2014 NFL Draft: Defensive Tackle Prospects You Should Know

Ra’Shede Hageman – 6’6 311 – Minnesota

Hageman had an impressive 2012 season with 35 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss, two passes broken up, one forced fumble, and six sacks but many analysts weren’t exactly sure what to think of him given his switch from tight end to defensive tackle. Was it a fluke? The general consensus now is no, it was no fluke. Hageman is extremely fast and surprisingly strong. Many interior offensive lineman aren’t exactly sure what to do with a defensive tackle that has the arm length of Julius Erving. If you look at mock drafts, expect to start seeing Hageman’s name creep into the late first round. So far this season, Hageman has 23 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, and one sack. He is often double teamed considering he’s basically the only threat on his team to disrupt the pocket. I suspect that his stock will continue to rise and he may become the 2^nd defensive tackle off the board after Louis Nix. He will likely be drafted in the mid to late 1^st round.