Name: Kawann Short
Position: Defensive Tackle
College: Purdue
Height/Weight: 6-3/299
Age: 24 (born Feb. 2, 1989)
Honors:Conference coaches named Short second-team All-Big Ten, while the run stuffer made several media first-team All-Big Ten lists. Short was also named defensive MVP of the Boilermakers.
Key Stat:Nobody in this draft class of defensive tackles has a better résumé when it comes to rushing the passer, which is what you want from a defensive tackle in a Tampa 2 4-3 scheme. Short notched 54 tackles in 2012, and he led the Boilermaker defense with 17 tackles for loss, of which 6.5 were sacks. Short managed a tackle for loss in 10 of 13 games last year.
Where He's Headed:Short isn't considered on the same level as the "elite" trio of Utah's Star Lotulelei, Florida's Sharrif Floyd and Missouri's Sheldon Richardson, who are all first round locks. Short still has top round talent, though, and he's widely considered a second round pick at worst. He could conceivably go in the first round if there is some kind of run on defensive tackle talent.
How He Helps the Cowboys:The Cowboys need bodies along the defensive line, and they need someone who can help pressure the quarterback. Short satisfies both of those needs, and if he lives up to his billing, he should be able to get into the mix early in his career.
Scout's Take:Plays as the one in a 4-3 defense. … Looks like a big bodied guy on tape but has thin legs. … Has quick hands. … Not many moves but did use a quick arm-over against Notre Dame for a sack. … Can get push inside. … Some chase. … Will spin back inside. … Finds the ball outside on the screen. … Didn't fight the double-team well. … Will two gap. … Part of that ability to use his hands used in the twist game. … Little tall at times, needs to play with his pads down better. … Can get push one-on-one. … Needs to come quicker on the twist. … Can play down the line. … Hard to move at the point, plays with some power. … Caused a fumble with a quick inside move against Ohio State. … Will catch blocks at times. … Can walk the blocker back into the quarterback. … Really good in a short area. … Will fight blockers at point. … Showed a little burst to close in Michigan game. … Can be light on his feet. … [embedded_ad]
Talking with scouts, questioned whether he played hard all the time. … If more consistent might be taken sooner. … Flashes plays where you are impressed, then other times where you wonder what he is waiting on … Would be a nice fit for a one in this scheme because of his ability to get push and play with power. … Difference between him and Sylvester Williams is that Williams plays hard all the time. – Bryan Broaddus
