Glenn Dorsey, 2008 NFL Draft Prospect
 | Defensive Tackle Senior LSU Height: 6’2” Weight: 295 Strengths: Quickness, Athleticism, and Technique Weaknesses: Lower Body Strength, Bulk NFL Comparison: La’Roi Glover/ Tommy Harris |
Dorsey passed on a possible Top-5 selection in the 2007 NFL Draft to return for his senior year, but considering LSU’s victory over Ohio State in the BCS Championship it may be hard to argue with that decision. Dorsey posted 69 tackles, 12.5 TFL and 7 sacks this season. He significantly raised his stats from his junior season when he posted 64 tackles, 8.5 TFL and 3 sacks.
Barring a significant about-turn by scouts and G.M.’s, Dorsey should be a top pick in 2008. He has the potential to be a double-digit sack artist from the defensive tackle position and would fit best in a cover-2 system as a three technique. Few tackles in the country possess his rare combination of athleticism, quickness and initial burst. He is incredibly smart, has a high motor and shows great possibilities as a leader. Not only does he do a great job of rushing the passer, but he takes his run responsibilities seriously as well. He faces constant double teams, which makes his production all the more spectacular. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a college defensive tackle command the amount of attention that Dorsey garners. He is just way to quick of the snap for most interior lineman to handle and when they do lock up on him, Dorsey shows a variety of moves that he uses to perfection to escape them.
His stats dropped off during SEC play only because of the talent of the opposing lineman. Obviously, Florida and Auburn are far more effective at taking someone out of the game than Middle Tennessee State and Mississippi State can be. Against Florida Dorsey had 5 tackles, 1 TFL and 1 sack. Against Auburn two weeks later he had 5 tackles and a TFL. He was especially dominant against Louisiana Tech, when he finished with 7 tackles, 3 TFL and a sack. Against an incredibly talented Ohio State offensive line, Dorsey was at his best. He finished with 5 tackles, a TFL and a sack. Not eye popping numbers, but Ohio State did everything they could to slow him down. LSU had trouble containing RB Beanie Wells, but QB Todd Boeckman never got comfortable. LSU got to Boeckman 5 times, forced 3 fumbles and snared 2 picks. Dorsey showed in this game that he can take on and beat double teams, something I’m sure will be huge in the eyes of evaluators.
In terms of sheer movement skills, Dorsey could conceivably play DE in any style of front. He might be a bit slow for the position, but the man does move like he’s 30 lbs lighter. Watching Dorsey against LSU, I had chills thinking about him playing next too John Henderson and Marcus Stroud on the Jaguars D-line. A pipe dream sure, but that would be the best run-stopping unit in the league immediately. I’ve heard his name get mentioned as a possible 3-4 nose tackle if he goes to Miami, which is a mistake. That is not Dorsey’s game and I don’t think he would be effective in that role. He is far better on the move and getting penetration. His game is disruption, not occupation. He can be a 3-4 end though. He has the ability and drive to be a Richard Seymour type, but his most effective position is at tackle in a cover-2 (4-3) or attacking defense such as the Eagles.
The Dolphins need an impact lineman badly and Dorsey would make a good building block, but even with The Tuna taking power in Florida, that franchise doesn’t seem sure of what they want to do. Miami has run both the 3-4 and 4-3 fronts, often switching back and forth from play to play and Bill Parcells is a noted 3-4 technician. They just fired Dom Capers, the defensive coordinator and one of the best ever at running a 3-4 defense. That just strikes me as very odd though I’m sure Parcells knows something I don’t. Regardless, Miami would be greatly served by taking Glenn Dorsey number 1 overall.
A few seasons in the pros will help Dorsey develop his body. He’s been listed as high a 310 lbs and as low as 285. I think he is somewhere in the middle, though it may be a classic case of a college player’s weight fluctuating because of the poor diets that many college player’s are faced with. Cheeseburgers don’t exactly put meat on your bones. He has a good rep around the weight room and a good trainer will get him set straight in building up his leg muscle. He is stocky and looks pretty solid with the frame to add another 10 lbs without losing anything. Added leg strength would aid him against the double teams he is sure face in the pros.
The La’Roi Glover comparison doesn’t seem far off. Glover was pretty good in his prime though not as dominating as guys like Warren Sapp and Rod Coleman. Dorsey’s game is far similar to Glover than either of the latter. Dorsey will not be a flashy player like Sapp and Coleman but he is much better than both against the run at this point of his career. If given a certain level of freedom to get after the ball and attack the pocket, Dorsey can quickly become the most dominating lineman in the NFL in a short period of time.
Scouting report by Daryl Breault