DraftTracker
Round | Team | Pos. | School | Name
Jonathan Babineaux
DT (6-2, 286, 4.87)
Iowa
Grade: 80
Comments
Is a versatile prospect with rare initial quickness and speed for his size. Has the anticipation skills, initial burst and agility to develop into a consistent interior penetrator. Shows good initial pop and power. Does a fine job of finding the ball when he gets through the LOS. Has the speed and COD skills to redirect and pursue in the backfield. Has excellent closing burst as a pass rusher and in pursuit of the ball carrier. Is a powerful tackler with good open field tackling skills for a DT. Is undersized at DT. Lacks ideal bulk and lower body strength. Is a 'tweener DE/DT that will fit best as a one-gap DT but needs to stay on the move to be effective. Must still improve his ability to consistently disengage from blocks after being reached. Durability is also a major concern after two season-ending injuries (leg and knee) during his first four college seasons. Babineaux began his college career at fullback and started three games as a true freshman in 2000 before being moved to defensive end in the spring of 2001. He suffered a broken leg at the end of spring drills in 2001 that did not heal by the fall, so he took a medical redshirt year. Babineaux returned as an 11-game starter at DE in 2002 and moved to DT in 2003, where he started the first seven games before suffering another season-ending injury (knee). He finally stayed healthy for an entire season as a senior in 2004 and developed into one of the most disruptive defensive tackles in the country, finishing with 55 total tackles, 25 TFL and 11 sacks. Babineaux's upside is limited because of his lack of ideal size and concerns regarding his durability. However, Babineaux has shown so many flashes when healthy that it's tough to overlook his potential in the NFL. In our opinion, Babineaux would be a perfect fit in an athletic one-gap scheme such as the one the Colts employ. Also, if developed properly, Babineaux could play a versatile role in the NFL as an end on run downs that moves inside as a pass rusher on obvious passing downs. At the very least, Babineaux should develop into a contributing situational interior pass rusher in the NFL, which is why he's worth taking a chance on late in the late-second or early-third round range of the upcoming draft.
* Player biographies are provided by Scouts Inc.
