Fletcher Cox, Junior, Defensive Tackle, Mississippi State
Overview:
Sure Mississippi State was horrendous this season. One Bulldog who was not though was DT Fletcher Cox. Cox had a massive junior season, a season impressive enough to decide to forgo his senior year and enter the NFL draft. Cox lead his team in 2011 in both sacks and tackles for loss from the defensive tackle position. His 56 total tackles are striking as well for a man playing in the interior line.
Coming out of high school as a much smaller player, Cox has bulked up quite a bit during his time at Miss. State but kept that base of athleticism not often seen from a man pushing 300 pounds. He made the All-SEC first team, really the lone bright spot on an otherwise tortuous Bulldogs season.
Final Projection:
There will be some competition in April to be one of the top interior defensive linemen off the board. Fletcher Cox will be in a good spot though. Not only was he highly productive this season, a leg up he will have on some of those other DTs, he should also show nicely in the combine with his athletic ability as a 6’4”, 295 pound man. Although a first round selection is possible, a more likely scenario sees Cox being taken early on day two.
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