The next installment of our series on the Steelers' first-round options in the NFL Draft, April 24:
Defensive tackle is a popular position in this draft. That bodes well for the Steelers since they are weaker at the position than they were one year ago. They'll likely have multiple options in the first round, and Ole Miss' Walter Nolen could be one of them.
This series will be based not only on need, but also on the team's level of interest in each player. Nolen hasn't been as heavily involved in the Steelers' pre-draft process, but that doesn't mean he's completely off their radar.
DARIUS ALEXANDER
• Position: Defensive tackle • College: Toledo (2019-2024) • Class: Senior • Height: 6-4 • Weight: 305 • 40-yard dash: 4.95 • RAS score: 9.16 • PFF Big Board: No. 49 overall, No. 7 DT • Combine meeting: No • Pro day visit: No • Pre-draft visit: Yes
NFL comparison: David Onyemata
OVERVIEW
After redshirting in 2019, Alexander grew year after year with the Rockets. After playing three seasons primarily as a reserve, Alexander was name third-team All-MAC in 2023, recording 36 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, four sacks and three passes defensed in 14 games and 11 starts. Last season, he was a full-time starter and named second-team All-MAC, recording 40 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and four passes defensed. He capped his college career with a pick six in Toledo's six-overtime victory over Pitt in the GameAbove Sports Bowl.
Alexander has great size and length to play multiple techniques up front. He's a violent player who impresses with strength and physicality, highlighted by an impressive club move. But what really stood out at the Senior Bowl was how quick he was off the ball, so much so he was even able to beat a couple of tackles to the outside while lining up outside as a five-technique. That's impressive quickness for a man of his size.
Alexander needs to clean up some of the technical aspects of his game. He can get caught playing too high at times, losing leverage. His footwork can be inconsistent, especially when running stunts and twists, which makes him take much too long to get where he needs to. While he was quick off the ball in Mobile, Ala., the tape showed too many times where he was slow out of his stance.
A lot of the weaknesses in Alexander's game are correctable through coaching. And the Steelers have a coach in Karl Dunbar who coached up the likes of Javon Hargrave, Stephon Tuitt, T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and more. The Steelers could, in theory, trade back in the first round and snag Alexander while acquiring another Day 2 pick. Either way, Alexander is an intriguing prospect.
• Brute strength pops off the tape. His size and length accentuate that power and strength.
• Uses great strength to absorb double teams and remain active in run defense.
• Explosive first step off the ball when he times the snap. Allows him to win with both speed and power, but really boosts already impressive power.
• Has very impressive, sometimes violent club move. Every good defensive tackle should have a go-to move, and he's developed one.
• Knows how to use his hands and length to his advantage. Helps him stay engaged and find ways to win after initial rush is stalled. Seems to have good instincts as a pass-rusher, too.
• Very versatile. Big and long enough to play a three-technique (between guard and tackle), but plenty quick enough to log snaps as a five-technique (outside the tackle).
WEAKNESSES
• Pad level can get too high far too often. Loses a lot of leverage when it happens.
• Too often was the last one out of his stance. Completely negates first-step explosiveness.
• Footwork needs some cleaning up, especially when running stunts and twists.
• One of the older prospects in this draft class. He'll turn 25 years old during the 2025 season.
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THE ASYLUM
Chris Halicke
3:54 pm - 04.17.2025DowntownDraft profile: Darius Alexander
The next installment of our series on the Steelers' first-round options in the NFL Draft, April 24:
Defensive tackle is a popular position in this draft. That bodes well for the Steelers since they are weaker at the position than they were one year ago. They'll likely have multiple options in the first round, and Ole Miss' Walter Nolen could be one of them.
This series will be based not only on need, but also on the team's level of interest in each player. Nolen hasn't been as heavily involved in the Steelers' pre-draft process, but that doesn't mean he's completely off their radar.
DARIUS ALEXANDER
• Position: Defensive tackle
• College: Toledo (2019-2024)
• Class: Senior
• Height: 6-4
• Weight: 305
• 40-yard dash: 4.95
• RAS score: 9.16
• PFF Big Board: No. 49 overall, No. 7 DT
• Combine meeting: No
• Pro day visit: No
• Pre-draft visit: Yes
NFL comparison: David Onyemata
OVERVIEW
After redshirting in 2019, Alexander grew year after year with the Rockets. After playing three seasons primarily as a reserve, Alexander was name third-team All-MAC in 2023, recording 36 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, four sacks and three passes defensed in 14 games and 11 starts. Last season, he was a full-time starter and named second-team All-MAC, recording 40 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and four passes defensed. He capped his college career with a pick six in Toledo's six-overtime victory over Pitt in the GameAbove Sports Bowl.
Alexander has great size and length to play multiple techniques up front. He's a violent player who impresses with strength and physicality, highlighted by an impressive club move. But what really stood out at the Senior Bowl was how quick he was off the ball, so much so he was even able to beat a couple of tackles to the outside while lining up outside as a five-technique. That's impressive quickness for a man of his size.
Alexander needs to clean up some of the technical aspects of his game. He can get caught playing too high at times, losing leverage. His footwork can be inconsistent, especially when running stunts and twists, which makes him take much too long to get where he needs to. While he was quick off the ball in Mobile, Ala., the tape showed too many times where he was slow out of his stance.
A lot of the weaknesses in Alexander's game are correctable through coaching. And the Steelers have a coach in Karl Dunbar who coached up the likes of Javon Hargrave, Stephon Tuitt, T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and more. The Steelers could, in theory, trade back in the first round and snag Alexander while acquiring another Day 2 pick. Either way, Alexander is an intriguing prospect.
HIGHLIGHTS
PFF GRADES/STATS
• Overall grade: 90.1 (3rd of 895 DT)
• Pass rush grade: 78.0
• Run defense grade: 90.3
• True pass set pass rush grade: 79.5
• Pass rush win rate: 12.9%
• Run-stop rate: 7.9%
STRENGTHS
• Brute strength pops off the tape. His size and length accentuate that power and strength.
• Uses great strength to absorb double teams and remain active in run defense.
• Explosive first step off the ball when he times the snap. Allows him to win with both speed and power, but really boosts already impressive power.
• Has very impressive, sometimes violent club move. Every good defensive tackle should have a go-to move, and he's developed one.
• Knows how to use his hands and length to his advantage. Helps him stay engaged and find ways to win after initial rush is stalled. Seems to have good instincts as a pass-rusher, too.
• Very versatile. Big and long enough to play a three-technique (between guard and tackle), but plenty quick enough to log snaps as a five-technique (outside the tackle).
WEAKNESSES
• Pad level can get too high far too often. Loses a lot of leverage when it happens.
• Too often was the last one out of his stance. Completely negates first-step explosiveness.
• Footwork needs some cleaning up, especially when running stunts and twists.
• One of the older prospects in this draft class. He'll turn 25 years old during the 2025 season.
Other draft profiles:
• Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State
• Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
• Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama
• Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
• Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
• Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
• Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
• Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
• Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
• Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
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