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SENIOR BOWL CENTRAL (PODCASTS, VIDEOS, ARTICLES)
Twenty-two-year-old Khalen Saunders shapes up as one of the top nose tackle prospects behind Clemson’s Dexter Lawrence, despite playing at FCS Western Illinois. Saunders looked good at the Senior Bowl after emerging late in his college career as a run-stuffer and pass-rusher that can line up over the center. Saunders is a former wrestler and shotput and is said to enjoy piano and tumbling on the side. His stout presence may be impactful in the trenches, though his lower level of competition will be scrutinized.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gx9-Y9JS5QQ
Size
6-0, 324 pounds
Combine notables
40-yard dash: 5.01 seconds
Bench: 27 reps
Vertical: 30.5 inches
Broad jump: 101 inches (T3rd lowest at position)
3-cone drill: 7.57 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.62 seconds
What the analysts say
“Active defensive lineman with an impressive combination of agility and athletic ability. Saunders might need to find his fit as a one-gap nose tackle in a 4-3 defense as his lack of consistent, in-line anchor could be a concern on the next level. He has been a disruptive force against a lower level of competition but flashed some of that same disruption during Senior Bowl practice week and an elevated level of competition. If he can improve his conditioning to become more disruptive for longer stretches, he'll have a chance to become a solid rotational defender and eventual starter.” – Lance Zierlein, NFL.com
“Saunders has some insanely dominant reps on film and he fared well for himself in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. There are times where his blend of size, power, quickness and flexibility is way more than offensive lineman can handle. With that said, his ability to dominate with physical traits was fully relied upon and Saunders needs major technical refinement to see the field in the NFL. Most notably are his vision, processing, hand technique, get off and understanding of leverage that all need work. While he is raw, Saunders has unteachable physical upside that is well worth investing in.” – Joe Marino, The Draft Network
What PFF says
-7th in run-stop percentage
-19th in pass-rush productivity
[caption id=attachment_48105" align="alignnone" width="582]
Chart via Pro Football Focus Draft Guide[/caption]
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CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE
ZONE COVERAGE DRAFT GUIDE
MINNESOTA VIKINGS NEEDS & TARGETS
POSITIONAL TOP 5 RANKINGS & VIDEO BREAKDOWNS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
INMAN: NFC NORTH WORST CASE DRAFT SCENARIOS
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