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CJ West, Indiana, 6-foot-1, 317 lbs.
West anchored the interior line of the Hoosiers’ defense, tallying 42 total tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble in his final collegiate season for the nation’s No. 2 ranked unit. The Chicago native shines as a run defender, showing a quick get off for his size and great leverage. West moves well laterally, is sound mechanically and demonstrates an understanding of blocking patterns. He can produce as a pass-rusher when given advantageous matchups, with a solid array of pass rushing moves.
West impressed at the combine, starting his day by running a 4.95-second 40-yard dash, with a 1.73 10-yard split. His change of direction shined in field drills, not wasting a step and keeping a low center of gravity. West’s impressive day surely caught the attention of scouts looking to snag a defensive tackle in the middle rounds of the draft.
Joshua Farmer, Florida State, 6-foot-3, 318 lbs.
Farmer tallied four sacks and 32 total tackles in his final season with the Seminoles, serving as a defensive captain. Farmer shows the ability to reset the line of scrimmage with great hand fighting and a strong lower body. He shines as an overall athlete for the position and can close gaps quickly. Farmer displays great stack and shed ability with good instincts, and can effectively rush the passer.
Farmer ran a 5.11-second 40-yard dash on his second attempt with a 1.77-second 10-yard split and recorded a 9’4” broad jump. Farmer impressed during field drills, displaying strong change of direction for his size and good footwork. After Thursday’s showcase, the Florida State product could hear his name called on day two of the draft. At such a premiere position, teams looking for depth must be enticed.
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Jordan Phillips, Maryland, 6-foot-3, 320 lbs.
Phillips improved throughout his career at Maryland, notably developing impressive mechanics. The former wrestler and powerlifter’s background is evident in his game tape, displaying exceptional strength to out-leverage blockers. Phillips is an impressively nimble athlete for his size and possesses good mobility.
Phillips struggled mightily during field drills, showing very stiff motion and a lack of confidence in his feet. He slipped three times, failing to show noteworthy balance or body control. The 20-year-old is definitely a project, and needed an impressive combine to jump other prospects in a deep defensive tackle class.
Cam Jackson, Florida, 6-foot-6, 342 lbs.
Jackson served as a stonewall for the Gators’ defensive line with his large frame, absorbing double teams and occupying space in the trenches. He totaled 37 tackles with 4.5 tackles for loss and two sacks in 2024. Jackson shows great block shedding ability, play recognition and efficient tackling technique. His hands are strong and his length creates issues for opposing linemen. He displays potential as a power rusher with the ability to drive linemen backwards and collapse the pocket.
While his sizable frame alone should entice general managers, Jackson’s combine performance left much to be desired. Similarly to Phillips, Jackson clearly displayed a lack of confidence in his feet during field drills. Jackson ran a 5.17-second 40-yard dash, which may lead teams to believe he is too large to keep up in the NFL.
