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2017 NFL Draft: Florida Caleb Brantley Scouting Report

By Jon Dove

Sep 17, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; North Texas Mean Green running back Jeffrey Wilson (26) runs with the ball as Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Brantley (57) defends during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the North Texas Mean Green 32-0. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; North Texas Mean Green running back Jeffrey Wilson (26) runs with the ball as Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Brantley (57) defends during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the North Texas Mean Green 32-0. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Florida’s Caleb Brantley is a sound defensive tackle prospect who could hear his name called on the first two days of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Caleb Brantley is a stout run defender who looks to dominate the line of scrimmage. The biggest factor in his ability to stop the run is his hand usage. Brantley routinely gains inside hands, delivers a jolt and creates separation.

He features the upper-body strength to quickly disengage and work his way to the football.

Brantley is also a disruptive defender who can make plays behind the line of scrimmage. It’s his excellent snap awareness that allows him to disrupt the timing of the offense. He doesn’t have elite first-step quickness, but enough that he generate tackles for loss.

His lateral wiggle and suddenness play a role in Brantley’s ability work behind the line of scrimmage. He’s able to slip past the blocker with that wiggle and swim move. Brantley is a solid pass-rush threat thanks to these skills.

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He not only slips past the blockers but he also has the power to push the pocket. Brantley does a great job of gaining inside hands, maintaining leverage and keeping his feet moving. This allows him to get movement and force the blocker into the face of the quarterback.

Brantley brings some position versatility as he has the skill set needed to play defensive tackle and 5-technique.

This is someone who can make impact plays, but I have a little concerns about his overall burst and quickness. He really relies on his snap awareness to penetrate which may not be as effective in the NFL. The quarterbacks at the next level really know how to change the snap count and provide some hard counts.

Current Draft Status: 2nd Round

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