Position: Defensive Tackle

School: Notre Dame

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 331 pounds

Strengths

Size and Power: Louis Nix has the size of a prototypical nose tackle in a 3-4 defensive scheme. He often proves too much for one offensive lineman to handle on his own, so Nix constantly commands double teams to try and combat his effectiveness. Nix is constantly battling two offensive linemen but at times proves to be too much for them.

Motor: Nix has a great motor for a man that is 330+ pounds. He doesn’t give up on plays and often times will drag down ball carriers from behind. Nix uses his quickness to split gaps and he can prove very disruptive in the backfield. With proper coaching on technique Nix will be force to be reckoned with at the next level.

Weaknesses

Technique: Nix will need to develop better technique in the NFL. While he can win one on one battles, he needs to be more dominant to be the starting nose tackle. Better technique with his hands and using leverage to his advantage will correct this issue.

Pass Rush: While Nix does well in stopping the run, he will need to do more in terms of a pass rush. For a man with his athletic ability he needs to finish plays and build up his sack numbers. He showed little production in that aspect in 2013. By developing some key pass rush moves Nix should be able to become a formidable pass rusher in 2014.

NFL Comparison:

Nix plays very similar to B.J. Raji of the Green Bay Packers. Both are very athletic big men but I believe that Nix is well on his way to becoming the next Raji.

Draft Outlook

In an extraordinarily deep draft Nix stands out. Not because he is the best player but because he has a unique skillset. Nix is versatile enough to play in a 4-3 scheme but he fits best in the 3-4 as a nose tackle.

Best Fits

Nix would fit best on a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers or New England Patriots. All teams need a dominant nose tackle in their schemes. With time Nix can be just that player.