The -Very- Big Three

September 7, 2012; Logan, UT, USA; Utah Utes defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (92) looks to the sideline during the first half against the Utah State Aggies at Romney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-US PRESSWIRE

If your team is looking for a prototypical nose tackle, the 2013 draft has potential to provide you with several impressive options to fulfill your gap-clogging needs.

The ideal nose tackle (for a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme) is a wide bodied individual that is well over 300 pounds, has unmatched strength, and the ability to handle double teams. This nose tackle should be equally as effective at shutting down the inside running game as they are at pushing back the pocket.

It is no wonder that these nose tackles are so sought after, and so rare. The modern zero-gap 3-4 defense relies on a Vince Wilfork or Casey Hampton-esque behemoth in the middle. 4-3 defenses thrive when they have a nose tackle that demands the double team to free up the under-tackle and defensive ends.

Three names stand out above the rest as first round prospects that are adept at controlling the trenches. It will be an interesting battle to follow throughout the season as this could be the best class of nose tackles ever.

Star Lotulelei is believed to be the current leader of the group. The Utah product was voted by PAC-12 offensive lineman as the best defensive lineman in the conference. He has received copious amounts of national attention despite only 1.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss last season. As is the case for all good nose tackles, his value goes far beyond the stat sheet. Lotulelei fils the middle of the line of scrimmage with a mass of muscle and fierce hand movement. His arm length and burst off of the line show potential for development as a pass rusher, which is the main reason he is leading the group. Haloti Ngata, though he plays defensive end now, showed early in his career the type of value a nose tackle who can generate sacks can bring to a defense.

Ohio State Buckeye Johnathan Hankins is the Junior of the group, and could decide to stay at school, but it is unlikely because of his likely projected draft range. Johnathan Hankins’ breakout sophomore year showed that Hankins was not a one dimensional run stuffer, and that he was adapt at pushing the pocket. While he has shown more than Lotulelei as a pass rusher, this could be attributed to the vast difference in quality of lineman around them. Lotulelei is largely by himself on that line, while Hankins has a solid group of defensive ends and another highly rated lineman next to him in John Simon. Hankins may have the most upside of all three prospects, and is also the youngest.

Australia native Jesse Williams of Alabama has the benefit of playing in the most high-profile defense in all of college football. He is also the only one of the three who will have experience playing nose tackle in a 3-4 defense while in college. That is extremely valuable as we will get to see him play that role in the all-powerful SEC and not have to project his ability to fill that role once drafted. Add in the fact that he is learning from the great Nick Saban and you have the prospect probably the most ready to make an impact in a 3-4 early on. This is somewhat surprising considering Williams had never even played football until he was almost 16 years old.