Kawann Short, Senior, Defensive Tackle, Purdue
Overview:
It is not every day that a defensive tackle leads a team in interceptions. It is even rarer for that player to be a freshman. Kawann Short only picked off two passes, but the 6-4, 310 pound tackle had a superb freshman campaign and was named to a variety of freshman all-American squads. On the year he tallied 48 tackles and helped pave the way for the rest of the defensive line to get to the quarterback.
Short’s role expanded during the 2010 season. His tackle total dropped to 41, but he was much more effective getting into the backfield and tallied 12.5 tackles-for-loss and 6.0 sacks. He even broke up eight passes and blocked two kicks.
Final Projection:
Short has a knack for being in the right place. Even if he cannot get to the quarterback, he will get into a position to get his long arms up in the air and knock down the pass. That skill also makes him a very effective in blocking field goal and extra point attempts. Short is not very fast or explosive, but he is strong enough to fight through the interior of the opposing line. With another impressive season and a little improvement in his run defense skill set, Short could move quickly up draft boards.
See all NFL Draft Profiles and Rankings
