Meet the Prospects: Shelton leads class of talented defensive tackles

Get to know all the top prospects for the 2015 NFL Draft, most of whom will be taking the field at the NFL Scouting Combine on Feb. 17-23 in Indianapolis.

Top Prospects By Position
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Offensive Tackles
Offensive Guards/Centers
Defensive Tackles​
Defensive Ends
Inside Linebackers
Outside Linebackers
Cornerbacks/Safeties

Defensive Tackles

Danny Shelton, Washington

Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 339 lbs
Age: 21

2014 Stats: 88 tackles, 9 sacks

Coordinated, flexible and powerfully built, Shelton will most likely be the first defensive tackle off the board in April. Like many physically-gifted defensive tackles, Shelton has gotten away with a bull rush and little else in college. He will need to polish and refine his moves as he develops.

Eddie Goldman, Florida State

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 320 lbs
Age: 21

2014 Stats: 35 tackles, 4 sacks

With a big frame, Goldman was excellent at anchoring the middle of the Seminoles' defense in 2014. He pushes down-field methodically, but lacks the burst to be a major force as a pass rusher. His frame will make him enticing, and if he shows more burst in workouts he could improve his draft position.

Michael Bennett, Ohio State

Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 288 lbs
Age: 23

2014 Stats: 35 tackles, 6 sacks

Bennett will be touted by draftnicks as a three-technique candidate because of his athleticism and pass-rush ability. A groin injury slowed him early in his senior season but he came on late, displaying the kind of quickness off the ball that could make a team grab him earlier than other DTs.

Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma

Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 334 lbs
Age: 22

2014 Stats: 39 tackles, 2 sacks

A massive man who moves exceptionally well for his size, Phillips could work his way into the first round with some impressive workouts. Phillips has the ability to be a disruptive force in the backfield, drawing comparisons to Vince Wilfork by some analysts.

Malcom Brown, Texas

Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 320 lbs
Age: 22

2014 Stats: 69 tackles, 6.5 sacks

One of the more mature defensive prospects, Brown will lure a team looking for a high character man in the middle of their defense. His high effort and tenacity are strengths, but teams will need to see more technique in order to spend a high draft pick on Brown.

Carl Davis, Iowa

Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 321 lbs
Age: 22

2014 Stats: 34 tackles, 2 sacks

Being overlooked because of all the great pass rushers in the Big-10, Davis could fall farther than his talent should dictate. Davis has the size, strength and athleticism teams are looking for in the middle, but needs to improve his technique like many on this list.