Versus the Run: A thick and burly defensive linemen that holds the point of attack extremely well. Bottom heavy, which allows him to sit in his stance and become a rooted force. Has the ability to hold up against double teams. Knows how to keep a hold of multiple blockers and discard them once ball carriers reach his gaps. Is effective as a 1-gap or 2-gap defensive tackle. Awfully disruptive for opposing offenses. Displays the ability to be explosive off the snap and shoot gaps in order to penetrate into the backfield. Not the typical 300 pounder. Has a unique skill set and athleticism for his size. Shows good lateral movement. Can make plays outside of the numbers. Has been a linchpin in Nick Saban’s formidable pro-style 3-4 defense.
Pass Rush Skills: Lines up at multiple positions along the defensive line, and can get after the quarterback from each one. Possesses a mighty bull rush. Can knock his man off balance with a powerful punch, and collapse the pocket. Uses his suddenness to slip past linemen with an above average swim move. Shows solid quickness during twists and stunts. Rushes the passer with active and violent hands.
Quickness (hands/feet): Fires off the ball before others. Gets his arms extended and hands up quickly, to fight blockers. Plays the game at a different speed than your standard 300 pound defensive tackle.
Toughness/Motor: A durable and rugged competitor. Played most of 2010 with an ankle injury. Has a good motor, but plays in a rotation. It is still yet to be seen how good his motor is with when playing full time.
Intangibles: 2010 All-SEC Football 1st Team. 2010 AP All-American 3rd Team. 2010 Team Captain. Was not brought up like the quintessential American. Has a story that rivals ex-Ole’ Miss tackle, Michael Oher. Father passed away at a young age, mother fell victim to congestive heart failure and is now confined to a wheel chair. During high school Dareus lived with his assistant coach, who was killed in a car accident. He now lives with a sponsor family. In 2010, the NCAA found him guilty of accepting benefits from an agent. Was suspended for the first two games of the 2010 season because of it.
Overall Stock: Marcell Dareus is in the conversation with Nick Fairley for best defensive tackle in the draft. He has the ability to play in multiple schemes, at multiple positions. 3-4 teams would most likely use him at the nose 5-technique positions, even though it is quite possible for him to play nose tackle. 4-3 teams will play him at the 3-technique. His versatility makes him a valuable commodity in this years draft. Not many linemen enter the draft with the type of experience and all-around game that Dareus has. He has all but sewn up a top 10 selection in the draft. In fact, he has a shot at going number one overall.
NFL Comparisons: Bryant Young