It's been over a month since my "too-early" Big Board for the 2016 NFL draft, a ranking that includes 2015 underclassmen. For this I'll go a little deeper into each position group, so you'll get an idea of well over 100 of the top NFL prospects for 2016. That said, it goes without saying that these rankings are preliminary, as I have hundreds of hours of evaluation ahead for the 2016 class.
A couple of important notes about the rankings below:
• I've split them into seniors and underclassmen; it's important to have a baseline number of seniors because those players are certain to be a part of the 2016 NFL draft process (if they choose to be).
• I won't go too heavy into actual scouting reports, as those are still a work in progress.
With those parameters in mind, here's an early look at the top defensive tackle prospects in the 2016 draft class. A reminder: Scheme dictates a lot when it comes to positional labels with these guys, so, for example, someone listed as a defensive tackle here could end up playing defensive end depending on where he lands.
Top 5 senior defensive tackles
1. Adolphus Washington, Ohio State Buckeyes: I was a little bit surprised that Washington came back, but this should be a fun defense to be a part of in 2015. He can be tough to move on the inside even though his frame (6-foot-4, 290 pounds) doesn't make you think "clogger." He got into the backfield plenty last year, notching 10.5 TFL. A converted defensive end, I expect him to take another step forward as he balances the need to keep linebackers clean and making plays of his own.
2. Jarran Reed, Alabama Crimson Tide: Converting into an effective SEC D-tackle didn't happen overnight for Reed, who transferred in from junior college. But by midseason last year, he was flashing pro potential, culminating in a two-week stretch where he notched a remarkable 20 tackles against LSU and Mississippi State.
3. Anthony Zettel, Penn State Nittany Lions: Zettel made a great transition from defensive end last season, combining strength that belies his size with plenty of penetrating plays. He finished with a team-leading 17.0 TFLs and should be in line for a similar output in 2015.
4. Beau Blackshear, Baylor Bears: He's made some nice strides and, if healthy, will have about 40 starts when he's done in Waco. Blackshear plays with good leverage, strength and balance and possesses a veteran's knack for finding the ball. And while he makes others around him look better, he still managed nearly 10 TFLs last season.
5. Antwaun Woods, USC Trojans: The stout 320-pounder is a ball of muscle on the inside, capable of eating a double-team and occasionally overpowering a solo block. He hurt his chest toward the end of last season but should be ready to roll in 2015.
Top 5 underclassman defensive tackles
1. Robert Nkemdiche, Mississippi Rebels: The production totals don't really pop for Nkemdiche, but the athletic 6-4, 296-pounder is just starting to come into his own. He'll continue to improve as he gets a little bit stronger and plays more when 100 percent healthy. A widely heralded recruit two years ago, I expect big things from him this season. (It's not easy to come in and make a major impact as a D-line tweener in the SEC, after all.)
2. A'Shawn Robinson, Alabama Crimson Tide: Big, powerful and versatile, put Robinson anywhere along the D-line and he'll manhandle his blocker. He's got long, powerful arms, which help him keep shorter blockers from getting under him. He's a beast against the run, and with Robinson and Jarran Reed on the inside, it's going to be hard to go anywhere inside against the Tide in 2015.
3. Maliek Collins, Nebraska Cornhuskers: Powerful and quick on the inside, Collins developed nicely last year, consistently getting guards off-balance with his quickness and strong hands. He also showed an improved ability to work down the line and eat up running lanes, compiling 10.5 TFLs last season. Expect to see him in the backfield a lot in 2015 if this growth rate continues.
4. Chris Jones, Mississippi State Bulldogs: Jones, who arrived in Starkville as a defensive end, is now well over 300 pounds. But that hasn't affected his quickness; he carries the weight well on his long frame. Jones is still developing, so this could go either way.
5. Andrew Billings, Baylor Bears: For a 300-pounder with big-time credentials as a power lifter, Billings has impressive quickness and will find seams because of how quickly he gets defenders off-balance. This is going to be a fun defensive line to watch in 2015.