Marcus Tubbs
DT, Texas
War Room analysis
Versus the run: Is a classic two-gap run plugger with the size, base and overall strength to take up space in the middle of the line. He flashes the ability to come off of blocks and pursue, but his motor runs hot and cold. Doesn’t show great penetrating skills and won’t be overly disruptive. Will wear down too easily and play high, but when fresh, he is extremely difficult to generate a surge against. Grade: 8.6
Pass rush: Not an explosive pass rusher. Lacks a lot of moves and is mostly a straight-line bull rusher. He has explosive initial power and will knock offensive linemen into the backfield, and he does a nice job of collapsing the pocket when he’s fresh. Grade: 7.5
Initial quickness: Has had some bouts with weight and is sluggish when he gets too big, but he has been in much better shape in the past year. When weight is in check, he has good initial quickness for his size. Grade: 7.7
Run/pass recognition: Is inconsistent in this area. Does not do a great job of reading screens or batting down balls as a pass rusher. Grade: 7.2
Pursuit/tackling: Has loads of potential because of his combination of size, quickness and athleticism. Shows some ability to change directions once he has penetrated the backfield, and he shows impressive closing burst. Will not make a lot of plays in pursuit or in space and is an inconsistent tackler who doesn’t wrap up well. Grade: 7.4
Bottom line: He is at his best when controlling blockers in the running game and would fit well in a two-gap NFL scheme. He’s a solid second-round prospect.
Rating: 7.7
Donnell Washington
DT, Clemson
War Room analysis
Versus the run: He penetrates well and can be disruptive when fresh and staying low. Has a strong upper body and shows pop at the point of attack, but his effort is inconsistent, and he lacks great instincts. Grade: 7.7
Pass rush: Is tough to block one-on-one and has a great combination of size, power and agility. Gets good push up the middle and has tremendous closing quickness once through the line. He has some power moves but needs to expand his repertoire. Struggles to fight through double-teams and can get frustrated and quit on plays if he doesn’t win right away. Grade: 8.0
Initial quickness: Displays great initial quickness for his size. Anticipates well and excels at jumping off the snap but must be more consistent with his leverage when coming out of his stance. Needs to improve his stamina; he gets worn down too easily. Grade: 8.6
Run/pass recognition: Has much room for development; he must improve timing and ability to recognize passes. He often gets upfield by taking the easy way out, which compromises the scheme. Needs to improve ability to locate the ball, disengage from blocks and pursue after being held up initially at the line. Grade: 7.4
Pursuit/tackling: When willing, he can be a very effective tackler. Tends to wrap up high but is powerful and shines at pursuing and bringing down ballcarriers from behind. Grade: 8.0
Bottom line: Washington has first-round physical tools, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he fell to the second or third round because of his poor work ethic. He has good upside but is very much a “boom-or-bust” prospect, making him a risky second-round selection.
Rating: 7.9