams is freaky big. He seems as wide as he is tall and has good arm length. Despite his large mass, he explodes off of the line of scrimmage with a low pad level and does a good job of getting his hands secure on the offensive lineman before the get theirs on him. Once he has his hands on the offensive lineman, he proceeds to toss them around. Adams has a good rushing skill set including a good rip and spin move aside from his strong bull rush. Against inside runs, he eats up space and does not get pushed off of the line of scrimmage. He excels against runs to the outside where guards are pulling, as he explodes between gaps and uses his strength to bring down runners in the backfield. Against the pass, he does a good job of consistently giving an interior rush and uses his active hands to fight off blockers. Other draft analysts have criticized Adams for taking plays off, but I simply do not see that on film. This kid puts in work on every down.
Cons: Missed tackles, specifically sacks, are something Adams needs to work on. He often gets to the quarterback, but his lack of elite agility is exposed when quarterbacks shift around the pocket and he can only get an arm on them. I would also like to see him get his hands up more to deflect passes, as he becomes a quarterback head hunter as soon as he realizes it is a pass and does not think to put a hand up. Adams may also not be fast enough to play 3-4 end, but he can play some nose and a few other techniques like how Marcell Dareus does with the Bills. Adams is likely stuck at 4-3, but he can shift around every inside technique and still be effective.
Pro Comparison: Linval Joseph, DL, Minnesota Vikings
While Joseph is heavier and longer than Adams, both possess an explosive first step, low pad level, and active hands in combination with strength to disrupt plays in the run and pass game. Adams will likely have a role similar to Joseph in the pros as well, where he plays in a 4-3 defense and operates in gaps 0-3 on the line.
3 teams that could use him: The Buccaneers seem to have the perennial problem of not being able to find an elite defensive lineman to pair with Gerald McCoy, so drafting Adams to play next to him makes sense. With question marks surrounding star defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, the Bills will need either a replacement, insurance, or at least a good teammate to be with Dareus. The Redskins need help on their defensive line, especially to shore up their run defense. Adams could come right in and be a force in the inside techniques.
Conclusion: Montravius Adams is an elite interior defensive lineman with the combination of pass rushing ability and run-stop prowess that is coveted among NFL teams. He is a first-rounder and potential top 20 pick.
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