Sportsfrog.com

Does your NFL team need a two down defensive tackle? Then DeMarcus “Tank” Tyler is likely at the top of their draft lists. This former three year starter at North Carolina State lacks the speed, quickness, and stamina to be an impact player on third downs, but he’s quick enough for a man of his size to play the run effectively and occupy double teams.

Tyler weighed in to the Combine at just over 6-2 and 323 pounds but was listed in college closer to the 300lbs area. He also was a part of that stellar 2005 NC State defensive line that also featured future 1st round picks Mario Williams, Manny Lawson, and John McCargo. Tyler stayed on for his senior season and had productive numbers in 2006, despite not having those big names around.

Here’s how Tank’s size compares to other big name DTs in the league:

Sam Adams: 6-3, 350
Jamal Williams: 6-3, 348
Haloti Ngata: 6-4, 340
Vince Wilfork: 6-2, 325
Pat Williams: 6-3, 317
Tank Johnson: 6-3, 300

It’s unlikely Tyler displays the agility to be a playmaker like Pat Williams or Jamal Williams. Instead his future is more in the Wilfork and/or Tank Johnson mold, depending on what kind of defense he goes to (3-4 or 4-3).

Tyler’s probably best suited to line up over the center in a 3-4 because of his initial quickness off the snap. He’ll occupy at least two blockers in that position and hold the point of attack. Just don’t expect him to be able to move wide on a strech run.

He also comes with some character issues; a history that includes a 2005 arrest for assaulting a police officer and a 2006 ejection from a game against Southern Miss for spitting towards an official. ESPN also reports that he scored a 13 on the Wonderlic.



ESPN ranks Tyler as the 3rd best DT in the draft, 42nd overall, but obviously where he’s selected will depend highly on team needs.