Memphis Tigers Top NFL Prospects for 2012 and Beyond

62 Frank Trotter, Defensive End, 6’2″ 275 (Senior)

I’m not so sure Trotter isn’t destined for a position change in the NFL, but we will see how he improves as a pass rusher in his senior season. He has shown in his three years that he is more than capable of making plays from the defensive end position, but he just can’t seem to get to the quarterback in the backfield. The honorable mention All Conference selection finished last year with 80 total tackles, which is impressive for a DE, and a very impressive 16.5 tackles for loss. If he can develop a pass rush repertoire, he could find himself being drafted in 2012. As of right now, he just hasn’t produced quite enough to warrant a mid-round draft grade, but he can sneak in that discussion if he can combine some sacks into those impressive statistics.

74 Dontari Poe, Defensive Tackle, 6’5″ 350 (Junior)

Poe has the ability to be a dominant defensive tackle in the NFL, but what is the knock on most of these giant, 6’5″ 350 pound kids nowadays? They sometimes take plays off. That may be the case with Poe, but he is still a top ten defensive tackle heading into this year after two very productive years with the Memphis Tigers. Started all 12 games last year and finished the season with 41 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks to follow up a freshman season where he had seven tackles for loss, and two more sacks. He has already forced six fumbles in his Memphis career, and he should be one of the best defensive tackles coming out this year should he choose to do so. He is a massive gap clogger whose size indicates he is a perfect fit to play nose guard at the next level, but I think he is athletic enough to play in any scheme.