NFL Combine 2018: 3 defensive linemen for the Redskins to watch
When looking for a nose tackle, one often desires to find a massive man with size and length. Tim Settle is one of the bigger men in this draft class, and he will have a shot to make an immediate impact at the next level.
Standing at 6-foot-3, 329 pounds, Settle is a big man who will be able to occupy blockers in the middle of a 3-4 defense. He has strength and toughness, and that should allow him to power through some interior linemen at the NFL level.
According to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, Settle is a fringe first round prospect, and he could end up being a major acquisition for the team that lands him.
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"Settle has rare gifts for a big man with good mass, play strength, quickness, and agility. His substantial jump in production in 2017 was due to weight loss and additional conditioning that allowed him to play more snaps and play faster. He’s a disruptive, versatile defensive lineman who offers enough pass rush potential to warrant reps on passing downs. Settle is a natural 4-3 fit but can play in a 3-4 as well. He has the potential to become a very good starter with a Pro Bowl ceiling if he controls his weight and maintains his conditioning."
The questions about Settle’s weight are a big deal, as out of shape players rarely stick around for long at the NFL level. He will have to commit to a fitness regimen to allow him to succeed at the next level.
If Settle performs well at the Combine, he should cement himself as a late first rounder. However, there’s still a chance that he could make it to the Redskins’ second round pick. If he’s available, he could be an ideal player to fill the need that the team has had at the position, and his versatility will make him an even bigger weapon, as it will allow the squad more flexibility in sub packages.