Player Profile: Stephon Tuitt

Height:  6'6
Weight:  303
School:  Notre Dame
Position:  Defensive End / Tackle
Ranking:  #1 3-4 Defensive End
Projection:  Top 40 Pick

Strengths
-Experienced.  Played since true freshman year. 33 games played
-Has the ideal size and length to play the 5 technique defensive end in a three man front
-Good bulk and size to play DT in a four man front
-Versatile defender.  Can play the 3 tech DT, 5 tech DE, or even the LDE in a 4 man front
-Good at the point of attack in one on one situations.  Hard to move off his spot
-Uses quickness to fire off the ball
-Good closing burst that allows him to get to the QB to make a play
-Elite athlete for somebody of his size.  Moves very well
-Does a good job of uses speed and quickness when rushing the passer from the DT position
-When turned loose on a pass rush he makes an impact.  12 sacks in 2012
-Shows the ability to bend the edge to get to the QB
-Never had to miss a game because of an injury.
-Known for having a great work ethic.  Willing to put in the extra work to be successful

Weaknesses
-Inconsistent.  Will look dominant one play and just average the next
-Only average in the pass rush when lined up as a DE
-More of a finesse player than physical.
-Looks passive too often
-Needs to get stronger to help with taking on double teams and with his bull rush
-Relies too much on his athletic ability to rush the passer

Summary
How often to do see a player that can line up at three different defensive line positions and have success at all of it?  Not often.  But if you watch Stephon Tuitt, you can see why he'll really intrigue NFL teams.  Tuitt's best trait is his athletic ability, mainly for somebody that is 6'6 and over 300 pounds.  He moves very easily and uses his quickness to explode off the ball.  He can get penetration from anywhere on the field to help collapse the pocket.  However Tuitt's biggest problem though is that he is far too inconsistent.  He'll look dominant one play and then below average the next.  He's good at the point of attack in one on one situations, but struggles mightily against double teams.  When asked to play DE in four man fronts he can have success, but often time athletic tackles can lock him down.  Tuitt's best position will likely be as a 5 technique defensive end in a 3-4 defense.  There he can use his size and strength to play a two gap system on early downs before moving to the DT spot to utilize his speed and quickness against guards.  The Scouting Combine will be huge for Tuitt to show of his athletic ability, but he'll likley go somewhere at the top of round two.