Defensive Tackle
Darnell Dockett
College: Florida State
Year: Junior
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 270
Birthday: May 27, 1981
Strengths: Darnell Dockett is a playmaking defensive tackle. A three-year starter on one of the nation’s perennial powerhouses, Dockett has recorded 41 career tackles behind the line of scrimmage, just three shy of Florida State’s school record. Last year alone, he set a new school mark with 22.
A tremendous athlete, Dockett has that nasty streak that you love your interior guys to have. He has a quick first step and is skilled enough to make plays all along the line of scrimmage. He’s an excellent pass rusher (more on this in a bit) and reminds some of former first rounder Andre Wadsworth, an undersized Seminole tackle who became an end in the NFL.
After the team disappointed last year, Dockett has vowed to make amends in 2002. It’s his goal to become “unblockable.” He shed nearly 15 pounds this offseason and is ready for a big season.
Areas for Concern: Despite 19 quarterback hurries last year, Dockett failed to register a sack after recording seven in 2000. Granted, the Seminoles as a whole saw their sack total in 2001 drop off a cliff; it wasn’t just Dockett, but he has to do his part and wrap up the quarterback.
He also admitted to wearing down last year, partly because of a lack of depth along Florida State’s front four, but also because he succumbed somewhat to the attention. At 270 lbs., Dockett’s a bit undersized to play every down on the interior.
He also had a rather highly publicized imbroglio with Steve Spurrier, who last year accused Dockett of intentionally trying to injure Florida RB Earnest Graham. Dockett responded rather defiantly by refusing to curtail his aggressive play. When does aggressive play become too aggressive?
How Would He Look in Steel Blue? Check back in January.
By then, Dockett will have either zoomed up draft boards or dropped out of sight. That’s because Florida State has a brutal 13-game schedule this year, including non-conference games against Miami, Louisville, Florida and Notre Dame. Will he wear down again or rise to the challenge?
If Dockett can harness his enormous potential, playing on a big stage nearly week-in and week-out, he could emerge as a top pick.
(profile written by Ric Sweeney
)
Darnell Dockett’s 2001 Stats G TCK TFL SKS FF FR 11 68 22 0 2 0
Darnell Dockett 
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