2015 NFL Draft Profile: Michael Bennett, DT Ohio State

Ohio State defensive tackle Michael Bennett looks to be a very versatile player. He is a solid pass rusher from the defensive line no matter where he lines up. He could be a 4-3 defensive tackle or a 3-4 defensive end because of his power and quickness and because of that he could be more valuable to teams and have his name called earlier than expected at the 2015 NFL Draft.

Although he’s powerful and aggressive, there are concerns about his consistency. He seems to take a couple plays off on occasion and it’s quite noticeable that he doesn’t always attack with the same intensity every snap. However, when he does attack it is full force and becomes so consumed with beating his guy that he loses track of the play.

Michael Bennett was unable to participate in the drills at the combine due to an injury to his groin, but teams should be pretty comfortable basing their evaluations of him on his game tape and interviews. He’s a smart player with a good football IQ that can make several teams better along their defensive line.

Oct 18, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Michael Bennett (63) warms up before the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

Combine Measurables:

Height: 6’2″
Weight: 293 pounds
Arm Length: 33 5/8″
Hand Size: 10 1/4″
40 Yard Dash: N/A
Bench Press: N/A
Vertical Jump: N/A
Broad Jump: N/A
3 Cone Drill: N/A
20 Yard Shuttle: N/A

Draft Projection

Michael Bennett is currently the #67 overall prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft according to CBS Sports and is listed as their #9 available defensive tackle. He is projected to be a late second to early third round selection.

NFL Player Comparison

NFL.com: Mike Daniels, Green Bay Packers
CBSSports.com: Mike Daniels, Green Bay Packers

Fit For The Vikings

Minnesota is always looking for talented young players to add to their defensive line whether it is to compete for a job or add in depth as a rotational player. However, there isn’t a huge need for him as a starter on the Vikings roster.

My Take

I think Michael Bennett will be selected MUCH earlier than people are expecting him to. I actually feel that he could even find him name called at the end of round 1 if a team really liked what they saw on tape from him. Because of that, I think Minnesota will have no chance at him in the 2015 NFL Draft after passing on him with their #11 overall selection. He’d be a great value in the 3rd round, but there’s absolutely no way I could see him fall that far.

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