Meet the Prospects: Alabama's Allen the top prize among D-linemen

Get to know the top prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft, most of whom will take the field at the NFL Scouting Combine from March 3-5.

• Quarterbacks
• Running Backs
• Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
• Offensive Linemen
• Defensive Linemen
• Edge Rushers
• Linebackers
• Cornerbacks/Safeties

Defensive Linemen

Jonathan Allen, Alabama

Age: 22 Height: 6'3" Weight: 291 lbs.

2016 stats: 69 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, 3 fumble recoveries

Among interior defensive linemen in this year's draft, Allen looks to be far and away the cream of the crop. The physically dominating defender can play as a tackle in a 4-3 or as an end in a 3-4 scheme. He's quick off the ball and has a unique ability to use his powerful hands and driving legs to manhandle opposing offensive linemen. The 22-year-old has very few weaknesses other than being a tad light for an interior lineman. He may not be the flashiest player at the pro level, but Allen will be a solid three-down starter for whichever team calls his name on draft day.

Malik McDowell, Michigan State

Age: 20 Height: 6'6" Weight: 276 lbs.

2016 stats: 34 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 7 tackles for loss

After Allen, the first round may only see one more interior D-lineman leave the board and it should be McDowell. The slender defensive tackle could stand to add some bulk to his frame and may be asked to do so by whichever team drafts him. The 6-foot-6 prospect uses his length and motor to shed blockers when defending both the run and the pass and has experience playing from the edge. He needs to work on his consistency if he wants to be an every-down player, but McDowell's upside as an athletic interior pressure-maker is worth the risk.

Caleb Brantley, Florida

Age: 22 Height: 6'2" Weight: 297 lbs.

2016 stats: 31 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss

In terms of physical measurables, Brantley is fairly average for a defensive tackle, but his quickness and leverage is what sets him apart from the rest of the group. The Florida native can penetrate the backfield quickly against the pass, using a fast first step and powerful hands to shed blockers. He can be disruptive against the run; however, he also struggles to hold down his blocker and fill his gap at times. His performance at the combine, his pro day, and in meetings will be important as his college production doesn't necessarily equate to an early pick.

Carlos Watkins, Clemson

Age: 23 Height: 6'4" Weight: 312 lbs.

2016 stats: 50 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 12.5 tackles for loss

Watkins has gotten a little more shine in front of the cameras than his competitors, having gone to two straight National Championship games with Clemson. He's tough to evaluate as he played among such a talented group in college and doesn't have one area of his game that stands out. Watkins should best fit as a 4-3 defensive tackle, but ideally not as an every-down player. He'll need to work on keeping his pad level low at the next level to best use his large, athletic frame and could be a nice find for a team at the end of the second round or early third.

Jaleel Johnson, Iowa

Age: 22 Height: 6'3" Weight: 310 lbs.

2016 stats: 56 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss

Johnson impressed in his senior season at Iowa, leading his team in sacks and tackles for a loss. He sometimes relied too much on his athleticism in college, failing to stay low and being overpowered by blockers when his get-off wasn't the best. He's shown enough effort and quickness from a big man to expect that Johnson can contribute against the pass in a rotational role early, but he needs to increase his strength and balance to become an NFL run-stuffer.

Jarron Jones, Notre Dame

Age: 23 Height: 6'5" Weight: 315 lbs.

2016 stats: 48 tackles, 2 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss

Jones will have a lot of questions to answer in the interview process leading up to the draft. There's little doubting his on-field abilities, but his inconsistent play and defeated attitude when trailing in games at the college level are two major red flags. He reportedly needed to be given extra attention at Notre Dame in order to keep him interested in football and dealt with several injuries that kept him from reaching his full potential. His athleticism, length, and size can make him look like a first-rounder on occasion and if he finds a new level of motivation at the pro level, he could be the steal of the draft.

Larry Ogunjobi, Charlotte

Age: 22 Height: 6'3" Weight: 304 lbs.

2016 stats: 65 tackles, 3 sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss

Ogunjobi could be the hidden gem of the 2017 defensive-line class. He played his college ball at North Carolina-Charlotte, which was just starting its football program when he arrived. Ogunjabi started every game the Charlotte 49ers have ever played, putting up an impressive 29 tackles for a loss over two seasons. He's a raw, late-blooming prospect who demonstrated quickness in his hands and feet in college, but didn't face top-level competition and was exposed against bigger schools like Louisville. If he's coached up properly, Ogunjabi has starting potential, and his four straight years on the honor roll bodes well for his chances to improve.

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)