With the 53rd pick in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select Penn St. Nittany Lions defensive tackle Devon Still. Still is the 13th-ranked prospect in the draft and the top-rated defensive tackle, according to Mocking The Draft's rankings.
2012 NFL Draft Results: Penn State DT Devon Still Selected By The Cincinnati Bengals With The 53rd Pick
Here’s what Mocking The Draft had to say about Still before the draft:
Strengths: Still is a powerful defensive tackle who is rarely knocked off the ball. Strong throughout his frame. As a senior, Still kept his pad level low off the snap, which allows him to drive offensive linemen backward. Good short area quickness. Showed much better awareness in the run game as a senior. Was able to more quickly sniff out the ball and decipher where the play is developing. Possesses a frame that can carry more weight. Experienced playing multiple techniques. Has told reporters he started to put more film room time in as a senior. Isn’t a soft body lineman. Fast hands. Long arms. Has high upside because of his frame and natural strength.
Weaknesses: Had a tendency to play too tall, especially prior to his senior season. Doesn’t get very creative with his pass rush and mostly relies on his upper body strength. Doesn’t play hard through double teams. You’d expect him to rely more on his natural power to beat double teams. Has a hard time getting skinny to split the double. Needs to learn how to protect his legs better against blockers. Torn left ACL in 2007 and a broken left ankle in 2008. Turf toe injury at Penn State’s bowl game limited him some at the NFL Combine.
Still joins first round pick CB Dre Kirkpatrick on the Bengals.
For more on Still, head over to Penn State Nittany Lions blog Black Shoe Diaries, and check out the video below.
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