2020 NFL Draft Sleepers: Defensive Lineman

2020 NFL Draft Sleepers: Defensive Lineman

NFL Draft Sleepers - Defensive Lineman

1)Leki Fotu, 6-5, 330, Utah. Draft Projection: 3-4

Comments: Gigantic tackle with some mobility. Very strong lower half. Dominated the Pac-12 the last two seasons. Good closing speed and quickness. Had 9 tackles for loss last year. Not a big pass rusher and a red flag for medicals could see him go in the middle rounds.

2)Benito Jones, 6-1, 316, Ole Miss. Draft Projection: 3-4

Comments: Good wingspan for his size at 80 7/8. Strong nose guard. Good first-step quickness. Had 5.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss at Ole Miss. Three-year starter. Holds his own as a run stuffer. Has some injury question marks, which could send him down to the fourth or fifth round. But is a third-round talent.

3)John Penisini, 6-3, 318, Utah. Draft Projection: 6-7

Comments: Another good Utah lineman. Former rugby player, which often translates well. Stocky athlete who is there to stuff the run. Large and physical hands. More of a one-gap plugger.

4)Garrett Marino, 6-2, 288, UAB. Draft Projection: 7-FA

Comments: First-team All-CUSA, who had six sacks and 13.5 TFLs last year. Originally was supposed to go to Arizona State. A nose tackle with short arms and has a lot of energy. Was a surfer growing up. It took him a long time to mature on and off the field. Nearly 26, but worth a late-round shot or as a free agent.

5)Teair Tart, 6-3, 304, FIU. Draft Projection: FA

Comments: Didn't get to have a Pro day. Measured at just 72 1/4 wingspan, so he's more of a nose guard. Had 12 tackles for loss last year at FIU. A driven player who played a three difference junior college before winding up at FIU. He does have the skills to be at least a rotation player and is worth taking a shot on.

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Ben has been a sports writer for over 35 years, dabbling in college and pro basketball, college and pro football, baseball, college lacrosse, minor league baseball and even college gymnastics. He's also been involved in the gaming industry for nearly 30 years and has been looking to beat the books since he was 13! Ben has had great success in handicapping college football, the NFL, college basketball, the NBA and MLB for 27+ years. His Twitter handle is @BenHayesWAW