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Broncos take DT Powell:
Strengths: Gets under blockers pads, plays with a wide base and can hold ground when teams run at him. Delivers a powerful punch, extends arms once in position and flashes the ability to shed blocks quickly. Reads keys and can locate the ball carrier quickly. Gets good forward lean in stance, is aggressive and flashes the ability to make plays in the backfield. Has a mean streak and flashes the ability to jar the ball loose. Never stops working, takes adequate angles to the ball and makes some plays in pursuit. Drives legs once in position and is a relentless pass rusher that flashes the ability to collapse the pocket. Durable and has excellent experience.
Weaknesses: Doesn't always fight pressure coming from sides and can get ridden down the line of scrimmage. Lacks elite range and isn't a sideline-to-sideline player. Doesn't always wrap up upon contact, doesn't show great body control in space and is an inconsistent open field tackler. Isn't explosive enough to consistently get into the backfield when rushing the passer and doesn't show great closing speed when gets a clear path to the quarterback. Lacks elite lateral mobility, doesn't run line stunts all that well and doesn't show a variety of pass rush moves. Occasionally takes wide path to the quarterback and opens up running lane in the process.
Overall: Powell arrived at Virginia Tech in 2003 and redshirted the year. In the next three seasons (2004-'06), he appeared in 38 games (18 starts) and recorded 68 tackles (14 for losses) and three sacks. As a senior, he started played all 13 games at left defensive tackle, starting all but one, and turned in 36 tackles (six for losses) and 2.5 sacks. He sat out one game in 2005 after suffering a right ankle sprain. Powell lacks the closing speed of a productive NFL pass rusher but he can occasionally collapse the pocket with power moves and he is stout against the run. He projects as a fifth round pick.
Strengths: Gets under blockers pads, plays with a wide base and can hold ground when teams run at him. Delivers a powerful punch, extends arms once in position and flashes the ability to shed blocks quickly. Reads keys and can locate the ball carrier quickly. Gets good forward lean in stance, is aggressive and flashes the ability to make plays in the backfield. Has a mean streak and flashes the ability to jar the ball loose. Never stops working, takes adequate angles to the ball and makes some plays in pursuit. Drives legs once in position and is a relentless pass rusher that flashes the ability to collapse the pocket. Durable and has excellent experience.
Weaknesses: Doesn't always fight pressure coming from sides and can get ridden down the line of scrimmage. Lacks elite range and isn't a sideline-to-sideline player. Doesn't always wrap up upon contact, doesn't show great body control in space and is an inconsistent open field tackler. Isn't explosive enough to consistently get into the backfield when rushing the passer and doesn't show great closing speed when gets a clear path to the quarterback. Lacks elite lateral mobility, doesn't run line stunts all that well and doesn't show a variety of pass rush moves. Occasionally takes wide path to the quarterback and opens up running lane in the process.
Overall: Powell arrived at Virginia Tech in 2003 and redshirted the year. In the next three seasons (2004-'06), he appeared in 38 games (18 starts) and recorded 68 tackles (14 for losses) and three sacks. As a senior, he started played all 13 games at left defensive tackle, starting all but one, and turned in 36 tackles (six for losses) and 2.5 sacks. He sat out one game in 2005 after suffering a right ankle sprain. Powell lacks the closing speed of a productive NFL pass rusher but he can occasionally collapse the pocket with power moves and he is stout against the run. He projects as a fifth round pick.
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