Name: Dalvin Tomlinson

School: Alabama

Position fit: Defensive interior

Stats to know: Tomlinson had 43 QB pressures and 23 run stops in 2016.

What he does best:

One of the premier run defenders in the draft class.

Sheds blockers with ease in the run game.

Very difficult for just one blocker to move and holds up to double teams well.

Can play two-gaps with ease as he locks out blockers away from his frame and sheds at will.

Can knock blockers backward off the snap with an initial jolt.

Very good playing strength and he plays bigger than even his listed size.

Uses a club-swim, bull and bull-jerk rush to get pressure on the quarterback.

Impacted far more passing plays in 2016 than he did earlier in his career.

Uses his long arms to clog passing lanes and bat down passes (9 batted passes in two years).

Sound tackler who has only missed three tackles for his career.

Biggest concern:

Had an impressive 70 hurries over the last three years but only knocked down the quarterback 11 times (three sacks, eight hits).

Very reliant on his club-swim move to get pressure, will need to develop more pass-rush moves.

Only one season of playing at least 50 percent of defensive snaps.

Surrounded by one of the most talented college defenses in recent memory.

Player comparison: Johnathan Hankins, New York Giants.

Hankins has been a solid run defender throughout his career with one strong years as a pass-rusher (2014). Tomlinson should at least be viable in the run game, capable of winning from multiple alignments, while he’ll have to improve his pass-rush arsenal to made a three-down difference.

Bottom line: Tomlinson is one of the elite run defenders in this draft class. Tomlinson can beat the blockers across from him with quickness, length or strength. Tomlinson has a thick strong lower body which makes him tough to move. He can also keep his opponent at a distance with his arms and locate the ball very well. Tomlinson has the ability to play two-gaps as well as the quickness to be a one-gap penetrator. Tomlinson’s ability to play different positions along the defensive line will help his value in the draft. Tomlinson’s pass-rush production increased in 2016 but the question will be does he offer enough as a pass-rusher to be selected high in the draft. The natural pass-rush ability is there and perhaps it will develop with time making him an even more valuable asset to his team.