Draft Profile Series: Louis Nix III
- Updated: April 23, 2014
As we approach the deepest NFL Draft in recent memory, I’ll give my breakdown and analysis of 75 top prospects in this year’s class. At the conclusion of this series, I will include my final overall and positional rankings, as well as my mock draft.
Louis Nix III, NT, 6-2½, 335, Notre Dame
Key stats: In 2012, had 50 tackles, 7.5 for loss, two sacks and five passes defensed.
Strengths: Massive nose tackle who has good feet and excellent quickness for his size. … From all accounts is a leader and great person. … Is a high-effort player and can dominate when not double-teamed. … Really hustles all over the field, will chase plays sideline to sideline until the whistle. … Nix also excels at blocking passes when his pass rush is stymied. … Can take on blocks and allow linebackers to come free. …
Weaknesses: He is primarily a run-defending tackle at this point. … Needs to consistently keep his pad level down, because when he doesn’t he gets driven back. … Is an average tackler and really has to work on keeping his weight down because it definitely affects his stamina. When he tires, Nix tends to stand straight up on the snap and look for where the ball is going then chases. … Needs to work on fighting through and holding up against double-teams.
Conclusion: Nix dominated at times, especially when he wasn’t double teamed. … Need to focus on his junior tape because he fought a knee injury throughout senior season before electing for season-ending surgery. … During his junior season was much quicker and disruptive. If he keeps in shape and improves his technique, could have a long career as a run-clogging tackle.
NFL comparison: Vince Wilfork/Casey Hampton.
Draft projection: Late first to early second.
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