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NFL Combine 2018: 3 defensive linemen for the Redskins to watch

By Jacob Camenker

BLACKSBURG, VA - OCTOBER 21: Defensive tackle Tim Settle #4 and safety Terrell Edmunds #22 of the Virginia Tech Hokies celebrate their sack on quarterback Brandon Harris #6 of the North Carolina Tar Heels in the first half at Lane Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA - OCTOBER 21: Defensive tackle Tim Settle #4 and safety Terrell Edmunds #22 of the Virginia Tech Hokies celebrate their sack on quarterback Brandon Harris #6 of the North Carolina Tar Heels in the first half at Lane Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /
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EUGENE, OR – OCTOBER 08: Defensive lineman Vita Vea #50 of the Washington Huskies looks on prior to the game against the Oregon Ducks on October 8, 2016 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OR – OCTOBER 08: Defensive lineman Vita Vea #50 of the Washington Huskies looks on prior to the game against the Oregon Ducks on October 8, 2016 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

If Tim Settle is a big man, then Vita Vea is an absolute giant. Vea stands at a massive 6-foot-5, 340 pounds, but he doesn’t play like it. In fact, he still figures to be a solid athlete despite his huge frame.

Vea was a big part of the Washington defense during his three season with the Huskies, and he put forth his best performance in 2017. Vea notched career highs in tackles with 43 and was able to become better at deflecting passes as well, knocking down four. Additionally, he notched 3.5 sacks and continued to prove himself as a well-rounded player.

The most intriguing part of Vea is obviously his size, but coupling that with his athleticism is absolutely insane. Vea moves around very well in spite of his size, and that allows him to make plays that other linemen simply cannot. He has strength, and his athleticism appears to be good as well. Now, the question is, will the numbers back that up?

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At the Combine, the Redskins should be keeping an eye on how Vea fares in movement drills and in the 40 yard dash. If he posts very good times, then the team, as the rest of the league, will know that the tape didn’t lie and that Vea truly is an athletic freak. If he doesn’t do as well, he could have an experience similar to Jonathan Allen, where his stock plateaus a bit and other prospects get a chance to move ahead of him.

Vea’s performance will be key to deciding his next home. He looks like a sure-fire top 20 pick, but he could move up with a better performance. For that reason, the Redskins should keep an eye on him on Sunday as he looks to prove himself again.

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