2014 NFL Draft: Defensive End Prospects You Should Know
Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Stephon Tuitt – 6’6 312lbs – Notre Dame
Stephon Tuitt is truly a name that you should know. Despite Manti Te’o getting all the attention last year regarding Notre Dame’s defense, they wouldn’t have been nearly as dominant without Stephon Tuitt. Tuitt is a perfect specimen for a 3-4 defensive end prospect. Long and strong, he can make plays from sideline to sideline and proved as much with a diving interception for a touchdown this year against Michigan. As a freshman, Tuitt totaled 30 tackles and two sacks despite not being a starter. In 2012, Notre Dame’s miracle run year, Tuitt totaled 47 tackles, 12 sacks, three forced fumbles, one pass break up, and a 77-yard fumble return for a touchdown against Navy. Tuitt has the size and strength of an interior lineman with the quickness to rush around the edge. Chances are that he won’t fall to the Chiefs, but if he is still on the board at our pick, Dorsey will have to think long and hard about letting Tyson Jackson walk and drafting this star in the making. I think long-term that Tuitt will have a more successful career than Manti Te’o. Tuitt could be drafted anywhere between the tenth overall pick and the 32nd.